You’ve taken every precaution when protecting your data and your business. You’ve invested in a password manager with a secure vault and even administered Multiple Factor Authentication (MFA). This means you can rest easy knowing that your data is hack proof, right? 

Sorry folks, you’re still at risk, even with all you have implemented. Regardless, pat yourself on the back because all the steps mentioned above add more layers of protection and make it harder for hackers.  

That said, you trusted your password manager, but even the best of the best experience security and data breaches. It happens more than you think. Hackers thrive on the big guys in the industry, and that’s why it’s so crucial to not only feel protected but also receive transparency and recovery services from your password manager. 

Let’s recap the last few years. In 2021, Norton LifeLock and its members were victims of a data breach where hackers compromised its cloud storage, stealing millions of encrypted password vaults. Passwordstate also suffered a data breach in 2021, where hackers delivered a DLL file to users’ computers while an upgrade was running in the background. To make it even worse, users fell for another scheme when told to download an urgent fix for the hack.  

If you’ve ever seen those creepy videos on social media about the dark web, you know it’s a scary place. Hackers sell your information there, including passwords. Norton password manager users experienced this only a few days ago. LastPass password manager encountered a data breach very recently as well, where customers’ encrypted password vaults were stolen, along with non-encrypted customer data.

If you’re asking how hackers figure out the vault passwords since they’re encrypted, that’s a great question. Using brute-force attacks, cybercriminals purchase a list of previously compromised passwords on the dark web or download a free list of common passwords and try them everywhere.  

Multi-Factor Authentication will help protect you during these security and data breaches. Remember, you’re the only one receiving a one-time code as a second step to a password. Yes, it’s an extra step, but you know what takes much longer? Dealing with your stolen identity.

It’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not these days. Question everything and anything. Is it time to ditch password managers because of the vulnerability they expose during these breaches? 

The answer is no. It’s still the most secure method for protecting your passwords and business. If you hear of a breach at your password manager company, change all your passwords immediately, including your vault password and ensure they are all different. Remember, all your passwords need to be different, and it is the Password Vault that keeps them secure.  All you need is your Master Password, with Multifactor authentication of course.

Next up, we’ll be talking about how to choose a strong password.

Welcome to the world of cybersecurity! With the rise of digital threats, it’s more important than ever for businesses to keep their data and systems safe. One of the best ways to do this is by having a Security Operations Center (SOC). But what exactly is a SOC, and how can it help protect your business?  

In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of SOC management and introduce you to the concept of a managed SOC. Whether you’re a small business owner just starting to consider cybersecurity measures or a seasoned IT professional looking to enhance your security strategy, this post will provide you with a solid foundation for understanding the importance of a managed SOC.  

So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of cybersecurity together! 

Introduction

As a small or medium-sized business owner, it’s vital to protect your business from cyber threats. A key element of any cybersecurity strategy is a Security Operations Center (SOC), a centralized facility that provides 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response to security incidents. 

In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to the concept of a managed SOC, and explain how it can benefit your business. We’ll provide essential information for those new to cybersecurity, and take a deeper dive into the benefits of a managed SOC and what you should consider when selecting a provider. By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of the basics of SOC management, including the key components, benefits, and best practices. Let’s explore how a managed SOC can help safeguard your business from cyber threats, and how Sandra Network can help you every step of the way. 

Does Your Business Need a Managed Service Provider?

In today’s fast-paced and tech-driven business landscape, the question arises: Does your business need a managed service provider (MSP)? 

The answer is a resounding yes! A managed service provider can be a game-changer for your business, offering a wealth of benefits and expertise that can propel your operations to new heights. From ensuring the security and stability of your IT infrastructure to providing proactive monitoring and support, an MSP brings a wealth of knowledge and resources to the table. 

By partnering with an MSP, you gain access to a team of dedicated professionals who specialize in managing and optimizing your technology systems, allowing you to focus on your core business objectives. Say goodbye to the headaches of managing your IT internally and embrace the strategic advantages that come with partnering with a trusted managed service provider. 

Your business deserves the peace of mind, efficiency, and competitive edge that only an MSP can provide.

What is a SOC?

A Security Operations Center (SOC) is a centralized facility that provides 24/7 monitoring, detection, and response to security incidents. Its primary purpose is to identify and mitigate cybersecurity threats to your business, including both internal and external threats. Cybersecurity professionals staff a SOC and utilize specialized tools and techniques to monitor network activity, detect potential security incidents, and respond to security threats as quickly as possible.

