Search results for

"cyber attackers"

Top 10 Cybersecurity Trends for 2025 and How to Prepare

2025’s Top 10 Cybersecurity Trends and How to Get Ready

by Imdad May 6, 2025

As we move into 2025, the cybersecurity landscape is rapidly shifting, bringing with it both exciting possibilities and growing risks. While technological advancements continue to empower individuals and organizations to thrive in the digital space, they also open the door to increasingly complex cyber threats that can damage trust, tarnish reputations, and even jeopardize an organization’s existence.

Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue—it’s now a key business concern. The threats we face today are constant, deliberate, and more sophisticated than ever. Whether you’re heading up security for a global enterprise, managing IT for a mid-sized company, or protecting a small business network, taking action now is crucial. Staying ahead isn’t just about following trends—it’s about foreseeing threats and building systems that can withstand them.

In this blog, we’ll break down the top 10 cybersecurity trends for 2025 and provide practical steps you can take to get ready. Let’s get started

1. Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)

CTEM is reshaping the cybersecurity playbook. This structured method helps organizations proactively detect and reduce cyber risk by identifying vulnerabilities, simulating attacks, and prioritizing fixes before hackers can strike.

How to Prepare:

Implement a CTEM strategy tailored to your environment.
Leverage automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular threat simulations and address issues based on risk levels.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We embed CTEM into our comprehensive security approach, helping organizations uncover and resolve risks before they escalate.

2. Rise of AI-Powered Cyber Attacks

AI brings powerful tools to defenders—but it also gives attackers new ways to launch more precise and efficient attacks. From automated breaches to deepfake-powered scams, AI is changing the threat landscape.

How to Prepare:

Invest in AI-powered security tools that detect and respond to threats in real time.
Educate your teams about AI’s role in both defense and attack strategies.
Work with cybersecurity partners who specialize in AI threat defense.

Protected Harbor Advantage: Our adaptive AI solutions continuously monitor for threats and evolve to counter AI-driven attacks.

3. Quantum Computing Threats

Quantum computing has the potential to break current encryption methods, which could cause massive security disruptions once the technology becomes mainstream.

How to Prepare:

Start transitioning to encryption that can withstand quantum threats.
Stay connected with vendors who are tracking developments in post-quantum cryptography.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We’re incorporating quantum-resistant encryption to help future-proof your digital infrastructure.

4. Increase in Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

RaaS is making ransomware attacks more accessible to cybercriminals by offering them as ready-made packages. These attacks are becoming more frequent and more damaging.

How to Prepare:

Regularly test your backup and recovery capabilities.
Train staff to recognize phishing and segment your networks.
Look into cyber insurance to cushion potential financial blows.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We protect clients from ransomware through robust backups, segmentation, and rapid recovery strategies.

5. Regulatory Compliance Tightens

Governments are cracking down with stricter data security laws. From U.S. regulations to India’s digital privacy laws, organizations must now meet higher compliance standards.

How to Prepare:

Conduct regular audits to assess your compliance status.
Automate tracking of regulatory changes.
Collaborate with legal and cybersecurity advisors.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We offer automated compliance tracking and expert support to help your business stay secure and compliant.

6. Cloud Security Becomes Paramount

As cloud usage soars, so does its risk profile. Misconfigurations and weak controls continue to expose sensitive data.

How to Prepare:

Perform regular security reviews of your cloud setup.
Embrace Zero Trust and implement strong IAM solutions.

Protected Harbor Advantage: Our cloud security services use advanced tools and Zero Trust policies to keep your cloud assets protected.

7. Human Error Remains a Major Risk

Even with the best tech, human mistakes are behind most data breaches—weak passwords, phishing, and mishandled data being the usual suspects.

How to Prepare:

Provide ongoing training in cybersecurity awareness.
Use gamified tools to maintain interest and retention.
Implement MFA to reduce reliance on passwords.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We offer tailored training programs and deploy MFA to help minimize risks caused by human error.

8. Cyber Insurance Gains Momentum

As breaches become more costly, cyber insurance is now a critical safety net. But insurers expect proof of robust security before offering coverage.

How to Prepare:

Keep detailed records of your cybersecurity measures.
Regularly update and test your defenses to stay eligible.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We help clients meet insurance requirements through strong security protocols and thorough documentation.

9. IoT Devices: A Growing Threat

IoT devices are everywhere—and often under-protected. Their rapid growth makes them ideal entry points for attackers.

How to Prepare:

Protect IoT devices with strong authentication and segmented networks.
Use specialized tools to monitor IoT traffic and activity.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We deliver tailored IoT security solutions to safeguard every device on your network.

10. Supply Chain Attacks on the Rise

Hackers are increasingly targeting suppliers to breach larger organizations, as demonstrated by major incidents like the SolarWinds attack.

How to Prepare:

Rigorously assess vendor security practices.
Include cybersecurity requirements in vendor agreements and monitor access.

Protected Harbor Advantage: We equip organizations with tools and best practices to secure their supply chains and manage third-party risks.

How to Prepare: A Proactive Cybersecurity Strategy

The best way to protect your organization is by staying ahead. Don’t wait for a breach to act—be proactive.

Adopt Zero Trust Principles: Trust nothing, verify everything, and limit access.
Invest in Real-Time Monitoring: Use advanced systems to detect and respond to threats as they happen.
Build and Test Your Response Plan: Know how to react when a breach occurs and practice regularly.
Partner with a Proactive MSP: Work with experts like Protected Harbor who prevent threats before they occur.
Use Automation Wisely: Automate basic security tasks to save time and enhance consistency.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead with Protected Harbor

Cybersecurity in 2025 requires a proactive, integrated, and adaptive approach. At Protected Harbor, we don’t just respond to threats—we anticipate them. By staying ahead of trends like AI-powered attacks, quantum threats, and RaaS, we empower businesses to secure their operations and build trust.

Our out-of-the-box approach combines advanced tools, proactive strategies, and expert guidance to address your unique challenges. Whether you need to enhance your cloud security, defend against ransomware, or secure IoT devices, we’re here to help.

Take the first step today. Contact us to learn how Protected Harbor can transform your cybersecurity strategy. Let’s build a safer digital future together.

May 6, 2025

Top 10 Cybersecurity Threats in 2024 and How to Avoid Them Featured image

Cybersecurity Ransomware

2024’s Top 10 Cybersecurity Risks and How to Prevent Them

by Imdad December 10, 2024

As the world becomes increasingly connected and dependent on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity remains a critical concern for individuals, businesses, and governments. In 2024, cyber threats have grown more sophisticated and widespread, requiring a proactive approach to protect sensitive data. This article highlights the top cybersecurity threats of 2024 and offers practical strategies to mitigate them. Additionally, we will showcase how Protected Harbor, a leading Managed Service Provider (MSP) in the U.S., excels in the cybersecurity arena.

1. Ransomware Attacks: The Ever-Growing Menace

Ransomware continues to be a prevalent and damaging threat in 2024, with attackers encrypting data and demanding payment for its release. This threat is increasingly targeting critical sectors like healthcare and small businesses.

How to Avoid Ransomware Attacks

Regular Backups: Ensure regular backups of critical data and store them in an isolated environment.
Patch Management: Keep all software, including operating systems and applications, up to date to close vulnerabilities.
Employee Training: Educate employees about phishing scams and safe email practices.
Advanced Threat Detection: Implement advanced threat detection tools that can identify and neutralize ransomware before it causes harm.

