TECHNOLOGY TIMES READITECH BUSINESS TO BUSINESS PUBLICATION
QUARTER 1 - 2020
Protect Your Time and Students
How ReadiTech's proactive cybersecurity tools can protect schools against cyberattacks. In 2018, hackers stole nearly 447 million consumer records containing sensitive personal information—an increase of 126 percent from 2017. With hackers becoming savvier and the number of cyber attacks on the rise, it is important for all businesses and individuals to focus on keeping their data safe. However, one industry where cybersecurity tends to be overlooked is education. “Schools are focused on so many other things. They don’t often have the time and resources to really focus on cybersecurity, to train faculty and staff to recognize potential attacks,” said Brandon Huber, managed security analyst at ReadiTech. “But the tools hackers use are changing quickly and if you aren’t keeping up with them, you won’t be prepared to fight them.” That’s why ReadiTech works with local schools to strengthen their cybersecurity systems. By implementing proactive solutions, remotely accessing computers to fix common cybersecurity issues, and providing security awareness training for faculty and staff, ReadiTech helps schools protect their time—and their students. Schools may not seem like an obvious target for a cyberattack; banks, businesses, and hospitals all collect information that would appear to be more valuable to a hacker.
BRANDON HUBER ReadiTech Managed Security Analyst
But, as Huber explains, hackers are not always selective about the systems they attempt to breach. “Ask yourself: ‘What is the most valuable data in my network?’ That’s generally what attackers are going to go after,” Huber said. “They don’t have to know why the data is important, they just need to know it’s important to you.” The most important data schools collect is student records, including names, dates of birth, addresses, medical records, and parent information. Once a hacker manages to steal this information, they can either use it for their own purposes, or sell it to another bad actor who hopes to perform identity theft. The fastest growing method behind these breaches is ransomware, a form of malicious software (or “malware”) typically spread through e-mails containing links to infected websites. Once that link is clicked, the hacker is able to access the user’s data and lock it, so that it cannot be accessed until a ransom is paid. “Ransomware is becoming more popular than the older methods, when attackers would try to defeat a firewall,“ Huber said. “It’s easier for attackers to send a bad link and get the end user to click on it. That’s what makes it so dangerous.”
So how can schools defend themselves against cyber attacks like these?
Find out on page 6!
Protect Your Security System from Hackers Simple knowledge to protect yourself online applies to not only computer and device safety; it also applies to your security system. According to security research published in the NY Times, the number of smart security systems in place will rise to over 22 million in 2020. From a simple doorbell camera to a full integrated security system, more people are taking protective measures to keep their home and business secure from break-ins and protect against theft. As your technology solutions provider, the ReadiTech team has some helpful steps you can take to prevent hackers from accessing your security system. These steps are not difficult. and are quite simple, but don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re not important in protecting your security system. Tips to Protect Your Security System 1. Keep your camera's firmware updated. Camera manufacturers routinely release firmware updates to fix software bugs and patch security vulnerabilities. Some cameras will automatically download and install these updates, while others require you check for updates and update them on your own. Look to update your camera, under the settings menu of your camera’s app. 2. Change your camera’s password. You might be surprised to learn how often security system’s use the default password. Change your password from the default set up and don’t use the same one for all your security or online accounts. That makes it easy for hackers to gain access to multiple accounts.
3. Set up a password manager. Whether you use a free password manager or use ReadiTech’s password vault Keeper, password apps like these help you generate strong, random passwords for your online accounts. Password managers securely store your usernames and passwords for websites. We recommend you use an app with two-factor authentication to ensure your usernames and passwords remain secure and are only accessible by you. 4. Set up two-factor authentication if your camera offers it. This extra layer of security involves you opting to have the camera company send you a onetime-use passcode via a text message, phone call, email, or authenticator smart app. Two-factor authentication includes two layers of protection. If your username and password were hacked, your security camera is still secure since the second layer is a one-time code used to access it each time. These are valuable tips in ensuring your security system keeps you and your property safe. While there are many security systems available with easy-to-access surveillance to 24/7 monitoring, ReadiTech has the best security system options for you.
