When a business sets out to add to their IT, they often choose the solutions based on their immediate needs. This is because when trying to look to the future an organization cannot know what obstacles will pop up. For this reason your organization’s IT department, whether you have in-house IT technicians or you utilize managed IT services from Future Gate CITS, has to be the ones that handle the implementation and management of your crucial IT.
With so many malignant situations to navigate and threats to squelch, having a dedicated software deployment strategy for all of your company’s needs is important. Many of today’s workers have a layman’s understanding of IT, and a decent understanding of the computers they use day-in and day-out, as they often use similar products outside of the office. As a result, today it is not uncommon for an employee to have several pieces of software on their workstation or device that hasn’t been approved for use by the organization. This is what is known as Shadow IT, and there are significant threats that every business owner, network administrator, and end-user will need to acknowledge in order to keep your organization safe.
Reasons for Shadow IT
In the continuous race that is business, sometimes end-users will find solutions that may do more harm than good.
Many times, workers will have everything they need to do their stated jobs. This includes hardware and software solutions. Typically, a business will buy licensed software that has need vetted by the IT department as secure and reliable for the production needs of a business. Any other software on the company-owned-and-managed workstation, tablet, or smartphone is Shadow IT. This can be simple titles such as third-party weather or traffic applications or games, but more often than not, they are applications users have downloaded deliberately to help them stay productive.
Shadow IT is often present in the software development world, where developers are constantly searching for software that can produce higher efficiencies in the management process, as well as the testing of new applications. This extraordinarily complex and time consuming construct isn’t the only place you can find Shadow IT, however. In many organizations, where there is no true uniformity to a software deployment strategy, and department heads decide what software works best for their departments, an organization’s IT administrators are often mistakenly kept out of the loop.
The Detriments of Unauthorized Software
Can an organization’s data and network security really be tested by unapproved applications?
For years, the manner in which companies deployed solutions necessitated them buying software titles and subsequently purchasing licenses for that software as needed to fill organizational demand. This model has been used for decades. With the introduction of Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings, it made available strong software titles that are often less expensive, service-based, or completely free-to-use. Since the average computer user today has access to more powerful computing apparati outside of their office, many users don’t see the harm in trying to improve their productivity by integrating applications they use outside of the office. Simply put, workers look on gains in productivity as a benefit for their business, not a detriment.
Of course, this user-implementation can have some pretty serious side effects. These Shadow IT applications are almost definitely set up outside the security solutions that protect your network, making them ripe for infiltration by nefarious entities. Any organizational data loss prevention strategy will certainly be breached by the implementation of any foreign application, as it wasn’t a core application identified by your IT administrators. Shadow IT is serious business to your IT support team. Consider that they are the guards attempting to protect the gates of a giant, self sustained castle, only to have the people that work inside the castle order resources from outside the castle walls. Sure, most of the time the Shadow IT applications, and the data created with them, will be fine, but what happens the one time they aren’t?
Suggested Solutions
Keep your company from experiencing the detriments associated with Shadow IT
To keep Shadow IT from putting your organization’s network and data at risk, we suggest that your IT administrator consider these four practices:
Consolidate applications when you can - Nearly all businesses need solutions in which to draft documents, inventory equipment, and manage finances. If you can find a solution to handle multiple issues, such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps, it makes your software (and the data it produces) significantly easier to manage.
Monitor user activity - By assessing what your employees upload, download, and share, you will be able to ascertain if you have all of your bases covered. You can also begin to enforce policies to block risky app activity by eliminating the “share” or “upload” features within applications, if those functions aren’t core to the success of the application’s organizational use.
Research applications - Applications themselves will often tell you what you need to know about where they fit for your business. Your administrators should try to ascertain the possible risks an application could have, and choose whitelisted applications diligently. If there are several applications that fill similar roles, choosing the one that is most reliable can actually save your organization time and money.
Educate your users - Your organization will definitely want to have an understanding of every possible task you will ask of your employees. That way you can find and integrate solutions that make sense for both users and the network. Then educate your staff about Shadow IT and their responsibility to clear any outside applications with their IT administrator. Tell them about the risks of using software that is outside of the management capabilities of the organization and the risks associated with deploying client information.
With all the known threats out there, understanding which software works best, but also mitigates the most risk is becoming essential for the modern business. If you are concerned that your staff is running amok with outside software, the professional IT technicians at Future Gate CITS can help. Call us at +964(0)7833299988 to set up your comprehensive IT consultation, today.
We often talk about threats to business infrastructures, but the point stands that these same threats make advances on individuals as well. If enough personally identifiable information is stolen, a hacker could completely lift the identity of a user to take out loans, hijack credit card numbers, and even infiltrate social media accounts to further spread their influence. The result could be a ruined credit score and a damaged reputation--a major problem for anyone, not just the business owner.
One thing to keep in mind is that a general best practice is to keep sensitive information as far away from the Internet as possible, and to only input such information into secured, verified sources. However, it’s not always this simple. We’ll discuss some of the most common ways that individuals can protect themselves against threats like identity theft.
Personally Identifiable Information
Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, and more.
This should go without saying, but information like Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and other sensitive information that identifies directly with the user, should be used with discretion while on the Internet. Sometimes users might receive phishing emails from what appear to be banks or government agencies that request a “verification” of sensitive information. You should know that requests like these will never be sent via email or phone call, and will almost certainly be found in your home address mailbox.
Financial Credentials
Credit card numbers, PINs, CSCs, etc.
Financial information is in high demand for hackers. If they don’t want to use your personal finances for their own purposes, they can sell your credit card credentials on the black market to make money that way. Either way, hackers will resolutely pursue your credentials, and it’s your responsibility to keep them away. Never store your financial credentials locally on your PC, and make sure that any site you’re plugging them into is secured with encryption and a security certificate. You can check by looking for a green padlock icon, or https, in the browser’s address bar.
Other Sensitive Data
Passwords, usernames, and more.
