7 Types of Cyber-attacks to Watch Out for in 2023

The world is ever-evolving, and so is the cyber threat landscape. As technology advances, so do the methods of cybercriminals. As we enter the new year, it’s crucial to plan for it, especially for your resilience in any cyber security attacks. The importance of cyber security has never been greater, and the frequency of assaults and breaches has recently increased. This blog post will look at the 7 types of cyber-attacks to watch out for in 2023.

Introduction to Cybersecurity

As we move closer to the future, the need for cybersecurity becomes ever more critical. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, systems, and programs from digital attacks. It is also the practice of ensuring data privacy and integrity. Cybersecurity is essential for businesses, organizations, governments, and individuals.

Types of Cyber-attacks

There are many different types of cyber-attacks. These include phishing attacks, malware attacks, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, denial of service (DoS) attacks, SQL injection attacks, password attacks, and insider threats.

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing attacks are one of the most common types of cyber-attacks. In a phishing attack, the attacker sends an email that appears to be from a legitimate source, such as a company or a bank. The email contains a link that, when clicked, takes the user to a malicious website. The website then asks the user to enter personal information, such as username and password.

It is important to be aware of phishing attacks and to be wary of any suspicious emails. It is also essential to ensure that the website being visited is secure and is from a legitimate source.

2. Malware Attacks

Malware is short for malicious software. It is malicious code or software designed to damage or disrupt systems and networks. Malware can be viruses, worms, trojans, spyware, ransomware, and adware.

Malware can be spread through emails, downloads, and websites. One has to be aware of the signs of malware attacks, such as slow computer performance, pop-up ads, and sudden changes in settings. It is also vital to update your anti-virus software regularly and to use a reputable anti-virus program.

3. Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) Attacks

Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are a type of cyber-attack in which the attacker intercepts communication between two parties. The attacker can eavesdrop on the communication and, in some cases, even alter the communication.

MITM attacks can be carried out on various networks and systems, including wireless networks, VoIP networks, and email systems. It becomes necessary to use secure networks and encryption when sending sensitive data.

4. Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks

A Denial-of-Service Attack poses a severe risk to businesses. Attackers target systems, servers, or networks, in this case, and bombard them with traffic to drain their bandwidth and resources. The attacker attempts to make a server or network resource unavailable. The attacker does this by flooding the server or network with requests, causing the system to become overwhelmed and unable to respond to legitimate requests.

DoS attacks can be prevented by using secure networks, limiting access to servers and networks, and using firewalls. It is also essential to be aware of the signs of DoS attacks and to respond quickly if any suspicious activity is detected.

5. SQL Injection Attacks

In an SQL injection attack, the attacker attempts to gain access to a database by injecting malicious code into a vulnerable input field. The malicious code is then executed, allowing the attacker to access the database.

SQL injection attacks can be prevented using secure coding practices, properly validating user input, and secure authentication methods. It is also important to regularly update the database and to use intrusion detection systems.

6. Password Attacks

Password attacks are a type of attack in which the attacker attempts to gain access to a system or network by guessing or cracking a user’s password. To decipher your password, the attacker can use a computer program or password-cracking tools like Aircrack, Cain, Abel, John the Ripper, Hashcat, etc.

It is crucial to use strong passwords and to change them regularly. It is also essential to enable two-factor authentication and to use a password manager to store passwords securely.

7. Insider Threat

An insider threat, as the name implies, involves an insider rather than a third party. In this situation, it can be someone who works for the company and is familiar with its operations. The potential damage from insider threats is enormous.

Small organizations are particularly vulnerable to insider threats because their employees frequently have access to sensitive data. There are several causes for this kind of attack, including avarice, malice, and even negligence. Insider threats are tricky because they are difficult to predict.

Cybersecurity Statistics and Trends

In 2020, the global cybersecurity market was valued at over $170 billion, expected to grow in the coming years. According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cybersecurity market will be worth over $300 billion by 2024.

In addition to the growth in the cybersecurity market, there has been an increase in cyber-attacks. In 2022, the number of cyber-attacks increased by over 40% compared to 2021.

Cybersecurity Solutions

To protect against cyber-attacks, it is crucial to have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy in place. This strategy should include employee training, secure networks, regular security updates, and intrusion detection systems.

Partnering with a reliable cybersecurity provider, such as Protected Harbor, is also important. Protected Harbor provides a range of cybersecurity services, including security assessments, vulnerability management, and incident response.

Conclusion

You have learned everything there is to know about cyberattacks from this essay on their several types. You studied the definition of a cyber-attack, the top 7 types, and the techniques to avoid one. It is wise to be knowledgeable about cyberattacks and network security, given the rise in cybercrimes today. Watch this video about cybersecurity threats to learn more about this subject.

If you’re looking for a reliable cybersecurity partner, look no further than Protected Harbor. With their range of cybersecurity services, from penetration testing, cloud security, ransomware protection, and email filtering to threat detection and response, we’ve you covered. Whether you’re an SMB or a large enterprise, we have a solution that works for you.

Have you got any inquiries for us about “Cyber Attacks”? Please get in touch with our security specialist. You’ll hear from one of our experts as soon as they can!

The Top 10 Ransomware Attacks Of 2022

Ransomware attacks rose to an all-time high during the year 2022 as most businesses continued their operations through online mediums. Due to the usage of mainly online platforms, these left businesses open to cybercriminals who were sophisticated in their ransomware attacks. According to statistics, within the first quarter of 2022, there were approximately 236.1 million ransomware attacks around the globe.

Companies in turn have to spend a considerable amount in order to rectify the damages of these attacks. According to Cybersecurity ventures, the cost of ransomware attacks are going to increase to $265 billion by 2031.

All of these stats conclude that ransomware attacks will not be slowing down and will only continue to become more advanced. Below, we will be looking at the top 10 ransomware attacks of 2022 that affected both companies and governments systems.

What is a Ransomware Attack?

