3 Steps to Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

/in , , /by

The prevalence and complexity of cyberattacks have escalated significantly in recent times. As a result, even a minor oversight in your network security can set off a sequence of events that may have disastrous consequences for your enterprise. To prevent such occurrences, it is advisable to adopt a robust cybersecurity framework like the zero-trust approach.

The zero-trust concept maintains that users and applications cannot be trusted by default. Instead, it urges companies to authenticate every access while considering every user and application a possible risk. Zero trust is an excellent foundation for companies looking to establish strong cybersecurity measures. It can handle the intricacies of today’s work environment, including hybrid workplaces, and safeguard individuals, devices, applications, and data regardless of location.

It’s essential to note that despite how security vendors may promote it, zero trust isn’t a one-stop solution or platform. It cannot be acquired from a vendor and activated with a click of a button. Instead, zero trust is a strategic approach – a framework that requires a systematic implementation process.

Implementing zero trust: Three core principles to remember

If you are planning to adopt a zero-trust framework to enhance your IT security, it’s crucial to bear in mind three fundamental principles:

1. Assume breach and minimize the impact

Rather than waiting for a security breach to occur, adopting a proactive approach to cybersecurity by assuming risk is advisable. This entails treating applications, services, identities, and networks (both internal and external) as potentially compromised. Doing so can enhance your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, boost your overall security, and, most importantly, safeguard your business.

2. Limit access 

The misuse of privileged access is a leading cause of cyberattacks. To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to restrict access to the minimum necessary level without disrupting day-to-day operations. Here are some specific security measures that organizations adopt to limit access:

• Just-in-time access (JIT): This approach restricts access to users, devices, or applications for a predetermined period. This limits the time individuals have access to critical systems.

• Principle of least privilege (PoLP): This approach grants users, devices, or applications minimum access or permissions required to perform their job functions.

• Segmented application access (SAA): This approach restricts users to permitted applications, preventing unauthorized users from accessing the network.

3. Continually verify

It is advisable to adopt a “never trust, always verify” strategy for security and constantly verify the identity and access rights of users, devices, and applications. To achieve this, deploying robust identity and access management (IAM) controls that define roles and access rights may be beneficial, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access relevant information.

Need help? We’re here for you. 

Implementing zero trust compliance on your own can be a challenging undertaking. Fortunately, partnering with an IT service provider like us can alleviate the burden. By leveraging our advanced technologies and expertise, you can establish a zero-trust framework within your business without recruiting additional talent or procuring additional tools.

It’s Time to Bust These 4 Ransomware Myths

/in , , /by

Given the prevalence and sophistication of ransomware attacks, businesses need to be proactive regarding safeguarding their data and systems. Unfortunately, some companies may succumb to false beliefs about ransomware that leave them exposed and unable to handle an incident properly. Therefore, it is essential for all organizations, regardless of size, to ensure that they are familiar with these myths to avoid being taken advantage of by malicious cybercriminals.

Ransomware is a serious threat, so it’s essential to make sure you have the facts. Here we’ll look at four of the most common misconceptions and set things straight, offering the information you need to protect your company. Taking steps now can help prevent an attack by cybercriminals and mitigate risks, so let’s get started.

Top Myths to Bust

Without further ado, let’s debunk the ransomware myths you should avoid at any cost:

Myth #1: My backups will get me back up and running if I get hit with ransomware.


Contrary to popular belief, backups are not always enough to protect against ransomware. Cybercriminals have become increasingly skilled in their techniques and often target backup files as part of their malicious strategies. Therefore, companies must ensure their backup systems are secure and safe from attack.

The prevalence of double extortion attacks has meant that organizations can no longer rely solely on a backup strategy to protect their data. Cybercriminals are now capable of encrypting data and threatening to leak sensitive data in exchange for a ransom payment.

Myth #2: My business isn’t a target for ransomware attacks.

Cybercriminals don’t discriminate when it comes to ransomware attacks. Businesses of all sizes and across all industries are vulnerable targets, regardless of the perceived value of their data. It is a myth that small enterprises or those with ‘insignificant’ data are not at risk – this couldn’t be further from the truth!

With the rise of more sophisticated and efficient cybercrime, hackers have expanded their target demographic, making businesses of all sizes prime targets. The best defense is to assume your business is a target and take proactive measures to protect your data and systems.

Myth #3: If my business gets hit with ransomware, I’ll pay the ransom and return to business.

Many businesses believe that paying a ransom is the quickest and easiest way to recover encrypted data. However, that’s just a dangerous assumption.

Paying a ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will keep their word and provide the decryption key. Also, paying a ransom only encourages cybercriminals to carry out more attacks in the future.

The best way to protect your business is to have a solid backup strategy and a comprehensive security plan in place.

Myth #4: My antivirus software (or any other security solution) provides complete protection from ransomware attacks.


No single security product alone is enough to protect against ransomware, so it’s crucial to implement a defense-in-depth strategy. Antivirus software can play an essential role, but there is no magic solution that will keep ransomware away from your business. While nothing is completely foolproof, instituting multiple layers of protection is an effective way to build the most resilient defense possible.

Partner to succeed

With proper preparation, your company can ensure that your data and systems are as secure as possible can go a long way toward thwarting a ransomware attack. Our team offers no-obligation consultations to assist you in fortifying your organization against cyber threats. Do not hesitate to reach out for further details.