Login credentials are common targets for hackers, and they’ll use every trick in the book to get their hands on them. Passwords and usernames are required for logging into accounts. In particular, hackers could access your email, social media account, online shopping accounts like Amazon, and so much more, with the intention of stealing your identity or sensitive data. Using complex passwords and usernames is a great first step toward protecting yourself online, and using a consumer-grade password manager like LastPass can help you use complex passwords without the need to remember them.
Secure Your Identity Today
Don’t let hackers get their way.
It can be daunting to keep all of this sensitive information away from hackers, but it’s crucial that you take steps to protect yourself online. To learn more about how you can protect your identity from online threats, reach out to us at +964(0)7833299988
Future Gate CITS is your Basrah leader for comprehensive managed IT services, that much is clear. You may not be aware, however, that our vast knowledge of information systems can be leveraged to help you build the office of your dreams. If you are searching for hi-tech solutions for your most pressing business problems look no further. We can design, implement, and support some of today’s most dynamic technologies.
The Design of the Modern Office
The makeup of today’s office is driven by innovation.
There are countless ways the modern office transcends the office of yesteryear, but the most obvious is probably the layout. Where not long ago cubicles were all the rage, now the open office setup is most popular, as business owners and executives look to cost effective strategies to stretch their budgets and stay flexible. The open office doesn’t offer much in the way of extra productivity, but because it is more affordable, many businesses will pack employees into 40-60 square feet and typically the more workers you have, the more productive your business will be.
When you look past the design and really look at the technology, the robust CRT monitors and large, noisy computer towers are gone. In their place are smaller flat screen monitors and small thin client boxes that run virtualized software off of a partitioned server. This shift in computing technology gets more in depth if you factor in cloud hosted solutions, where another business offers you some sort of computing solution. Whether it be software deployment, backup and recovery, network monitoring, or completely hosted computing infrastructure, computing services the cloud offers the scalability and value most organizations require.
Some of the other technologies that are changing the face of the modern office include:
Voice over Internet Protocol - More functionality at a fraction of the cost of a traditional phone system.
Conferencing Solutions - Interactive touch screen technology specifically designed for long-distance meeting and collaboration.
Virtualization and Document Management - Get rid of your bulky file cabinets and store your company’s important client and vendor information in servers that can set up to be accessible anywhere.
Business Continuity Technology - There was a time where a disaster like a fire or a flood would put a company’s future in peril. With complete offsite backups, the risk is gone.
Wireless Systems - Fueling the paperless office, wireless technologies provide employees, vendors, and guests to securely use mobile and wireless technology to improve cooperation and collaboration.
End-to-end Security - Enormous strides have been made in physical and network security. With office automated security controls, as well as automated monitoring solutions, your business can be more secure and efficient.
Technology Implementation
Future Gate CITS technology professionals can help you transform your business.
Many of the solutions you’ll find in the modern office aren’t the kind of off-the-shelf solutions that are effective out of the box. These solutions need to be configured and managed properly, and if they aren’t, you could just be adding another expensive technology problem. As a result, it becomes crucial for the health of your business to integrate your technology solutions properly.
At Future Gate CITS, our technicians are proficient in the clean and efficient installation of the latest IT solutions. Introducing new technology can often have negative effects that can really put a dent in the bottom line, but when our technicians implement a solution, we take your company’s workflow into account. By providing the technical expertise and a thorough understanding of the way the solutions are utilized, we can implement state-of-the-art technology solutions with limited downtime.
Technology Training and Support
With comprehensive support and training, you can get up to speed fast.
One of the key aspects of the modern office is the availability to support when you need it. Cooperation and collaboration don’t just happen, they are only possible through properly functioning technology that is being used by people who know how to use it. That’s why Future Gate CITS provides end-to-end support and training for every solution we install.
Your company of tomorrow can be much more efficient that your company today. If you would like more information about new technology solutions for the modern office, or simply would like to speak to one of our technology consultants about upgrading your existing technology, call us today at +964(0)7833299988
The Internet can be a dangerous place, especially now that hackers are taking advantage of advanced tools and threats.
New types of malware, ransomware, and viruses are being created every day, for the express purpose of seeing your organization fail. If your business isn’t using comprehensive security solutions, you remain vulnerable to threats that can potentially compromise and damage your business’s IT infrastructure.
To help make cybersecurity easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of threats that your business should be prepared to face.
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT): An APT is a stealthy network breach that’s designed to remain undetected for a certain amount of time. APTs are usually used to steal information from a specific individual or organization over time, rather than cause an immediate disruption to operations.
Adware: Adware automatically displays ads on software, particularly web browsers, in an effort to generate revenue for its creator. Adware can often come packaged with free online software, and while it’s not immediately threatening, it can become a severe annoyance and potential security threat. When used as malware, adware can display unwanted (and often embarrassing) advertisements in the form of popups or web ads.
Botnet: A botnet is a collective term used for a network of devices built from “bots,” which are computers controlled remotely by a hacker. Botnets are typically used to complete repetitive tasks, like sending spam messages or participating in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Due to botnets spreading their infection to other computers, they’re often likened to a “zombie horde.”
Brute-force Attacks: Brute-force attacks are commonly used tactics to break into online accounts, particularly those that take advantage of encryption. A brute-force attack consists of the hacker rapidly inputting as many passwords as possible in an attempt to find the right combination of characters.
Command and Control Server: A command and control server (C&C server) is the central computer that remotely issues commands to botnets and other malware. These botnets and malware will then send information back to the C&C server, like sensitive data or account credentials.
Dictionary Attack: Dictionary attacks utilize known words or phrases in an attempt to crack through passwords and usernames. They can be used in conjunction with brute-force attacks to guess credentials and infiltrate accounts.
Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS): A DDoS attack consists of multiple systems from varied locations target a single system. The resulting traffic is usually an attempt to bring down a server, forcing it offline until the attack ceases. DDoS attacks are often performed by botnets, compromised computers that have been enslaved by hackers to do their bidding.