2. Phishing and Social Engineering: Exploiting Human Weakness

Phishing remains a top threat, with attackers using sophisticated social engineering tactics to trick people into revealing sensitive information.

How to Avoid Phishing Attacks

Awareness Programs: Regularly educate employees on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics.
Email Filtering: Implement robust email filtering systems to detect and block phishing emails.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use 2FA to add an extra layer of security to online accounts, reducing the effectiveness of phishing attempts.
Regular Testing: Conduct simulated phishing attacks to test and improve your organization’s resilience against such threats.

3. Supply Chain Attacks: The New Frontier of Cyber Threats

Supply chain attacks are increasingly targeting third-party vendors to infiltrate larger organizations, often going undetected until significant damage is done.

How to Avoid Supply Chain Attacks

Vendor Assessment: Rigorously assess the security practices of all third-party vendors and service providers.
Network Segmentation: Segment your network to limit the impact of a potential breach.
Continuous Monitoring: Monitor third-party access to your systems in real-time to detect any unusual activity.
Contractual Obligations: Include cybersecurity requirements in contracts with vendors to ensure they adhere to the highest security standards.

4. AI-Powered Attacks: The Rise of Autonomous Cyber Threats

AI is being used by cybercriminals to launch more sophisticated, autonomous attacks like malware and automated phishing campaigns.

How to Avoid AI-Powered Attacks

Behavioral Analytics: Implement AI-driven behavioral analytics to detect anomalies that may indicate an AI-powered attack.
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Participate in threat intelligence sharing initiatives to stay ahead of AI-driven threats.
Continuous AI Research: Invest in research and development to keep pace with evolving AI threats.
Adaptive Security Systems: Deploy adaptive security systems that can respond to threats in real-time, leveraging AI to combat AI.

5. Cloud Security Risks: Protecting Data in a Remote World

As organizations move to the cloud, misconfigurations and lack of visibility make cloud environments prime targets for cybercriminals.

How to Avoid Cloud Security Risks

Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM): Use CSPM tools to continuously monitor and manage cloud configurations.
Data Encryption: Ensure that all sensitive data is encrypted both at rest and in transit.
Access Controls: Implement strict access controls, including the principle of least privilege, to limit who can access your cloud resources.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities in your cloud infrastructure.

6. Internet of Things (IoT) Vulnerabilities: Securing Connected Devices

IoT devices are often poorly secured, creating new vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to exploit.

How to Avoid IoT Vulnerabilities

Device Authentication: Ensure all IoT devices are authenticated and authorized before they connect to your network.
Network Segmentation: Place IoT devices on a separate network segment to minimize the impact of a potential breach.
Firmware Updates: Regularly update the firmware of all IoT devices to patch known vulnerabilities.
Security by Design: Choose IoT devices that prioritize security features and work with vendors who adhere to best practices.

7. Insider Threats: The Danger Within

Whether intentional or accidental, insider threats from employees or contractors can cause significant harm to organizations.

How to Avoid Insider Threats

Access Management: Implement strict access controls to limit access to sensitive information based on roles and responsibilities.
Employee Monitoring: Use monitoring tools to detect unusual behavior or data access patterns that could indicate an insider threat.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of access logs and data usage to identify potential insider threats.
Employee Engagement: Foster a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and are less likely to engage in malicious activities.

8. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): The Silent Intruders

APTs involve highly skilled attackers who gain long-term access to networks, often targeting high-value assets while evading detection.

How to Avoid APTs

Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to limit the movement of APTs within your environment.
Threat Hunting: Regularly engage in proactive threat hunting to detect APTs that may have bypassed traditional defenses.
Multi-Layered Security: Deploy a multi-layered security approach, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection.
Security Awareness Training: Ensure all employees are aware of the signs of APTs and know how to report suspicious activities.

9. Data Breaches: Safeguarding Sensitive Information

Data breaches remain a major threat, with attackers targeting personal, financial, and intellectual property information.

How to Avoid Data Breaches

Data Encryption: Encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit to protect it from unauthorized access.
Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive information.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Use DLP tools to monitor and control the flow of sensitive data within your organization.
Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly update an incident response plan to quickly address any data breaches.

10. Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: Addressing the Unknown Threats

Zero-day vulnerabilities are unknown flaws in software or hardware that attackers exploit before a fix is available.

How to Avoid Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Patch Management: Implement a robust patch management process to quickly apply updates once they become available.
Threat Intelligence: Leverage threat intelligence to identify and mitigate zero-day vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Vulnerability Scanning: Regularly scan your systems for vulnerabilities, including potential zero-day flaws.
Bug Bounty Programs: Participate in or establish bug bounty programs to incentivize ethical hackers to report vulnerabilities.

Protected Harbor: Leading the Way in Cybersecurity

In a rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, it is crucial to partner with an MSP that is not only reactive but proactive in its approach to cybersecurity. Protected Harbor stands out as one of the top cybersecurity and managed service providers in the United States, offering a unique approach that sets us apart from the competition.

Our Approach to Cybersecurity

Proactive Monitoring: At Protected Harbor, we believe in staying one step ahead of cyber threats. Our advanced monitoring systems continuously scan for potential threats, allowing us to address issues before they escalate into significant problems.
Customized Solutions: We understand that each organization has unique security needs. Our team works closely with clients to develop tailored cybersecurity strategies that address specific vulnerabilities and requirements.
Commitment to Excellence: Our commitment to cybersecurity goes beyond technology. We invest in continuous training and development for our team to ensure they are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to protect our clients effectively.
Comprehensive Support: From threat detection to incident response, Protected Harbor provides end-to-end cybersecurity services that ensure your organization is always protected.

Why Choose Protected Harbor?

Experience: With years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
Innovation: We leverage the latest technologies, including AI and machine learning, to provide cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
Trustworthiness: Our clients trust us to protect their most valuable assets, and we take that responsibility seriously. We are dedicated to providing reliable, secure, and transparent services.

Don’t leave your organization’s cybersecurity to chance. Partner with Protected Harbor today and experience the difference that a proactive, customized approach can make. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your digital future.

December 10, 2024

Cybersecurity

What Iran’s Cyber Attack On Boston Children’s Hospital Means For Your Healthcare Organization

by Editor June 3, 2022

Wednesday, June 1^st, At a Boston College cybersecurity conference hosted by Mintz, FBI Director Christopher Wray stated that investigators prevented a planned attack on Boston Children’s Hospital by Iranian government-sponsored hackers. The FBI director told the story as part of a bigger speech about cyber threats from Russia, China, and Iran, as well as the importance of government-private partnerships.

What Happened

In the summer of 2021, the FBI received a tip from an intelligence partner that hackers sponsored by the Iranian government were targeting the Boston Children’s Hospital. The cyber squad in the FBI Boston Field Office raced to notify the hospital. Over a 10-day period, worked with the hospital in response to the threat

Wray didn’t say why the hospital attack was planned, but he did say that Iran and other governments have been hiring cyber mercenaries to carry out attacks on their behalf. Furthermore, the US government has identified the healthcare and public-health sectors as one of 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Healthcare providers such as hospitals are considered easy targets for hackers.

It wasn’t clear if the hackers planned to target the hospital with ransomware, shut down the hospital operations with a virus, or sell the data on the black market. That’s because the FBI caught the attack early enough to prevent any damage to the network or the hospital’s data. The FBI declined to discuss the specific nature of the attack in detail, citing security reasons.

