Revolutionizing Remote Access: Unraveling the Advantages of ZPA VPN

As the workforce becomes increasingly distributed, the demand for secure and efficient remote access solutions has never been more pressing. Enter Zero Trust Network Access (ZPA) VPN, a paradigm-shifting approach that redefines how organizations provide secure access to their resources. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the transformative benefits of ZPA VPN and how it is reshaping the landscape of remote access.

  1. The Evolution Beyond Traditional VPNs: Traditional Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have long been the go-to solution for remote access. However, they often come with limitations such as complex configurations, potential security vulnerabilities, and a one-size-fits-all approach. ZPA VPN represents a departure from these shortcomings, embracing a Zero Trust model that prioritizes security and flexibility.
  2. Zero Trust Security Architecture: ZPA VPN operates on the Zero Trust security principle, assuming that no user or device should be trusted by default, even if they are inside the corporate network. This approach mandates verification and authentication for every user, device, and application attempting to access corporate resources, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access and lateral movement.
  3. User-Centric Access Policies: Unlike traditional VPNs that often rely on network-centric access policies, ZPA VPN prioritizes user-centric policies. Access decisions are based on user identity, device posture, and contextual information. This user-centric approach allows organizations to tailor access policies to individual users, ensuring a more granular and adaptive security stance.
  4. Micro-Segmentation for Enhanced Security: ZPA VPN employs micro-segmentation to create isolated, secure segments within the network. This ensures that users only access the specific applications and resources they need, minimizing the attack surface and limiting the potential impact of a security breach. Micro-segmentation enhances overall security without sacrificing user productivity.
  5. Simplified User Experience: The user experience is a critical factor in the success of any remote access solution. ZPA VPN offers a simplified and intuitive experience for end-users. With seamless single sign-on (SSO) capabilities and minimal user intervention required, ZPA VPN eliminates the friction associated with traditional VPNs, contributing to higher user adoption and satisfaction.
  6. Scalability for Modern Workforces: As organizations scale and adapt to evolving work environments, the need for a scalable remote access solution becomes paramount. ZPA VPN is designed to scale effortlessly, supporting a growing number of users and devices without compromising performance. This scalability is particularly valuable for businesses experiencing dynamic growth or changes in workforce dynamics.
  7. Application-Aware Access Control: ZPA VPN goes beyond the traditional network-level access control to provide application-aware access control. This means that access policies can be defined and enforced at the application layer, ensuring that users only access the specific applications they are authorized to use. This level of granularity enhances security and aligns with the principles of least privilege access.
  8. Compliance and Auditing Capabilities: In industries where regulatory compliance is paramount, ZPA VPN offers robust auditing and compliance capabilities. The solution provides detailed logs and reports on user activities, facilitating compliance with data protection regulations and industry-specific standards. This transparency is crucial for organizations navigating a complex regulatory landscape.

ZPA VPN stands at the forefront of the remote access revolution, offering a secure, user-centric, and scalable solution for the modern workforce. By embracing the principles of Zero Trust, micro-segmentation, and application-aware access control, ZPA VPN addresses the limitations of traditional VPNs and provides organizations with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of remote access securely and efficiently. As businesses continue to embrace remote work and digital transformation, ZPA VPN emerges as a strategic ally, empowering organizations to redefine how they provide secure access to their resources in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world.

Documenting Success: Unveiling the Invaluable Benefits of IT Documentation

In the intricate world of Information Technology (IT), where systems, configurations, and procedures are dynamic and complex, the value of documentation cannot be overstated. Effective IT documentation is not just a box to check; it is a powerful tool that can drive operational excellence, facilitate collaboration, and safeguard against uncertainties. In this blog post, we’ll explore the multifaceted benefits of IT documentation and why it is a cornerstone of successful IT management.