Exploit: A loose definition would be a tool designed for use in exploiting a specific vulnerability within an IT system component, usually for the purpose of stealing data or installing malicious software.
Keylogging: A keylogger could be either a software or a hardware that’s designed to capture and record keystrokes. Software versions of keyloggers are often included in viruses or malware packages to capture credentials for later use. The victim is typically unaware that their activities are being monitored.
Malware: Malware, derived from “malicious software,” is a term used to describe any cyber threat that is intrusive and malicious in nature. This can include any number of online threats, including computer viruses, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and others. Malware is usually activated through the use of executable code or scripts. Basically, anything that has malicious intent can be considered malware.
Phishing: Phishing tactics are used by hackers to lure targets into handing over sensitive credentials, like usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and so on, usually through email spam tactics or other electronic means. Phishing tactics will often masquerade as a trusting or intimidating entity.
Ransomware: Ransomware is a type of malware that attempts to extort money or credentials from users by locking down local files on their PC or workstation, usually through the use of encryption technology. The user may (or may not) receive the decryption key upon giving in to the hacker’s demands.
Social Engineering: Social engineering is a tactic used by hackers that appeals to the weaknesses of the end user. Hackers find ways to circumvent common security protocol by posing as important officials or users within a company, or even as an internal IT department. Social engineering tactics are cause for concern primarily because they target the unpredictable nature of human activity.
Spam: Spam is mostly known as the time-wasting emails that users receive on a daily basis. Technically, spam can be any unsolicited or unwanted message sent to your email address. These messages may not seem overtly malicious, but hackers will often use spam to achieve a certain agenda. Spam messages might come with malicious links or attachments, that when clicked on can execute code or send you to compromised websites.
Spear Phishing: Spear phishing tactics are focused phishing attempts on an individual, customized to appear as legitimate as possible. An example would be a local bank representative calling or sending an email asking to confirm credit card numbers or credentials.
Spoofing: Spoofing is the act of tricking users into believing that they’re viewing something legitimate, when in reality they’re only looking at a fake. For example, email spoofing is a common tactic in which hackers will pose as someone from your contacts, but will have the wrong email address. Another example would be clicking a link and having it take you to a website that looks like the one you want to view, but the domain name is wrong. The idea is that hackers can replicate legitimate email names and websites to trick users into succumbing to their attacks.
Spyware: Spyware is a type of malware that’s specifically designed to covertly gather information from a computer, and transfer that information to a hacker. Spyware can be difficult to identify due to it being designed to remain hidden.
Trojan: Also known as a backdoor or “Trojan horse,” a trojan is designed to infiltrate your network and create a reliable way to obtain access to the system in the future. Trojans are often used in conjunction with advanced persistent threats (APT) in an attempt to gather as much information as possible, while remaining hidden from security protocol.
Virus: A virus is a malware program that, when executed, attempts to replicate itself and spread to other computer components. Viruses are often disruptive and dangerous, especially in the business environment. They can slow business systems, delete critical data, and much more.
Vulnerability: A vulnerability, in terms of computing, is a bug or a problem within the code of operating systems and other software that needs to be fixed. Vulnerabilities leave networks open to potential threats, and are often resolved by patches and security updates issued by software manufacturers.
Zero-Day Exploits: This term applies to vulnerabilities which are presently unpatched or unresolved. These issues are often found in legacy software that’s incompatible with modern technology, like Windows XP.
Stay Safe Online with Future Gate CITS
Don’t be intimidated by online threats.
We’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible for hackers and their technology. There are limitless possibilities for online threats, so it’s imperative that you arm yourself against these threats. For more information about these threats and how you can protect your business assets, contact Future Gate CITS at +964(0)7833299988
When the sky is falling on your business, can you make it through the storm?
For the average business owner, business continuity is looked upon as a secondary system that is put in place to protect the investments the business has made. Since the platform doesn’t have much to do with a business’ day-to-day operations, often times some aspects of a business’ continuity strategy is overlooked; a major mistake that the business owner will realize when it is suddenly too late.
Understanding the elements of a comprehensive business continuity strategy is advantageous for any business owner or executive that is tasked to ensure the business’ operations are sustained. To design a solution that is right for your organization, you will first have to pinpoint the elements that make up a successful continuity strategy, and thoroughly implement them.
Why Enact a Business Continuity Plan?
The fact is that your company’s health is a human issue. A healthy business that supports numerous workers not only provides a good or service to consumers, it provides food, shelter, transportation, education, and more for the people employed there and their families. This is true for every business, which is why it is crucial to have some assurances in place when tragedy strikes. When data is lost or when systems that these people and their families depend on fail, there needs to be a strategy to get operations up and running again fast. Whether you have two employees or two thousand, operational sustainability is crucial to every single one of their livelihoods.
What are the Elements of a Business Continuity Strategy?
A working and thorough continuity strategy is not just a set of protocols that are enacted when something terrible happens. It is a continually changing, fluid strategy that will allow you to sustain operations through any number of issues that have the potential to hinder your organization's progress. Each element of a continuity strategy is the direct result of another element, while being the cause for another.
Element I - Initiation
In the initiation phase of a business continuity strategy the concerned party needs to determine what exactly the objective of the continuity plan is, the general scope of the coverage under that plan, and who in your organization is going to carry out the protocol’s outlined in the plan.
Element II - Analysis
In the analysis phase, you will conduct a business impact analysis (BIA) and a threat and risk analysis (TRA), and as the plan begins to come together the analysis of any impact scenarios that have been carried out allows an organization to adjust the other variables to best protect against the major threats.
The BIA will essentially separate the critical organizational functions from those that aren’t critical to the sustainability of operations. Once those have been determined each critical function will be assigned a recovery point objective (RPO) and a recovery time objective (RTO). The recovery point objective of a function is the acceptable amount of data loss that the organization can allow, while the recovery time objective is the acceptable amount of time it will take to restore the data needed to sustain operations. Under the BIA, an organization will also want to identify a maximum tolerable period of disruption (MTPOD). This is the maximum amount of time that an organization has to restore core systems before the stakeholders of the endeavor begin to consider their investments to be in serious jeopardy.