Contact ReadiTech 877-559-4692 to learn more about security options for your business or visit readitech.com.
Tax Season is Here.
Are your important files backed up? Managed Online Backup from ReadiTech can help protect your valuable files such as tax files, business information, payroll, etc. Don’t leave yourself open to data loss risk.
Contact us today
to start your back-up.
ReadiTech Hires New Employees and Promotes Two ReadiTech is pleased to announce the hiring of three new employees and the promotion of two. “We are excited to welcome new employees to our team and promote two. Growing our business is a great sign of expanding quality service to clients. These employees bring experience from a wide range of professional fields that keep ReadiTech well-rounded,” said Kent Schimke, DRN ReadiTech CEO and General Manager. Nathan Michaelson has joined the ReadiTech team as a Network Analyst in Jamestown. He previously owned his own computer repair shop, Express Tech. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his two boys, watching and playing sports, movies, and video games. Pat Wolberg has joined the ReadiTech team in the Aberdeen, SD office as a Network Analyst. He previously worked as a system engineer for Agtegra and was the IT Manager for North Central Farmers Elevator. In his spare time he enjoys any kind of sport, spending time with his family and following them to sporting events. Michael Orcutt joined the ReadiTech team in the Fargo office as a Network Analyst. He previously was a contract Windows Server Admin and has several years of managed IT services. In his spare time he enjoys building/tinkering on/fixing many things including building engines, project cars and motorcycles. Brian Cox recently accepted the position of Senior Sales Account Executive in the Fargo office. He joined ReadiTech in 2019 as a Network Analyst and has over 12 years of experience in the IT field working for independent IT companies and local government agencies.
Farkas named Regional Manager ReadiTech has promoted Justin Farkas to regional manager for its Fargo, Grand Forks and Bismarck division. “As our company quickly evolves, Justin has a proven track record of taking on new challenges at ReadiTech and executing them successfully,” said ReadiTech CEO/ General Manager Kent Schimke. “We’re happy to have him lead the daily operations of ReadiTech in our Fargo, Grand Forks and Bismarck locations,” continued Schimke. Farkas joined ReadiTech in July 2019 as Senior Sales Account Executive, before his recent promotion to regional manager. In his new role, he ensures the company is providing the best quality managed IT service and support to its clients. “I’m very excited for the opportunity to support our clients and look forward to continued growth in providing extraordinary IT service,” said Farkas. Bringing a strong industry background to the team, Farkas has over 13 years of experience in IT sales and support. Prior to joining ReadiTech, he worked in sales at TrueIT for three years and most recently at Marco. Justin Farkas and his wife, Jenna, reside in Fargo with their three children; Brinley, Cambrey and Keeley.
To learn more about our team of experts, visit www.readitech.com/the-team.
Microsoft Windows 7 or Server 2008 Release of Liability Effective Jan. 14, 2020, Microsoft ended its technical support, software and security updates for the Windows 7 operating system and Server 2008. While your computer/server will still function, Microsoft will no longer provide support, software or security updates. The good news for businesses utilizing these products is we will continue to support these products. However, due to the lack of software/security updates, ReadiTech will use its best effort to solve issues but success is not guaranteed. All ReadiTech customers should have received the form by mail. If you are still operating with Microsoft Windows 7 or Server 2008, we ask you to sign the Release of Liability form and return to our headquarters office by e-mail, customerservice@drtel.com or by mail: ReadiTech PO Box 69 Ellendale, ND 58436
Microsoft and ReadiTech have been sending courtesy reminders this past year to Windows 7 users recommending that they upgrade to Windows 10 or consider buying new PCs. Beginning Jan. 15, Microsoft started displaying alerts to Windows 7 users reminding them that they no longer support the operating system. If you decide to buy new PCs or servers, please feel free to contact us at one of our locations or at the phone numbers listed below and we will be glad to assist you with a purchase of a new computer or server.
WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT UPGRADING YOUR SYSTEM? Contact ReadiTech at 877.559.4692 or 800.279.4796
RANGECAM Camera Surveillance for Rural Assets Cellular-connected cameras with easy setup, affordable service, and dedicated support. Photos or videos taken on: • motion detection • scheduled times • on-demand Then transmitted to you immediately. How it works? You pay at the end of each month for exactly how long you used the cameras and how much data they used. You can turn cameras ON or OFF in our web-app anytime. There are no activation fees.
Call 877.559.4692 today to learn more!
Smart communication with SmartHub Have you ever had questions about your ReadiTech bill? If you’ve ever had questions about your account, our innovative web and mobile app, SmartHub, can help provide some answers. SmartHub is available through the ReadiTech website and as a mobile app through the Apple App Store (iOS devices) or Google Play Marketplace (Android devices). SmartHub provides many features that can help you understand your account or get a hold of us in a hurry. Through SmartHub, you’ll be able to view detailed information that will provide insight that can help better understand your bill. You’ll be able to put yourself in the driver’s seat of your ReadiTech account. You’ll also receive important news and information about ReadiTech through the app. Any important news or alerts you need to know, you’ll receive immediately. You can also contact us with any issues regarding your account. Take control of your account and make interacting with ReadiTech easy with SmartHub. Smart Management. Smart Life. SmartHub.
READi TECH
70 Years
A CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS
ReadiTech's parent company is proud to be celebrating 70 years this year. Founded in 1950 as Dickey Rural Telephone Mutual Aid Corporation, DRN has a lot to celebrate in our 70 years. A first of its kind in North Dakota, DRN has always been on the leading edge of technology.
Protect Your Time and Students Continued from cover story.
According to Brandon, the best thing schools can do to protect their data is be proactive. “It is easier to keep an attack out than to come back in and fix everything afterwards,” he said. “The sad fact is that after an attack, there is no way to know for sure that all of your systems are safe. A lot of times you have to completely wipe out the system, and hopefully you have a good back-up system, but even with that, it can be a really time consuming and painful process to clean up after an attack.” Cybersecurity is not a one-size-fits-all solution. ReadiTech meets with each individual school to perform a total assessment of the cybersecurity tools they are already paying for. Then, based on current security trends, we make recommendations to fix the gaps in the school’s system while ensuring the best value. From there, ReadiTech will implement multiple lines of defense like firewalls, data back-up, and Web Guardian, a cloud-based, managed antivirus tool that offers advanced threat detection and helps users avoid clicking on potentially dangerous links. Like a fortress with a series of stone walls to keep out intruders, ReadiTech’s multi-layered approach to cybersecurity keeps potential hackers away from your sensitive information. “The best offense is a layered approach,” Brandon said. “If the attacker defeats the first perimeter, but then they reach a second or third layer that they were not expecting, it gets to be a more difficult attack. They will eventually get discouraged and move onto an easier target.” If a school does run into any issues with these cybersecurity tools, ReadiTech is able to fix them through remote access to the school’s computers—saving the school money they would spend if a technician needed to make a trip to the school. However, our goal is for schools to be so well protected against cyber attacks that these issues never arise.
To make this hope a reality, ReadiTech recently began administering security awareness training to schools, teaching faculty and staff how to identify and avoid common scams. “Being educated is the best way to defend yourself against a potential hacking attempt,” Brandon said. “The threats are out there, and they are constantly changing. The better educated our schools are, the better prepared they will be to defend against tools that we haven’t even heard of yet.” No business or organization is immune to cyber attacks. However, at ReadiTech, we believe that it is especially important to protect our schools—and our students— against these crimes. “As a parent, I’m especially interested in maintaining the security of our schools’ data,” Brandon said. “These are our children, our families, and our neighbors. It feels good to know that we are helping keep them safe.”
