5 Tech Trends Every Small Business Should Know

As a small business owner, you know that staying ahead of the competition is essential to success. This means staying ahead of the latest technology trends in today’s digital world. But with the sheer number of new technologies on the market, it can take time to know what’s worth investing in and what’s not.

Today, we will be walking you through five of the latest tech trends that every small business should be aware of. From automation to cybersecurity, these trends can help you stay competitive and ensure your business runs as efficiently as possible.

Introduction to Tech Trends

Even though many small business tech trends could change the way small businesses operate, 80% of American small businesses need to make the most of the digital resources they have at their disposal.

Small business owners are frequently reluctant to implement any new technology for various reasons, such as perceived financial obstacles, a lack of knowledge, or the conviction that online resources like social networking or live chat are unimportant to their sector.

These presumptions, however, are utterly false. Due to COVID-19, various new technologies have emerged, changing small businesses’ operations and customer expectations. The only way many firms were able to keep up with the pandemic’s fast-paced environment was to adopt new technology.

Given how accustomed people have become to these changes, some things may never go back to the way they were before the pandemic.

Here are some of these small company technology trends to watch out for in 2023.

Automation

Automation is one of the hottest topics in technology today, and it’s becoming increasingly important for small businesses. Automation allows businesses to automate repetitive tasks, freeing their employees to focus on more critical assignments. Automation can also reduce costs and increase efficiency.

Various automation tools are available for small businesses, from customer service bots to automated invoicing. Small businesses should evaluate the automation tools available to determine which will best suit their needs.

For example, customer service bots can help small businesses answer customer questions quickly and accurately, reducing the need for customer service staff. Automated invoicing can help small enterprises to streamline their billing processes, saving them time and money.

Big Data

Big data is another important trend for small businesses. Big data is the collection of large amounts of data from various sources, such as customer records, web traffic, and social media. This data can give small businesses valuable insights into their customers’ behaviors and preferences, allowing them to make better decisions and improve their operations.

Small businesses should also consider investing in a data analytics platform to help them make sense of their data. Data analytics platforms can help small businesses analyze their data and identify trends and patterns.

Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses of all sizes, and small businesses are no exception. Sustainability is a term used to describe the ability of a business to be profitable while reducing its environmental footprint. This can be achieved by using renewable energy, energy-efficient equipment, and sustainable practices.

Small businesses should evaluate their current operations to determine where they can improve. For example, small businesses can switch to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power. They can also invest in energy-efficient equipment and adopt sustainable practices, such as using recycled materials and minimizing waste.

Super-apps

According to Gartner, the year 2023 will mark the beginning of the mainstream creation and use of what it refers to as super-apps. These apps will make it possible to combine and unify several app services into a single, user-friendly interface. These apps can help small businesses by streamlining processes for both staff and vendors.

A growing number of third-party software integrations are also being used. Today, a business might utilize Google Drive to hold firm data, Monday.com to plan projects, Salesforce to manage clients, Outlook to deliver crucial documents, and Slack to connect teams. Unification helps to reduce and alleviate the threat posed by data silos, which is crucial.

Small businesses can also use super-apps to engage with customers and promote their products and services. They can also use super-apps to collect valuable customer data, such as their preferences and behaviors. This data can help small businesses create more effective marketing campaigns and improve their operations.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for businesses of all sizes. Cybersecurity involves protecting your business from cyber threats like malware, data breaches, and identity theft. Small businesses should protect their data and systems by investing in an antivirus program and firewall, using a secure password manager, and implementing security protocols like MFA.

Small businesses should also consider investing in an enterprise-grade cybersecurity solution. Enterprise-grade solutions are designed to protect enterprises from advanced cyber threats, such as malware and data breaches. They can also help small businesses detect and respond quickly to cyber threats, reducing the damage caused.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of the latest technology trends is essential for any small business. New technologies can help small businesses remain competitive, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and gain valuable customer insights. From super-apps to Artificial Intelligence (AI), small businesses should be aware of the various new technologies.

At Protected Harbor, we recognize the significance of keeping up with the latest technology and trends. Our team of experts will craft a tailored IT strategy to help you stay on top of the competition and ensure your business runs at its best. We are committed to helping small to medium-sized businesses succeed by providing them with the tools they need to stay ahead of the curve.

Contact us today to learn more about how Protected Harbor can help you leverage technology and trends to stay ahead.

An Introduction to Hyperscale Edge Computing

As technology advances, so do the challenges of keeping up with the ever-changing landscape. One of the most significant advancements in this space is the emergence of hyper-scale edge computing. But what is hyper-scale edge computing, and how exactly does it differ from cloud computing? Let’s explore the basics of hyper-scale edge computing, its benefits, and the trends that are shaping the future of this technology.