The TRA will pinpoint potential threats that face a business. Some of today’s major threats include:
Each of these (and often many more) have to be considered in order to properly determine the recovery objectives for each threat. This way, you have a complete understanding exactly where your organization stands when it is beset with some sort of adversity.
Element III - Continuity Plan Design
Once the groundwork is finished, the plan can start to be designed. The first element an organization should consider is who will be responsible for the implementation of the continuity plan if it needs to be launched. At this point a team should be assembled and assigned very specific roles that all carry essential tasks. You will want to identify who is in charge of what and be sure that all members of the continuity team know how to contact other members of the team to enhance the prospects of successfully launching the program proficiently and quickly.
During this part of the plan, decision makers will also want to develop some strategies, such as:
A backup and recovery strategy
Continuity execution strategy
Escalation, notification, and activation strategies
Administration strategy
By pinpointing the solutions that will be needed, the continuity team can begin to plan which solutions they would seek out as a part of the continuity strategy.
Element IV - Implementation
In the design phase, the team will pinpoint the solutions that are needed to provide the best chance at complying with their continuity goals. In this phase of the project, however, all the planning and designing of the solution is finally implemented. Some of the variables that need to be set in motion at this stage of the project include:
Emergency response procedures
Detailed recovery procedures
Continuity activation procedures
Purchase of recovery resources
Ensure recovery team’s responsibilities
Now that everything is in place and the whole team understands their responsibilities, it is crucial that an organization does not become complacent. While there may have been a thorough design and thorough understanding of the plan, to execute a plan requires the final step in the business continuity strategy.
Element V - Testing and Maintenance
An organization that doesn’t frequently test the limits of its continuity plan may run into problems with their continuity plan when it’s needed. A comprehensive business continuity plan requires careful and conscientious consideration of every element in order to work properly. By testing and maintaining the continuity plan periodically, an organization can ensure that when the worst happens, that they are ready to react quickly.
To protect the people that depend on your business, a thorough and well designed continuity plan is a must. If you are having issues with the design of your continuity plan and would like help putting together the solutions and practices you will need to ensure you are protected for the worst, call Future Gate CITS’s knowledgeable consultants at +964(0)7833299988 We can help your organization protect itself from whatever the future holds.
Microsoft’s latest version of the Windows operating system, Windows 10, is a great new tool that businesses can leverage for greater productivity. However, Windows 10 is far more than just an upgrade to previous versions of the Windows operating system. In fact, Microsoft’s new OS improves significantly in areas where Windows 8 and 8.1 failed to produce the engagement Microsoft was expecting.
Upgrading to the latest operating system can often be a hassle, especially for the small and medium-sized business. That’s why Future Gate CITS wants to help you make the best decision possible for the future of your company’s technology systems. Here are some of the great new features and opportunities Windows 10 provides for the average SMB.
The Return of Familiar Features
A slick, yet familiar, user interface.
Windows 10 takes the many features that users of Windows 7 love, and combines them with a sleek Metro-like interface similar to Windows 8. The Start menu, which was strangely absent with Windows 8, makes its return, as does the classic search feature. The return of a classic Windows interface means that businesses don’t have to invest as much time into training their staff on how to use Windows 10, compared to Windows 8 and 8.1. Windows 10 is designed to work on all devices, from Windows Phone to tablets, to desktops, making it a universal experience for users of any device.
New Customizable Features
Your Windows, your way.
Windows 10 offers several new features and customization settings for others. For example, you can customize what apps appear in your Start menu and taskbar. If you can think of it, chances are that you can probably customize it in Windows 10. Besides the improvements to the customization settings, Windows 10 comes with several new features and applications, like Microsoft’s new browser, Edge, and Cortana, a desktop voice assistant that can also be found on Windows Phone.
Built-in Security Features
Protect your business from the ground up.
Microsoft has gone to great lengths to make Windows 10 the most secure Windows OS so far. It was designed specifically with security in mind, and contains several features, such as biometric settings, identity protection, cryptographic processing, and hardware-based security features that are all designed to augment and protect users of Windows 10. With the many new, built-in security features that Windows 10 offers, you’ll be more confident that your systems, augmented by your other IT security solutions, are secured and protected at all times.
Implement Windows 10 Today
Fully utilize Microsoft’s latest operating system.
We’ve barely scratched the surface for reasons to use Windows 10. The best way to know why to use Windows 10 is to use it for yourself. Taking advantage of Windows 10 doesn’t have to be challenging. Future Gate CITS’s professional technicians know all about the difficulties of upgrading to a new operating system. If you’re unsure of whether or not you should upgrade to Windows 10, give us a call at +964(0)7833299988 We’d be happy to discuss any and all concerns you have about your IT infrastructure and upgrading to new technology.
As business professionals, it’s imperative that you keep your organization's technology up to date with the latest operating systems and software patches, as lapses of network security can be devastating. Microsoft is releasing its next operating system, Windows 10, on July 29th, 2015. To entice users to upgrade to their new offering, Microsoft is offering a free upgrade to those who currently use Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.
What does this mean for your business? To say the least, it’s now more economically viable to be running the most recent software on your PCs than ever before. Future Gate CITS wants to help your business take advantage of this opportunity before it’s too late.
What’s New with Windows 10?
Features for tech veterans and new users alike.
Microsoft is combining the metro interface from Windows 8 with the familiar Start menu and desktop functionality of Windows 7, making Windows 10 an exceptionally user-friendly operating system for all Windows users.
New features of Windows 10 include:
Microsoft’s brand-new web browser, Edge. The new Browsing interface which has been designed to deliver content in the most user-friendly manner possible.
Cortana. The familiar voice assistant from Windows Phone will be available on all versions of Windows 10. She learns more about you based on your habits, so she can be more helpful in the future.