The key components of a SOC include people, processes, and technology. The people component includes cybersecurity professionals who are responsible for monitoring and responding to security incidents. The processes component includes documented procedures for identifying and responding to security incidents, while the technology component includes tools and technologies used to monitor network activity and detect potential security incidents. 

Benefits of having a SOC

• Continuous monitoring and rapid response to security incidents to minimize the damage caused by cyber-attacks. 
• Compliance with regulatory requirements for data security, particularly for businesses in heavily regulated industries. 
• Enhanced visibility into security events and potential threats, allowing for proactive threat hunting and faster incident response times. 
• Reduced risk of business disruption, financial losses, and reputational damage resulting from cyber attacks. 
• Increased confidence and trust from customers and partners due to a demonstrated commitment to protecting sensitive information. 
• Improved incident detection and response, which helps to identify and mitigate security incidents more quickly and effectively. 
• Greater efficiency and effectiveness in managing security incidents, resulting in reduced downtime and faster recovery times. 
• Access to specialized cybersecurity expertise and tools that are often cost-prohibitive for businesses to develop and maintain in-house. 

Managed SOC vs. In-House SOC 

As a business owner, you have two options for managing your SOC: you can either build an in-house SOC or outsource your SOC to a managed SOC provider. Each approach has its own pros and cons, and the right choice for your business will depend on a range of factors. 

Managed SOC vs. In-House SOC: What’s the Difference? 

An in-house SOC is a facility that is built and maintained by your business. Your own cybersecurity professionals staff an in-house SOC and are responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents, whereas a managed SOC is an outsourced facility run by a third-party provider. The provider is responsible for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security incidents on your behalf, using their own cybersecurity professionals and tools. 

Pros and Cons of Each Approach 

In-House SOC 

Pros: 

• Complete control over your security operations 
• Direct access to your own cybersecurity team 
• Easier to tailor to your specific business needs 

Cons: 

• Requires significant upfront investment in infrastructure, staffing, and training 
• Ongoing maintenance costs can be high 
• May lack the expertise and tools available from a specialized managed SOC provider 

Managed SOC 

Pros: 

• No upfront investment required 
• Access to specialized cybersecurity expertise and tools 
• Lower overall maintenance costs 

Cons: 

• Reduced control over your security operations 
• Less direct access to your cybersecurity team 
• May require some level of integration with existing IT infrastructure 
• Factors to Consider when Choosing Between Managed SOC and In-House SOC 

When choosing between a managed SOC and an in-house SOC, you should consider a range of factors, including your business size, industry, regulatory requirements, and budget.  

An in-house SOC may be a better fit if you have significant security needs and resources to invest in, while a managed SOC may be a better fit if you have limited resources or want access to specialized cybersecurity expertise and tools.  

Ultimately, the right choice for your business will depend on your unique needs and circumstances. 

Get a Free Risk Assessment

How Does a Managed SOC Work? 

A managed SOC is an outsourced cybersecurity service that is designed to help businesses detect, analyze, and respond to security incidents.

It operates by providing around-the-clock monitoring of your IT infrastructure and applications, using advanced tools and technologies to identify and alert your team of any security threats. 

How Does a Managed SOC Operate? 

A managed SOC operates by collecting data from across your IT environment, such as logs, network traffic, and other security events. Advanced security tools and techniques are used to analyze the data and identify potential threats, which are then escalated to your team for further investigation and response.

The managed SOC team provides a range of services to help protect your business, including vulnerability assessments, threat intelligence, incident response, and compliance management. 

Services Provided by a Managed SOC 

A managed SOC provides a range of services to help protect your business, including: 

• Continuous monitoring of your IT infrastructure and applications 
• Real-time threat detection and alerting 
• Vulnerability assessments and risk management 
• Incident response and remediation 
• Compliance management and reporting 
• Threat intelligence and analysis 
• Security awareness training for employees 

Benefits of Using a Managed SOC 

By using a managed SOC, you can benefit from: 

• 24/7 security monitoring and incident response 
• Access to specialized cybersecurity expertise and tools 
• Faster incident detection and response times 
• Reduced risk of business disruption and financial losses 
• Improved compliance with regulatory requirements 
• Enhanced visibility into security events and potential threats 
• Increased confidence and trust from customers and partners 

Moreover, at Sandra Network, we offer a comprehensive managed SOC service that is tailored to your unique business needs. Our team of experienced cybersecurity professionals will work with you to develop a customized security strategy, that addresses your specific risks and requirements.  