What is Edge Computing?

The main goal of Edge Computing technology is to handle the massive amounts of data generated or consumed by people and devices as close to the data resources as feasible (either on the device itself or the network edge). With this basis, edge computing addresses several infrastructure issues, including excessive latency, bandwidth restrictions, and network congestion caused by the old computer approach.

Now, Hyperscale Edge Computing refers to deploying large-scale computing resources, such as servers and storage, at the edge of a network, closer to end users and devices. This allows for faster processing of data, reduced latency, and improved performance for applications that require real-time processing or low-latency communication. It is often used in manufacturing, transportation, media, and entertainment industries, where data needs to be processed quickly and locally.

Benefits of Hyperscale Edge Computing

There are many benefits of using Hyperscale Edge Computing but here are just a few of the major ones:

Increased Performance: It provides a more efficient computing experience due to its decentralized nature. Processing data at the point of origin eliminates the need to send data back and forth between a centralized server and the user’s device, resulting in faster response times and improved performance.

Improved Scalability: Hyperscale Edge Computing is highly scalable, allowing companies to expand their computing resources as needed. This makes it ideal for companies looking to scale their operations rapidly.

Reduced Costs: By leveraging edge computing, companies can reduce their reliance on costly data centers, resulting in significant cost savings.

Improved Security: By processing data at the point of origin, Hyperscale Edge Computing offers enhanced security compared to traditional cloud computing. Data is not stored in a centralized server, making it more difficult for malicious actors to access it.

Hyperscale Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing

Hyperscale Edge Computing and Cloud Computing are both forms of distributed computing that use a network of remote servers to store, manage, and process data.

Here are some key differences between them:

Location: Cloud Computing typically uses centralized data centers far from the end-users and devices accessing the data. Hyperscale Edge Computing involves deploying large-scale computing resources at the edge of a network, closer to the end-users and devices.

Latency: Because Hyperscale Edge Computing is closer to the end-users and devices, it can offer lower latency and faster processing times compared to Cloud Computing. This is particularly important for applications that require real-time processing or low-latency communication.

Scale: Hyperscale Edge Computing typically involves the deployment of smaller clusters of servers and storage, whereas Cloud Computing often involves using large data centers with thousands of servers.

Cost: The cost of Hyperscale Edge Computing can be higher than Cloud Computing because it requires more investment in hardware and infrastructure.

Use Case: Cloud computing is more suited for applications that require a large number of resources, data analytics, and machine learning. On the other hand, Hyperscale Edge Computing is more suited for applications that require low latency and real-time processing, such as IoT, VR/AR, and 5G.

In summary, while both Hyperscale Edge and Cloud Computing are forms of distributed computing, they both have different use cases, and the choice between the two would depend on the application’s specific requirements or workload.

Hyperscale Edge Computing Trends

As the popularity of Hyperscale Edge Computing grows, several trends are shaping this technology’s future.

One of the significant trends is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can be used to improve the efficiency of edge computing and make it simpler to use. For example, AI can automate the process of managing an edge computing infrastructure, resulting in improved performance and cost savings.

Another trend is the increased focus on security. Edge computing provides improved security compared to cloud computing, but there is still a need to ensure that data is secure. Companies are investing in solutions that can help protect data and ensure its security.

Finally, companies are leveraging Hyperscale Edge Computing to reduce their reliance on traditional data centers. By utilizing edge computing, companies can reduce their dependence on costly data centers while gaining access to the computational power they need.

Conclusion

Edge computing is an emerging technology that offers several benefits, including increased performance, improved scalability, reduced costs, and improved security. It is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to process data quickly and securely.

Protected Harbor offers a range of services and products designed to help organizations take full advantage of the benefits of edge computing. Our solutions are tailored to meet each customer’s unique needs and are built on the latest technologies and industry best practices.

Our team of experts has extensive experience in deploying and managing edge computing solutions for a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, education, and healthcare. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest service and support and are committed to helping them achieve their business goals.

If you’re looking to take advantage of the many benefits of edge computing, contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you. Whether you’re looking to improve performance, reduce latency, or gain a competitive edge, we have the expertise and experience to help you achieve your goals.

Let’s work together to unlock your data and business’s full potential.

The 6 Best Cloud Solutions for Nonprofits to Save Money

Aside from mission awareness and meeting your non-profit organization’s goals, staying under budget is undoubtedly one of your organization’s most challenging but necessary requirements. Without having to worry about purchasing and maintaining its servers, a nonprofit can use cloud storage to store and access all of its data, some of which may be sensitive. Regarding file sharing, cloud solutions for nonprofits ensures that even remote volunteers have the same access as those in the office.