Cross-device compatibility. This feature allows Windows 10 to be used on a PC, tablet, or phone. You’ll always have the full version of Windows 10 with you wherever you go, allowing you to accomplish more while on the go than ever before. The Windows Phone version of Windows 10 will launch as soon as September 2015.
Virtual desktop capabilities. Integrated VDI options allow users to run multiple different applications without cluttering the screen, increasing productivity and efficiency. You can group tasks by project to easily organize your work.
Why You Need Windows 10
It’s more than just a fancy upgrade.
When you’re using the most recent operating system, you have access to the latest patches and security updates from Microsoft. This means that your systems will be up to date. Additionally, Windows 10 has more powerful built-in security features than any previous Windows operating systems, helping your network stay secure from external threats.
Arrange Your Upgrade Today
Plan for the future and you plan for success.
Your business should be taking advantage of the latest software solutions in order to increase productivity and efficiency. We can help you ease your business’ transition to a new operating system. Contact Future Gate CITS today at +964(0)7833299988 today to find out how we can present your organization with our valuable IT services and solutions.
As technology grows more potent, Internet-connectivity is becoming a more common occurrence amongst consumer goods. In fact, according to Gartner, Inc, a technology research organization, there might be close to 26 billion devices connected to the Internet of Things by 2020. It might be difficult to adjust to such a huge technological shift, but as an IT service provider, it’s our job to inform you how your business can best approach this incredible change in the online community.
If you don’t completely understand what makes up the Internet of Things, you can’t adequately protect your business from the challenging new security vulnerabilities it might bring along with it. Thankfully, you don’t have to go this path alone. Future Gate CITS is here to help ease your transition into a new age of technology.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
And what does it mean for your business?
According to Gartner’s IT glossary, the Internet of Things is, “the network of physical objects that contain embedded technology to communicate and sense or interact with their internal states or the external environment.” In other words, devices that can connect to the Internet will eventually be able to influence both themselves and the environment around them by using their Internet connection.
Essentially, it’s important that you’re ready to deal with the avalanche of new devices which will soon be able to work across a network. Are these devices going to present a viable threat to your business? There’s a possibility they will, and it’s important to make sure your business takes steps to protect itself.
Protect Your Business’s Network Security
More devices means more network access points.
There’s no argument when it comes to network security. Keeping your infrastructure secure should be at the top of your priority list, regardless of whether or not the Internet of Things poses a viable threat. This involves keeping all of your operating systems up to date, and patching known vulnerabilities in your applications.
However, the main problem with network security in the age of the IoT might be the result of so many devices connecting to the Internet; namely, your business’s network. Will it be ready to deal with more connected devices? Have you taken measures to protect your network from unauthorized access from devices? Future Gate CITS can equip your business with our Unified Threat Management device, which is designed to protect your network from a variety of threats and vulnerabilities.
Reinforce Your BYOD Strategy
Adopt mobile security best-practices.
Maximizing your network security will only get you so far in the battle against the threats which might be brought by the IoT. More devices will be connecting to the Internet, which means that your employees will probably be bringing more technology to the office with them. It’s important that you emphasize the importance of proper security procedures to them in order to minimize vulnerable access points.
Future Gate CITS’s mobile device management solution can help your business discern the good applications from the bad. We can also limit which applications have access to sensitive or confidential data, which might be found on personal or work devices. It’s an ideal solution to augment your current BYOD policy, if you have one in place.
For more information about how Future Gate CITS can help your business prepare for the Internet of Things, give us a call at +964(0)7833299988 We can assess your network security and BYOD policies, and provide consultation for how to move forward.
Businesses are often so concerned with their day-to-day operations that they forget to invest heavily in network security. Others understand the need for comprehensive network security, but have a lenient strategy in regards to their IT, which can be just as detrimental in the event of a data leak. Understanding what network security entails, as well as the best practices that you can adhere to that will ensure your company’s network is secure from the numerous outside threats looking to infiltrate your network, is essential to keeping your data, and ultimately your business, safe.
What is Network Security?
Often the best way to get a feel for a concept is to educate yourself on the topic’s major points and some results other users have experienced.
All this will help you better understand the topic. This can be said for network security. On the surface it might appear to be simply keeping your data safe, but there’s far more to it than that. When you set in motion a plan to secure your company’s network, you should first take into account the protection you need from high-level and low-level threats alike. It likely consists of some sort of regular maintenance which includes the patching of software systems to seal vulnerabilities, integration of security hardware and software on your network, as well as the regular monitoring of your network traffic to help determine the presence of any abnormalities. These steps produce a comprehensive network security program that will keep unwanted intruders off of your company’s network.
What Can Network Security Protect Your Business From?
Bugs, viruses, and vulnerabilities have all existed since the dawn of computing, but the threats found in today’s technology world vastly outnumber and outperform them.
In part, this is due to how society has grown heavily reliant on the Internet. Here are some of the threats which proper network security can protect your business from:
Spyware and adware: while not particularly threatening, they can invade your privacy and pave the way for more dangerous infections. Spyware can log your keystrokes, while adware is simply an annoying means to gain profit.
Phishing and Identity Theft: Hackers will often try to pose as a reputable institution which your business has relations with in an attempt to steal information from you, such as credit card numbers, banking credentials, or passwords. They’ll do this by appearing legitimate through an email or an elaborate, fake website designed to look like the real deal.
Viruses, Malware, and Exploitation of Vulnerabilities: The goal of a hacker is to infiltrate your databases and make off with valuable information, or to leave a Trojan backdoor behind for later access at their leisure. Hackers often infect systems with viruses or malware which can either cause damage or allow for remote code execution. These measures take advantage of vulnerabilities found within the code of a piece of software or an operating system, and they can be difficult to remove once they’ve been implanted.
Network Security from Future Gate CITS
At Future Gate CITS, we aim to take preventative measures that keep threats from entering your system in the first place.
