Written by: Jay H.

Cloud technology provides many benefits, such as improved productivity, scalability, accessibility, and cost savings. However, many businesses worry that the cloud is more vulnerable to data breaches than on-premise servers. Truthfully, any computing environment is susceptible if you do not take proactive steps to secure them. Let’s go over how to secure your cloud data to prevent cybercriminals from doing irreparable harm.

Use Reputable Cloud Apps

Of course, you should only be using cloud applications that have a stellar reputation. Before adopting an app, ask questions like: Does this app put your business at risk of a data breach? Does it encrypt the data stored on its servers? Does it keep your data separate from that of others?

Fortunately, migrating from most cloud applications is an easy process. If you do not feel confident in the security of your apps, switch to a more reputable vendor.

Use Strong Passwords

Every online account you have needs a strong, unique password. However, this is especially important when it comes to accounts housing private data. Up to 80 percent of hacking-related breaches involve passwords, underscoring the importance of proper password practices. To learn more about creating secure passwords, check out our blog post: How to make a strong password.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

If you have the option, always enable two-factor authentication. This security measure requires you to provide information in addition to your password every time you sign this. For example, you may have to retrieve and enter a code texted to your phone. To learn more about two-factor authentication, read our blog post: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): What is it and how it works.

Read The Fine Print

Before storing your data, be sure to read the terms of service (ToS). Some providers may state that by sharing your data on their platform, they have the right to use or distribute them. Know what you’re getting into before you upload your private files.

Keep Backups

While data stored on the cloud is typically very secure, you should diminish the risk of data loss by creating backups of essential data. Making extra copies of your data on hard drives, USBs, or other storage devices will ensure that your business data is protected just in case. The saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” applies to data security as well. A comprehensive backup solution, including more than one backup location, helps prevent data loss.

Secure Your Cloud Data

Your business needs a comprehensive cloud backup solution to keep its data safe. Our managed IT services include backups and restoration to keep your data safe and quickly restore operations in the event of a disaster. Contact us today to learn about how our IT solutions can protect your business data.

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Image: Microsoft

Written by: Jay H.

Microsoft recently unveiled Windows 365, a subscription service that lets your business experience Windows 10 or Windows 11 (when it comes out) on the cloud. Also known as Cloud PC, Microsoft claims this service will provide a more secure, productive experience for workers.

“With Windows 365, we’re creating a new category: the Cloud PC,” said Satya Nadella, chairman and CEO, Microsoft. “Just like applications were brought to the cloud with SaaS, we are now bringing the operating system to the cloud, providing organizations with greater flexibility and a secure way to empower their workforce to be more productive and connected, regardless of location.”

How Windows 365 Works

So, how does this new Cloud PC service work? Well, users will be able to stream their Windows experience – including apps, content, and settings – from Microsoft’s cloud to any device by signing in to an online portal. When they switch devices, they can pick up right where they left off.

Microsoft says this service will enable hybrid workers to securely access corporate resources by turning any device into “a personalized, productive and secure digital workspace.” Moreover, workers will enjoy the greater flexibility provided by allowing them to work from different locations.

Powerful, Simple, & Secure

Scaling is easy, thanks to the versatility provided by the cloud in processing power and storage. You can easily upgrade your plan depending on your workload. Also, the Cloud PC eliminates the headache management faces with issuing and securing new devices for new staff members. So, if your organization employs seasonal workers or regularly turns over staff, you can easily remove them from your plan once they no longer work for your company.

Windows 365 is also secure by design, thanks to the power of the cloud and the principles of Zero Trust. Microsoft stores and secures information in the cloud, not the device, providing maximum security. Moreover, subscribers will benefit from the frequent and rich Microsoft security upgrades.

Microsoft Endpoint Manager deploys the endpoints, meaning you don’t require additional resources to run Windows 365. In fact, deployment takes only a matter of minutes.

Although there is currently no offline mode available, Microsoft plans on adding one in the future.

To view the different Windows 365 plans, click here.

Get Support For Any PC

Whether you’re using your own desktop or a cloud PC, we provide IT support for all devices. Our managed IT services include management of all aspects of your IT infrastructure, ensuring every device is working smoothly. Contact us today to learn more about how our IT services can benefit your organization.

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Written by: Jay H.