Nevertheless, the FBI issued a warning in November saying Iranian government hackers had breached the “environmental control network” at an unidentified children’s hospital in the United States last June. Leading many to assume the same was targeted in Boston. The environmental control network refers to the hospital’s HVAC system.

What it Means

In the case of ransomware, hospitals can face devastating system shutdowns. Patient data can be made inaccessible to hospital staff, it can be damaged, or it can be stolen and sold. A ransomware attack compromised a Vermont hospital’s patient record system in October 2020, and patients have turned away as a result.

Nation-states and hacker groups are probing healthcare organizations and looking for areas to exploit. This past November, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert for an Iran-sponsored hacker group targeting healthcare. As the Russia-Ukraine war drags on, federal agencies say U.S. healthcare organizations need to be “shielded up” to mitigate against potential foreign threats.

The FBI is “racing” to warn possible healthcare targets of data breaches when it comes to Russia and other state-sponsored attacks. According to Wray, China’s hackers have stolen more business and personal data from Americans than all other countries combined as part of an enormous geopolitical ambition to “lie, cheat, and steal their way into global denominations of global industries.”

All hospitals and healthcare organizations must sit up and take notice. It is not only hacktivist groups and employees they need to worry about, today. But nation-states as well.

Protected Harbor’s Take On The Issue

Protected Harbor has been monitoring the situation for a long time and continues to emphasize cybersecurity. Richard Luna, CEO of Protected Harbor, said this is a severe issue, and we advise all our clients to take precautionary measures and make sure their systems are secure and protected.

He suggested 3 simple tips to harden your servers, which every company should implement immediately.

1. Update the operating systems on your servers regularly.

The most crucial action you can take to secure your servers is to keep their operating systems up to date. On a nearly daily basis, new vulnerabilities are discovered and publicized, with the potential for remote code execution or local privilege escalation.

2. Enforce The Use Of Strong Passwords

Enforcing the usage of strong passwords across your infrastructure is an important security measure. Attackers will have a harder time guessing passwords or cracking hashes to obtain unauthorized access to sensitive systems. A smart place to start is with 10-character passwords that include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

Password guessing attacks can be stopped by combining a strong password policy with a powerful account robust policy that locks accounts after a few erroneous tries.

3. Use local protection mechanisms such as firewalls and anti-virus software.

Local protection measures and estate-wide controls like patching, domain configuration, and border fire-walling are critical for offering a defense-in-depth approach.

The chance of unneeded default services being exposed to the broader network is reduced when a host’s local firewall is configured correctly. Even if your patching schedule has fallen behind, it will still prevent an attacker from accessing critical network services. While not fool proof, this all-or-nothing strategy can distinguish between compromise and attacker frustration.

With so much at stake, it’s essential to ensure your business has a robust IT audit plan. With the help of a trusted IT auditing company like Protected Harbor, you can be sure that your systems are secure and functioning at peak efficiency. Because The FBI won’t always be there, but Protected Harbor will.

Sign up to get a risk-free IT Audit and see how you can improve your security. We will analyse your business from top to bottom and give recommendations on making your company safer. What are you waiting for? Get Protected!

June 3, 2022

Data Breach

Healthcare data breaches: Insights and Implications.

by Editor March 2, 2022

Introduction

From the year 2005 to 2019, the number of individuals affected by healthcare data breaches was 249.09 million. Out of which, 157.40 million individuals were affected from 2014 to 2019. Similarly, in 2020, over 34 million individuals were affected, followed by 45 million in 2021 alone. According to The Office for Civil Rights Department of Health and Human Services)

Due to advancements in IoT, smart devices, and information systems, healthcare systems have become computer-based. All the data and records are managed via computers and are stored in local or remote servers. These technologies have helped healthcare move from a paper-based system to Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. The EHR systems got much popularity in less time as they are cost-effective, fast, and better than many healthcare organizations adopting them.

E-health data is highly receptive, targeted most frequently by attackers. A long-term analysis of data breaches showed that healthcare records were exposed by internal and external attacks, such as hacking, theft/loss, unauthentic internal disclosure, and the improper disposal of unnecessary but sensitive data.

This article will aim at sharing insights on healthcare data breaches and the implications that these incidents can have on organizations that suffer from them. It will also serve as a guide for healthcare organizations to prevent or mitigate the impact of such occurrences.

Why is Healthcare Industry a Primary Target of Cyber-attacks?

The biggest reason the healthcare industry is the primary target of cyber-attacks is that the attackers get worth millions of dollars of data in a single breach. Healthcare is a $1.2 trillion industry. The hospitals and clinics have enough financial resources to pay the ransomware in the private sector. Whereas in the public sector, the situation is the opposite.

Another reason is the reliance of hospitals and clinics on outdated systems with minimal resilience to cyberattacks. On the other hand, the organizations using modern healthcare facilities are still vulnerable to security breaches even though they use electronic data sharing and virtual services to facilitate patients.

Furthermore, the healthcare industry is more prone to cyber-attacks due to its slow adoption of cybersecurity technologies and measures. According to IBM’s survey, only 23% of hospitals have deployed security automation tools. Only 6% or less IT budget in healthcare organizations is dedicated to cybersecurity, according to the HIMSS survey.

Healthcare data insights show that the number of individuals affected from 2015 to 2021 was three hundred twenty-eight million and ninety thousand. You can easily determine how much data could be stolen in a single data breach from this number.

Moreover, according to Black Book Market research, more than 93% of healthcare organizations faced data breaches in the past three years, and 57% had more than 5 data breaches in the same time frame.

Costs of Healthcare Data Breaches:

One of the primary reasons healthcare organizations are the target of cyber attackers is financial gain. According to a report published by IBM, a typical healthcare data breach costs $6.45 million to the organization. Usually, it fetches $8.19 million. However, an average data breach (25,575 compromised records) costs $15 million in the USA.

How do Cyber-attacks Happen in Healthcare?

Because healthcare organizations hold so much information of significant monetary and intelligence value to cybercriminals and nation-state actors, they are particularly vulnerable to and targeted by cyberattacks. Protected health information (PHI) of patients, financial information such as credit card and bank account numbers, personally identifying information (PII) such as Social Security numbers, and intellectual property relating to medical research and innovation are among the data sets targeted.

The most significant reasons for the security breaches in healthcare organizations are an inadequate employee and client training and the lack of usable security measures. Healthcare professionals are not tech-savvy enough to understand the consequences of a cyber-attack. According to HelloHealth, 90% of security breaches in the health sector happen due to human error, which means that hospital or clinic employees’ unintentional actions, such as downloading or clicking an attachment infected by malware, cause the data breaches.

The insiders are the other source for cyber attackers that help them steal the patient’s data. People working in any healthcare organization with access to confidential data sell that data to cybercriminals and earn a profit. One of the Accenture reports mentions that 29% of healthcare professionals knew someone selling the authorized access to the patient’s data. 47% of the healthcare professionals who took part in the survey mentioned that they were aware of data breaches in their organizations, out of which many were not reported.

The lack of cybersecurity experts is also one reason the healthcare sector faces many security breaches. The Black Book Research found that it takes healthcare organizations 70% more time to hire a cybersecurity professional than other IT jobs. This means that due to the lack of talent in cybersecurity, healthcare organizations are left with no choice except to rely on IT professionals with less or no knowledge to secure the institutions against data breaches and ever-evolving cyber attacks.