Ransomware is a type of malware that cybercriminals use to get access to information. When a system gets infected by ransomware, it blocks any user access and encrypts the systems data. Cybercriminals will then demand a ransom to release the locked data. Such a process is known as a ransomware attack.

Cybercriminals can target any individual or company through this type of attack. The affected person or company usually has two options to try and regain access to their data. The first option is that the victim will either pay the ransom to the cybercriminals, which does not guarantee that the hacker will release the encrypted files. The second option, is the victim needs to make an effort to remove the malware, sometimes through either a third-party IT service provider or their own in-house team, which again, is not always a guarantee in recovering every lost file.

The Top Ransomware Attacks in 2022

According to experts, 2022 was the biggest year for ransomware attacks. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant ones.

1. Bridgestone

In February 2022, Bridgestone, one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, detected a security breach caused by the LockBit ransomware gang. Despite Bridgestone’s efforts to mitigate the attack, the company had to halt their production for a week due to a network outage in North and Latin America.

On March 15, the perpetrators announced they were going to leak the stolen data if they didn’t get paid their ransom fee. In addition to a security check and reconnection to their network, the company has not provided details about the ransom thus far.

2. Puma

On January 10 of 2022, one of the workers of the popular sportswear brand “Puma,” was informed of a data breach following a ransomware attack on Kronos, one of Puma’s workforce management solutions providers. In December of 2021, Kronos had experienced its first incident. According to reports, hackers stole the personal information of over 6,632 of its employees, including US Social Security Numbers, and encrypted the data.

Neither customer data nor financial information was affected. On January 22, Kronos regained full access to their data. To make up for this incident, Kronos offered Puma employees two years of free Experian IdentityWorks, which includes credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and identity restoration.

3. Toyota

In February and March of 2022, Cybercriminals unleashed a ransomware attack on three Toyota suppliers. However, a specific attack on Toyota’s supplier, Kojima Industries, forced the company to halt their operations at 14 Japanese plants.

According to reports, the hack caused a 5% drop in the company’s monthly production capacity. Moreover, Denso and Bridgestone, two Toyota suppliers, were also targeted by ransomware within 11 days.

4. Nvidia

In February 2022, cybercriminals targeted the world’s largest semiconductor chip company Nvidia. According to the company, the threat actor leaked employee credentials as well as proprietary information online.

As part of the attack, Lapsus$ claimed they had access to 1TB of company data that would soon be available publicly. In addition to this, the cybercriminals made a ransom demand of $1 Million.

Some media reports stated that parts of Nvidia’s business had to be taken offline for two days due to compromised internal systems. According to the company, however, the attack did not affect its operations.

5. Costa Rica Government

2022 was the first time in history that a country declared a national emergency response to a cyber-attack. In early April, the first ransomware attack struck the nation, bringing the ministry of finance to its knees and affecting the public and private sectors.

Initially, Conti demanded $10 million in ransom from the government, which subsequently increased to $20 million. As a result of another attack on May 31^st, the country’s healthcare system was in disarray which wound up taking Costa Rica’s healthcare systems offline. The Costa Rican social security fund was also affected by this attack which wound up being linked to HIVE.

6. Bernalillo County

On January 5, Bernalillo County, the largest county in New Mexico, became a victim of a ransomware attack, which brought down several government departments and institutions. The Metropolitan Detention Center was also affected as security cameras, and automatic doors fell offline. Government officials had to restrict the movement of inmates, which is a direct violation of laws for inmate confinement.

For this reason, the county had to file an emergency appeal in the federal court against the act due to this malware attack. However, this was an incredible eye-opener regarding how ransomware attacks can affect citizens’ welfare.

7. SpiceJet

In early 2022, Indian Airline SpiceJet fell victim to a ransomware attack. As a result, hundreds of passengers had to wait in different locations for more than 6 hours, greatly affecting the brand’s reputation.

Moreover, it also raised questions about cybersecurity gaps within the aviation industry. The SpiceJet ransomware attack also highlighted the importance of incident response planning, an initiative that could play a vital role in stopping such future cyber-crimes.

8. Shields Health Care Group

In March, Shields Health Care Group (Shields) suffered a security breach that exposed around two million patient details. Due to Shields’ reliance on hospitals and medical centers, these affects have been extensive leaving at least 53 facilities and their patients vulnerable.

Shield’s official website shows that the company became aware of the ransomware attack on March 28, 2022. They immediately hired cybersecurity experts to tackle the situation and examine the damage of the incident. It was then they found out that hackers gained access to the personal information of patients. However, the company claims they haven’t found any evidence of data misuse.

9. Hensoldt

On January 12, 2022, Hensoldt, a global defense contractor, acknowledged that several of its UK subsidiaries had been the target of a ransomware attack. The company provides sensor solutions for defense, aerospace, and security software to organizations like the US Army, US Marine Corps, and US National Guard.

Although the company has not disclosed the security breach details, the ransomware group, Lorenz, claimed credit and listed the ransom as paid. As of now, it is unclear whether Hensoldt paid the ransom or if another threat actor purchased the data.

10. Marriott

In 2014, hackers compromised Marriott guest records. According to an estimate, the personal data of around 340m guests became publicly available. Although this incident wasn’t public until September 2018, it led to a fine of £14.4m from the UK Information Commissioner’s office. In January 2020, a similar incident occurred when hackers accessed 5.2m of guest records.

In June 2022, hackers claimed to have stolen more than 20GB of sensitive data, including guests’ credit card information. Using social engineering, the attackers allegedly tricked an employee at a Marriott property in Maryland into granting them computer access. Despite Marriott’s denial, it plans to contact more than 300 to 400 people about the incident.

Wrap Up

Ransomware attacks have been a part of the computing world since long before most people knew they existed, and they are not going away any time soon. It’s a cheap, effective, and simple technique for hackers that can infiltrate even the most secure networks.