According to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, weak cyber hygiene practices are responsible for a string of new successful cloud attacks. Despite having security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), other bad practices allowed cybercriminals to conduct cloud attacks on organizations.

The attackers used various methods, including phishing, brute force login attempts, and “pass-the-cookie” attacks, to exploit weaknesses in the organization’s cloud security practices. A common denominator, the report adds, is that the “victim organizations’ employees worked remotely and used a mixture of corporate laptops and personal devices to access their respective cloud services.”

1. Phishing Attacks

The threat actors often used phishing emails with malicious links to steal credentials from the recipient. Some of these emails included a link to what appeared to be a secure message, while others looked like a legitimate file hosting service account login. Once the attackers harvested the credentials, they gained access to the victim’s cloud service account. Then, the attackers sent more phishing emails from the victim’s account to others within the organization. In some instances, the emails contained links to documents appearing to be within the organization’s file hosting service.

2. Port 80 Open

In one instance, the employer did not require a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the corporate network. Despite having the terminal server located within their firewall, the firm configured the server with port 80 open for remote employee access. Attackers attempted to exploit this vulnerability through brute force login attempts.

3. Exploit Of Forwarding Rules

In several cases, the CISA noticed attackers taking advantage of email forwarding rules, which users set up to forward work emails to their personal email accounts.

In one case, the threat actors modified a forwarding rule on the victim’s account to redirect emails to an email controlled by the malefactors. Another observation was that attackers changed existing rules to search users’ email messages (subject and body) for several finance-related keywords and then forward those emails to the cybercriminals.

In addition to exploiting existing rules, attackers created new mailbox rules that forwarded specific messages received by the users to their Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feeds or RSS Subscription Folder in an attempt to prevent victims from seeing warnings.

4. Bypass Of Authentication

In one instance, threat actors successfully bypassed the multi-factor authentication in place on one victim’s account. CISA believes that attackers used browser cookies to defeat MFA through a “pass-the-cookie” attack.

In other instances, CISA credits MFA for thwarting several brute force attempts on different accounts.

Recommendations To Strengthen Cloud Security

The report then contains a lengthy list of recommendations for organizations to strengthen their cloud security practices, notably:

• Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Routinely review user-created email forwarding rules and alerts, or restrict forwarding.
• Establish a baseline for regular network activity within your environment.
• Consider a policy that does not allow employees to use personal devices for work. At a minimum, use a trusted mobile device management solution.
• Consider restricting users from forwarding emails to accounts outside of your domain.
• Focus on awareness and training. Make employees aware of the threats, such as phishing scams, and how cybercriminals deliver them. Additionally, provide users training on information security principles and techniques as well as overall emerging cybersecurity risks and vulnerabilities.
• Establish blame-free employee reporting and ensure that employees know who to contact when they see suspicious activity or believe they have been a cyberattack victim. This will ensure that the organization can employ the established mitigation strategy quickly and efficiently.
• Ensure existing built-in filtering and detection products (e.g., enabling those for spam, phishing, malware, and safe attachments and links).

Consider partnering with a reputable managed IT services provider such as Design2Web. By doing this, you can protect your organization from external threats such as hackers from breaching your firm. Contact us today and see how we can strengthen your organization’s security.

The post 4 Practices That Put Your Business At Risk Of Cloud Attacks appeared first on Design2Web IT, Inc..

Written by: Jay H.

Cloud computing has gained much popularity since its introduction. However, there are many common misconceptions dissuading businesses from migrating to the cloud. Let’s debunk five common cloud computing misconceptions to encourage organizations to take advantage of this innovative technology.

Myth #1 – Cloud Computing Is Expensive

When utilizing cloud technology, you do not have to pay the hardware, utility, and maintenance costs; instead, the provider handles these. The only expenses you are responsible for are your resources, storage space, and required applications. Therefore, you save money over the long term without having to endure these extra costs.

Myth #2 – The Cloud Is Not Secure

A common misconception about cloud computing is that data stored on the cloud is susceptible to breaches. While an understandable fear, this myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Cloud service providers store your data and applications in their own data centres, equipped with advanced firewalls, antivirus software, backup systems, and other protective measures. This means that the cloud is likely more secure than most in-house servers.

