Tech Times - Q1 2023

DO YOU KNOW THE BIGGEST RISK TO YOUR BUSINESS?

CURRENT TRENDS IN CYBERATTACKS

2023

Cybersecurity isn’t just a buzzword designed to create fear. Even as a small to midsize business, your company’s data is one of your most valuable assets.

What if your customers’ sensitive credit card data was stolen from your database? Or, what if your employees’ phones and tablets were comprised giving hackers access to your network? These are real situations that can cripple your reputation and business. In fact, 60% of SMBs go out of business within six months of a cyberattack according to Connectwise, a cybersecurity IT management software provider.

CYBER PROTECTION CHECKLIST:

q Security Assessment

Did you know?

1 in 5 small businesses will suffer a cyber breach this year.

As your business IT solutions provider, ReadiTech recommends the most important step in preventing a cyberattack is to identify your greatest areas of risk for a security data breach. The most critical risks are not only within your IT environment, but in the processes, policies, and procedures that can leave you open to popular phishing and social engineering attacks.

Now, more than ever, IT security plays a vital role in the success of your business. Whether your business is looking to minimize downtime, or protect your devices and network from cyberattacks, we’re here to help you achieve a secure, seamless and hassle-free network. Call ReadiTech today at 701-344-5000 to learn where your business can improve cybersecurity to operate at its best.

You can’t afford to find out after a breach where you are vulnerable. From performing security assessments to multi-factor authentication and encryption, ReadiTech recommends these innovative ways to protect your business in 2023 from cyberattacks.

Establish a baseline and identify critical areas. ReadiTech can help you develop a plan to fit your budget. Close existing vulnerabilities and strengthen your security.

q Email Anti-Virus/Spam Filter

Secure your email. Most attacks originate by email. The ReadiTech team will help you choose a service designed to reduce spam and your exposure to attacks.

q Security Awareness Training

Train your users, often! Teach them about data security, email attacks and your policies and procedures. ReadiTech offers web-based training solutions and policies.

q Advanced Endpoint Detection & Response

Protect your computers data from malware, viruses or file-less and script-based threats.

q Multi-Factor Authentication

Add an additional layer of protection to ensure if your passwords are stolen your data is still protected.

q Computer Updates

Keep Microsoft, Adobe and other applications up to date. ReadiTech provides a “critical update” service via automation to protect your computers from the latest known attacks.

Checklist continued on page 3

q Web Gateway Security

Internet security is a race against time. Cloud-based security detects web and email threats as they emerge on the Internet and blocks them on your network within seconds.

q SIEM (Security Incident & Event Management)

Uses big data engines to review all event and security logs from devices to protect against advanced threats and to meet compliance requirements.

81% 97% of breaches could have been prevented with today’s technology.

of all breaches happen to small and medium size businesses.

According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime damage is predicted to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015.

q Firewall

Turn on intrusion detection and intrusion prevention features. Monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and send the log files to a managed SIEM.

q Backup

Backup your important data so it can be recovered if deleted or becomes corrupted. Back up automatically and test to ensure files are available and working correctly.

For more ideas to take your business cybersecurity to the next level, visit readitech.com.

The E-Rate program helps ensure that schools and libraries can obtain high-speed internet access and telecommunications service at affordable rates.

E-rate Discount Program Deadline is Feb. 27

Eligible schools, school districts and libraries may apply individually or as part of a consortium. Funding may be requested under two categories of service: category one services to a school or library (telecommunications, telecommunications services and Internet access), and category two services that deliver Internet access within schools and libraries (internal connections, basic maintenance of internal connections and managed internal broadband services). Discounts for support depend on the level of poverty and whether the school or library is located in an urban or rural area.

The discounts range from 20 percent to 90 percent of the costs of eligible services. E-rate program funding is based on demand up to an annual Commission-established cap of $4.456 billion.

VOIP PHONE SYSTEMS DESIGNED WITH YOU

The E-rate program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under the direction of the FCC. Specifically, USAC is responsible for processing the applications for support, confirming eligibility, and reimbursing service providers and eligible schools and libraries for the discounted services. USAC also ensures that the applicants and service providers comply with the E-rate rules and procedures established by the Commission.

The deadline to apply for a discount through the program is Monday, Feb. 27.

To get started visit: usac.org/e-rate/get-started/

MIND

READITECH IMPLEMENTS NEW SECURITY MEASURES

Beginning Jan. 1, 2023 customers need to verify who they are with new methods when calling ReadiTech regarding their account. This procedure is referred to as multi-factor authentication to improve security when accessing your account.

What is Multi-Factor Authorization (MFA)?

Multi-Factor Authorization is an important security method used to identify and access your accounts. This process requires two forms of identification to access resources and data. ReadiTech is adding security questions as an extra layer of security to your account.

Please call ReadiTech at 701-344-5000 to set up your security questions. Or, set up online on your smart device by downloading Smart Hub on the App Store or Google Play.

Smart Hub

TRY IT TODAY!

Gain account access at your fingertips and two-way communication with ReadiTech online or on your device.

Simply go to readitech.com and click “Pay My Bill” in the top right hand corner.

SmartHub:

• Fast & Easy Bill Pay

• Safe & Secure

• Free Online & Available on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OUR LUNCH & LEARN!

On Tuesday, Jan. 10, approximately 20 local business owners and professionals attended a Lunch & Learn co-hosted by the Valley City Chamber of Commerce and ReadiTech at The Vault, Valley City.

ReadiTech’s Cybersecurity team Brandon Huber and Scott Young shared industry tools and tips with attendees on how to protect their businesses from security threats, spam, hackers and other cyberattacks.

A big thank you to all who attended this cybersecurity educational event!

What’s the Price of a Business

E-mail Compromise Breach?

According to the FBI, the average loss from a businses e-mail compromise (BEC) scam is nearly $93k per complaint. No business— small or large—can afford to be compromised.

To protect yourself and your business from these types of attacks, employee education is essential. Contact us today to learn about our Security Awareness Training. readitech.com