Businesses need to focus on keeping themselves safe by working on their security. In this regard, experts like Protected Harbor can help you. Our team of experts will tailor a solution to meet your company’s needs, keeping your data safe and secure.

With Protected Harbor, you can defend your data against ransomware threats. To increase the safety and security of your business operations, we combine the most recent immutability technology with top-notch storage solutions. Stay one step ahead of cybercriminals by partnering with a provider that offers email security, endpoint detection, network penetration testing, ransomware, and anti-malware mechanisms.

Unsure which solution is best for your company? Contact our team of experts today and let them determine which solution best fits your company’s needs.

Unlock Your Business Potential with Managed IT Services

Managed IT services can be a game changer for businesses of all sizes. Whether a one-person shop or a large enterprise, these can provide you with the resources, tools, and information technology expertise you need to succeed.

For most businesses, they were unheard of several years back. That’s because these services were offered only by the big companies. Fast forward to today, and managed services are now available to everyone thanks to a slew of cloud-based solutions.

The expected value of the global IT Managed Services market is US$ 244670 million in 2022, and it is anticipated to reach US$ 399170 million by 2028, with a CAGR of 8.5% throughout the analysis period.

These cloud platforms offer potent tools which allow even the smallest businesses to get an edge over their competitors. This has led to almost every business owner/CEO, including Managed IT Services in their budgets.

You can handle your IT problems as a business owner. This is true for some businesses, but most large complex companies will be well served by outsourcing their IT service model to a managed service provider (MSP).

This article goes over why managed services for businesses are essential.

What is Managed IT Service?

Managed IT services are the ultimate in business technology support. Whether it’s security, disaster recovery, or network design, managed service providers eliminate the headache of keeping your business up and running.

Outsourcing, managed services, security services, data management, and cloud computing comprise the larger market for IT services. End-user spending on cloud computing is expected to reach nearly 500 billion dollars in the United States in 2022.

Managed service offering is a proactive solution that provides you with around-the-clock hardware and software support for your computer network. This means you’ll never have to worry about being left in the dark when something goes wrong — because a professional team of experts is all taken care of

These services typically include a variety of services, including:

• Help desk support and remote monitoring and management.
• Security monitoring and threat protection.
• Software and hardware installation, configuration, and deployment.
• Telecom expense management services.

Managed service provider msp companies provide their clients with 24/7 monitoring, assistance in identifying and resolving issues before they become problems, backup and recovery plans, and focus on improving other services designed to keep your business running smoothly.

Different Types of Managed IT Services

There are many types of managed IT services available, but here are some of the most common:

Managed Networks and Infrastructure – This service includes monitoring and managing remote servers, desktops, and laptops. These services also include application management support and help desk support.

Managed Security –Managed Security refers to outsourcing security operations and management to a third-party service provider. MSSPs offer a range of security services, including threat detection and response, vulnerability assessments, security monitoring, and incident management. They use specialized security software and tools to monitor and manage the client’s security environment, identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents in real-time.

Managed Support Services – Managed support services provide all the technical expertise needed to keep your systems running smoothly without downtime due to technical issues or problems with software applications such as Microsoft Office 365 Exchange Online and Microsoft Azure Active Directory Cloud Services.

Managed Wireless and Mobile Computing – This type of IT service involves the management of wireless networks, mobile devices, and applications. With these services, companies can have more control over the performance of their employees’ mobile devices by ensuring they are secure and up-to-date with the latest operating systems.

Managed Communication Services – Managed communication services are designed to help companies improve productivity by ensuring that all employees can communicate effectively with one another through email and instant messaging. These services also include other forms of communication, such as video conferencing, web conferencing, and more.

Software as a Service (SaaS) –  Software as a service provides clients with access to applications hosted on the cloud, typically through the internet. This means that users do not have to install or maintain any software on their systems. 

What are the Benefits of Using Managed IT Services?

Managed services are a great way to maintain your IT infrastructure’s security, performance, and reliability. This is especially true if you’re a small business or a startup company with no budget for full-time IT staff.

Of the 451 large businesses surveyed by 451 Research, 45% planned to collaborate with a MSP, and 42% prepared to deploy additional security software. The industry is changing as a result. Managing service contracts have replaced the old break-fix model in 59% of IT services.

Managed IT providers offer several benefits in their service level agreement sla over doing things yourself:

Contractual Terms: A managed service provider often has a contract in place with their clients that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding what they’re expected to do, when they’re expected to do it and how much they’ll be paid for it.

Reliability: An MSP will work hard to avoid any potential issues — from hardware failure to cybersecurity threats — so that you don’t have to worry about them taking down your entire system or causing data loss.

Cost Savings: It can help you save money by reducing spending on technology. Your service provider can take care of all your IT needs, from network management to infrastructure upgrades, so you only pay for what you use. This can save you more of your total cost of ownership.

Reduce IT Spending: These providers offer fixed monthly rates that allow you to budget for your entire year’s expenses upfront and avoid unexpected costs that could hurt your bottom line.

Dependable Service: Instead of wasting time troubleshooting problems yourself or waiting on hold with technical support, let us handle it! Our team will monitor your network 24/7, so you have peace of mind knowing there’s always someone available to help when something goes wrong.

Managed IT Services Provider Inclusion

To qualify for inclusion in the Managed IT support services category, a service provider must offer their clients a range of IT services and support:

• Provide Constant Monitoring of IT-Related Functions: This includes monitoring of the server, applications, and network, as well as security systems.
• Provide On-Demand Support: A MSP should have a team of technical experts that can be deployed whenever an issue arises. This could include a help desk, online chat, or phone support.
• Provide IT Consulting: A good MSP offers advice and guidance on improving your business’s technology infrastructure and processes.

Final Words

The benefits of managed services are clear. By outsourcing their IT management services and maintenance, businesses can free up their internal IT staff to focus on more strategic initiatives and benefit from improved security, compliance, cost savings, and customer service. However, finding the right managed IT services provider for your business is essential. Be sure to look for a provider that has experience working with companies of your size and industry, is reliable and has a good reputation, and offers competitive prices.