This lets you avoid costly maintenance or downtime which might follow a hacking attack. A comprehensive network security solution, like our Unified Threat Management device, keeps threats of all kinds from entering your network and neutralizing those which do. Included in our UTM solution is:
Firewalls: Firewalls are your first lines of defense against outside threats. A firewall analyzes the traffic and data going to and from your network. Think of it like a virtual bouncer which keeps dangerous entities from entering your network.
Antivirus Software: If a virus or piece of malware does manage to get through your firewall, it can be neutralized with an enterprise-level antivirus software. An antivirus eliminates threats as quickly as possible while limiting damage done.
Spam Blocking: Not only is spam annoying and useless, some phishing emails might slip through your defenses. Instead of going directly to your inbox where you might fall for their tricks, it goes to the spam folder, where it can be promptly ignored and deleted.
Content Filtering: Not all web content is safe for viewing, so it’s important that your team can tell the fake sites from the real ones. Content filtering allows you to block certain websites from access, so it’s also good for increasing productivity in the office by limiting employee access to time-wasting websites like Facebook, BuzzFeed, and others.
With Future Gate CITS’s managed IT services, we can handle this technical information for you while you reap all of the benefits of a protected network. Our services are an inexpensive, monthly investment, contrary to the average break-fix technology company.
A healthy network is a strong network, and Future Gate CITS can take care of that, too. With our remote maintenance tool, we can apply the latest patches and vulnerabilities as they are released. If you’re interested in our UTM solution or our remote maintenance service, give Future Gate CITS a call at +964(0)7833299988
For accountants that deal with publicly owned companies, ensuring your IT infrastructure is SOX-complaint is a must.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act was adopted as law to ensure that investors have reliable data in which to make their financial decisions. The law was, in large part, a result of the accounting scandals that took place around the turn of the century including within publicly-traded organizations such as Enron, Tyco International, Adelphia, and WorldCom. These scandals costs investors billions of dollars and resulted in a widespread loss in confidence in American securities. To remedy this loss-of-confidence, the United States congress took swift measures in a bipartisan co-sponsored bill that amended the necessary processes that publicly traded companies reported revenue. The bill is named after its co-sponsors, Senator Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) and Representative Michael G. Oxley (R-OH)\ and was signed into law by President George W. Bush on July 30, 2002.
By upgrading fiscal reporting laws, many of which were over 60 years old, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (as it was known upon ratification) changed the way that accountants were required to go about presenting information to the boards of publicly traded companies, and thus places an emphasis on IT to assist in accomplishing this task. Since the law calls for dynamic reporting requirements to be put in place, including pro-forma figures, stock transactions of corporate officers, and off-balance-sheet transactions, computing was to play a larger role than ever in the execution of proper oversite under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
What is SOX Compliance?
SOX Compliance is the observation of the protocols mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
The sprawling reform, made it necessary to report all numbers to the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in an effort to cut back on corporate scandals that had been defrauding investors. IT was a enacted as a few well known publicly-owned corporations were "cooking their books" in order to retain unjustifiably high stock prices, inflating the worth of their companies. When the fraud was realized, it was too late and billions of investment dollars were lost.
In regards to technology, a SOX-compliant infrastructure is the creation and maintenance of a secure computing system that allows for privacy for secure transfer of financial information directly to accountable parties (i.e. Company officers). The creation of this infrastructure must meet the requirements of a SOX third-party auditor. These auditors are hired at the expense of the organization that requires the audit.
SOX Compliance Questions
Some of the variables that SOX auditors look for in a compliant IT infrastructure:
Conclusion
It's true that the protection against the misrepresentation of revenue often lays on the shoulder of a company's technology.
The IT professionals at Future Gate CITS can clarify network security and the role it plays in regulatory compliance. Our certified technicians can help you prepare for your SOX, HIPAA, or PCI DSS audit.
For more information on Sarbanes-Oxley compliance for accounting firms, call us today at +964(0)7833299988
Mobile Strategies: BYOD
In a world where seemingly everyone has a device that they bring everywhere, how can you make this trend work for your business while keeping your IT infrastructure from being infiltrated by malicious entities? By instituting a conscientious and thorough Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy, your company can make your staff’s devices work for your company.
Most business owners would agree that their employees already bring their smartphones to work, and will continue to do so whether your company policy allows them to or not. In fact, according to a study by Microsoft, over 67% of employees at surveyed companies bring their devices to work, regardless of their company’s policy. Based on this statistic, it would seem as if a Bring Your Own Device strategy would be a no-brainer, but there are many other variables to consider. For instance, a major point of contention between network administrators and employees that take advantage of their mobile device’s dynamic computing capabilities is that many mobile device management strategies include an option to wipe-clean a device of a user that has left the company. While this is something that the user would have to agree to, most users would rather remove the company data voluntarily than have their personal device wiped clean. For reasons like this, BYOD is not a cut and dry matter, even for companies that have been doing it since before it was known as BYOD.
In order to begin to design a BYOD policy that works for your company, you will have to determine the necessary elements you are trying to protect, the access employees have to those elements, and how to react when you need to enact the protocols of that policy. The first consideration you should have is whether or not the additional mobility would be of any benefit for your organization. The ability to reach beyond your network and still access all the work-related material can be an indispensable factor for the modern employee. People are busier than ever and often need to multitask just to get by. Facilitating work outside of the workplace has to be a consideration for any business owner looking to expand his or her business.
Conversely, as a business owner you’ll also need to understand what threats the threats that are inherent by allowing foreign devices to access your network, as well as the issues that come with allowing your data, the lifeblood of your business, to be accessible on other networks. With sensitive data breaches costing companies thousands of dollars, can your company sustain itself if you were put in that unenviable position? At Future Gate CITS, we’ve designed and implemented mobile device management solutions for companies that are searching for ways to improve their portability and use the advanced mobility to enhance production.