  1. Knowledge Preservation: As IT professionals come and go, a comprehensive documentation repository serves as the institutional memory of an organization’s IT infrastructure. Documenting configurations, processes, and troubleshooting procedures ensures that critical knowledge is preserved, reducing the impact of staff turnover and enabling a smoother transition for new team members.
  2. Efficient Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution: IT documentation acts as a troubleshooter’s best friend. When faced with issues or outages, having detailed documentation on configurations, network layouts, and known troubleshooting steps expedites the resolution process. This efficiency not only minimizes downtime but also enhances the overall reliability of IT systems.
  3. Consistency in Configurations: Maintaining a consistent and standardized IT environment is vital for stability and security. Documentation provides a reference point for standard configurations, ensuring that systems are set up uniformly. This consistency minimizes the risk of misconfigurations, reduces vulnerabilities, and facilitates smoother integration of new technologies.
  4. Facilitates Collaboration: Collaboration is the heartbeat of successful IT operations. Well-documented processes and configurations make it easier for IT teams to collaborate seamlessly. Whether it’s sharing knowledge, troubleshooting together, or implementing changes, clear documentation fosters a collaborative environment, promoting efficiency and collective problem-solving.
  5. Compliance and Auditing: In regulated industries, compliance with industry standards and regulations is non-negotiable. Robust IT documentation serves as evidence of compliance, showcasing adherence to security protocols, data protection measures, and other regulatory requirements. During audits, a well-documented IT infrastructure instills confidence in regulatory bodies and ensures a smoother audit process.
  6. Effective Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: IT documentation plays a pivotal role in disaster recovery and business continuity planning. By documenting backup procedures, recovery steps, and key contacts, organizations can respond swiftly and effectively to unforeseen disasters. This proactive approach not only safeguards against data loss but also ensures minimal disruption to business operations.
  7. Training and Skill Development: For IT professionals to continually grow and adapt, access to relevant documentation is crucial. It serves as a valuable resource for training new team members, upskilling existing staff, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. This accessibility to documentation contributes to the development of a skilled and knowledgeable IT workforce.
  8. Cost-Efficiency: The old adage “time is money” rings especially true in the IT realm. Well-documented processes and configurations reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks, troubleshooting, and knowledge transfer. This time-saving efficiency translates into cost savings, allowing IT teams to allocate resources more strategically and focus on value-added initiatives.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of IT, documentation emerges as a linchpin for success. From preserving institutional knowledge and facilitating collaboration to ensuring compliance and streamlining troubleshooting, the benefits of IT documentation are both diverse and invaluable. As organizations embrace the importance of documentation, they pave the way for not just efficient operations, but a resilient and future-ready IT infrastructure that can adapt to the challenges of tomorrow.

Navigating the Digital Frontier: Unveiling the Benefits of Single Sign-On (SSO)

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, managing multiple usernames and passwords has become a ubiquitous challenge for both individuals and organizations. Enter Single Sign-On (SSO), a revolutionary solution that simplifies access to various applications and services. In this blog post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of SSO and how it transforms the user experience while enhancing security and productivity.

  1. Streamlined User Experience: Say goodbye to the hassle of remembering and entering multiple passwords. SSO allows users to log in once and gain access to a multitude of applications seamlessly. This streamlined experience not only reduces frustration but also enhances overall user satisfaction, contributing to a more positive digital environment.
  2. Improved Productivity: With SSO, users can swiftly move between applications without the need for repetitive logins. This time-saving convenience translates into increased productivity as employees can focus on their tasks rather than grappling with login credentials. The cumulative time saved across an organization can be substantial, boosting overall efficiency.
  3. Enhanced Security: Contrary to common misconceptions, SSO doesn’t compromise security; in fact, it can significantly enhance it. By enforcing a single set of strong authentication credentials, SSO reduces the likelihood of weak or reused passwords. Additionally, centralized access control allows administrators to enforce robust security policies consistently.
  4. Reduced Password Fatigue: Password fatigue is a real concern, with users often resorting to insecure practices such as using easily guessable passwords or writing them down. SSO alleviates this issue by eliminating the need for users to remember numerous passwords. This not only enhances security but also mitigates the risk of password-related security incidents.
  5. Easy User Onboarding and Offboarding: SSO simplifies the onboarding and offboarding processes for organizations. New employees can swiftly gain access to all necessary applications with a single set of credentials, while departing employees can be promptly and securely removed from the system. This not only saves time for IT teams but also ensures a smooth transition in personnel changes.
  6. Centralized Access Control: SSO provides administrators with centralized control over user access to various applications. Access permissions can be easily managed and updated from a central dashboard, ensuring that users have the appropriate level of access to resources. This centralized control is particularly beneficial in maintaining a secure and compliant environment.
  7. Cost-Efficiency: Managing multiple sets of credentials for numerous applications can incur substantial costs in terms of IT support and helpdesk services. SSO reduces these costs by minimizing password-related support requests and enabling a more efficient management of user accounts. This cost-effectiveness makes SSO a wise investment for organizations looking to optimize their IT resources.