If you’re looking for a managed services provider in Rockland County NY or Hudson Valley, Protected Harbor can help. Protected Harbor is one of the top Managed IT Services providers in the US and offered a range of services to meet your business’s IT needs.

With digital and technological techniques that support your company’s objectives, IT specialists at Protected Harbor will assist in transforming your enterprise. Reduce stressful day-to-day IT operations, minimize costly downtime, and improve operational maturity. Gain access to a whole team of IT professionals to help you manage the newest technology and a wealth of knowledge that will accelerate your growth, boost your profitability, and improve your business.

Get a free IT Audit today and unlock your business potential with Protected Harbor.

Why is IT Experience Important for Businesses?

The role of IT in modern business cannot be underestimated. Companies now must pay attention to the importance of information technology (IT). In this role, every business must own and implement IT systems. The failure to innovate means rejecting best practices.

You can’t expect to keep up with the competition if you don’t give your company an edge in technology adoption. The fact should be noticed – with the proper IT solutions. Your organization could succeed entirely.

The annual value of the global information technology (IT), business services, and IT services markets exceeds USD 1 trillion. The Americas area will account for most of the sales in 2021 with 555 billion US dollars. After dropping revenues in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the market is predicted to see rising revenues during the following four years. ~Statista

Even If you’re a small business owner, you might know how important technology is but need help understanding it. We’ll tell you what technology can do for your business and why it’s essential.

What is Information Technology in Business?

The term “IT” is often used in today’s business world. This is simply because of the importance of Information Technology in almost all businesses. Information Technology is a broad term that covers a range of topics, including information systems, computer networks, database management, and software applications.

In general, Information Technology is applying computer technology to support business operations. Word processing and spreadsheet software are the most common IT applications; however, many other types are also used in businesses today.

Generally, a wide range of technologies and infrastructure strategies that work in concert shape the IT services sector. The use of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in business solutions and a rise in the demand for IT security measures like zero trust frameworks are a few of these trends.

Information technology has become the backbone of business because it can help companies do things faster and with less effort. It allows companies to communicate with customers, employees, and suppliers more quickly; it helps companies coordinate operations across multiple locations and time zones; it enables companies to share information in real-time with customers or employees who need it, and it provides access to data that would otherwise be difficult or impossible for a company to collect.

Why is IT Important for Businesses?

The IT department is the backbone of any business. It has a direct impact on the productivity and efficiency of your business.

Simplifying Employee Communication

IT infrastructure enables employees to conduct their work efficiently and effectively. Adequate IT infrastructure can make all the difference between a thriving and a failing business. It also helps in improving employee communication as well as collaboration with each other.

Enhancing Productivity

An efficient IT infrastructure allows you to focus on core competencies and critical activities, which help you in enhancing productivity significantly. You can also focus on innovation and creativity, which are essential for your company’s growth.

Better Data Management

Data management is one area where an efficient IT infrastructure helps you immensely. With proper data management, you can analyze past data and use it to shape plans for your business. A good IT infrastructure ensures that all critical data remains safe. This provides no loss of valuable information due to unforeseen circumstances or accident-related failure of data files, hard drives, etc.

Improving Financial Management

IT makes it easier to manage your finances by automating all your financial transactions. You can also easily monitor and analyze your financial data, which helps you make better decisions about where to spend money, saving time and money in the long run.

Maintaining Network Security

Your network is one of the most vulnerable areas in your organization. IT personnel can help protect it from hackers, viruses, malware, and other threats by developing security policies and implementing them promptly. This ensures that your data remains safe and secure at all times.

Boosting Marketing Campaigns

In today’s fast-paced world, you must constantly be on your toes to survive this cutthroat competition. You must stay caught up with competitors if you want to maintain your position in the market. This is where IT comes into play by offering you an array of tools that will help you streamline your marketing campaigns and give them the boost they need.

Management of Cloud-Based Solutions

Today, businesses have started adopting the cloud computing model for their IT infrastructure needs. This allows them to access all their data anytime and from anywhere in the world. This system will enable businesses to easily manage their entire information technology infrastructure by deploying just one application across multiple devices or locations. This will help them track down what’s happening with their systems in real-time and minimize downtime if there are any issues with the system.

Future of Information Technology in Business

Businesses increasingly rely on information technology (IT) to run efficiently and effectively. Companies use IT to improve the quality of their services and products, reduce costs and increase revenues.

According to Statista, there will be over 15 billion mobile devices in use in 2021, with 18.22 billion projected by 2025. According to Zippia, the smartphone market is growing at a CAGR of 16.4% on a global basis.

When planning for the future, it’s essential to consider the impact of technology. Introducing new technology has always been a game-changer in the business world and will continue to be so.

In recent years, there’s been a lot more focus on “big data” and how businesses can use it. The amount of data available today is staggering, yet companies are only scratching the surface of what they can do with it.

Businesses are becoming more dependent on IT systems for day-to-day operations. This is because these systems provide a better way of managing business processes than using manual methods.

In addition, the global economy has become more digitized. It has led to the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, cloud computing, and Big Data analytics, improving productivity levels in businesses across all sectors.

Final Words

Overall, businesses need to implement a strategy for IT, with priorities and plans in place. There are many different moving parts to the equation, and the company must understand the landscape of IT to create an operating environment where IT can effectively serve its needs. How important is technology? The stakes couldn’t be higher​—businesses that ignore technology run a greater risk of failing.

Businesses depend on rapid, reliable data and high-speed internet in today’s global economy to remain competitive. To keep your company at the cutting edge of international business, you need a business partner with the expertise to tackle the challenges of today’s technology. And at the same time, you must ensure that your company’s data remains secure. You don’t want a single mistake or oversight to risk your business’s reputation or financial stability. And you don’t have time to waste on unnecessary headaches. Finding a partner that can offer technical expertise and detailed awareness of your company’s needs can make all the difference for your business.