Learn more about our work with schools online at www.readitech.com/education
Your Role: Internet Security and You Picture this...your organization has hundreds of employees in offices located in different states, as well as remote workers across the US.
Social Engineering
All it took was one HR manager - using public Wi-Fi during a business trip - to click on a link that exposed the name, driver's license number, date of birth, and bank account number of every employee hired within the past decade.
Social engineering is the art of manipulating, influencing, or deceiving you into taking some action that isn't in your best interest or in the best interest of your organization.
Now the company will spend millions to remedy this manager's error- and individual employees will spend months, sometimes even years, battling personal identity theft. What if this had been YOU?
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It's Up to You The threats around you are real. How would you feel if you were the one that compromised your organization's network? Keeping the organization safe starts with you. • • • •
Be careful with what you post and share online. Stay aware of what is already out there, like compromised passwords and organization information. If something seems suspicious, it is always better to verify that it's legitimate Make sure you stop, look, and think before you take any sort of action.
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Phishing: occurs when the bad guys impersonate legitimate emails using bulk email Smishing/Vishing: Smishing (stands for "Short Message Service (SMS) phising" which is text-based phishing) and vishing (voice-based/phone-based phising) Pretexting: involves the creation of a fabricated scenario. For example, the bad guy says they are from IT and work with Sam, who is someone you know—in order to gain your trust and get information (like your username and password) from you under false pretenses Disinformation: false information created and distributed with the specific intention of manipulating you. Fake Profiles: very convincing profiles created by criminals using real or fake information and connections. Malware: short for "malicious software," and umbrella term for all the software out there that is being used by cybercriminals to spy on you and steal your information.
Security Awareness Training from ReadiTech can help prepare your employees for attacks like these. Readi to learn more? Contact ReadiTech at 877.559.4692 or 800.279.4796
Are you using multi-factor authentication? Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an easy way to better protect accounts with personal or business information. MFA, sometimes referred to as two-factor authentication or 2FA, is a security enhancement that allows you to present two pieces of evidence - your credentials - when logging in to an account. Your credentials fall into any of these three categories: something you know (like a password or PIN), something you have (like a smart card), or something you are (like your fingerprint). Your credentials must come from two different categories to enhance security - so entering two different passwords would not be considered multi-factor. So, what's the big deal? MFA helps protect you by adding an additional layer of security, making it harder for bad guys to log in as if they were you. Your information is safer because thieves would need to steal both your password and your phone. You would definitely notice if your phone went missing, so you’d report it before a thief could use it to log in. Plus, your phone should be locked, requiring a PIN or fingerprint to unlock, rendering it even less useful if someone wants to use your MFA credentials. NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology - nist.gov
Turn on MFA today!
Readi Tech A DRN COMPANY
ReadiTech Headquarters: P.O. Box 69, Ellendale, ND 58436-0069 Regional Offices: Aberdeen, SD | Bismarck, ND | Fargo, ND Grand Forks, ND | Lisbon, ND | Oakes, ND
We are here for you. Education Money is tight, and there never seems to be enough. Educational institutions could be eligible for the E-rate Program. The E-rate Program is used by institutions large and small to enable them to afford the Internet access, infrastructure, and maintenance they need. Let ReadiTech help you take advantage of E-rate Program funding.
Readi Tech
ReadiTech is an IT solutions provider serving North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
CLIENT FOCUSED—TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN
TECHNOLOGY DRIVEN: Smart Security
From securing schools from hackers to making sure your security cameras are secure, ReadiTech is here to assist with any security needs of your business. Learn how ReadiTech helps secure schools and suggestions on protecting yourself from hackers.
Smart Communication
SmartHub provides clients the opportunity to manage their ReadiTech bill on their time. Take control of your account and make interacting with ReadiTech easy. STORIES INSIDE >>