Tom Kirkham | Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services for Small and Large Businesses

Jul 25 2024

Understanding Social Engineering Attacks and How to Prevent Them

Blog, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Social Engineering / By Tom Kirkham

Social engineering attacks are a prevalent and dangerous form of cyber threat that leverages human psychology to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security. These attacks exploit trust, authority, and curiosity, making them highly effective and difficult to detect. In this article, we’ll explore common examples of social engineering attacks […]

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Jul 22 2024

The Frequency of Cybersecurity Risk Assessments for Your Business

Blog, Cybersecurity, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, SMB, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

Businesses today are increasingly reliant on technology for their operations. This reliance, while largely beneficial, exposes organizations to a plethora of cyber threats that can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and inflict substantial financial damage. Cybersecurity risk assessments are vital tools that help organizations understand, manage, and mitigate risks associated with their IT infrastructure and

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Jul 18 2024

Understanding and Mitigating Data Leakage in Businesses

Blog, Cyber Attacks, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Ransomware, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

Data leakage is a critical concern for businesses in todays world. It occurs when sensitive information is unintentionally exposed to unauthorized parties, leading to severe consequences such as financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. This article delves into the nature of data leakage, its implications, and effective strategies to prevent it, leveraging Kirkham IronTech’s

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Jul 15 2024

The Evolving Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity

AI, Blog, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider / By Tom Kirkham

Benefits and Challenges for Businesses As the digital landscape continues to evolve, businesses face increasingly sophisticated cybersecurity threats. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as pivotal technologies in combating these threats. This article explores the evolving role of AI and ML in cybersecurity, highlighting their potential benefits and challenges for businesses. The

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Jul 11 2024

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Blog, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider / By Tom Kirkham

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Jul 8 2024

Key Considerations When Developing a Disaster Recovery Plan

Blog, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

Disaster recovery planning (DRP) is crucial for ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime during unexpected disruptions. This article outlines key considerations for creating an effective DRP.

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Jul 4 2024

Understanding the Importance of a Risk Acceptance Statement (RAS)

Blog, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

https://youtu.be/hYSbJFB0hrk?si=uuQRMPtH8Ut_sYQn Acknowledging Declined Cybersecurity Recommendations As businesses navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats, the decision to implement comprehensive security measures is crucial. There are instances where clients may choose to decline certain managed IT and cybersecurity services recommended by their providers. In such cases, a Risk Acceptance Statement (RAS) plays a vital role in

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Jul 1 2024

Understanding the Insider Threat Landscape

Blog, Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Training, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Phishing, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

Insider threats pose a significant challenge for organizations of all sizes, and they come in two distinct forms: malicious insiders and non-malicious insiders.

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In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, ransomware remains one of the most insidious and continuously adapting threats. As a Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services provider, we have witnessed firsthand how ransomware has transformed over the years, becoming more sophisticated and damaging. Understanding its evolution is key to developing effective strategies to protect your digital assets. The Early Days of Ransomware Ransomware's inception dates back to the late 1980s with the AIDS Trojan, which was spread via floppy disks. Early forms of ransomware were relatively simple in operation, often locking users out of their systems and demanding payment to restore access. However, the limited internet connectivity of that era meant the impact of these attacks was relatively contained. The Rise of Crypto-Ransomware The game-changer in ransomware's evolution came with the advent of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. Crypto-ransomware, which encrypts a victim's files and demands cryptocurrency for the decryption key, emerged as a prominent threat. This new form of ransomware allowed for anonymous payment transactions, making it harder for authorities to track and prosecute the perpetrators. Recent Developments and Tactics In recent years, we've seen ransomware become more targeted and sophisticated. Attackers are now conducting extensive research on their victims, often aiming at businesses and organizations where they can demand higher ransoms. Techniques such as phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, and even using ransomware-as-a-service platforms are common. The 'double extortion' tactic has become increasingly prevalent. Here, attackers not only encrypt the victim's data but also threaten to leak sensitive information publicly if the ransom is not paid. This adds an extra layer of pressure on the victims to comply. Impact on Businesses The impact of a ransomware attack on a business can be catastrophic. Beyond the immediate financial loss due to the ransom payment, businesses face operational disruptions, data loss, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such an attack can be a death knell. Protecting Your Digital Assets As cyber threats evolve, so must our defense strategies. Here are key measures to protect your organization from ransomware: Regular Data Backups: Maintain regular backups of critical data, stored separately from your main network, to mitigate the damage of data encryption. Employee Education: Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and adhere to best practices in cybersecurity. Update and Patch Systems: Regularly update and patch operating systems and software to close security vulnerabilities. Implement Access Controls: Limit user access to only the necessary data and systems to reduce the impact of a potential breach. Advanced Threat Protection: Utilize advanced cybersecurity tools, including firewalls, endpoint response, and intrusion detection systems. Incident Response Planning: Have a robust incident response plan to quickly and effectively address any breaches. Looking Ahead The future of ransomware will likely see even more sophisticated attacks, leveraging AI and machine learning to evade detection and optimize targeting. Staying ahead in this game of cat and mouse requires constant vigilance and adaptation. Our Commitment As a leading Managed IT and Cybersecurity Services provider, we are committed to helping businesses fortify their defenses against these evolving threats. We understand the complexities of modern cyber threats and are equipped with the expertise and tools to protect your digital assets. Free Security and Infrastructure Assessment To help you understand your current cybersecurity posture and identify potential vulnerabilities, we are offering a Free Security and Infrastructure Assessment. This assessment will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of your risk factors and actionable recommendations to enhance your cybersecurity measures. Protecting your digital assets from the evolving threat of ransomware is crucial for your business's resilience and success. Contact us today to schedule your free assessment and take a proactive step toward robust cybersecurity.

Jun 27 2024

The Importance of Firewalls in Business Security

Blog, Cybersecurity, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Remote Security, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

Cybersecurity is a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes. One of the fundamental components of any robust security system is the firewall.

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Is Your Business at Risk of a Cyber Attack? Identifying Key Vulnerabilities

Jun 24 2024

Cybersecurity Essentials: Strategies for Preventing and Responding to Cyber Threats

Blog, Cybersecurity, Cybersecurity Training, Managed IT Services, MSP - managed service provider, MSSP - managed security service provider, Phishing, Threats / By Tom Kirkham

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Cyber attacks can lead to significant financial losses, damage to reputation, and legal repercussions.

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