Protected Harbor has the right solution for you, whether you are just starting or looking to upgrade your current setup. Our expert team will work with you to discover your needs and recommend the best technology to meet those needs. We will also support your team as they get the new system up and running. We are also recognized as a top cloud computing and cybersecurity company by Goodfirm and Designrush.

Learn how the experience makes a difference. Get a free IT Audit today.

Data Breach at LastPass, How Safe is Your Information?

On December 22^nd, 2022, while millions of people were preparing to celebrate and ring in the new year, cybercriminals were hard at work laying plans to breach the popular password manager, LastPass’s cloud server leaving all of their users exposed.

Due to a prior breach back in August of 2022, LastPass first sent word to its users about a limited security incident within their development environment. At first, it seemed as though there wasn’t too much cause for concern as the hackers had compromised a single developer account and “took portions of source code and some proprietary LastPass technical information.”

However, this past month, LastPass learned that though no customer data was accessed in the prior incident, there were certain source codes and technical information that was taken and used to dupe a LastPass employee into providing the hacker with credentials and keys to access and decrypt particular storage spaces within their cloud. LastPass’s CEO Karim Toubba has done his best to assure users that so long as they have followed their password guidelines, as restated in their statement above, they should be safe. But how safe is their customers’ information completely?

Let’s break it down.

What is LastPass?

For those who don’t know, LastPass is a popular password management software that allows users to store all of their important data, specifically, passwords. Whether it’s an individual’s banking info, logins to a frequented website, or even saved credit cards, insurance cards, memberships, etc. LastPass secures all of it for you, keeping it safe within their cloud software…at least it did, at one point.

How Safe is My Information Now?

The truth is, we can’t speak on behalf of LastPass, but it’s important to note that there are never any sure-fire ways to keep your most important data safe from the ever-advancing cyber-criminals. There are only so many measures companies can take themselves in order to promise your security. Now, this isn’t to say that password management software’s such as LastPass can’t ever be trusted. For example, LastPass went so far as to instill quite a few security measures including their zero-knowledge policy, but it’s important to take the extra precautions yourself to ensure your own safety.

Aside from following the guidelines set forth for password protection from LastPass or any other website, we recommend for individuals to do the following:

• Instill 2-Factor Authorization (2-FA): We understand the ease of being able to just click sign in/login on a screen and having the website right at our fingertips. However, not instilling a 2-FA can cause you more harm than good in the long run. With 2-FA there are many different versions websites tend to use in order to keep your data safe whether that’s by sending a unique code to your phone or email, asking you security questions, and so on. We recommend whenever a user is signing up for any website to always enable 2FA for that extra boost of security.
• Change Your Passwords Often: Let’s be honest, we all have that one favorite password that we’ve been using for years on multiple sites because it’s the easiest thing to remember. That one password however can result in our immediate downfall if it’s exposed in a breach. We recommend updating your passwords and following the specifications provided by the websites you are signing up for to prevent any potential exposure.
• Store Your Passwords on Your Own Cloud: Just because LastPass experienced a data breach through their cloud doesn’t mean that all cloud servers can’t be trusted. The safest cloud option that you have available to you, is your own. Whether your passwords are stored on your own personal device in a folder, on your phone, or on your iCloud/Google Cloud, you are the gatekeeper of your passwords as you set the security measures.
• Don’t Login on Public Computers or Servers: Though this seems obvious, we have to reiterate the importance of staying off of your most important websites when you are out in public. You never know who is around and who is waiting for you to login in order for them to gain access to your most personal files. Always login on a private, personal computer or a private network.

Final Words

Data breaches at this stage in the game of today’s ever-evolving world are inevitable. A security breach on a source like LastPass was something that was unfortunately bound to happen as every single person, including hackers, has their one lucky day. The only thing that internet users can do in order to prevent their information from being spread is to take their own private security measures.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re an average consumer or a company using password managers like LastPass; you need to be sure your data is always safe and take the proper security precautions.

Nervous about how secure your company’s files are after reading about this breach? Contact us today for a Free IT Audit and put your fears at ease.

Deploying Servers in a Virtualized Environment

The term “virtualization” can seem a little perplexing. It’s something that the business world is going crazy over, but something you’ve never entirely understood.

Currently valued at between 40 and 60 billion dollars, the worldwide virtualization software market is anticipated to reach at least 120 billion dollars over the coming years. ~Statista

Virtualization is a technology that may be used for virtually all types of IT infrastructure, including servers, PCs, networks, storage, data, applications, data centers, CPUs, and GPUs. Virtualization is thus a crucial component of cloud computing.

Whether you’re deploying new servers or additional instances, it’s a good idea to know how to do it right. In the past, deploying servers required having three separate tools: one for deploying the operating system, one for installing the database, and another for installing all the other services. With virtualization, all those tasks are combined into one or two tools. The result is a streamlined process that is both quicker and easier.

What is Virtualization in a Cloud Environment?

Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of an existing system. This virtual copy can be executed as an independent machine or performed on the current hardware.

Cloud computing is built on top of virtualization technology and has become one of the most popular trends in IT over the last decade.

Virtualization allows you to deploy multiple instances of an application or operating system in a single physical server. This means we can use fewer physical servers while still serving more customers, reducing our hardware costs, power consumption, and cooling needs. In addition, it also allows us to easily manage our computing resources by allowing us to move them between servers as needed without disrupting services for clients or internal users.

Benefits of Deploying Servers in a Virtualized Environment

The benefits of deploying servers in a virtualized environment are substantial. For example, virtualization companies can save money by consolidating their servers and reducing hardware costs. They can also benefit from more flexible hardware that allows them to deploy and remove servers as needed quickly.

In 2020, it was predicted that the virtualization software market would be worth $38.7 billion.