Type of Hacking and Cyberattakcs that Result in Healthcare Data Breaches:

Nowadays, stealing personal health information (PHIs) is common in the black market. According to Infosec Institute, a PHI could cost up to $363. For healthcare organizations, the cost per stolen record reaches approximately $355, whereas, for non-healthcare companies, it is almost $158 (half of what it is for the healthcare sector). From these stats, you can determine why healthcare is the primary target of cybercriminals.

However, different types of cybersecurity threats are faced by healthcare organizations:

Malware:

Malware is any software, link, or email, that infects the organization’s data as soon as someone clicks on it. Once a user clicks on malware, it hacks the organization’s data, steals, deletes, or misuses it while blocking critical files and applications access.

Ransomeware and Spyware:

Ransomeware is malware in which the attacker encrypts the files and data and demands some ransom to restore or decrypt the files. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee access or unlocking the files and data. In the first ten months of 2020, the ransomware attacks in healthcare organizations jumped 45%, which was more than double that of other industries.

Spyware is another malware. It is a way to monitor and report the activities of an individual or an organization to a third party for wicked actions.

Phishing and Spear Phishing:

A cyberattack in which the attacker approaches the employees of an organization in one way or another, such as via email, phone call, text message, or any other media acting as a legitimate professional or institution to gather some sensitive information. This information could be passwords, credit card details, and other personally identifiable information.

Spear Phishing is the same as phishing, except it targets specific individuals and organizations. It is much more difficult to detect and has become the cyberattack of choice due to remote health workers and fewer cybersecurity measures.

Denial of Service Attacks:

The denial of service attack targets a specific server, network, or IoT device by bringing up the flood of Internet traffic with an intent to exhaust the resources and bandwidth. Denial of Service attack prevents the healthcare professionals from accessing the network or devices to provide healthcare services or access the sensitive information for their jobs.

How can Healthcare Industry Avoid Data Breaches?

Healthcare organizations are expected to spend $125 billion on cybersecurity to avoid data breaches and security issues. As discussed earlier, the lack of proper education and staff training, and cybersecurity experts, the healthcare sector faces the most significant data breaches among the other industries. The appropriate staff training and education can help healthcare organizations secure their systems and avoid data breaches. Some of the measures that the health sectors can take are as follows:

Investing in better IT infrastructure and staff training.
Up-to-date cyber planning.
Implementing Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) to mitigate the security risks.
Investing in the latest technology and cybersecurity infrastructure.
Conducting the training to educate the employees and healthcare professionals to learn about the systems and avoid opening or clicking any corrupted files.
Consulting to a data center to store their data remotely. The data center will then be responsible for managing and securing the data from the cyber-criminals and any kind of cyberattacks.
Conducting data analysis to record which data is being generated in which department and what information is being transferred from one place to another.
Using time series analysis for data breach forecasting and risk forecasting.

Pro-Tip: Use Protected Harbor:

Protected Harbor builds a custom protocol for your firm from the ground up to safeguard your data center in the healthcare and medical industries against cyberattacks, outages, and downtime, among other things. Protected Harbor does this while ensuring HIPAA Compliance and securing the PHIs and EHRs. You can use this data center to avoid any risks associated with your data.

Why Choose Protected Harbor?

Enhanced security
9% uptime
Highest regulatory standards
Experienced IT expert team
24×7 remote monitoring

Conclusion:

The implication is that the Healthcare sector is the primary target for cybercriminals as almost every one of us uses healthcare facilities. The amount of data generated, stored, and exchanged by healthcare organizations is extensive. This data includes sensitive data, electronic health records, and patients’ personal health information. Furthermore, all the information regarding internal entities is included in that data. Data confidentiality is difficult in this era of technology, networks, and the Internet as there are so many sources for cybercriminals to hack the systems used in the healthcare sector. The internal entities also serve as a source of providing authorized access to these criminals.

March 2, 2022

Cybersecurity

10 Tips for Healthcare Organizations to Minimize Security Threat

by Editor February 27, 2022

With the advent of IT in Healthcare and the increased use of technology and computers to store and manage patients’ data, healthcare organizations continually face evolving cyber threats. Technology has continuously introduced new challenges to the healthcare industry, and hackers have taken note. Health information is valuable in the black market, and it is now more critical than ever for healthcare organizations to protect themselves from cyberattacks. The more a healthcare organization relies on technology, the more vulnerable it becomes to a cyberattack without a proper safety infrastructure. The patient’s safety and privacy are so jeopardized.

Healthcare has seen a significant increase in coverage and connectivity with the growing application of mobile devices, telemedicine, and health technology. 12.5 million records were breached containing medical and patient information in 2021. (Source – https://cit.cyberpeaceinstitute.org/)

The cyber threats and security vulnerabilities to healthcare facility data can jeopardize patient protected health information (PHI), distract healthcare professionals, as well as potentially harm its reputation within your community.

Protected Harbor presents a 10-step checklist that Healthcare IT professionals can implement to overcome the cyber security challenges:

Understand your Network Map:

IT professionals in the healthcare industry employ several technologies to identify the devices and data on their networks. By doing this, they will know what unknown and unauthorized devices are connected to the network and which data is more prone to vulnerabilities. Using such technology will also restrict unwanted devices from accessing the network or data.

Update All Office Software:

It is essential for Healthcare IT professionals to ensure that all the software and operating systems throughout the organization are up to date and maintained as cyber attackers may try to invade the system via previously found weakness or bug in the software. Security maintenance and software updates must be done regularly.

Improve Your VPN Encryption:

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an excellent way to hide the information that your computer sends or receives. You may prevent hackers from receiving any information about your network by encrypting it, even if they are monitoring your computers, by encrypting it.

Move to a Virtual Server:

By moving to a virtual server, you can better control who can access your data, information, and systems. Furthermore, virtualization provides efficient access to shared records, increased security, and an easy transition to mobiles.

Use Effective EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response Tools):

The EDR tools detect any attackers trying to evade a healthcare system. The Healthcare IT Professionals should use practical EDR tools to ensure that the system is protected from attackers and any hacking attempts are appropriately tackled.

Conduct Regular Audits:

The IT Administrators in healthcare organizations should conduct regular audits from time to time. They should make sure that any new information is added or the authorized users update any existing data. The users are creating strong passwords that are hard to crack, and access should be reviewed so that the previous employees could not access the patients’ data.

Install Remote Wiping and Disabling on all Mobile Medical Devices:

The Remote Wiping or disabling enables you to remotely remove or deactivate any accounts on mobile devices. The Healthcare IT Professionals should install some Remote Wiping tools on all the portable medical devices to erase the data from the devices if they get misplaced or stolen.

Isolated Backup and Validate the Backup:

Isolated backups ensure that ransomware does not infect your backup repository. If this happened, it would be a very horrible day, and it can happen right now. Many backup tools mount volumes to infected workstations, backup to this mount point, and then unmount.

The technique for creating isolated backups varies by product, but the most critical step is to make sure the backup repositories aren’t accessed like a filesystem. To put it another way, backup tools that mount repositories or target systems should be avoided. There are two aspects that must be safeguarded. The repository is one thing, and the backup server is another.
The remote backup should be validated from time to time to maintain an updated status of the data. When you have a remote backup, you can quickly recover all your data even if the local backup has been affected by a cyberattack.

Use Two Factor Authentication:

The passwords can easily be guessed or hacked by attackers. The Two Factor Authentication requires that the user enter two or more factors to authenticate himself before accessing any computer, network, or system. Whenever someone tries to make changes in the existing data or add new information to the system, the system should authenticate the user through two-factor authentication. Healthcare IT professionals should try to implement the Two Factor Authentication.