Single Sign-On is not merely a convenience; it’s a transformative force that reshapes the way we navigate the digital world. From simplifying the user experience and enhancing productivity to fortifying security and reducing operational costs, the benefits of SSO are far-reaching. As organizations continue to prioritize efficiency and security in their digital operations, the adoption of SSO emerges as a strategic imperative, empowering users and administrators alike to navigate the digital frontier with ease and confidence.

Unlocking Success with IT Managed Services: Elevate Your Business Through Strategic Partnership

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, organizations are turning to innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. One such transformative approach is embracing Managed Services—a strategic partnership that not only streamlines operations but also catapults businesses into a realm of efficiency and scalability. In this blog post, we’ll explore the myriad benefits of Managed Services and how they can be a game-changer for businesses of all sizes.

  1. Focus on Core Competencies: Running a successful business involves juggling multiple responsibilities. Managed Services allow organizations to offload the burden of managing complex IT infrastructure, enabling them to redirect time and resources towards their core competencies. By entrusting specialized tasks to expert service providers, businesses can achieve a higher level of operational efficiency.
  2. Cost-Efficiency and Predictable Budgeting: One of the standout advantages of Managed Services is the cost predictability it offers. Instead of dealing with unpredictable IT expenses, businesses can opt for a subscription-based model. This not only ensures a consistent monthly budget but also eliminates unexpected costs associated with IT emergencies, repairs, or upgrades.
  3. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance: Managed Services providers employ proactive monitoring tools to detect and address potential issues before they escalate. This approach minimizes downtime, enhances system reliability, and ensures that IT infrastructure operates at peak performance. The result? A more stable and resilient business environment.
  4. Security Expertise and Compliance: Cybersecurity threats are ever-present, making it imperative for businesses to prioritize the protection of sensitive data. Managed Services providers bring a wealth of security expertise, implementing robust measures to safeguard against cyber threats. Additionally, they ensure compliance with industry regulations, providing peace of mind for businesses operating in regulated sectors.
  5. Scalability for Business Growth: As businesses expand, so do their IT requirements. Managed Services offer scalability, allowing organizations to easily adapt their IT infrastructure to accommodate growth. Whether it’s adding new users, expanding storage capacity, or integrating new technologies, Managed Services providers ensure that businesses scale seamlessly without operational hiccups.
  6. Strategic IT Planning and Consultation: Managed Services providers don’t just fix problems; they play a crucial role in strategic IT planning. By collaborating with businesses to understand their goals, these providers offer insights and guidance on leveraging technology to drive growth. This proactive approach positions Managed Services as a strategic ally in achieving long-term business objectives.

In a competitive business landscape, the adoption of Managed Services is more than a trend; it’s a strategic imperative. By partnering with a Managed Services provider, businesses can unlock a myriad of benefits—from cost-efficiency and scalability to enhanced security and strategic IT planning. Embracing Managed Services is not just an investment in technology; it’s an investment in the future success and resilience of your business.

Securing the Virtual Office: Navigating IT Security Challenges in Remote Work Environments

The global shift towards remote work has brought unprecedented flexibility and efficiency to the modern workplace. However, as organizations embrace this new paradigm, the need for robust IT security measures becomes more critical than ever. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the realm of remote work and explore the unique IT security challenges it poses, along with practical strategies to fortify the virtual office against cyber threats.