It is projected to reach $149.4 billion by the conclusion of the analysis period, which runs from 2020 to 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.4%.

The benefits of Deploying Servers in a Virtualized Environment include the following:

Protection from Failure and Disaster

When you have your data stored on physical servers, one failure can cause all your data to be lost or inaccessible. By using virtualization technology, you can create multiple copies of your server and store them in different locations. If one location fails, you still have access to your data through another location. This is especially useful if you have important data that must be kept safe.

Lower Costs

Virtualized servers can reduce your costs because they use fewer physical servers, which means fewer servers to purchase and maintain. Additionally, the lower price of virtualization software can offset these savings. Still, even if you have to pay more upfront, it will quickly pay itself over time as your IT environment becomes more efficient and stable.

Reduced IT Footprint

Virtualized environments require less space than traditional physical environments because they don’t need as many racks or cabinets. This can significantly reduce the space required to support your users and data centers. It also makes it easier to scale up or down as needed without spending money on additional hardware or software licenses.

Risk-Free Testing

Virtualization allows you to test new hardware, operating systems, and applications without risk affecting your production environment. This is especially important when you’re adopting new technology. Virtualization allows you to test the waters before committing. In addition, it makes it easier to move between different hardware vendors and operating systems without significant changes to management processes.

Security

Data security is another area where virtualization technology excels. With physical servers, there are only so many ways to protect them from hackers looking to steal sensitive information. With virtual servers, however, each instance can be covered with its firewalls and other security measures, making it much more difficult for hackers to access sensitive data stored within these instances.

Ease of Data Transfer

A cloud environment consists of multiple data centers connected via high-speed networks. The data center where your virtual machine resides can be anywhere in the world as long as it is connected to the internet. You can quickly move your virtual machine from one cloud data center to another without having to move it yourself physically.

Simplified Data Center Management

Virtualized servers make it easy for you to manage your data center. You don’t need to worry about managing individual servers or installing updates because everything is managed at the hypervisor level. This also means that you don’t need to hire specialized IT staff members with expertise in managing servers and networking equipment — all you need is someone who can manage virtual machines using a console or command line interface (CLI).

Common Challenges of Deploying Servers in Virtualized Environment

Organizations are adopting virtualization to reduce costs and improve agility. However, there are many challenges associated with virtualization that can impact the success of your virtual environment.

Here are some common challenges organizations face when deploying servers in a virtualized environment:

Resource distribution: It is challenging to plan for resource distribution in a virtualized environment because of its dynamic nature. For example, if you have 100 VMs on a physical host, it is difficult to predict which VMs will run at any given time and how much CPU or memory they need. This makes it challenging to plan for resource distribution upfront.

VM Sprawl – If not appropriately managed, VM sprawl can lead to increased costs and security risks due to raised attack surfaces on the network. Organizations must implement policies that allow them to manage VM sprawl before it becomes unmanageable.

Overrun storage network – With flexible deployment options like VMware DRS and vMotion, organizations can quickly move VMs around physical hosts without worrying about breaking applications. However, this can also lead to problems when multiple VMs try to push data through the same storage network simultaneously, as there may need to be more bandwidth available for all of them.

Final Words

Virtualized environments are becoming incredibly popular, both among hosting providers and customers. However, only some people are familiar with deploying servers in a virtualized environment.

Protected Harbor offers expert services for the cloud in a virtualized environment. We provide full support throughout the process so that you can ensure that all aspects of deployment are done professionally and efficiently. We will help you to set up virtual machines, migrate your data, and set up security. We will also assist you with ongoing management and troubleshooting of any issues with your virtual environment.

We also offer various services like data backup, disaster recovery, and network monitoring. Pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop for all your technology needs, whether hardware or software. With our team of experts on board, we can easily tackle any of your technology issues. Whether you are looking for a new data center or want to migrate your system to the cloud, we are here to help.

We want to be your go-to resource for all things cloud, so please do not hesitate to ask questions and receive expert advice to help you make the most of this valuable technology. Get a free cloud consultation today.

Top Data Center Management Issues

The backbone of every successful network is the data center. Without it, emails would not be delivered, data would not be stored, and hosting multiple sites would not be possible.

Spending on data center systems is anticipated to reach 212 billion US dollars in 2022, an increase of 11.1% from the year before. ~ Statista

Data centers often support thousands of small and large individual networks and can run several other business-critical applications. Many things however can go wrong within the data center, so you should know what exactly to look out for. Here are some significant data center issues and how to fix them.

What is a Data Center?

A data center is an industrial facility where people store, process, and transmit computer data.

A data center is typically a large complex of servers and associated devices, as well as the physical building or buildings that house them. Data centers are usually integrated with other services, such as telecommunications and cloud computing.

Unlike general-purpose facilities such as warehouses and office buildings, data centers are generally dedicated to one user. The major types of data centers are:

• Private enterprise data centers, which corporations or other private organizations own;
• Public enterprise data centers, which government agencies own;
• Community enterprise data centers (CEDCs), which groups of individuals own;
• Hybrid enterprise data centers (HEDCs), which combine private and public ownership.

Challenges of Data Center Management

The data center is one of the most critical components of an organization’s infrastructure. With the growing demand for cloud services and business agility, the data center has become one of the most complex systems in any enterprise.

The increasing complexity is a result of numerous factors, such as:

1. Maintaining Availability and Uptime

The primary focus of any IT organization is to ensure that its services are available at all times. This means they need to have a disaster recovery plan in place in case there is a failure within the system.

Technology Advancement

Managing data centers has become more complex due to technological advancements. Various new technologies have been introduced into the market that require efficient management for their practical use. State-of-the-art systems require proper maintenance and management to deliver the desired results. This can be difficult if the required expertise is unavailable within an organization.

2. Energy Efficiency

The cost of powering an entire building can be very high. Therefor it makes sense for an organization to invest in new technology and equipment that reduces power consumption while still performing at an acceptable level.