Another variable you will have to consider is that of an Acceptable Use Policy. This policy governs what content is available to people on your network. This policy is created with the best interest of the organization in mind, implemented by the network administrator, and policed to the extent required by your organization. In this policy you are able to set forth what is off limits to the end users. The IT professionals at Future Gate CITS can help you by providing all relevant information so that you can make informed decisions about what content to block and what content to make accessible to maximize your organization’s productivity while keeping your staff’s needs in mind. It’s a connected world we live in and limitations placed on your staff’s ability to receive information, could actually be a hindrance to your organization's productivity.
There are several variables you need to address when designing and implementing your company’s BYOD policy. These include:
The consideration of these variables will go a long way toward concocting a BYOD policy that both fits your organization and ensures that the security of your data isn’t available to be compromised.
At Future Gate CITS we promote small and medium-sized business efficiency by disseminating expert IT services and support. For more information about our vast array of IT services including comprehensive mobile device management and IT consulting, call us today at +964(0)7833299988
Future Gate CITS provides solutions for companies searching for a secure interface in which to transfer sensitive information.
Does your business accept credit cards? Do you need it to? In order to open your Basrah area small business up to the enhanced profit potential that accepting credit cards can provide, you'll need to understand what responsibilities you take on by accepting these forms of payment. Small businesses are prime targets for data plunderers. If you don't protect against these thieves, you may be subject to paying restitution, fines, or lose the ability to accept cards as payment.
Security Standards
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is a compliant data transfer standardization that is used to ensure the security and privacy of the transfer of financial information.
It was designed as a standard to ensure that any company that would process, store, or transmit credit card information maintains the infrastructural security necessary to provide a secure pathway in which to transfer financial information.
While PCI DSS is not a law on the books, it is a global and almost universally accepted set of security protocols that govern the health of a company's computing integrity in regards to its ability to keep consumer and vendor financial information safe. The six goals of PCI DSS are:
PCI DSS also provides merchants with many useful practices that work to ensure that you aren't short changing your data security protocols.
Security Paradigm for Acceptance of Digital Card Payments
Phase One - Assessment
The primary reasons to assess your technology is to ascertain if it has vulnerabilities that would pose risks to cardholder security. Understanding the PCI DSS goals is paramount to this step so you can look through your hardware and software and consider where there may be a hole. In order to perform a proper assessment, business owners need to determine how credit card transactions flow through your computing system. Only then can you get the answers you need on if, and how, you will need to alter your IT infrastructure to accommodate for PCI DSS. Additional resources are available, including:
Self-Assessment Questionnaires - The completion of a questionnaire that is designed to assist you in determining where you are, opposed to where you need to be in regards to PCI DSS.
Qualified Assessors - There are professional services that will test your system to ensure everything is secure and working properly.
It is essential to understand the processes you use to charge and store your customer's financial information as it is your responsibility to keep this information safe.
Phase Two - Remediation
Once you have identified the vulnerabilities, you will have to fix them in order to avoid the headaches associated with non-compliance. The remediation process is your organization's chance to expose flaws in its information storage security and diligently patch those flaws. Future Gate CITS's IT technicians can assist your organization in the remediation process.
Phase Three - Reporting
Once your remediation process is complete, you then must compile your findings and submit the required remediation validation records and compliance reports to the acquiring bank and card processing centers. Every Basrah small business that wants to accept and store consumer credit card information needs to report a functional and secure a PCI DSS system in order to be in compliance.
Why be Compliant?
Compliance with the PCI DSS can have serious benefits for businesses of all sizes, while failure to comply will likely result in negative results.
The benefits include:
Complaint systems are more secure, which present customers an avenue to develop a stronger bond of trust with your organization.
PCI DSS compliance is not a one time event, rather it is an ongoing process. When you commit to PCI DSS you are part of the solution. This attracts the kind of vendors an organization needs to be successful.
With PCI DSS compliance you will be better equipped to comply with other federal and state mandated data security regulations.
By adhering to compliance standards you will likely identify variables to streamline your IT infrastructure.
While there are many more benefits of compliance, some of the detrimental characteristics of a failure to comply with PCI DSS regulations include:
Compromised data has a tendency to negatively affect consumers, merchants, and financial institutions.
One negative incident can damage your company's reputation so severely that you may have trouble conducting business effectively.
You may be inundated with lawsuits, fines from multiple regulatory organizations, cancelled accounts, and insurance claims.
It's a fact that your company will have a hard time competing without a solution in place to accept credit cards as a payment. To learn more about Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard compliance or any other data security compliance your organization may need, call us today at +964(0)7833299988
Laws for the secure and private transfer of individual's medical information.
The nearly instantaneous flow of information is a defining variable of the information age. Many leading companies have established a benchmark of implementing flexible and effective new technologies into their business plan, and just now many small businesses have been able to get out ahead of this trend and implement their own solutions. While it's true some companies can use this technology better than others, in regards to healthcare information, the seamless flow of information can literally be the difference between life and death.
In August of 1996, United States President Bill Clinton, in an effort to promote secure transfer of patient information, signed into law the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). At that time, HIPAA stated that the Secretary of Health and Human Services had to publicize official standards for the electronic exchange, privacy, and security of health-related information. It also stated that the Secretary of HHS had the responsibility of issuing regulations if the U.S. Congress didn't enact privacy and security standards by 1999. Three years later, HHS unveiled the official rules.
Table of Contents
HIPAA Privacy Rule
The HIPAA Privacy Rule, or the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information, established protocols for many healthcare providers in regards to who has access to patient information. The privacy rule applies to health plans, healthcare agencies, and to any healthcare provider that transmits patient information electronically.
Individual and group medical plans that provide or pay the cost of medical care are covered by HIPAA. These plans include health, dental, vision, prescription drug insurers, health maintenance organizations (HMO), Medicare, Medicaid, and other healthcare insurance providers.
The following information is protected under HIPAA's Privacy rule:
HIPAA Security Rule
The more seamless the transfer of data is, the better it works for business. Unfortunately, there are entities out there looking for opportunities to intercept this information for their own, often nefarious, purposes. No where is data more personal, than in the healthcare industry.