Use Professional Services:

To achieve more cyber security and tackle any issues you face regarding the safety of your data and system, you should seek professional help and assign the task of managing the system security to some external agency. This way, you will be able to achieve a system that is less prone to any attacks.

Pro Tip: Use Protected Harbor:

The Protected Harbor is a data center that provides you with the best solutions to tackle most of your healthcare organization’s information system and networks issues. It protects your data centers from attacks, outages, and downtime in the best ways possible.

The Protected Harbor offers you:

Enhanced Security
Quick Access Anytime
Reduced Downtime
Work in Realtime

Furthermore, it offers Free IT Consultation for you to get better advice. You can choose whatever payment plan suits you the most. The Protected Harbor provides the services at the most reasonable price. So, why compromise your data security to save some money? Visit www.protectedharbor.com now and choose the best plan or consult the IT specialists for free!

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, this passage suggests the best yet most effective techniques to prevent any cyber-attacks and minimize the security threats that a Healthcare organization may face regarding its information system or the network. By following the guidelines provided in this passage, you will achieve a highly secure information system. This way, your data will be more protected from any unauthorized access or cybercriminals.

February 27, 2022

How to Defend Against Email Impersonation Attacks

Cybersecurity How-To & Guides Ransomware

12 Strategies to Protect Against Email Impersonation Attacks: The Definitive Guide

by Imdad December 24, 2024

Welcome to the third blog of Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024, presented by Protected Harbor. In this post, we will explore the increasing threat of email impersonation attacks and offer practical strategies to defend against these malicious tactics. Email impersonation is becoming a global issue, affecting both individuals and organizations by attempting to steal sensitive information or manipulate financial transactions. Our objective is to arm you with the knowledge necessary to safeguard yourself and your organization.

Understanding Email Impersonation Attacks

Before exploring defense strategies, it’s important to first understand how these attacks function. Email impersonation typically involves a combination of social engineering and technical manipulation, deceiving recipients into thinking they are communicating with trusted sources. Below are the most common types of email impersonation attacks:

CEO Scams: In these attacks, cybercriminals impersonate high-ranking executives, such as the CEO or CFO, to deceive employees into transferring sensitive information or funds.
Phishing: Phishing occurs when attackers pose as legitimate entities, such as a bank or online retailer, in an attempt to steal sensitive information or login credentials.
Spoofing: Email spoofing involves attackers forging the sender’s email address to make it appear as though the message is from a trusted source, when it is actually sent from a fraudulent address.
Business Email Compromise (BEC): BEC attacks happen when attackers pose as business partners, vendors, or suppliers to request financial transfers or sensitive information under false pretenses.

Top 12 Ways to Defend Against Email Impersonation Attacks

To safeguard against email impersonation attacks, it is crucial to adopt a multi-layered defense strategy that incorporates both technical and human controls. Here are 12 effective tactics to help protect against such attacks:

Implement DMARC: Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) allows organizations to specify how unauthenticated emails should be handled and offers reporting mechanisms to monitor suspicious email activity.
Use SPF and DKIM: Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) authenticate the sender’s domain and ensure email content integrity, preventing spoofing by confirming that the sender’s domain matches the claimed domain.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of protection with 2FA ensures that even if login credentials are compromised, unauthorized access is prevented by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent via text or an authentication app.
Use Email Encryption: Encryption secures email content during transmission, ensuring that only the intended recipient can decrypt and access the message, which protects sensitive information from being intercepted by attackers.
Develop an Email Security Policy: A clear email security policy is essential for guiding employees on how to handle sensitive emails, report suspicious messages, and respond to email impersonation attempts.
Conduct Regular Security Awareness Training: Continuous cybersecurity training helps employees recognize phishing attempts, suspicious links, and spoofed emails, reducing the likelihood of falling victim to these attacks.
Implement Advanced Email Filtering: Advanced email filters can block or flag suspicious emails before they reach the inbox. These tools can identify emails from unknown senders or those containing suspicious keywords or attachments.
Monitor Email Activity Regularly: Regular email activity monitoring can help detect unusual patterns or anomalies that may indicate impersonation attempts. Early detection allows for prompt action to mitigate potential threats.
Verify Sender Information: Always double-check the sender’s email address and domain before taking any action. Attackers often use slight variations in email addresses to impersonate legitimate sources.
Be Wary of Urgent or Threatening Emails: Exercise caution with emails that create a sense of urgency or make threatening claims, such as warnings about account access or service cancellations. These tactics are often used to pressure victims into hasty decisions.
Use Strong Passwords: Ensure email accounts are secured with strong, unique passwords. Avoid reusing passwords across different platforms and change them regularly to maintain security.
Report Suspicious Emails: Always report any suspicious emails to your IT team or email provider. Prompt reporting can prevent an impersonation attempt from evolving into a successful attack.

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Individuals

While organizations are prime targets, individuals are also at risk. Here are some essential practices to help maintain security:

Choose a Secure Email Provider: Select email providers that offer enhanced security features, such as encryption and two-factor authentication.
Use a Password Manager: A password manager generates and stores strong, unique passwords for each account, reducing the risk of reusing passwords across multiple platforms.
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easier for attackers to intercept data. Avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi.
Keep Software Updated: Outdated software can contain vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit. Make sure your email clients, operating systems, and other software are regularly updated with the latest security patches.

Best Cybersecurity Practices for Organizations

Organizations must adopt a proactive approach to email security. Here are some best practices:

Implement an Incident Response Plan- An incident response plan outlines the steps to take if an email impersonation attack is detected. Having a plan in place allows for a swift and coordinated response.
Conduct Regular Security Audits- Frequent security audits help identify vulnerabilities in your email systems before attackers can exploit them.
Use Email Authentication Protocols Implementing DMARC, SPF, and DKIM helps ensure that only legitimate emails reach your employees, reducing the risk of impersonation.
Provide Regular Security Awareness Training- Ongoing training ensures that employees stay informed about the latest tactics used in email impersonation attacks and know how to report suspicious activity.

Conclusion

Email impersonation attacks pose a significant threat to individuals and organizations alike. By implementing the strategies discussed in this article, you can drastically reduce your risk of falling victim to these sophisticated attacks. Protected Harbor is committed to safeguarding organizations with comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored to modern threats, including email impersonation attacks.

At Protected Harbor, we go beyond standard security measures by employing advanced cybersecurity tools and techniques designed to counter evolving threats. Our solutions include cutting-edge email filtering systems powered by AI-based threat detection, real-time monitoring, and automated incident response. Additionally, our anomaly detection systems identify unusual email behaviors that could signal an impersonation attack, while zero-trust frameworks ensure that each action within your network is continuously verified.

Moreover, our services are Secure by Design, meaning we integrate security protocols at every layer of your organization’s infrastructure from the ground up. From robust encryption to multi-factor authentication, we build systems with security as a core feature, not an afterthought. With our expertise, Protected Harbor provides a shield of protection against evolving cyber risks, ensuring your organization’s digital assets and sensitive information remain secure.

Take proactive steps today and trust Protected Harbor to safeguard your email systems with our best-in-class cybersecurity technologies. Reach out for a consultation and free IT Audit and fortify your defenses against email impersonation attacks.