3. Government Restrictions

Data centers are becoming critical for businesses, but various regulations have restricted their operations in certain countries. For example, there are some countries where it is illegal to store data within their borders. This makes it difficult for businesses to operate within those countries because they have no real options other than moving their servers elsewhere or hiring local staff who can handle their cybersecurity.

4. Managing Power Utilization

Data centers require a lot of power to run their operations smoothly and efficiently. If not managed properly, this could lead to wasted energy consumption, increasing costs significantly over time. To avoid this, organizations should invest in energy-efficient equipment like rack-mounted UPS (uninterruptible power supplies) systems.

Monitoring software should also be installed that will alert companies when something goes wrong so they can react quickly and prevent any potential damage caused by power failure or overloads in the electrical grid.

5. Recovery From Disaster

Data centers have seen an increase in disasters caused by hurricanes and earthquakes as well as man-made disasters like power outages or fires. These events can destroy or even compromise equipment and systems that will take weeks, possibly months to repair or replace. This can leads to losses in productivity and revenue if critical servers or storage devices are affected.

Tips to Overcome Challenges in Data Center Management

Taking the time to ensure the building is safe, your personnel are knowledgeable about cyber security prevention, and you satisfy compliance standards goes a long way in protecting your assets from bad actors. ~Shayne Sherman, CEO of TechLoris.

Here are some tips to help you overcome common challenges in managing your data center:

1.  Audit Your Security Posture Regularly

The first step in overcoming data center management challenges is regularly auditing your security posture. This will give you an idea of where you stand and allow you to identify your vulnerabilities before they become threats. You can do this by using a third-party assessment service or hiring a qualified person to assess your current situation and have them provide recommendations.

2.  Use a DCIM System to Manage Uptime

A DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) helps you to identify issues before they become problems by providing visibility into the health of your equipment. This allows you to proactively address issues before they impact operations or cause downtime.

3.  Scheduled Equipment Upgrades

Scheduled upgrades ensure minimal downtime during planned upgrades while also ensuring that any unforeseen issues are resolved before significantly affecting operations.

4.  Implement Data Center Physical Security Measures

Using these measures will allow you to control who has access to your facility and what they can do once inside. They also help to limit unauthorized access by preventing cyber-criminals from entering through any possible open doors or windows.

5.  Use the Right Tools to Secure Your Data and Network

You must ensure that your network is secure when it comes to data security. This means using the right tools and resources to protect your network from cyber threats. For example, you can install a firewall to block attacks or malware from entering into your system.

Final Words

Data centers are far from being stationary. New challenges are emerging while old ones are still evolving due to technological innovation and changes to data center infrastructures. Spending on data center management solutions is increasing due to other difficulties in addition to managing power, data storage, and load balancing.

Protected Harbor offers the best-in-class data center management with a unique approach. You can expect expert support with 24/7 monitoring and advanced features to keep your critical IT systems running smoothly. Our data center management software enables us to deliver proactive monitoring, maintenance, and support for your mission-critical systems.

We focus on power reliability, Internet redundancy, and physical security to keep your data safe. Our staff is trained to manage your data center as if it were our own, providing reliable service and support.

Our data center management solutions are tailored to your business needs, providing a secure, compliant, reliable foundation for your infrastructure. Contact us today to resolve your data center issues and switch to an unmatched data service solution.

What Is a Managed Data Center Service?

When it comes to data center services, managed services are becoming more and more popular. Many people don’t understand what a managed data center service does or how it can help them. It’s understandable why some people might feel this way – after all, there are so many other managed data center service available that you may not at first see the point of this service.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of IT infrastructure, businesses are increasingly relying on colocation data centers for enhanced performance, security, and scalability. This blog explores the intricacies of managed data center services, shedding light on key aspects such as colocation data center, data center management, data center services, and data center solutions. Dive into the world of managed data centers to discover how businesses leverage these services to streamline operations, ensure data security, and achieve optimal performance for their digital ecosystems.

Managed Data Center Service Definition

A managed data center service is a service that provides you with a fully managed data center environment. When you sign up for this service, you do not need to worry about the data center itself – the service provider will take care of all aspects of the physical data center and many IT-related aspects of your business. It is designed to make your data center operations more accessible and effective.

Some companies also offer ongoing IT support as part of the package, so you can have everything you need under one roof. It is different from a colocation or managed hosting service in several ways: managed hosting and colocation both require you to have your data center and take care of the physical space, while with a managed data center service, the physical data center is managed by the service, with you being provided with a remote access connection.

Why Use a Managed Data Center Service?

There are many reasons why an IT company would recommend a data center service over other IT services. Here are just some of the main ones:

• A managed services provider can offer better uptime because they manage the physical data center, making it easier for them to keep everything running smoothly.
• Data security is often better as they’re more aware of and can react quickly to any potential security issues.
• It can reduce costs because they’re more efficient and often provide better value for money than other managed services.

These aspects make a data center service an excellent option for many businesses.

3 Things To Look For In A Managed Data Center Service

When comparing data center services, there are several factors you should look out for. Here are the key things you should consider:

1. Security and compliance – A managed service should have strong data security and compliance capabilities. You want to be sure that your data is safe and that it’s being handled in a way that meets your compliance needs.
2. Technical skills and Experience – You want to ensure the service has the technical skills to handle your data center effectively. A skilled data center team can keep things running smoothly and ensure your data remains secure and accessible.
3. Customer service – You also want to ensure the service has good customer service capabilities. You’ll deal with the team a lot, so it’s essential to have a good relationship with them and feel like they’re always responding well to your needs.

How To Find the Right Managed Service?

Finding the right service is essential, as it can make a big difference to your business. You can do a few things to find exemplary service: – Contact potential services and ask them about their offerings. Find out what they offer and what their rates are. You can ask for a referral from a friend or business. They might recommend an experienced service provider. Compare different managed service providers and their offerings. Also, look at the above criteria to find a service that’s the best fit for your company.