But, as previously said, nonprofits often need help finding ways to lower and maintain their bottom line. By using a cloud-based solution rather than in-house servers, nonprofits will access more affordable solutions than those offered by larger companies.

Below, we will be discussing six of the best cloud solutions for nonprofits and how they can help you save money.

Top Cloud Storage Solutions for Non-Profits

Though there are several cloud storage solutions, it’s essential to understand what each one offers before deciding on which is suitable for your organization.

Public Cloud: Google for Non-Profits

Public cloud storage is an excellent option for non-profits because it’s easy to set up and maintain. No servers or IT personnel are required on your end, so you can focus on your mission instead of managing all those technical details. Public cloud services also offer built-in security features such as encryption and authentication.

Google has been offering its Cloud Storage product for years, and it’s the most popular cloud storage service on the web. The service offers unlimited space for photos and videos at zero cost, plus you can use Google Drive to store your documents and spreadsheets.

Features

• Free Space Up to 30GB
• Superb Compatibility
• Several Storage Capabilities

Private Cloud – Protected Harbor

Private clouds offer non-profits the most secure and reliable form of cloud storage. They are hosted on private servers in data centers that are more stable than public clouds.

Businesses can turn to Protected Harbor to get the benefits of cloud computing without putting critical information at risk. As the name suggests, a private cloud is a cloud in which only one company can protect its proprietary data. As a result, only selected individuals, as opposed to everyone, have access to the data.

Features

• Cutting-Edge Cloud Migration Services
• Increase Your Return on Investment.
• Foresee and Avert Any Problems

Online Backups – IDrive

Online backups are a great way to protect your computer and its data. Unfortunately, they’re only easy to use in some instances. That’s where cloud storage comes in.

The only provider on our list that isn’t a cloud storage service is IDrive, an online backup platform (more on the differences between the two below). IDrive, however, incorporates a cloud storage service with all the usual fixings, including file synchronization and sharing.

Users can access up to 100TB of combined storage space. If you’re interested in trying IDrive before making a total financial commitment, they have a free, 10-gigabyte version available to try.

Features

• Unlimited File Sharing and Syncing
• Collaboration Tools
• Zero-Knowledge Encryption
• Single Sign-On Features
• Mobile Apps for Android and iOS Devices

Hybrid Collaboration – Protected Desktop

When you choose hybrid collaboration for cloud storage, your data is stored in two separate places: on-premises and offsite. You have complete control over where your data lives and how it’s backed up.

Protected Desktop is an excellent choice for any non-profit looking for a hybrid collaboration to store their files and data. The company offers unlimited storage space at no extra charge and has an easy-to-use interface that makes it great for both beginners and advanced users.

Features

• Desktop as a Service
• Provides Support, Monitoring, and Backups
• Ransomware Protection
• Application Outage Protection

Fundraising Tools – Aplos

Nonprofit organizations have a lot to keep track of, and one of the most important things is staying on top of their donors. Tracking how much money an organization has raised or how much they’ll need in the future can take a lot of time and effort, that’s where Aplos comes in.

Aplos is a free cloud-based software suite for non-profits that provides fundraising, accounting, membership management, and more helpful tools.

Features

• Donation Tracking
• Bank Reconciliation
• Budgeting/Forecasting
• Financial Management
• Accounts Receivable

Resource Planning – Envisio

As a nonprofit, you have many needs but limited resources. Choosing the right cloud storage solution is critical to your organization’s success.

Envisio is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered planning application that makes it simple to build a framework and generate aesthetically appealing reports as a part of the strategic planning process.

Features

• Ad Hoc Reporting
• Alerts/Notifications
• Charting
• Chat/Messaging
• Collaboration Tools

Final Words

There is no doubt that cloud solutions have become a necessity in business. Many companies have found tremendous value in moving their IT infrastructure to the cloud to save money and gain efficiency. These same benefits apply to non-profit organizations, and although there are many free options for small businesses, larger non-profits can still benefit from enterprise-level cloud solutions. Non-profits are making great strides to save money and stay within their budget. Cloud services have become a tremendous tool in their arsenal.

There are numerous services available for non-profits at a variety of price points. The trick is to match your specific needs with your budget—something a professional like Protected Harbor can help you with. Talk to the experts and get the perfect advice for a cloud storage solution that best fits your non-profit. Contact our team today!

Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

As we enter 2023, many businesses are turning their gaze to the horizon to look at the future of cloud technology. The cloud has made immense strides in the past few years, and it is poised to make even more progress in the near future. A few cloud technologies will likely be the focus of attention in 2023, and it is essential to understand what these are and how they will affect businesses. This blog post will discuss the leading cloud technologies and trends to watch out for in 2023.