With our managed SOC service, you can have peace of mind knowing that your business is protected around the clock from evolving cyber threats. 

Managed SOC Best Practices 

Working with a managed SOC provider can be an effective way to ensure that your business is protected from cyber threats. To get the most out of your partnership, consider the following tips: 

• Choose a provider with a strong track record of delivering high-quality services. 
• Clearly define your security requirements and expectations in your service level agreement (SLA). 
• Regularly communicate with your provider to ensure that they are aware of your evolving business needs and security priorities. 
• Provide your provider with access to your IT environment and security policies and procedures. 
• Conduct regular reviews of the provider’s performance against the SLA and make necessary adjustments. 

At Sandra Network, we work closely with our clients to understand their unique business needs and security objectives and develop a customized security strategy that aligns with their goals.  

We provide around-the-clock security monitoring and incident response, leveraging the latest security tools and technologies to ensure that our clients are protected from cyber threats.  

Our clients have access to a team of experienced security experts who are dedicated to keeping their IT environment safe and secure. 

Understanding the importance of cybersecurity is essential for businesses of all sizes. In addition to utilizing a Managed SOC, there are other measures that companies can take to protect themselves from cyber threats. For example, implementing a password vault and working with a managed service provider can also enhance your organization’s security.

Conclusion

As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, it’s crucial for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect their assets.

A managed SOC provides businesses with 24/7 security monitoring, access to cutting-edge security tools and technologies, and a team of expert security professionals.

We at Sandra Network are committed to assisting our clients in safeguarding their businesses against cyber threats. If you would like to learn more about our managed SOC services, please visit our website or contact us to schedule a consultation.

Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your business with a managed SOC. 

Understanding Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and its importance in today’s world

Meet Multiple Factor Authentication (MFA), the ultimate security solution that adds an extra layer of protection to your login process. In today’s world, where cyber threats are at an all-time high, protecting your online accounts has never been more critical.

Our last article left off with the idea of added security steps to protect your data beyond the heavily guarded password vault. Hackers are getting smarter every day, and people continue to make avoidable mistakes. 

According to security.org, 25% of password managers reuse their master passwords on other sites. Your business must be one step ahead of everyone else. Well, at least two or more, that is. 

The different types of MFA and how they work

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds added layers of safety to your log-in procedure. MFA in your everyday life is more familiar to you than you think. If your log-in prompts a code sent to your phone to input, you have experienced 2 Factor Authentication (2FA). Or someone hacks into your system, they will not have access to this code. If you lose your phone or it is stolen, added layers, if chosen, protect you further.  

A third later is known as biometric authentication and proves something you are. A perfect example is when your phone uses Face ID to access a website. As you know, it does not work for anyone else but you. It proves that you have the right to enter a particular system and are who you say you are.  

Setting up MFA

Suppose you were to think of a non-technology scenario where the concept of MFA occurs. How about the VIP section of a venue? After conquering the first step of the busy front door with identification, another layer of security is needed to gain access to the VIP section. You can only come in if you know the secret password. This venue tends to use the same passwords as their other locations, so you try the earlier one that worked last weekend and it worked! Innovative thinking on your end, not theirs.  

The outcome might not have been the same if there had been a third layer of protection, such as having your name on a VIP list.  

Now back to technology. With all these layers, you are entirely safe, correct? Unfortunately, as we will continue to mention throughout our blog series, security breaches will persist. That means some hackers can get through the layers, but the more you have, the harder it will be.  

Next up, learn about security breaches and what you need to know. 

At present, digital developments are rocking nearly every business, and the cloud is at the heart of many of the most significant shifts. New cloud based telecom services are capable of everything from paperless offices to remote work.

And it appears that a cloud is forming over the long-standing telecom software solutions as well.

The real kicker is that, for the most part, the cloud predicts sunlight rather than rain, but many businesses are still keeping umbrellas on hand in these early days. Regardless of whether some businesses are willing to accept or not, cloud-based telecom services are here to stay.

Just by looking at the evolution of our communication methods, one can predict the inevitability of advancement. Phones, tablets, and laptops are non-negotiable entities of our lives, and hence the demand for telecom service providers is at an all-time high.

One is more likely to miss out on a light earthquake but will go berserk if the internet speed takes a minor dip.

The ever-increasing and diverse need has resulted in a cloud-fronted transition, which is the most major shift in telecom software solutions since IP-based communications became popular.

