Keep Your Data Secure With a Mobile Security Strategy

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Most businesses count on mobile devices to stay productive. Unfortunately, without managing endpoints correctly with a proper mobile security strategy, you’re left vulnerable. Given that mobile devices face a complex array of threats, the typical endpoint management must be reconsidered, and that’s what a good mobile security strategy seeks to do.

For example, losing a mobile device is quite easy — much easier than losing something as large as a laptop. That’s an obvious threat but less obvious is the way mobile devices are often connecting to insecure networks, which can result in data breaches. Therefore, IT leaders are tasked with seeking out solutions that will make mobile devices safer to use, especially considering the numerous malicious applications that target sensitive data.

Accessing the Right Security Tools

The foundation of a mobile security strategy is found in mobile threat defense tools. The goal is to use these tools to create virtual private networks so user network connections are safe and secure to use. Encryption tools are also valuable because, should a mobile device be lost or stolen, the data within it will be useless to those who shouldn’t have access to it. Furthermore, encryption tools help in keeping data safe as it migrates.

Mobile threat detection is also a weapon in the arsenal that every mobile security strategy should include. Detection tools utilize an analytics engine, which can track user behavior, establish a baseline, and offer warnings when an anomaly is detected. An analytics engine is a proactive measure that can stop a threat dead in its tracks.

Threat detection tools are also used to send alerts should a mobile device be reconfigured, thus giving administrators the insights they need to take action in a quick manner.

User Agreements

Apps give users the ability to improve their workflow, but there are malicious apps out there that can derail your progress. Mobile administrators need to inform users about app usage and take it a step further by creating a list of apps that are known to be less than secure and that users should never download them.

Administrators can create alerts for when a user tries to download an app that has been placed on the list and take action. For example, they can uninstall an app that has been downloaded or simply disable it. To ensure that the user doesn’t do it again, administrators should send an email detailing the action taken.

Truth Comm has the answers to your mobile security strategy needs. We’ll partner with you just as we have with clients in 49 states and 32 countries — bringing unified communications solutions that are the cornerstone of any business. Contact us, and let’s get started on a comprehensive plan that fits your business.

Evaluating Enterprise Firewalls for Performance, Security Requirements

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As the threat landscape changes and networking tools become more complex, the requirements for enterprise firewalls are also changing. Evaluating enterprise firewalls demands careful attention to a variety of considerations:

Performance: It’s important to not just take the provider’s word for it when it comes to performance stats. Even testing can be deceiving because firewalls generally perform well in light traffic. Instead, you need to test the firewall performance at scale — with encryption turned on. Approximately 80% of traffic is encrypted, and you need to see if performance levels hold when encryption is turned on.

You should also examine how performance is impacted with all major functions turned on, including user and application identification, anti-malware, and URL filtering and logging. In many cases, the firewall performance numbers that providers offer are achieved with features turned off. Enterprises often choose firewall solutions based on certain features, but then find that they can’t meet performance requirements when they use those features.

Before committing to a particular provider, run as many tests with different types of traffic as possible.

Security Strategy: When choosing enterprise firewalls, there are often two routes enterprises take: 1) enterprise firewalls provided by the existing security solution, or 2) a best-of-breed strategy. The best-of-breed may give you the impression that it’s bolstering your overall security strategy, but working with multiple providers can create an overly complex security plan. You may have unidentified gaps or struggle to coordinate the level of security you need across all of your providers.

Form Factors: Enterprise firewalls used to be a centralized element of the IT environment, housed at the data center. But now that networks have a more open infrastructure, enterprises need consistency across the solution. Providers need to offer the following form factors: internet edge, data centers, mid-size and small branch offices, virtual machine, and cloud-delivered. In addition, most providers won’t have a containerized form factor, but they should have a plan for integration in the future.

Centralized Management: The providers you’re considering may talk a lot about their extensive product line, but this may be meaningless to you if they don’t also offer a centralized management dashboard. It’s important that you’re able to make a change to enterprise firewalls and then push it out across the network.

Automation: While it’s natural to think of automation in terms of reducing the personnel cost for network management, it may be more important in terms of predicting behaviors compared to a baseline and executing protection measures more quickly. Look for automation functions in areas such as workflow, policy, identification, and enforcement.