Introduction to Cloud Technologies

Cloud technology has become an integral part of modern business operations, providing businesses with previously unavailable benefits. By leveraging the power of cloud computing, companies can access greater computing resources, store vast quantities of data, and grow their operations in ways that were never possible before. It is no surprise that cloud technology is becoming increasingly widespread and is expected to reach even further in 2023.

What is Cloud Computing?

Before discussing the leading cloud technologies and trends to watch out for in 2023, it is important to understand cloud computing and why it is valuable. Cloud computing is storing and accessing data and applications over the internet, allowing businesses to access them whenever and wherever they are needed. This “on-demand” access to resources is one of the main benefits of cloud computing, as it allows businesses to be more agile and responsive to changing market conditions.

Thanks to cloud computing, businesses can access vast resources and store large amounts of data without investing in expensive hardware and software. This allows companies to scale up their operations quickly and efficiently while reducing costs. Cloud is also very secure, as data is stored in secure data centers and is backed up regularly.

Top Cloud Technologies Trends to Watch Out for in 2023

Now that we better understand cloud computing and its benefits, let’s look at the leading cloud technologies to watch out for in 2023.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integration

One of the biggest trends in cloud technology for 2023 is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). By leveraging these technologies, businesses can gain valuable insights into their data, allowing them to make more informed decisions and optimize their operations. AI and ML can also automate tasks and processes, saving time and resources for more critical tasks.

Integrating AI and ML with cloud computing is expected to become even more widespread in 2023, with more businesses taking advantage of these technology’s benefits. This will also increase the number of cloud-based AI and ML services, allowing companies to access these powerful technologies without investing in expensive hardware and software.

Hybrid Cloud Solutions Will Soar

Another trend to watch out for in 2023 is the rise of hybrid cloud solutions. A hybrid cloud is a combination of public and private cloud solutions, allowing businesses to take advantage of the scalability and cost-efficiency of public cloud solutions while also being able to access the more secure and reliable environment of private cloud solutions.

The hybrid cloud is expected to become even more popular in 2023 as businesses look to take advantage of the benefits of both public and private cloud solutions. This trend will also increase the number of hybrid cloud solutions, allowing companies to access the best of both worlds.

Cloud Cost Optimization

Companies are keen to employ cloud computing; thus, there is a continuing need to reduce costs for these services. Cloud service providers will put more effort into developing business-friendly solutions that offer increased productivity and better resource availability. These enhanced client resources will aid in the optimization of cloud-based workloads and guarantee a profitable investment.

There are several strategies businesses can use for cloud cost optimization, such as using cloud cost management tools, optimizing their cloud usage, and optimizing their cloud storage. By leveraging these strategies, businesses can reduce cloud costs without sacrificing performance or security.

Sustainability and More Cloud Adoption

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to businesses all around the world. Most organizations know that cutting back on the energy used by infrastructure services, computer engines, and more extensive storage needs will help them transition to sustainability. Most IT behemoths will use 2023 to identify creative cloud solutions to reach carbon neutrality.

As businesses become more conscious of their environmental impact, they increasingly turn to cloud-based solutions to reduce their carbon footprints. Cloud computing is one of the most efficient and sustainable ways to store and access data and applications.

The increased adoption of cloud services is expected to drive further innovation in cloud technology, allowing businesses to access even more powerful and cost-effective solutions.

Cloud Security and Resilience

Cloud migration offers ample opportunities, efficiency, and convenience and exposes businesses and organizations to a new set of cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the possibility of fines or, even worse, losing the trust of their clients is a serious issue because of the rising body of legislation governing how businesses can hold and use personal data.

Spending on cyber security and increasing resilience against anything from data loss to the effects of a pandemic on international trade will thus take on even greater importance in the upcoming year. The emphasis will likely be on finding creative and economical ways to maintain cyber security, nevertheless, to get the most “bang for the buck” as many organizations attempt to cut costs in the face of a predicted economic slump. In 2023, this will translate into increased use of managed “security-as-a-service” providers and AI and predictive technology to identify dangers before they cause issues.

Conclusion

The cloud is expected to have an impact in 2023 significantly, and there are a few cloud technologies to watch out for. Artificial intelligence and machine learning integration, hybrid cloud solutions, cloud cost optimization, sustainability, more cloud adoption, and cloud security and resilience are all expected to be significant trends in 2023.