FAQs: How to Defend Against Email Impersonation Attacks

1. What is an email impersonation attack?

An email impersonation attack occurs when an attacker sends an email that appears to come from a legitimate source to deceive the recipient into sharing sensitive information or performing a certain action.

2. How do email impersonation attacks work?

Attackers usually spoof an email address, making the email appear as if it’s from a trusted sender. They may include malicious links, attachments, or requests for sensitive data.

3. How can I identify an email impersonation attack?

Look for unusual requests, grammatical errors, and discrepancies in the email address or domain. Be wary of messages demanding urgent action or sensitive information.

4. What should I do if I receive an email impersonation attack?

Do not reply or click on any links. Report the email to your IT team or email provider and delete it.

5. How can I prevent email impersonation attacks?

Implement security protocols like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, use strong passwords, and enable two-factor authentication for added protection.

6. How can I educate my employees about email impersonation attacks?

Regularly train your employees on recognizing, reporting, and responding to email threats. Ensure they understand the importance of following email security policies.

December 24, 2024

Cybersecurity Ransomware

How to Defend Against Zero Day Vulnerabilities

by Imdad November 29, 2024

Understanding and Defending Against Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

In cybersecurity, zero-day vulnerabilities pose a formidable threat to organizations by exploiting unknown and unpatched software flaws. These vulnerabilities create an ideal entry point for hackers, allowing infiltration before detection is possible. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of zero-day vulnerabilities, highlight real-world examples, and share strategies to safeguard your organization. We’ll also discuss how tools like Datto AV and Datto EDR can help mitigate these risks.

What is a Zero-Day Vulnerability?

A zero-day vulnerability refers to a software flaw that is undiscovered by the vendor and lacks a fix at the time of identification. The term “zero-day” reflects the lack of time available for vendors to address the issue before malicious actors exploit it. This makes zero-day vulnerabilities particularly perilous, as they capitalize on a gap in defenses.

Understanding Zero-Day Exploits and Attacks

Zero-Day Vulnerability: A hidden flaw in software that leaves systems exposed.

Zero-Day Exploit: Techniques used by attackers to manipulate these vulnerabilities, such as injecting malicious code or gaining unauthorized access.

Zero-Day Attack: The execution of an exploit to compromise a system, often causing substantial harm before a patch can be developed.

The Danger and Impact of Zero-Day Attacks

Unknown Threats: Since the vulnerability is undiscovered, both vendors and users are unprepared to counter it.

Exploitation Window: Systems remain vulnerable until a patch is developed and deployed.

Detection Challenges: Advanced evasion techniques and a lack of identifiable signatures make these attacks hard to detect.

Impact:

Data Breaches: Exposure of sensitive data such as personal information, intellectual property, or financial records.

Financial Losses: Costs from recovery, fines, lawsuits, and compensations.

Reputation Damage: Loss of trust among customers and partners.

Operational Disruption: Downtime caused by compromised systems and interrupted services.

Lifecycle of a Zero-Day Threat

Discovery: Attackers uncover a vulnerability using methods like reverse engineering or penetration testing.

Exploitation: Exploits are crafted and deployed using tools like malware or phishing.

Detection: Security teams or researchers identify the exploit via suspicious activity monitoring or user reports.

Mitigation: Vendors release a patch, and users must apply it promptly to secure their systems.

Common Targets for Zero-Day Attacks

Large Enterprises: Containing vast amounts of sensitive data.

Government Agencies: With critical infrastructure and national security data.

Financial Institutions: Holding assets vulnerable to theft or fraud.

Healthcare Organizations: With sensitive patient information and operational systems.

Educational Institutions: Targeted for research and personal data.

High-Profile Individuals: Often subject to identity theft and fraud.

Notable Examples of Zero-Day Attacks

Chrome Zero-Day (CVE-2024-0519): A memory corruption flaw in Google Chrome’s V8 JavaScript engine allowed arbitrary code execution. A swift security patch resolved the issue.

MOVEit Transfer Attack (CVE-2023-42793): A Remote Code Execution vulnerability in the MOVEit Transfer software led to significant data breaches. Mitigation steps and patches were rapidly deployed.

Detecting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Behavioral Analysis: Identifying unusual system behavior.

Heuristic Analysis: Using algorithms to spot suspicious patterns.

Signature-Based Detection: Comparing system activity to known attack signatures.

Machine Learning & AI: Employing advanced tools to detect emerging threats.

Threat Intelligence: Gathering actionable insights from various sources to anticipate potential risks.

Examples of Latest Zero-Day Attacks and Exploits

1. MOVEit Transfer Zero-Day Attack (CVE-2023–42793)

Disclosure Date: May 2023
Vulnerability Type: Remote Code Execution (RCE), Authentication Bypass

A Russian ransomware group exploited a zero-day vulnerability in MOVEit Transfer, a widely used managed file transfer software. This flaw, stemming from a SQL injection issue, enabled attackers to execute ransomware attacks on numerous organizations, including government agencies, universities, banks, and healthcare networks. This incident highlights the critical need for robust network security, application security, and proactive vulnerability management strategies.

2. JetBrains TeamCity CVE-2023-42793 Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Disclosure Date: September 20, 2023
Vulnerability Type: Authentication Bypass, RCE

JetBrains revealed CVE-2023-42793, a severe authentication bypass vulnerability in their TeamCity CI/CD server. Exploiting this flaw, attackers could gain administrative control over servers through remote code execution. Reports from leading security operations centers confirmed widespread exploitation within days of disclosure, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and zero-day vulnerability defense.

3. Cytrox Zero-Day Exploit Sales
Research exposed Cytrox, a commercial surveillance company, for selling zero-day exploits to government-backed actors. These exploits were used to target journalists, activists, and critics of authoritarian regimes, shedding light on the dangerous trade of zero-day vulnerabilities. This case stresses the importance of application security and ethical frameworks in cybersecurity.

Additional Notable Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Apache OFBiz 0-day AuthBiz (CVE-2023-49070 and CVE-2023-51467)
Ivanti EPMM Zero-Day Vulnerability
Apache Web Server Path Traversal and File Disclosure Vulnerability (CVE-2021-41773)

By prioritizing network security, vulnerability management, and leveraging advanced tools like security operations centers, organizations can build a strong defense against zero-day threats.

Preventing Zero-Day Attacks

Regular Software Updates and Patch Management: Ensuring all software is up to date with the latest security patches.

Network Segmentation: Dividing the network into segments to limit the spread of an attack.

Application Whitelisting: Allowing only approved applications to run on the network.

Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS): Detecting and preventing malicious activity.

Endpoint Protection Solutions: Using tools like Datto AV and Datto EDR to protect endpoints.

Antivirus Software: Employing robust antivirus solutions to detect and mitigate threats.

How Protected Harbor Can Help

Penetration Testing and EDR Solutions: Protected Harbor offers advanced tools to prevent zero-day attacks, including real-time threat detection, advanced behavioral analysis, and comprehensive endpoint protection.

Real-Time Threat Detection: Identifies and mitigates threats as they occur, allowing for immediate response to potential attacks.

Advanced Behavioral Analysis: Detects unusual activity that may indicate an attack by continuously monitoring system behavior.

Comprehensive Endpoint Protection: Ensures all endpoints in the network are protected from potential threats.

Conclusion

Zero-day vulnerabilities pose a significant threat to organizations due to their unknown nature and the difficulty in defending against them. By understanding what zero-day vulnerabilities are, how they are exploited, and the impact they can have, organizations can better prepare and protect themselves. Solutions like Protected Harbor Penetration Testing and EDR are designed to provide robust protection against these threats, ensuring that your organization remains secure.