If you’re shopping for enterprise firewalls, contact us at Truth Comm. We can remove some of the complexity of the process, simply by helping you leverage the right solution for your performance and security requirements.

The Importance of Native SD-WAN Security

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Digital transformation is about more than simply shifting workloads into the cloud or issuing Internet of Things (IoT) devices to your staff; it’s about disrupting business processes for innovation, better productivity, and elevated customer experiences. Enterprises should expect their traditional hub-and-spoke networking approach won’t support this new digital existence. Software-defined wide area networking (SD-WAN) is offering the necessary network upgrades, and with this new technology comes a need to address SD-WAN security.

In many situations, the network team gets excited about the range of benefits they can expect with SD-WAN: the ability to segment network traffic according to the critical nature of the transmission, improved visibility, and control, scalability, agility, and flexibility. Some enterprises report lower WAN costs as they shift traffic from more costly multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) pathways to public internet for applications that don’t require real-time connectivity, such as email or social media messaging.

What’s often forgotten in the push to implement SD-WAN and gain these benefits is a close look at SD-WAN security. Once the solution is in the process of being deployed, gaps begin to become evident in the security side of the implementation. Part of the issue is that many of the providers supplying SD-WAN don’t offer adequate security for this level of networking. They may only support stateful security and internet protocol security virtual private networks (VPNs).

To address the limited SD-WAN security, enterprises are adding security tools post-deployment. Actions such as adding on an additional firewall or networking gear with IPS isn’t adequate for the level of security necessary across the network. For instance, SD-WAN is often limited to Layer 3 controls, while more advanced controls are not provided, such as Layer 4 and 7 for URL filtering and application inspection.

Enterprises may consider adding a security overlay, but this can be challenging because they may not have adequate resources to launch and fine-tune this type of technology, particularly if it needs to be added at a branch location. In addition, legacy security features may not have the ability to adapt to SD-WAN’s dynamic flexibility and elastic architecture.

The elements of native SD-WAN security: When evaluating SD-WAN solutions, there are a few items you need to ensure are included in the option you select.

  • Next-generation firewall functions, with intrusion prevention system (IPS) inspection, flexible VPN, web filtering, anti-malware and sandboxing.
  • A centralized method for collecting and analyzing threats.
  • An interconnected security deployment across systems.
  • Integration between security tools for advanced monitoring and detection.
  • Continuous assessment of threats.
  • Ability to leverage all security technology to address threats at digital speeds with a dynamic approach.

All SD-WAN solutions are not created equal, which becomes more evident as you examine SD-WAN security. Don’t make the mistake of being forced to patch together adequate security when you’re already well into deployment and implementation. Contact us at Truth Comm for more information about SD-WAN security.

Cyber Attacks Go to the Next Level With Automation

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If you thought cyber attacks were already unavoidable, learning that cybercriminals are now automating their attacks probably doesn’t give you much hope for the future of cyber security.

Cybercriminals are taking attacks to the next level by having machines do their bidding. The damage to critical systems, businesses, and the individuals within them could be devastating, which is why configuring your systems for heightened security is on the short list for many IT professionals.

While notable companies, including Dunkin Donuts, have already been hit by automated cyber attacks, they aren’t confined to big businesses. Even small- to medium-sized businesses are being exploited, you’re just not reading headlines about it.

The biggest companies within the antivirus protection industry have taken note, saying 2019 will be the breakout year for artificial intelligence-based attacks, and it’s a scare tactic to generate more business — it’s already happening.

Password Weakness

The most obvious and frequently exploited weakness in any organization is the passwords employees use to gain access to your system. The tools hackers develop to guess passwords have become increasingly more effective.

You can think of every possible avenue through which hackers can get into your system and develop layers of security solutions, but if password hygiene isn’t part of your education program for your employees, it won’t protect you.

Attack of the Chatbots

Chatbots are saving companies a lot of money, but they can also fall victim to input manipulation where the hacker infects it with malware and makes it work for them, gathering your information and taking it places you don’t want it to go.

Furthermore, cybercriminals have developed chatbots of their own, through which they can inflict great damage as they impersonate legitimate chatbots.