Top 4 Co-Managed IT Myths

/in , , , /by

When it comes to technology management, business owners must weigh the pros and cons of leveraging an in-house IT staff or outsourcing the services. But there is a third way to approach the situation – co-managed IT. This strategy is beneficial because it combines the advantages of having your in-house staff with specialized insight from outsourced professionals.

By utilizing a “best of both worlds” approach, companies can bridge any existing technology-based gaps without needing to put in the time and money for qualified personnel.

Unfortunately, many myths surrounding co-managed IT can hinder the ability to make an informed decision. This blog post aims to highlight these misconceptions and help you realize the immense advantages of adopting this approach for your business’s growth.

Myths debunked

Myth #1: My business isn’t big enough to need outsourced co-managed IT.

Though it is often assumed that outsourced IT services are reserved for larger enterprises, co-managed IT solutions are available to businesses of any size. By working with a reliable service provider, companies can access customizable support that covers gaps and allows them to meet their goals better. Furthermore, even small organizations can suffer from cyber threats, making using an IT partner’s advanced security measures all the more crucial.

Myth #2: An outsourced IT specialist is less vested in my business’s success than my internal staff.

This is not true. When selecting an IT service provider, ensuring a commitment to your business and its success is vital. A co-managed IT services model is a great way to ensure that the service provider becomes an integrated part of your team. In contrast, the internal team maintains ultimate control over the relationship. In such cases, the external provider will be focused on helping you achieve your goals and objectives for maximum success.

Myth #3: My business won’t be able to afford co-managed IT.

Many people wrongly assume that co-managed IT is a costly solution. The cost efficiency of partnering with an external service provider to share the workload cannot be understated. The financial impact from potential downtime caused by internal IT staff attempting to deal with unanticipated problems or malfunctions can also be much greater than what you would pay for co-managed IT services.

Myth #4: My internal IT staff will lose their jobs.

Rather than swap out existing resources, a more collaborative approach is implemented through a “partnership” solution. With this model in place, internal IT personnel and external IT providers each have well-defined duties that mutually reinforce one another. This alliance focuses on shared corporate objectives without any need for redundancies within your internal tech team, instead providing them with the chance to collaborate with specialist and expert-level technicians, enabling your firm to secure optimal results.

Need help?

When considering co-managed IT, it is essential to remember that not all IT service providers are the same. Therefore, selecting an experienced partner can make a big difference in accomplishing your plan. That is why it is essential to partner with a vendor who comprehends your company’s unique needs before making any decisions.

And that’s where we come in!

Achieving success through the use of co-managed IT is within reach for your business. Our tailored services are designed to meet your requirements and goals so that you can make the most of this path. Get in touch with us now to assess how co-managed IT could benefit you and find out about our aid in meeting your firm’s IT demands.

Does Your Business Need Co-Managed IT?

/in , , /by

Maintaining your business’s IT infrastructure can be done in various ways. One choice is to employ fully managed IT, where an external source takes charge, dealing with monitoring and problem resolution. Another option is co-managed IT, which provides extra aid to internal IT staff without replacing their role. In this article, we discuss how co-managed IT may benefit your company and indications that you may require it.

Co-managed IT provides supplemental support to your internal IT department. With the assistance of a managed service provider, you can guarantee your in-house IT staff is receiving the help they need. It isn’t necessary to replace their efforts; instead, it is meant to supplement them. This external provider will aid with alert systems, maintenance tasks, and troubleshooting so that no patch gets overlooked and your internal team can prioritize higher-value projects without worry.

In this blog, we’ll explain how co-managed IT can benefit your business and highlight a few signs that might indicate your business needs it.

Why your business might need co-managed IT

A few signs might indicate that your business needs co-managed IT:

Missed project deadlines

Failure to complete projects on time can indicate that the internal IT team needs help. Engaging an IT service provider may be the answer, as they can access resources and tools not readily available in-house. 

Partnering with an IT service provider can help your internal IT team stay on track by providing the necessary resources and tools. This will help your IT team complete projects on time and help your organization achieve its business objectives.

Overwhelmed in-house IT staff

When it feels like the internal IT team at an organization is becoming strained, co-managed IT services can provide much-needed assistance. These services are incredibly beneficial for a business as they not only help to lighten the burden on the internal IT staff but also allow them to focus on more essential tasks. Therefore, co-management of IT can be a lifesaver for organizations needing extra support.


Extensive downtime and disruptions 

Continuous interruptions and outages can harm any company, as well as create a source of anxiety for an IT department. When an organization goes through these issues frequently, the in-house IT staff may require assistance in effectively managing the situation.

An IT service provider can help by monitoring your systems and proactively identifying and addressing potential issues. This will help your IT team and save your business from the adverse effects of extended downtime and disruptions.

Lack of adequate tools and resources

Utilizing an IT service provider’s services can benefit an organization’s internal IT team. A co-managed IT strategy can make essential tools and resources available to ensure the team works as efficiently as possible. This kind of support will also help keep organizational systems running smoothly, freeing them from any technical issues that could result in downtime.

An IT service provider can help

As an experienced IT service provider, we understand the importance of a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure for businesses. We offer various services, including fully managed and co-managed IT, to help organizations like yours reduce downtime, improve internal IT processes and drive growth.

Are co-managed IT services right for your business? We’re here to assist you in determining the advantages this could bring to your organization. To help your internal IT staff, we provide a wide range of resources and tools. Additionally, our team is committed to giving you whatever guidance is necessary for success.