Request an IT Audit from Protected Harbor today to see how vulnerable you are and how we can help you prevent zero-day attacks and protect your critical data.

FAQs

What is a zero-day vulnerability?

A zero-day vulnerability is a software flaw unknown to the vendor, with no available fix at the time of discovery, making it susceptible to exploitation.

How do zero-day exploits work?

Zero-day exploits use methods like injecting malicious code or gaining unauthorized access to take advantage of a zero-day vulnerability.

Why are zero-day attacks so dangerous?

Zero-day attacks are dangerous because they exploit unknown vulnerabilities, leaving systems unprotected and highly vulnerable.

How can organizations detect zero-day vulnerabilities?

Organizations can detect zero-day vulnerabilities through behavioral analysis, heuristic analysis, signature-based detection, machine learning, and threat intelligence.

What measures can be taken to prevent zero-day attacks?

Preventive measures include regular software updates, network segmentation, application whitelisting, IDS/IPS, endpoint protection solutions, and antivirus software.

How does Protected Harbor help in preventing zero-day attacks?

Protected Harbor offers penetration testing, EDR solutions, real-time threat detection, advanced behavioral analysis, and comprehensive endpoint protection to safeguard against zero-day attacks.

November 29, 2024

IT Services MSP Tech Support

5 Benefits of Hiring a Managed Services Provider

by Imdad September 7, 2023

Businesses today face a wide range of difficulties. Organizations now face new vulnerabilities as a result of the development of digital technologies, the Internet of Things managed services, and other linked devices. As a result, in order to keep ahead of the competition, businesses must adapt more quickly than ever.

Users must manage a growing number of obligations without compromising security or performance. A lot of companies are switching from traditional IT support services to managed service providers who can handle all of their IT requirements from a single source.

In addition to offering fundamental managed IT support services, Managed service providers (MSPs) often offer strategic business services that are integrated with the end user’s current technological infrastructure. The five advantages of working with a managed services provider to maximize these advantages within your company are highlighted in this article.

Reduce Costs

Your technology’s costs can be reduced in a number of ways by a managed services provider. First, MSPs can get better prices on hardware and software services than they can as a standalone business by taking advantage of economies of scale. If you are currently in charge of purchasing and maintaining all of your technology, this could be costly. Use MSPs to handle your IT needs to cut costs by 10% to 30% or more.

Additionally, MSPs provide better service compared to many internal IT teams. Additionally, managed services providers can cut costs by an average of 14% in the first year, according to a recent research. Depending on the size of your firm, this can equal a substantial sum of money.

Unified Platform to Manage All Services

An MSP can provide all of your company’s IT management needs via a single platform. A single vendor that oversees your technology integrates all services. When all of your systems and devices are connected to one system, this can be extremely useful.

Through a single system, unified platforms can connect many applications and gadgets. Employees at your company can now access their work applications from anywhere with ease. As a result, productivity may increase and decisions might be made more quickly.

Built-In Security Features

Identity and access management, intrusion detection and prevention, data encryption, and other features are just a few of the built-in security capabilities that MSPs may provide. It is not simple to construct a secure network. You won’t be able to handle today’s security concerns if your company lacks the competence required to set up and maintain a secure network.

Many built-in security protections are available from managed service providers to assist shield your data from attackers. Additionally, they offer security services that let you adhere to legal compliance standards and safeguard your data from online threats.

Accelerated Problem Resolution

The fact that managed services providers are in charge of every area of your technology allows them to respond to problems more quickly and consistently. Because each technology solution is handled by specialized teams of professionals, they can overcome obstacles more quickly.

Employing an MSP can shorten the time that staff members are without critical services and speed up problem solutions. When an issue arises, managed service providers typically fix it in six hours or less, whereas firms that handle their own IT typically take three days.

Better Service Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Managed services providers offer better service continuity and disaster recovery services in comparison to IT service providers or general service providers. Let’s say your company is already in charge of providing its own continuity and disaster recovery services. In that situation, you might seek assistance to fulfill legal obligations or maintain operations in the event of a catastrophe.

With managed services, you can be sure that even if a natural disaster or other event renders your technology unavailable, your company will continue to operate normally. MSPs can provide more thorough continuity and disaster recovery plans than many individual firms, and they can also meet regulatory compliance requirements.

Managed service providers can assist you in adhering to legal standards for privacy and cybersecurity compliance. They also can provide 24/7/365 monitoring to detect potential outages and offer more advanced and redundant systems to ensure business continuity and continuity of operations in the event of a disaster.

Maximizing Business Resilience

To remain competitive in the fast-paced business environment of today, businesses must create novel business models. This frequently entails utilizing the most recent information technology to streamline processes, enhance client experiences, and accomplish company objectives. But as organizations of all sizes rely more on technology, there is a greater chance of data loss, which can have detrimental effects. For help, many businesses turn to security service providers or MSPs.

MSSPs are independent companies that focus on offering various security services to companies. They provide a range of services to assist businesses in staying safe against cyber threats, such as data loss prevention, incident response, and security monitoring. Additionally, they provide service level agreements, or SLAs, which outline the caliber of support a company may anticipate from the MSSP.

One of the key benefits of working with an MSSP is that they can help businesses develop a comprehensive incident response plan. This involves identifying potential threats, establishing protocols for responding to incidents, and regularly testing the plan to ensure it is effective. This approach can help businesses minimize cyber-attack impact and quickly return to normal operations.

Conclusion

The managed services model provides significant benefits over standard IT support services. It enables businesses to reduce costs, access better technology, and improve productivity. When organizations hire managed services providers, they can focus on their core business activities by outsourcing their technology needs.

When you think of an MSP, you might imagine a provider focusing on a limited set of products and services, with a technician who comes to your business on a set schedule to perform maintenance work. While many MSPs fit this description, Protected Harbor is different. Thanks to our customer-centric approach and experts, we can deliver peace of mind and a near-seamless customer experience.

It’s not an MSP at all. It’s more of a managed security service, providing monitoring and protection for your business’s critical IT infrastructure. What sets Protected Harbor apart from other MSPs is its tailored approach to each client’s unique needs. And with a team of seasoned engineers, analysts, and consultants, you can expect the utmost professionalism.

Contact our expert today to learn how we’re built differently. We are also giving away a free IT Audit; get one now!

September 7, 2023

IT Services MSP Protected Harbor

How do leading MSPs differentiate themselves from the rest?

by Imdad August 21, 2023

From reactive to proactive support, MSP’s operating approach represents a fundamental shift. Therefore, preventing IT failure while assuring peak performance must be one of an MSP’s key performance indicators.

A growth-oriented business model is the foundation of everything. The most prosperous Managed services provider concentrates on providing real value to their clients, expanding their operations, and always enhancing their services. MSPs can concentrate on growing the quantity of business they conduct with current clients, bringing in new clients, or raising the average value of each client in order to expand their operations. Therefore, exceptional IT service providers go beyond simply keeping your IT running; they also deliver good commercial value. Here are a few things that make contemporary MSPs unique.