HIPAA's Security Rule, or Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information, specifies a series of administered, physical, and technical safeguards for covered parties to guarantee the integrity, real-time availability, and confidentiality of protected electronic healthcare information.
The Security Rule is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Electronic Transaction & Code Sets Standards
The standardization of electronic transactions is important for the efficiency of the care being provided to patients. With the standardization rules set forth by HIPAA, each healthcare provider has to adhere to the same set of protocols as other providers do to ensure the transferred financial and medical information is easily deciphered by the healthcare provider. HIPAA sets a standard and the operating rules for electronic funds transfer (EFT) and electronic remittance advice (ERA) and attachments for claims.
This section of HIPAA is administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
National Identifier Requirements
As a part of the HIPAA law, healthcare providers are mandated to use unique Health Plan Identifiers (HPID). These are identifying numbers assigned to specific medical transactions. For example, the numeric code for an allergy test is the same from one provider to another. This level of standardization allows providers to avoid the pitfalls that come with deciphering what care is to be provided as well as the act of billing the services that have been received.
Like the transaction code standardization, the identifiers are administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Enforcement & Penalties
Every law needs a ruling entity. HIPAA is no different. In order rules of the HIPAA law to work, the Enforcement Rule is in place for dedicated checks and balances. Currently the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services enforces the HIPAA Security Rule and the Rules covering the standardization of information, while the Privacy concern is handled by The Office of Civil Rights.
To date, the implementation of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act standards have substantially increased the use of electronic data interchange within the medical industry. Provisions in play under the Affordable Care Act of 2010 will increase these electronic interchanges and include further requirements to take into account the basics of the initial act.
Additionally, as a part of the Affordable Care Act of 2010, health plans will be required to certify their compliance. The Act provides for crippling penalties for failures to certify or comply with the new standards and operating rules. These penalties include:
Penalties for General Violations of HIPAA:
Each violation: A $100 penalty per violation, with no more than $25,000 in one year for all violations of identical requirements.
Penalties for the Wrongful Disclosure of Individually Identifiable Health Information:
For wrongful disclosure: $50,000 penalty, imprisonment for not more than one year, or both.
For wrongful disclosure made under false pretenses: $100,000 penalty, imprisonment for not more than five years, or both.
For wrongful disclosure made with the intent to sell information: $250,000 penalty, imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or both.
As well as the penalties listed above, covered entities that fail to comply with HIPAA regulations will likely be subject to a loss of credibility, which will likely result in the loss of public trust and revenue.
For more information about HIPAA or our role in your data security, call us today at +964(0)7833299988 We can clarify about the specifics for HIPAA compliance and present secure data transfers for your medical practice.
Free yourself from traditional IT with Cloud Services
Cloud computing is managed, shared applications, development platforms, or computing infrastructure accessible via the internet. It provides options such as bandwidth and on-demand computing power with flexible capabilities normally purchased as a metered service.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) defines cloud computing as a "model for enabling ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g., networks, servers, storage, applications, and services) that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction." NIST lists five essential characteristics:
On-Demand Self Service - A consumer can unilaterally provision computing capabilities, such as server time and network storage, as needed automatically without requiring human interaction with each service provider.
Broad Network Access - Capabilities are available over the network and accessed through standard mechanisms that promote use by heterogeneous thin or thick client platforms (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and workstations).
Resource Pooling - The provider's computing resources are pooled to serve multiple consumers using a multi-tenant model, with different physical and virtual resources dynamically assigned and reassigned according to consumer demand. There is a sense of location independence in that the customer generally has no control or knowledge over the exact location of the provided resources but may be able to specify location at a higher level of abstraction (e.g., country, state, or datacenter). Examples of resources include storage, processing, memory, and network bandwidth.
Measured Service - Cloud systems automatically control and optimize resource use by leveraging a metering capability at some level of abstraction appropriate to the type of service (e.g., storage, processing, bandwidth, and active user accounts). Resource usage can be monitored, controlled, and reported, providing transparency for both the provider and consumer of the utilized service.
Rapid Elasticity - Capabilities can be elastically provisioned and released, in some cases automatically, to scale rapidly outward and inward commensurate with demand. To the consumer, the capabilities available for provisioning often appear to be unlimited and can be appropriated in any quantity at any time.
According to NIST, cloud computing is deployed four ways over three service models. The three service models are:
Software as a Service (SaaS) -The capability provided to the consumer is to use the provider's applications running on a cloud infrastructure. The applications are accessible from various client devices through either a thin client interface, such as a web browser (e.g., web-based email), or a program interface. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, storage, or even individual application capabilities, with the possible exception of limited user-specific application configuration settings.
Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) -The capability provided to the consumer is to provision processing, storage, networks, and other fundamental computing resources where the consumer is able to deploy and run arbitrary software, which can include operating systems and applications. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure but has control over operating systems, storage, and deployed applications; and possibly limited control of select networking components (e.g., host firewalls).
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - The capability provided to the consumer is to deploy onto the cloud infrastructure consumer-created or acquired applications created using programming languages, libraries, services, and tools supported by the provider. The consumer does not manage or control the underlying cloud infrastructure including network, servers, operating systems, or storage, but has control over the deployed applications and possibly configuration settings for the application-hosting environment.
The four deployment models are:
Public Cloud - The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for open use by the general public. It may be owned, managed, and operated by a business, academic, or government organization, or some combination of them. It exists on the premises of the cloud provider.
Private Cloud - The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization comprising multiple consumers (e.g., business units). It may be owned, managed, and operated by the organization, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off premises.
Community Cloud - The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a specific community of consumers from organizations that have shared concerns (e.g., mission, security requirements, policy, and compliance considerations). It may be owned, managed, and operated by one or more of the organizations in the community, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off premises.
Hybrid Cloud - The cloud infrastructure is provisioned for exclusive use by a single organization comprising multiple consumers (e.g., business units). It may be owned, managed, and operated by the organization, a third party, or some combination of them, and it may exist on or off premises.