What Is Managed IT Services, And How Can It Keep You Safe?

Top Seven Most Common Cyber Threats for Businesses Today

The first thing to understand about cyber threats is that every device is a vulnerability as long as it connects to the internet. It doesn’t matter whether that’s a desktop computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or a wearable device.

Hackers are getting smarter every day, so companies can’t afford to take network security for granted. Here are the most common cyber threats affecting businesses today.

1. Malware Attacks

It can:

• Delete files or install new files without your permission
• Slow down or freeze your systems
• Revoke system access
• Spread into other systems
• Capture and steal information 

Malware attacks can cause severe disruptions in a business, and only a proactive cybersecurity strategy can keep you on top of it. You can prevent company malware attacks if you:

• Install the latest anti-malware software
• Raise awareness about suspicious websites, email attachments, and websites
• Use robust multi-factor authentication methods:
  • a password
  • security questions, and
  • a one-time PIN (OTP) before logging in

2. Ransomware Attacks

A ransomware attack works like a malware attack, except that once it gets into your system, it encrypts your data or locks you out of your system. The hacker then demands a ransom fee to regain access to your information or system.

Ransomware attacks typically begin with an email containing an infected file attachment that attacks your system once downloaded. You then receive a notification on your screen to pay a ransom, usually through cryptocurrency, within a given deadline or risk losing your data or public exposure.

Managed IT services can prevent ransomware attacks through network monitoring, intrusion detection systems, and regular data backups.

3. Social Engineering

Also called human hacking, social engineering is a form of cybercrime where an attacker communicates with the target and manipulates them into giving sensitive information. For example, a hacker may impersonate someone from a bank or utility company. They can persuade you to give away passwords and account details or visit a malware site.

The best way to prevent social engineering attacks is through awareness training. Every member of an organization needs to know what an attack looks like and cultivate a healthy skepticism towards third-party messages.

4. Phishing Attacks

A phishing attack is similar to a social engineering attack because both rely on
manipulation to gather sensitive information. However, a phishing attacker sends emails, texts, or instant messages containing malicious links which install the malware in your system.

Phishing attacks often have devastating consequences, including:

–     identity theft
–         unauthorized purchases, or
–         stealing funds

Always be vigilant because phishing scams look legitimate, but they alter official URLs just enough to fool us.

5. Password Theft Attack

If you have ever logged into an account to find that your password no longer works, you’ve experienced a password theft attack. Some hackers use brute-force software to generate passwords automatically. Others guess the most common or simplest password combinations to get into your accounts.

A password theft attack can lead to serious problems if you lose sensitive data or funds. IT services can set up multi-factor authentication for your business to prevent password attacks. Users should create complicated passwords with mixed characters or symbols for additional security.

6. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks

A DDoS attack aims to disrupt, slow, or shut down a server by overloading it with incoming user traffic. A DDoS attack can compromise your operations, especially if your business is in telecommunications, gaming, or e-commerce.

You may be under a DDoS attack if your network suddenly floods with web traffic or your online services become erratic or offline altogether. Comprehensive network monitoring can prevent DDoS attacks and run regular network assessments to spot any security gaps in your systems.

7. Trojan Attacks

A Trojan attack is a malicious software that looks like a genuine application that launches malware once installed on your devices or systems. A Trojan finds gaps in outdated software to deploy a DDoS attack, steal your email contact list, or launch a ransomware attack.

IT services can protect your business from Trojans by updating your operating systems and anti-virus software. You also need firewalls, unique passwords, and email attachment scanners to detect viruses before you click to open.

5 Benefits of Hiring Managed IT Services

Just one of the cyber risks above can cripple a business overnight. Unfortunately, some companies take network security for granted, while others can’t afford to invest heavily in a digital security strategy. That’s why an external managed IT service provider is so vital.

You can outsource IT Services to handle all your IT needs round the clock, including network monitoring, software updates, compliance management, and much more. Here are some clear advantages why managed IT services can protect your business from cyber risks.

1. Dedicated Digital Security Experts

In-house IT departments worldwide are struggling to keep up with the endless cyber-attacks on their systems. Small businesses are even more vulnerable if they can’t afford to hire an IT networking specialist.

A managed IT services brings together a team of IT experts dedicated to helping your business prevent or survive cyber-attacks. This gives your business unprecedented access to the latest cybersecurity tools and techniques whenever you need them.

2. Budget-Friendly IT Services

Hiring a managed IT services company is much cheaper than having an IT security professional on your payroll. Network management and cybersecurity are high-paying careers because of the sheer demand for their services in every business and industry today.

Network security is also a 24/7 job, so it will cost extra money to pay for overtime, upskilling, specialized software, etc. But when you hire managed IT services, these concerns and issues are managed by experts. This allows you to budget for your network security needs and keep costs down.

3. Faster Scaling

As your business grows, so do your network security needs. You essentially have a bigger target on your back for hackers to attack. You may need to keep adding IT professionals to your in-house team, which takes up a significant chunk of your budget.

However, with an IT services provider, all you need to do is start a conversation, adjusting your services to match your business growth. Your managed IT services provider will also know your business intimately over time to tailor the right services as you grow.

4. Proactive Threat Management

Instead of waiting for a cyber-attack to reveal your vulnerabilities, a managed IT services provider monitors your network 24/7 and catches threats before damaging your business.

IT services uses artificial intelligence (AI) to conduct a continuous risk assessment and analysis to keep your network safe from malicious attempts, even as hacking tactics get smarter.

5. Swift Crisis Response

If a network security breach occurs, your IT services partner is already well versed in managing such incidents. The correct protocols are already in place to save precious time and data from further losses if hackers attack your systems. This rapid response also builds up your network security expertise for future attacks.

Secure Your Business Future With Awsumb Tech

Let Awsumb Tech take care of your business IT needs with custom packages for your budget. We offer managed IT services with a flat rate predictable fee to increase your productivity
without breaking the bank.

Our network security services detect vulnerabilities in your systems and develop the best strategies and best practices to keep your business safe from cyber risks and threats. Contact us today to start you journey towards Managed IT Services.