Protecting Your System

Don’t risk losing your data — take steps to limit your exposure to these attacks. Begin by utilizing secure cloud platforms to house and access your critical assets. Partner with a managed security service provider to assist you in safeguarding your information. Boost your password hygiene efforts with two-factor authentication, and frequently visit your cyber security plan, because a stagnant one is vulnerable as hackers continue to evolve.

If you’re looking for an agent that has a line on the latest cyber attack solutions, contact us at Truth Comm. We help our clients stay ahead of the technology curve and clarify the latest in business technology. If it’s a cost-effective, strategic decision about technology that you need, we’re your agent.

Cloud Security Strategies Should Include a Stable Agent Partner

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Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) deserve the headlines they’ve generated over the last few years, and these technologies have been used to shore up cloud security for many organizations. However, technology alone can’t solve all the issues that IT teams encounter where security is concerned.

The Machine Learning Method

When you want to collect data and then analyze specific features of it to set up and train models, machine learning is your friend. You can augment your models to accomplish various outcomes, and this is something that is of great use to enterprises that have massive amounts of data.

But machine learning isn’t specifically for large companies — it can also be leveraged in small- to medium-sized businesses that want more automation in their business model.

The Cloud and AI

What was once a rarity in the cloud environment is now the norm for cloud providers. They’re embracing AI for more enhanced security services. For example, providers have adopted Amazon’s AWS (Amazon Web Services), which is a mix of Infrastructure as a Service and Platform as a Service, for continuously monitoring their systems for added protection against actions that are not authorized.

For organizations that want added layers of protection running in the background, AI and AWS can be of great interest, especially for hyperscale cloud providers due in part to the massive amounts of data that move across their networks.

Other Methods for Protection

Despite all of the advancements of AI and machine learning, there are a number of third-party security providers who are not willing to say it’s a fix-all for organizations looking for more protections. Rather, they would like to see the technology more in tune with various binary decisions, because many malware detection solutions offer exceptional scanning tools that can protect the most sensitive information.

While a robust method of adding more layers of cloud security is never a bad idea, the cost can be considerable, which is why some organizations have found a reliable and sensible method of running simple statistical analysis on a regular basis rather than rely on AI and machine learning for everything.

Employee Training

The latest technologies can provide a great amount of assurance for enhanced cloud security, but without the right employee training, the time, effort and cost put toward hi-tech tools can be thwarted.

Educating the workforce on how they become the weak link in a system can protect against unforeseen insider issues. Education, technology and a third-party provider of managed services can combine for a more comprehensive cloud security solution.

At Truth Comm, we are the agent that can put your organization in touch with the cloud security solutions you need to maintain the integrity of your data and your reputation. Contact us and let’s get started on a safer, more efficient way of protecting your system.

Cybersecurity Is Essential for Every Business. Is Your Data Secure?

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In today’s digital age, businesses are turning toward technological mediums to promote their services. There are more options across various platforms than ever before, whether it is social media or electronic advertisements. However, more options mean more chances of cyberattacks. Thus, you must be prepared to defend yourself.

No business is exempt from vulnerability. Regardless of the size of the business, cyberattacks can strike at any time. Recovery is difficult, especially for businesses that are not prepared. It is vital to be ready for uncertainty and risk in the future.

A business’s data breach costs a fortune – both financially and commercially. The price of a data breach immensely affects customers as well. Not only must businesses deal with the dollar amount, but they also must compensate for lost credibility, assets, confidential information, credit scores, and customer loyalty.

Smaller, growing businesses are in even more danger. For example, some businesses that operate as vendors for larger companies have more risks; they usually have less indemnity and emergency preparation. If targeted, the data breach would also negatively affect the larger company.

Protection against potential threats and IT hazards should be a primary concern for each business. Cybersecurity needs to go beyond mere consideration; it must be a necessity and is it is crucial for a company to preserve, maintain, and secure data.

The pressure to meet and uphold cash flow, customer, and management needs is one reason companies must improve and boost their security. Every business needs both defense against and preparation for the worst possible outcome.

Often, businesses fall into the false presumption that cybersecurity is not essential because they never consider potential harm or believe that cybersecurity is too pricey. However, no business is truly safe from data breaches. Additionally, businesses will save more in the long run if they invest in cybersecurity; thus, the expense of rebuilding a company – both in finance and credibility – will outweigh the price to pay for protection against threats.