Advanced security offerings

Especially for small to medium-sized organizations, Cyber-attacks are commonplace. Threats have increased in frequency, specificity, and complexity. A report from Accenture titled “Cost of Cybercrime Study” states that only 14% of small businesses are equipped to fend off 43% of cyberattacks. As opposed to waiting for the worst to happen, a good Managed services provider should make sure you are protected from online dangers. A skilled MSP may identify vulnerabilities in advance and fix them before they become an issue, rather than dealing with cyber-attackers or ransom demands as they occur. Yes, some attackers are able to get past even the most advanced systems. But effective threat prevention will reduce the risk of an unforeseen event. Your It services provider must provide a thorough strategy that can stop even

Cloud services and automation

Modern Managed services providers are utilizing automation tools and cloud-native solutions to upgrade the caliber of their services. Scalability and on-demand disaster recovery are features that cloud solutions offer to their customers. Automation increases productivity while lowering reliance on people, which minimizes human mistakes or discrepancies.

Innovation

The best IT service providers concentrate on innovation because it can help their clients. These businesses understand the value of keeping up with current market trends. You can use digital technologies with their assistance to outperform rivals. The best MSPs alter their products based on trends, region, and industry, rather than being committed to their strategy and technology. For instance, every year, new types of cybercrime emerge. A business that prioritizes innovation will know how to protect you from additional attacks.

Value creation

Leading MSPs consult and offer advice on the top tools or technology. They work with you to develop a special program based on your strategic aims and business objectives, oversee the program’s implementation, and manage the day-to-day management of those vital operations. To continue providing value to their clients, IT services providers must stay abreast of new advances and provide new services.

Customer Experience (CX)

CX has already been the buzzword for the last half a decade. The concept was initially driven by big consulting firms and is now necessary for IT customers. As modern users prefer being at the center of things, they expect self-service via knowledge forums, chatbots, and service catalogs, i.e., omnichannel communication. A helpdesk-managed service provider supports these areas to improve your NPS and CSAT. Your in-house team can focus on the strategic aspects of improving tech adoption.

Adaptability and Resilience

The disruption caused by the pandemic demonstrated that adaptability and resilience — from both managed services providers and their customers — are essential to survive. As companies adopt a hybrid working culture, MSPs must shift their operating model to suit the situation. E.g., managed services providers need to equip their employees and clients with the right tools to support remote working remotely.

Conclusion

Top MSPs are adept at staying ahead of the curve, retaining consumer interest, and providing value-added services that improve the quality of life for their clients. Managed services provider must stay on top of the most recent developments as technology develops and alters how business is conducted. it services providers must keep up with the most recent technical developments and client expectations in order to stay ahead of the curve and provide top-notch service to their clients.

The team of IT professionals at Protected Harbor’s is committed to offering its customers solid IT solutions that are tailored to their particular company requirements. Our system gives clients access to their IT team anytime they need it, no matter where they are, thanks to its remote monitoring and administration features. We specialize in small- to medium-sized enterprises and provide scalable and flexible services to meet client demands as a hudson valley new york manage service provider. We also provide data recovery, SLAs, and 24/7 on-site or remote monitoring. We provide a free consultation to assist you in choosing the ideal approach for your company. Call us right away!

August 21, 2023

UNDERSTANDING THE RISKS OF CLOUD MIGRATION

Cloud Service

Risks of Cloud Migration and How to Mitigate Them

by Rishi August 2, 2022

Thanks to our experts at Protected Harbor, we’ve released a new infographic that can help your organization or business to reduce your cloud migration security risks. This infographic includes key security tips and advice to help you make the right cloud migration decisions. Download the infographic now to learn more! And don’t forget to visit our blog for more tips and advice.

As your organization evaluates cloud migration, it’s critical to understand the risks. Security is a top concern for many businesses, so before you move your company’s data and services to the cloud, you must understand how to mitigate any potential risk. Understanding cloud security risks is essential for an effective migration strategy. The first step in this process is understanding the potential risks of migrating your organization to the cloud. After all, not every business can trust third parties with their data. But with the proper security measures in place, moving to a cloud platform can benefit almost any business. Download our infographic to understand how to reduce cloud migration security risks in a quick overview, and continue reading the blog for more information.

What Is Cloud Migration?

Moving apps, data, and other digital assets from an on-premises data center to the cloud is known as cloud migration. These may be programs that have been specially created for the organizations or ones that they have licensed from a different vendor. There are various methods for moving to the cloud, including:

“Lift and shift” refer to moving apps as-is.
Modifying applications slightly to facilitate their cloud migration
Application rebuilding or remodeling to make them more suitable for a cloud environment
Changing from legacy applications that don’t support the cloud to new ones that cloud vendors offer.
“Cloud-native development” refers to the process of creating new cloud-based apps

What are the Key Benefits of Cloud Migration?

The advantages of the cloud, which include hosting applications and data in a highly effective IT environment that can increase factors like cost, performance, and security, are the overarching goal of most cloud migrations.

Elastic scalability, a need to reduce costs or convert from a capital expenditure to an operating expenses model, and a requirement for new technologies, services, or features only available in a cloud environment are essential drivers for cloud migration.

The flexibility of corporate IT teams to deliver new services and expand the company to meet changing business requirements is enhanced by cloud computing, which is maybe even more significant.

Security Risks of Cloud Migration

Because cloud migration is susceptible to several attacks, careful planning is required. Sensitive data is exchanged during migration, leaving it open to attack. Additionally, attackers may obtain access to unsecured development, test, or production environments at different points in a migration project.

Plan your cloud migration efforts in advance of the following dangers:

Application Programming Interface (API) vulnerabilities: APIs serve as communication routes between environments. At every step of the cloud migration process, APIs must be protected.

Blind spots: Using the cloud requires giving up some operational control. Before migrating, check the security your cloud provider offers and how to enhance it with supplemental third-party security solutions.

Compliance requirements: Verify that your intended cloud environment complies with the necessary standards. This comprises the organization’s protocols for ensuring the security of cloud workloads, data, and access, as well as compliance certifications issued by the cloud provider. As part of the standards for compliance, all of these may be audited and will be.

Unchecked Growth: Moving to the cloud is a continuous process. The company will probably add more resources, use new cloud services, and add more apps after moving applications to the cloud. Once SaaS apps are up and operating in the cloud, it is normal to begin employing more SaaS applications. There is a significant operational problem in securing these new services and applications effectively.

Data loss: Moving to the cloud requires the transfer of data. If there are issues with the migration process, it is crucial to ensure that data is backed up. With rigorous key management, all data is transferred across encrypted channels.

5 Ways to Mitigate Cloud Migration Security Risks

Here are a few best practices that can help improve security during and after cloud migrations:

Develop a Plan– Planning before migration and executing successfully is essential. Use automated tools and optimization, and outline the expertise, resources, and tooling you need to get started.
Start Small- To reduce the fear and accelerate cloud adoption, start with an automatic workload lift and shift over in small portions.
Leverage SaaS Adoption– Utilize your business units to promote cloud adoption by investing in Software-as-a-Service.
Set Security Standards– Develop baseline security standards by collaborating with your governance team.
Use Managed Services- Organizations should monitor their cloud security posture from the control plan to asset configuration. They can partner with a Managed Services Provider for efficient migration.

Conclusion

Migrating to the cloud can be a great way to boost your company’s productivity and scalability. But it’s essential to understand the security risks first. The best way to mitigate these risks is to work with a reputable cloud provider committed to data security. Having the right security practices in place for your team is also important. With the proper security measures, you can enjoy all the benefits of migrating to the cloud. That’s why we have created an infographic to help you out. Download today and get started with your cloud migration.

August 2, 2022

Newer Posts

Older Posts