  1. Expanding the Perimeter: Remote work dissolves the traditional office perimeter, making it essential for IT professionals to redefine and secure the new boundaries. Employees accessing corporate networks from various locations and devices introduce new vulnerabilities, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive security strategy that goes beyond traditional perimeter defenses.
  2. Secure Remote Access: Implementing secure remote access solutions is fundamental to safeguarding sensitive data. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) are crucial components in ensuring that remote connections remain encrypted and authenticated, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  3. Endpoint Security: With employees working from diverse locations, endpoint security becomes a focal point in the remote work landscape. IT teams must ensure that all devices connecting to the corporate network adhere to robust security standards. This includes regular software updates, antivirus protection, and the enforcement of security policies to prevent potential breaches.
  4. Data Encryption and Protection: As data traverses the internet between remote locations and corporate servers, encryption becomes paramount. Implementing end-to-end encryption protocols ensures that sensitive information remains secure during transit. Additionally, data protection measures, such as access controls and encryption at rest, safeguard critical assets stored on devices and servers.
  5. Collaboration Tools Security: The use of collaboration tools has surged in remote work scenarios, and securing these platforms is vital. IT professionals should vet and choose tools with strong security features, including end-to-end encryption, secure file sharing, and access controls. Regularly updating and patching these tools further enhances their resilience against potential vulnerabilities.
  6. Employee Training and Awareness: Human error remains a significant cybersecurity risk. Providing comprehensive training on IT security best practices for remote work ensures that employees are well-informed about potential threats, phishing attacks, and the importance of secure behavior. Regular awareness campaigns contribute to a security-conscious workforce.
  7. Continuous Monitoring and Incident Response: Proactive monitoring of network activities and endpoints is crucial for early threat detection. Implementing advanced threat detection solutions and a robust incident response plan allows IT teams to swiftly respond to security incidents, minimizing the impact of potential breaches on remote work environments.
  8. Regulatory Compliance: Organizations operating in regulated industries must navigate compliance requirements, even in remote work scenarios. Ensuring that remote work practices align with industry regulations and data protection standards is essential to avoid legal and financial repercussions.

Remote work is here to stay, and as organizations adapt to this new normal, prioritizing IT security is non-negotiable. By addressing the unique challenges posed by remote work environments, implementing robust security measures, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, organizations can create a virtual office that is not only productive but also resilient against the evolving landscape of cyber threats. As we navigate the future of work, securing the virtual office remains a shared responsibility that requires ongoing vigilance and strategic planning from IT professionals and employees alike.

Windows Defender ATP: Elevating IT Security to New Heights

In the complex and ever-evolving landscape of IT security, organizations face an escalating array of sophisticated cyber threats. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and advanced approach, and Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) emerges as a powerful solution. In this blog post, we’ll explore Windows Defender ATP from an IT perspective, understanding its key features, benefits, and the pivotal role it plays in enhancing the security posture of modern enterprises.

  1. Overview of Windows Defender ATP: Windows Defender ATP is an extended security platform that goes beyond traditional antivirus solutions. It provides a holistic and intelligent defense against advanced threats by leveraging endpoint behavioral sensors, cloud-based analytics, and threat intelligence. As an IT professional, this means gaining insights into threats and vulnerabilities across your organization’s entire digital estate.
  2. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): Windows Defender ATP excels in Endpoint Detection and Response, allowing IT administrators to detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats on endpoints. The EDR capabilities provide a detailed timeline of activities on each device, enabling a thorough analysis of security incidents. This proactive approach empowers IT teams to swiftly identify and mitigate potential threats.
  3. Cloud-Powered Security Analytics: Leveraging the power of the cloud, Windows Defender ATP employs advanced analytics to detect anomalies and potential security incidents. By continuously monitoring endpoint behavior and correlating it with global threat intelligence, the platform can identify patterns indicative of advanced attacks, ensuring a proactive defense strategy.
  4. Automated Investigation and Response: Windows Defender ATP automates the investigation and response processes, reducing the workload on IT teams. Automated investigation capabilities analyze suspicious activities, determine the scope and impact of incidents, and even remediate common threats without manual intervention. This streamlined approach enables IT professionals to focus on strategic security initiatives.
  5. Threat Intelligence Integration: Windows Defender ATP integrates seamlessly with threat intelligence feeds, enriching its detection capabilities. By leveraging data from a vast network of sensors across the globe, the platform gains valuable insights into emerging threats. This collaborative approach ensures that organizations are equipped to defend against the latest and most sophisticated attacks.
  6. Integration with Microsoft 365 Security Center: For IT professionals managing security across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, Windows Defender ATP integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 Security Center. This integration provides a unified interface for monitoring and responding to security incidents, enhancing overall visibility and control.
  7. Continuous Innovation and Updates: Microsoft is committed to continuous innovation in Windows Defender ATP, providing regular updates to address emerging threats and enhance the platform’s capabilities. This commitment to staying ahead of the evolving threat landscape ensures that organizations using Windows Defender ATP are equipped with the latest tools and technologies for effective cybersecurity.