Final Words

Managed data center services can hugely benefit many businesses, especially those with complex IT needs or large amounts of data. This service can offer many advantages over other managed services, including better uptime, data security, and reduced costs. When comparing these services, look at the above criteria to find the best service for your company.

As data centers become more crucial and companies are expected to meet new business requirements, the need for modern data center solutions is increasing. Data centers, from application delivery to the cloud, have become integral to businesses and their operations. These solutions help companies protect, manage, and cost-effectively secure their data. To deliver these solutions and keep your company’s operations running smoothly, you need a professional team of Data Center Engineers. A Data Center Engineer has data and cloud solutions expertise and can help you achieve your goals.

Protected Harbor offers solutions to help you get your data center operations and security up and running. We are a company based in the United States, with data center experts on staff who have deep experience with many of the top data center operators in the world. We stay in close contact with our customers, working together to develop solutions that meet their unique requirements.

Contact us today to set up a free IT Audit and consultation with our data center engineer.

Reflections on 2022: What We Learned and What We Accomplished

One thing is certain as we reflect on the year 2022: the Protected Harbor team has grown as individuals and as a company. We have faced the challenges of a global pandemic, economic downturn, and social unrest with resilience and courage. We have seen cyber-attacks that have impacted almost every industry and businesses of all sizes. We have also embraced the power of technology, which has enabled us to stay connected and create a meaningful change for our clients. Despite the many challenges, we have emerged as a more united and engaged team, better prepared to face the future.

Challenges Our Team Faced During the Year

Environments for Enterprise Technology are Getting More Complex – Businesses were forced to embrace a more complicated and extensive enterprise technology infrastructure and systems due to expanding commercial operations, increased markets, and interconnected worldwide business circumstances. As a result, managing the infrastructure became more challenging. Finding flaws or compromises becomes increasingly difficult as the system becomes more complicated.

Because CTOs (Chief Technology Officers) oversee these problems, this increases their stress.

Data Breaches and Cyber-Attacks – The increasing use of personal devices, such as smartphones and wearable technology, exacerbated the risk of data breaches, placing critical infrastructures and sensitive data at greater risk. More sophisticated attackers and artificial intelligence-driven tools made detecting and preventing attacks more challenging.

Technology’s Role in Overcoming Challenges

Using artificial intelligence (AI) tools and machine learning has helped businesses to overcome many of the challenges they faced in 2022. AI was used to detect abnormal activity in operational systems, assisting companies in managing complex datasets better. AI was also used to automate the onboarding process for new employees to reduce bias and provide consistent review results. AI even helped healthcare providers to rapidly analyze and interpret massive amounts of health data to detect disease outbreaks and develop new treatments and vaccines.

New technologies, such as blockchain and quantum computing, were used to secure data and provide increased trust between parties, such as supply chain partners. The Internet of Things (IoT) was used to create smart environments, reduce energy usage, and provide better experiences for customers. Newer technologies, such as 5G, helped businesses to scale and provide both reliable and fast connectivity. Augmented and virtual reality was used to create immersive experiences, improve training, and engage customers.

Cybersecurity Risks and Solutions

The continued threat of cyber-attacks and data breaches increased during the year 2022. Cybercrime is typically estimated to cost businesses around $600 billion in lost revenue each year. Most companies must create an effective cybersecurity strategy or implement best practices.

A greater focus on cybersecurity education and training would help businesses to better protect themselves. Implementing the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), designed to protect EU citizens’ data, is a positive sign that companies are taking cybersecurity far more seriously than before. However, more can be done to help businesses to better protect themselves. Implementing better data management and protection tools, such as encryption and multi-factor authentication, would be a start to better protect enterprises from cyber-attacks.

What We Have Learned From the Year 2022

Everyone agrees that the pandemic has dramatically increased the complexity and scope of the difficulties companies face. But, as part of their duties, leaders must be ready to meet such challenges head-on. Technology is advancing at a never-before-seen rate, and it keeps upgrading industries for the better. All CTOs working within the corporate world will face the same difficulties as others and it will soon become apparent. Even though challenges have newer aspects, all of them are manageable.

Companies will benefit from developing technologies like AI and machine learning. Having an offshore development business at your disposal can alleviate many of your concerns. You can get all the knowledge and experience you need for the company’s successful technical transitions without worrying about it.

What We Have Accomplished in the Year 2022

We have now reached a stage where we can say that we are a robust and secure data warehouse. Our team has achieved an ideal state where the number of threats to our data warehouse has dropped to zero. We can now expand our capabilities and serve millions of new customers.

In order to accomplish these targets, we have invested heavily in hiring new talent, building new infrastructure, and upgrading our existing technology to ensure that we stay ahead of the curve and continue providing state-of-the-art service to our users. We have improved our ability to respond to and prevent cyber-attacks.

Looking Ahead to 2023 and Beyond

As we look ahead to the year 2023 and beyond, it is essential to note that the future will not be a linear path and that the world will continue to change.

Our strategic plan focuses on accelerating small businesses’ growth by empowering them with enhanced modern-day infrastructure and cybersecurity tools. We’re making big strides, but there’s still much work to be done. We have big plans for 2023, including expanding our security and monitoring capabilities with new AI-powered bots, launching an AI-powered recommendations engine, and extending our services for our partners and clients.

We’re also focused on growing our business in new ways, like extending our downloadable products feature beyond e-commerce and partnering with new companies to better serve our customers. We are excited for what the future holds.

Protected Harbor launches new resources daily to update clients and potential clients, on the latest threats as well as how to stay safe in the cyber world. Also, with our series Uptime with Richard Luna that is posted every Thursday, we discuss trending business topics and reassure any doubts for our viewers.

We want to extend a very special thank you to our customers for your loyalty and for choosing us as your trusted software vendor for the past two decades! Contact us to know how our experts can help you.