Your business should consider a cost-efficient defense against data breach: freelance security experts. These experts can strategize effective solutions, locate vulnerable spots, develop preparations and plans, and implement proactive solutions. Take the necessary steps to guard your company against any possible cyberattacks.

At Truth Comm, your business’s security is one of our priorities. Our aim is to educate you so that you can make the best and safest decision for your business. Contact us today to secure your future.

The Security Problems Caused by Employee Cloud Adoption

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For the last two decades, business security strategies have largely been focused on the perimeter. Firewalls and email filters have worked well to ensure that hackers and questionable sites have no power to disrupt business activities. Your staff knows how to recognize phishing and they are prompted to change passwords on a regular basis. The problem is that none of these measures protect your company from the dangers of employee cloud adoption.

What seems harmless to your employees can be disastrous for the enterprise network. For instance, imagine you have a new sales rep that used a cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) solution at their old job. In their excitement to be successful, the sales rep clears the cost of the subscription with their sales manager and away they go, credit card in hand and ready to get started.

Sales goals are met, the sales manager is pleased, but before long, dozens of customer files are in the cloud without the protection of your security measures. As more sales reps hear about the success of their colleague with a cloud CRM, they begin to access the solution and enter their own customers’ data. As a result, employee-level cloud adoption takes off and countless data points are now unprotected.

With a perimeter security approach, this type of employee cloud adoption can go on for years without detection by the IT team. It’s easy to imagine it happening in sales, but on every team and in every department, there’s the potential for downloading a cloud finance tool or a scheduling app that seems completely harmless but presents another area of vulnerability for your organization.

One potential way this type of employee cloud adoption can impact a company is the simple availability of the data. Imagine a sales rep moves on to another company, and they discover that their password still works on the CRM. Now they are working for the competitor, but they have access to customer files, marketing plans, and pricing strategies.

The best IT policies won’t prevent employee cloud adoption, and your perimeter approach won’t secure your network in the cloud age. You need a high level of visibility into network traffic, and you need a tripwire that recognizes when a cloud-based solution is interacting with your internal network so that you can determine user access and other security protocols that protect your infrastructure.

Truth Comm provides the network support you need to protect your enterprise. To learn more about the potential for a security breach through employee cloud adoption, contact us for an appointment.

Security Must Be a Priority in Digital Transformation

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With so many avenues through which security can be compromised, chief security officers are busy making sure their outreach efforts aren’t compromising their systems and data.

A good example of how this happens is in marketing campaigns. These campaigns are designed to pull in a multitude of customer information, yet that often occurs through unverified partner systems. If you have a separate unit operating through digital sales channels, you’ve got yet another channel where data storage is being processed. Unfortunately, it’s processes like this that often don’t include security protocols or IT involvement.

Digitizing the Security Model
Today’s security models are almost 100 percent digitized. Those that haven’t moved that way completely are at least somewhere along the process of digitization. Despite the challenges involved in digitization, security can’t be a low item of importance on the list. Cyber defense strategies must be considered.
If you’re in the process of transforming your company in the digital sense, you know there has to be a collaborative effort on the part of your security team, which educates every party involved. They have to take the lead in making sure everyone knows they’re accountable for the security of the entire system. One weak link can bring down a system and compromise data, which can be costly, if not nearly impossible to recover from in the worst cases.

Establishing Gatekeepers
The security team can be considered the gatekeepers of which practices are safe and which can possibly compromise a system. This means communication among all departments is an integral part of the cybersecurity process. The security team should always be available to offer guidance, even on the smallest issues.

To take some of the burden off IT and the security team, online portals can be set up so all team members can gain access to security principles and protocols. This allows anyone who questions what they’re doing in regard to safety to take steps on their own without consulting with a security team or IT staff member.

At Truth Comm, we know digitization can be difficult for organizations unless they have a trusted leader to guide them. We offer auditing services to ensure our clients are paying what they should for services. If you want your digitization and security strategy to stay on budget, we have telecom expense management software that will help. Don’t let meeting security standards be a stress trigger anymore. Contact us today.

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