Windows Defender ATP stands as a cutting-edge solution for IT professionals seeking to fortify their organization’s defenses against advanced cyber threats. With its comprehensive endpoint detection and response capabilities, cloud-powered security analytics, and seamless integrations, Windows Defender ATP empowers IT teams to proactively identify, investigate, and respond to security incidents. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, Windows Defender ATP remains at the forefront of innovation, offering a robust and intelligent security platform for modern enterprises.

AI Revolution: Transforming the Present and Shaping the Future

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer confined to the realms of science fiction; it has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing the way we live, work, and interact with the world. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating landscape of AI, its current applications, and the potential it holds for shaping the future.

  1. Understanding AI: A Brief Overview AI refers to the development of computer systems that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. The field of AI is broad and encompasses various subfields such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision.
  2. AI in Everyday Life AI has seamlessly integrated into our daily routines, often without us realizing it. Virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa use natural language processing to understand and respond to our commands. Recommendation algorithms on streaming platforms and e-commerce websites leverage machine learning to personalize content based on our preferences. AI-powered navigation systems optimize our commute by considering real-time traffic conditions.
  3. AI in Healthcare The healthcare industry has witnessed significant advancements through AI applications. Machine learning algorithms analyze medical data to assist in early disease detection, predict patient outcomes, and personalize treatment plans. Surgical robots and AI-assisted diagnostics are becoming invaluable tools for healthcare professionals.
  4. AI in Business and Industry Businesses are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and streamline operations. Predictive analytics, powered by AI, helps companies forecast trends and make data-driven decisions. Chatbots and virtual assistants provide round-the-clock customer support, enhancing user experience.
  5. Challenges and Ethical Considerations Despite the incredible progress, AI comes with its set of challenges and ethical considerations. Issues such as bias in algorithms, data privacy concerns, and potential job displacement require careful consideration. As we embrace AI, it is crucial to develop frameworks that prioritize transparency, accountability, and ethical use.
  6. The Future of AI: Opportunities and Possibilities Looking ahead, the future of AI is filled with exciting opportunities. AI is expected to play a crucial role in addressing global challenges, from climate change to healthcare crises. The development of advanced AI models, like OpenAI’s GPT-4, promises even more sophisticated language understanding and problem-solving capabilities.
  7. The Role of Human-AI Collaboration Rather than viewing AI as a threat, there is immense potential in fostering collaboration between humans and AI. AI can augment human capabilities, enabling us to tackle complex problems and unlock new possibilities. It is crucial to approach AI development with a human-centric mindset, ensuring that technology serves to benefit humanity as a whole.

Artificial Intelligence is not just a technological trend but a transformative force reshaping the world as we know it. Embracing the opportunities while addressing the challenges is key to harnessing the full potential of AI. As we navigate this AI revolution, a thoughtful and ethical approach will pave the way for a future where human intelligence and artificial intelligence coexist harmoniously, driving progress and innovation.

veeam

Veeam Cloud Tier

Data is growing faster and is more important than ever!  All organization are experiencing explosive data growth and it’s becoming more and more apparent that the data being generated and protected is critical. Company viability is jeopardized when data is at risk and without secure and protected access to critical data, organizations face potential collapse. While the threat of a malicious attack against organizational data is not new, the methods and vectors of attack have evolved, and attacks have drastically increased in recent years.

Attacks on your data are at an all-time high!  Ransomware is more powerful than ever, and corporations face an increased number of malicious attacks including both external and internal threats due to the era of connected platforms. The threat to data is real, and as part of an overall data management strategy leveraging new technologies is critical to protecting that data and ensuring that organizations are protected from malicious intent where data is either permanently deleted or held for ransom.

The storage landscape has fundamentally changed with Object Storage. With the release of Veeam Backup & Replication 9.5 Update 4 in 2019, we introduced the Veeam Cloud Tier which enabled customers to take advantage of Object Storage. Due to its increasing popularity, infinite scale-out capacity and lower cost for long term retention, Object Storage offers many advantages over traditional block and file-based storage systems. With regards to increasing amounts of backup data, and requirements to keep that data for longer periods of time, Object Storage is a perfect fit. Veeam has witnessed an overwhelming adoption of Object Storage with over 100PB of data offloaded to just a few top cloud object storage providers alone, despite the fact that in Update 4, the Cloud Tier was only capable of offloading older data to help to reduce the costs of long-term archival. This was just step 1, and now v10 brings more!