Myth #3 – Cloud Technology Is Unreliable

A dedicated cloud provider performs automatic daily backups to ensure your data is always recoverable and provides quick recovery to get your organization back up and running as soon as possible. Cloud computing is likely more reliable than your current systems. An excellent cloud provider like Design2Web will also ensure minimal downtime, enhanced security, and high efficiency.

Myth #4 – Cloud Solutions Are Complicated

Although any new technology requires training processes with employees, cloud providers have streamlined the transitioning process. With user-friendly interfaces and graphic-rich reporting, data can be simplified for even the most technically challenged individual.

Myth #5 – The Cloud Is A Fad

Since it has seen a more recent surge in popularity, many regard cloud technologies as new, unrefined, and short-lived. However, the cloud has been optimized for years and is approaching 20 years of experience. Therefore, future advancements would only be adding to an already optimized solution.

Now that you know the truth to these misconceptions, learn more about cloud computing benefits. If you’re considering migrating your business to the cloud, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to learn how cloud services can transform your business.

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Written by: Jay H.

Microsoft Teams is a collaborative, chat-based platform serving as a central hub for teamwork. In the era of remote working, Teams allows members to access resources such as conversations, chats, files, and tasks from any device. Therefore, if your organization is not already on the platform, here are five reasons why your business should use Microsoft Teams.

1. Unites all team members

The best feature Microsoft Teams provides is that it brings all team members together, regardless of geographic location. Each member also accesses instant messaging, voice and video chat, meetings, collaborative document editing, and other features.

2. Provides instantaneous communication

Gone are the days of email reply chains. Now, members can instantly communicate with each other and ask tap-on-the-shoulder questions not suited for sending entire emails. And if messaging isn’t appropriate for the conversation at hand, it’s easy to join a video conference call at the touch of a button. You can also even record meetings for absent coworkers to catch up on.

3. Integrates with other applications

Team members can integrate over 200 applications with Teams, including Office 365, Google Analytics, SalesForce, Groove, GitHub, MailChimp, Asana, Flipgrid, and more. These integrations make collaboration more effortless than ever and let you receive updates from other applications.

4. Enhances security

Teams has many security features afforded to the rest of Office 365, namely multi-factor authentication (MFA), single-sign-on (SSO) via Active Directory (AD), secure guest access, and data encryption. Also, they use ISO 27001, ISO 27018, SSAE18 SOC 1 and SOC 2, HIPAA, and EU Model Clauses (EUMC) compliance standards. With an increase of cybercriminals targeting remote workers, even organizations with strict cybersecurity protocols can rely on Microsoft Teams.

5. Makes getting started easy

Organizations of all sizes can get started with Teams today. Since it is a freemium application, organizations can use the software without paying a subscription. However, some features are unavailable without a subscription, such as a limited number of users, limited file storage sizes, amongst other features. You can compare the different plans here and choose the most appropriate one for your business.

It’s no wonder why Teams has 115 million active users per day. So, if your business needs a useful tool to streamline communication, collaboration, and productivity, look no further than Microsoft Teams.

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Written by: Jay H.

Believe it or not, 2020 is coming to an end soon. This year is not one history will remember fondly, and many are eagerly awaiting the blank slate that 2021 will provide. Many businesses may have realized their current managed IT services provider (MSP) is not as adequate as expected and want to switch providers for the new year. So, how do you know that your choice is the right one for your organization? Consider the following factors when choosing an MSP for 2021:

Expertise

Your MSP needs to be knowledgeable in various IT fields, including cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development, and onsite and remote IT support. They also need to stay up-to-date on new cybersecurity and IT developments, especially considering cybercrime has been on the rise since the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Your MSP must be ahead of the curve, anticipate changes, and prepare for incidents.

Outstanding reputation

Your MSP should have an established reputation and a long list of happy clients. Check third-party websites for unbiased opinions to ensure that your chosen MSP successfully addressed their clients’ IT concerns.

Availability

Imagine that your critical business functions go offline, and your MSP is nowhere to be found. Nightmarish, right? That’s why you need an MSP who has 24/7 accessibility in case of emergencies. So, if something goes awry, your MSP can immediately work to rectify the situation and restore your business’s mission-critical assets. You can sleep soundly knowing your MSP has your back.

Cloud adoption

More and more businesses are embracing cloud technology. Cloud computing allows organizations to access data from anywhere and acts as a disaster recovery measure. Therefore, find an MSP who readily utilizes cloud technology and can show you how it can benefit your organization.