A significant proportion of telecom services now fall under the category of “Cloud-based Telecom services,” with communication methods spun around cloud computing in the workplace and for customer benefits.

Telecom solutions Flare Under Cloud Umbrella

UCaaS is the umbrella under which most telecom cloud services fall (Unified Communications as a Service). Various communication and collaboration services, such as messaging, video conferencing, and telephony, are included in this cloud delivery paradigm. APIs and CPaaS (communications platform as a service) are also included in this category (application programming interfaces).

Did you know that 3.9 million Americans have been working from home?

The remote work revolution is on the rise, and our technology is rapidly adapting to our needs. For the most part, these innovative cloud-based telecom services are bringing change to the communication and collaboration of diverse teams in the industry.

Every organization and individual may now manage communications easily and affordably.

Gone are the days when businesses had to keep up with emails, phone calls, and letters.

All communications are combined in one simple and economic package with UCaaS and its alternatives.

This ensures that interactions take seconds rather than hours, saving time and increasing efficiency over slower older techniques.

How does the Future look for Cloud Based Telecom service Providers?

When it comes to moving forward, it’s also crucial to think about how the telecom industry plans to stay up with the rapidly changing cloud world. If this cooperation with the cloud is to yield benefits, the telecommunications industry will have to stay one step ahead of the latest developments.

As of now, only time can tell whether the hype of cloud based telecom services has lived up to its expectations.

You can love it or hate it; nevertheless, there’s no disputing that it has revolutionized the way we do it all, including communication. And with the correct focus, it is blooming with the potential.

Sandra Network INC. have successfully incorporated Telecom Cloud Services into their far-reaching brochure of IT services. Contact them today and let the experts steer your organization.

It pays to be prepared. Quite literally, if you are in the business world. Running a business in 2022 means prioritizing customer experience and that defines the need of Data Backup Services.

That implies understanding their wants and wishes through extensive data analysis and management. Technology innovation has made most of these data handling operations convenient, efficient, and quicker. Giving the ultimate power to your tech infrastructure.

But, with great power comes great responsibility.

The moment you leverage these technological resources, you become vulnerable to the well-being and upkeep of your gadgets and data reservoirs.Data Backup Serviceshelp you armor yourself against every kind of potential cyber or human threat that can leave you distraught without your precious data.

BCDR development hasrevolutionized the domain of data protection and back solutions. The cutting-edge cloud backup services, business support tools, and friendly interface have alleviated businesses’ worryabout securing their data through callous measures.

But how can the businesses manifest these solutions into their management at a ground level?

The First Golden Rule of Backup.

Think of it like a three-lever lock being better than a one lever lock. While a one-lever lock does a very for-the-sake of it kind of job, it can be easily meddled with, thus putting your property at risk. More the number and innovation in protective layers, the better the protection.

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Have three copies of your data: Two backups in different formats and one backup stored offsite

An aware person would have a backup plan. An intelligent person would have a backup of their backup. Early men and tech seeking protection have adopted different variations of this rule.

Be Prepared with Data Backup Services

The exponential growth of data has boosted the popularity of IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS platforms, thanks to developments in cloud technologies.

On the other hand, external threats like ransomware cause severe downtime and data loss in enterprises without effective BCDR deployment.

As a result, businesses must be prepared to protect themselves from within, and professional Data Backup Services are designed to ensure that.

What is BCDR?

To ensure more resilience, efficiency, and security, business owners have incorporated BCDR, Or Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Plan. Itaims to make the backups more reliable than ever and optimizerecovery time for critical situations.

Today, most businesses team up with external Managed Service Providers and Cloud Backup service providers to ensure smooth processing and optimization of their IT resources.

As the ferocity of threats increases, we can no longer rely on ancient practices to give us the full-proof protection we need.

Automated Data Backup Services

Staying at the top in 2022 demands efforts that are not just good, but the efficiency that drives you to the endpoint before anyone else. Automated Business Continuity and Data Backup Services have omitted the hassle of manual setup and high-end investment in human and technical errorsasyou struggle to manage different file formats across multiple locations.

Thanks to the end-to-end encryption, comprehensive backup verification, and end-user restore option (from the cloud and otherwise), you can rest assured that your backups are secure and ready to use when you need them.

The experts at Sandra Networks INC recognize the true brilliance of business continuity and data backup services. They have been putting their IT expertise into implementing the striking features of the innovative cloud backup solutions in your regular business operations.