Introducing the next iteration of Veeam Cloud Tier in v10

With the launch of Veeam Backup & Replication v10 we have made drastic improvements. In v10, the Cloud Tier feature set has been extended to include three distinct, but very interconnected customer needs:

  • Achieving the 3-2-1 rule and performing off-site backup in a fast, effective and automated fashion, thus lowering off-site RPOs
  • Protecting your data from attacks by malicious insiders and hackers
  • Simplifying recovery from a major disaster

Let’s dive into each of these customer needs further.

Copy Policy:  Makes 3-2-1 easier than ever

Building on the “Move Policy” in Update 4, Copy Policy allows backup data to be instantly copied to the SOBR Capacity Tier as it’s created. This is an important distinction from what Move Policy does, where there is only ever one copy of the data sitting either in Performance Tier or Capacity Tier, which can leave recent restore points within the Operational Restore Window at risk in the case of disaster or malicious intent.

With Copy Policy enabled on a SOBR, all backup files that are created are effectively duplicated as soon as they are created to the Capacity Tier. This allows us to adhere to the 3-2-1 rule (3 copies of backup, on 2 different media, with 1 offsite) of backup that requires one independent copy of data offsite. In fact, when using cloud object storage, it allows customers to much more easily achieve 3-2-1, by being 1 of the copies, on a different media AND in a different location. It’s a 3-2-1 rule slam dunk!

When used together, both Move and Copy policies complement each other perfectly to fully take advantage of object storage by keeping the local landing zone for quicker operational restore easier to manage from a data growth and capacity planning point of view. Copy mode then ensures that, in the case of disaster, there is a full copy of backup restore points available for recovery.

Ok, 3-2-1 is achieved faster and easier than ever.  Check! Now, are you fully protected and 100% safe? Not yet. What about ransomware, hackers or malicious insiders?

Immutability – Your solution for ultimate protection.

Protection against malicious intent or accidental deletion of backup data has become critical in anyone’s data protection strategy– and with immutable backup functionality for Amazon S3 and S3-compatible object storage repositories, data that is shifted or copied into the Capacity Tier is further protected. This feature relies on the S3 API to set a period of time on each block of data uploaded to Object Storage where it cannot be modified or deleted by anybody. Yes, we mean anybody:  intruders, malicious actors, accidental deletion by admins and more.

This effectively works to protect all recent (and generally most important) backup points until the set period has expired. And even having the highest-possible privileges on an AWS account does not provide you the ability to delete or modify the data, period.

As mentioned, immutable backups is a feature available for Amazon S3 and a variety of S3-compatible object storage providers including Ceph, Cloudian, Zadara and more. Check out the latest approved Veeam Ready “object” providers here for the latest and expect many more to come soon.

Now ransomware and inside threats are under control, but what if I lose the datacenter completely? We have a solution there too.

Enhanced Recoverability with Simplified Backup Import

The resiliency built into the Cloud Tier is such that if you totally lost your on-premises installation of Veeam Backup & Replication, you would be able to  restore from data that was copied or moved into the object storage. This was true in the Update 4 release, but we have further improved the convenience and speed in which this data back be accessed after a disaster scenario has been triggered with the new Mount Object Storage Repository feature in v10.

With this feature, content in an existing object storage repository can be registered in a newly provisioned backup server (even running on a laptop and using Community Edition), and you can have the existing backup data points made available for restore operations in no time, including restores directly to the public cloud or instant recovery back to on-prem.

Unlike with the previous version, you no longer need to re-create and re-scan SOBR, because we make restore points available directly from the object storage by quickly downloading a very small amount of metadata during the most familiar Import Backup process. In other words, you can now import backups from object storage as quickly and easily as from local storage. How cool is that?

Conclusion

With these innovative additions to Veeam Cloud Tier, the abilities for customers to do off-site backup faster, store data for longer periods at lower costs, achieve 3-2-1 , and to  recover quickly from a potential malicious attack or disaster scenario have been greatly enhanced. Not only are we now able to copy backups offsite for redundancy and longer term retention on object storage, but we are able to also have that data immutable, and easily recoverable with the new Import feature, leading to much lower RTOs.


This article was provided by our service partner : Veeam

Security

5 Cybersecurity Tips for Better 2020 Protection

You couldn’t go a day in 2019 without hearing about another cybercriminal hitting a business or city, and 2020 will be more of the same. You’ve probably even had your fair share of conversations with your customers about what you’re doing to keep them and their data secure. It’s better to have the tough talks now and get a plan in place than try to make excuses for your lack of protection if your customers get hit. So, let’s get ready for 2020 together with these cybersecurity tips. Learn how incident response services can benefit and improve your business strategy.