Commitment

An adequate MSP wants to build a long-term partnership between your organization and theirs. They show a genuine interest in your business and ask questions about your business’s vision and goals. Make sure the MSP you choose demonstrates a commitment to furthering your firm.

Choosing an MSP for 2021 and Beyond

As you can tell, the right MSP should satisfy several criteria to make sure they’re the right fit for your organization. Are you looking for an MSP who exceeds all of these factors? Consider contacting us today and see how we can serve your organization.

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Written by: Jay H.

According to 451 Research, 90 percent of enterprises are on the cloud. Cloud computing offers various benefits, including cost-effectiveness, daily backups, unparalleled mobility,  extreme reliability, easy scalability, and better security. Within the cloud computing umbrella, there are three main types of cloud computing: Software-as-a-service (SaaS), Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), and Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS). Let’s discuss each type.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS)

IaaS provides organizations with the essential computer, network, and storage resources over the internet on a pay-as-you-go basis. For this type, cloud vendors host the infrastructure components, such as networks, storage, and servers. Enterprises opt for IaaS to avoid the costs of establishing on-site data centre infrastructure.

Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS)

Through PaaS, organizations rent everything needed to develop applications from a cloud provider, such as infrastructure, development tools, and database management systems. This is useful for organizations to avoid the costly and difficult process of purchasing software licenses. This also allows the developers to focus on the application they are building rather than on the backend components.

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)

SaaS providers host software that organizations can rent and distribute to their employees. Rather than downloading the software on each computer, employees can access the software through their web browser using their usernames and passwords. As long as the user has internet connectivity, they can access their software. The software provider manages the software and hardware and keeps it secure. SaaS, therefore, allows businesses to access applications quickly and at minimal costs.

Which Type Is Right For Your Business?

The right cloud-computing configuration depends on each business’s needs. Furthermore, a combination of the models may be appropriate for the organization. Design2Web IT offers IaaS and SaaS to provide your organization with the services it requires. Since cloud computing is complex and dependent upon each business’s situation, talk to our experts to see what will work best for your firm.

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Written by: Jay H.

Cloud hosting has grown in popularity in recent years. In fact, by the end of 2020, sixty-seven percent of enterprise software infrastructure is projected to become cloud-based. So, why are so many organizations migrating to the cloud? Learn all of the benefits of cloud computing with us.

Cost-Efficient

One of the biggest reasons businesses say they aren’t switching to cloud hosting is because they believe that the costs are too high. However, that couldn’t be further than the truth. Since you’re not hosting your data, you save immensely on hardware and maintenance costs. You also only pay for the services you use, so you don’t have unnecessary extra charges. Most businesses, in fact, report substantial cost savings after switching to cloud computing.

Daily Backups and Rapid Recovery

Our backups store your data securely and, in the event of an emergency, we will rapidly recover your data. So while you can’t predict disasters, you can rest easy knowing your information is safe and secure, no matter what happens. Think about it – how much data would you be able to recover on your own if something were to happen?

Mobility

No matter where you are in the world, you can access your corporate data at any time on any Internet-connected device. Therefore, it’s easy for you to get access to what you need, no matter when you need it. Switching to cloud computing gives your business more freedom and the ability to function from any location.

Reliability

Another major concern businesses have with cloud computing is the reliability it provides. However, cloud hosting is much more reliable than on-premise data centres. Our servers are equipped with redundant hard drives and power supplies to ensure that your services stay running. For companies with their own data centres, the cost of fire suppression, redundant hard drives, and extra power supplies are incredibly high. So, for most companies, the costs are too high to match cloud hosting providers’ reliability.

Scalability

You only pay for what you need, when you need it. As your business grows and your needs evolve, we add more servers and capacity as required. However, if you were doing your hosting, scaling can be much more difficult and costly. With cloud hosting, adapting is quick and easy.

Security

Many organizations worry about how secure hosting data in the cloud is. However, cloud computing is even safer than keeping data onsite. Cloud hosting minimizes external and internal data threats. Ninety-four percent of organizations saw an improvement in security after switching to cloud computing. So, you can rest easy knowing your organization’s data is safe and secure in the cloud.

Ready to get on cloud 9? Contact us today, and start enjoying the benefits of cloud computing!

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