1. Pay Attention to the Security Around APIs

Cybercriminals and their tactics are evolving and will continue to evolve. With new advancements in technology, attacks will go beyond the normal threat vectors. You can see Nettitude online for cybersecurity assistance

“There are still plenty of attack surfaces today in your traditional Windows® domain environments,” says Jon Murchison, CEO of Blackpoint Cyber. “As the shift starts to the cloud and as we open more APIs for automation, I think you’re going to see API-based attacks increase massively. Vendors need to pay attention as they open more of these things up, they’ll be turned against them.”

While the cloud and automation have made life easier for managed service providers (MSPs) and their customers, they also present an opportunity for cybercriminals to use that convenience against unsuspecting victims. When you’re looking at your security for 2020, you need to be aware of all the entry points into your network and your customers’ environments, which leads us to our next tip: enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA).

2. Enable MFA on Everything

Although it may seem like a minor inconvenience for end users, MFA is a small security measure that can have a significant impact on making sure the right people have access to networks and applications. MFA, or two-factor authentication (2FA), is an added layer of security that requires a user to present a second form of authentication, typically a code sent to an email or text after the user enters their account login information. Once the user enters the code, they’ll gain access to the account.

Like all things, MFA is only successful if you use it correctly. Having it enabled on just a few accounts defeats the purpose of implementing it to begin with.

“We’re seeing a breakdown of proper configuration and management of MFA,” says Drew Sanford, Director of Sales Engineering at Continuum. “If you’re managing remote systems or administering user access, you should be using MFA, but you need to be using it for all accounts, especially the MFA systems themselves.” That’s right. Secure the security measures.

“Nothing is worse than protecting your systems with MFA just to find the hacker was able to log in and reset your Google, LastPass, or other accounts,” Drew says

3. Have the Right Resources

There has been a talent gap across the industry for the past few years, and cybersecurity is no different. It’s a job-seeker’s market, with unemployment for cybersecurity professionals close to zero percent. That makes finding talent hard and keeping it even harder. Skilled professionals will demand top dollar for their expertise.

The hiring crunch trickles down to the quality of services. According to research from Continuum, 37% of MSPs say they aren’t able to obtain the right level of in-house cybersecurity skills. Without the right skill sets, your security team might not be able to meet the demands of your customers and leave them vulnerable to a security incident.

When it comes time to start providing security services, if you haven’t started already, you’ll need to decide whether to build your security offerings on your own, buy an established security company, or partner with a security vendor. There are pros and cons to each option, and there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Your security requirements are unique to your business, so it’s crucial to pick the strategy that works for you—and getting it right can help you stand out from the competition.

According to Continuum’s white paper, Underserved and Unprepared: The State of SMB Cybersecurity in 2019, cybersecurity is becoming a determining factor for SMBs deciding to use or continue using an MSP. How much so? 84% of SMBs surveyed who do not currently use an MSP would consider using one if they offered the right security services.

4. Protect Your House

This has become one of our more popular cybersecurity calls to action, but it’s not just a saying, it’s an integral part of running your business. When you protect your house, you’re ensuring you have the proper security controls and procedures in place across your organization. Yes, you’ll be more secure, but you’ll also be showing current and potential customers that you’re committed to security.

You build trust with an SMB when you show them you not only take proper security precautions, but the solutions you use internally are the ones you’re selling them. Your security offerings are tried and tested. This could be the thing that separates you from the competition.

5. Take Advantage of the TSP-ISAO

According to the Department of Homeland Security, threat actors are exploiting the trusted relationship between technology solution providers (TSPs) and their customers to creep unnoticed into customers’ networks. In October 2019, ConnectWise announced the creation of the Technology Solution Provider Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (TSP-ISAO).

The TSP-ISAO is an independent organization formed to provide a secure infrastructure within the TSP industry to set the standard for TSPs in the services and products they provide to their clients, as well as the people, processes, and tools they employ.

“We believe that the TSP-ISAO has an important role to play in educating MSPs and SMBs to the existential nature of the threats they face. Both MSP and SMB industries have never faced a threat like this and are collectively unprepared to understand the true nature of the threat. Working with our public and private partners, we will develop programming to ensure the threat is understood and countered,” said TSP-ISAO Executive Director, MJ Shoer.


This article was provided by our service partner : connectwise.com

RMM

Best Practices for Optimizing Patch Management with RMM Software

Patching—the act of updating, fixing, or improving a computer program—is an important part of maintaining your clients’ systems against viruses and hacks. The majority of MSPs do this through remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools. But no matter how well your RMM software can fix a bug or close a vulnerability, if you don’t follow the right patching policies and procedures, you may end up putting those same clients at a higher risk of security breaches.

According to the Ponemon Institute, 57% of data breaches can be directly attributed to attackers exploiting a known vulnerability that hadn’t been patched. That’s a real problem. And patching doesn’t just improve system security—it facilitates overall smooth processing, ensuring that there are no bugs slowing down your (or your clients’) day-to-day operations.

Clearly, regular patching is important—but how can you make it a seamless part of your workflow? To help you out, here are some best practices to follow as you use RMM tools to perfect your patching processes—and reasons why they’ll help you, your technicians, and your clients.

Make Patching a Priority—and Ensure Your RMM Tools Facilitate That

In 2018 alone, there were upwards of 15,500 published common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). And as technology increases in complexity and sophistication, these numbers will only continue to multiply. Keeping up is a challenge for businesses and their IT service providers—especially those that may continue to rely on manual patching processes rather than their RMM software.

In addition to managing the sheer volume of vulnerabilities cropping up each day, the actual patching process can drain time, resources, and disrupt the end-user experience. That’s why any RMM software comparison should take into account the ability to use these tools to streamline and simplify patch management. With the right RMM tools, it’s much easier to work regular patching into your workflow and to ensure your whole team is equipped to make it a priority.

Follow a Simple Framework Built Around Your RMM Software

When it comes to patching, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Aligning on well-established procedures or protocols for patch management works fine—applying them consistently is the key. For a strong start, select a simple and repeatable process to use as a guide. The entirety of this basic workflow framework can be performed with RMM tools:

  1. Deploy regular rediscovery of all systems
  2. Schedule vulnerability scanning—especially for systems at higher risk
  3. Install patches and patch definition databases
  4. Monitor, test, and deploy patches to vulnerable systems
  5. Perform regular data collection and reporting, and review processes for future improvements

This framework should provide a good jumping-off point. Build on it to customize the process to your specific team, organization, and RMM software.

Always Watch the Clock

A central challenge facing managed services providers (MSPs) is that once a vulnerability is officially announced, all information about it is disclosed along with it—giving hackers all of the information they need and a wide-open window to target and further exploit the vulnerability across your clients’ systems. The chances of exploitation and infection increase the longer an organization waits to apply the patch. At the same time, hackers and other cyberattackers are becoming increasingly quick to attack, giving organizations less and less time to patch.

Being cognizant of every disclosure and using your RMM tools to stay on top of each alert is critical. Even a few hours can make all the difference.

Integrate Patching Tools with Your RMM Software

With multiple vulnerabilities to remedy in little time, you want to implement as many tools as possible, as quickly as possible. Rather than having your technicians spend most of their time approving and applying patches to disparate machines, you can implement an integrated RMM tool like ConnectWise Automate, to alert you and handle much of the heavy lifting.

With the right RMM tools and increased automation capabilities, your technicians spend less time on tedious manual patching tasks and you reduce the likelihood of human error or important updates slipping under the radar.

Consider Third-Party Patching

Cloud-based, automated patch management software allows you to schedule regular update scans and ensures patches are applied under specific conditions. As you take on new clients, the software gains even greater value, enabling you to remain on top of patching while your business continues to grow.

Third-party patching is a native component of ConnectWise Automate, simplifying and securing the entire patch management workflow. The platform enables application updates, along with a host of other automatic capabilities—including automated billing through the professional services automation (PSA) software you already have with ConnectWise Manage

As you audit, patch, document, and bill for third-party application updates, all third-party patch definitions are deployed following our best practices. Automatic daily updates and downloads ensure that you’re always patching with up-to-the-minute technology. And as you streamline patch management for you and your clients, you gain recurring monthly revenue streams.

Generate Regular Reports

It’s important to make patching and staying on top of every client relationship a priority. With streamlined automated regular reporting you have a simple and effective solution right in your hands.


This article was provided by our service partner : connectwise.com