Protected Harbor assists you in putting your cloud strategy into place by using a systematic, risk-mitigated method. Your cloud-enabled business transformation initiatives will benefit from Protected Harbor’s tool-based framework. Get cloud support and cloud migration help from our experts today.

Our experts at Protected Harbor are standing by to assist you in all your cloud-related needs. We provide comprehensive cloud support and migration, helping our clients easily create a successful cloud strategy. Our services have helped countless businesses improve operational efficiency and reduce costs by making the transition to the cloud smoother and more seamless. Get cloud support and cloud migration help from our experts today, and let us help you achieve your goals!

SaaS in 2023: Emerging Trends

SaaS (Software as a Service) has become a significant player in the software industry in the past decade. The idea of renting software instead of buying it has gained immense popularity among businesses of all sizes and industries. As SaaS adoption grows, new trends emerge that shape the development of SaaS in the future. In this article, we’ll explore some of the emerging trends in SaaS and how they will impact software development in 2023.

What is SaaS?

SaaS is a software delivery model in which users rent applications from a cloud-based provider rather than buying and installing software on their servers. The provider is responsible for maintaining and updating the software, ensuring that the users are always running the most up-to-date version.

SaaS has several benefits over traditional software. It is more cost-effective, as users don’t need to purchase and maintain their hardware or software. It is also more secure, as the provider is responsible for keeping the software up-to-date and patching any security vulnerabilities. Finally, it is more flexible, as users can access their applications anywhere with an internet connection.

For these reasons, SaaS has become increasingly popular in recent years and is expected to become even more commonplace in the near future.

Trends Shaping the Future of SaaS in 2023

There are several trends shaping the future of SaaS in 2023. These trends are expected to impact software development significantly and will likely be the focus of many SaaS providers in the coming years.

Usage and Value-based Pricing

A trend expected to become more prevalent soon is usage and value-based pricing. This is a pricing model in which the user pays for the software based on how much they use it or the value they get from it. This model gives users more flexibility and control over their spending and allows software providers to match their pricing to the value they provide more accurately.

Some software providers are already using this model, but it is expected to become much more popular in the coming years. This could significantly impact how software is developed, as developers will need to create optimized applications for usage- and value-based pricing.

Mobile-First Development

Another trend that is expected to shape the future of SaaS in 2023 is mobile-first development. Mobile-first development is a methodology in which developers focus on creating optimized mobile device applications. This is becoming increasingly important as more and more people use their mobile devices to access software.

Mobile-first development is essential not only for user experience but also for security. Mobile devices are more vulnerable to security attacks, so developers need to create applications that are secure and optimized for mobile devices.

SaaS and Artificial Intelligence

SaaS and artificial intelligence (AI) are becoming increasingly intertwined. AI automates various tasks, such as customer service, marketing, and sales. This allows companies to automate routine tasks and free their employees to focus on more critical tasks.

In the future, AI is expected to become even more intertwined with SaaS. AI will be used to optimize software for more efficient operation and to understand user behavior and preferences better. This will likely lead to more personalized and customized software experiences and better customer service.

API in SaaS Deployment

API (Application Programming Interface) is becoming increasingly crucial in SaaS deployment. APIs allow applications to communicate and exchange data with other applications and services. This will enable developers to create more powerful and integrated applications with other services.

In the future, API usage is expected to become even more pervasive in SaaS deployment. APIs will be used to combine data from multiple sources, create more robust applications, and more easily integrate with other services.

Data Privacy and Security

Data privacy and security are always the primary concern in the software industry, and SaaS is no exception. As more and more sensitive data is stored in the cloud, it is becoming increasingly important for companies to ensure that their information is secure.

Data privacy and security are expected to become even more important in the future. Companies must find ways to protect their data from unauthorized access and ensure that their data is secure, even if their SaaS provider suffers a data breach.

Conclusion

As the SaaS industry continues to grow, new trends will emerge that shape the future of SaaS and software development. In this article, we explored some of the emerging trends in SaaS and how they will impact software development in 2023. These trends include usage- and value-based pricing, mobile-first development, SaaS and artificial intelligence, API in SaaS deployment, and data privacy and security.

If you’re looking for a reliable Managed IT services provider for your business, look no further than Protected Harbor. With our years of experience and commitment to excellence, we can help you get the most out of your infrastructure and cloud deployment.

Protected Harbor is a top cloud services provider in the US with a 90+ NPS Score and 99.99% Uptime. Sign up for a free IT Audit and discover how Protected Harbor can help improve your company’s operational efficiency.

Top Cybersecurity Trends That Will Impact Businesses in 2023

As technology advances and the digital landscape continues to evolve, businesses must stay ahead of the curve regarding cybersecurity trends. Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as the risk of data breaches, malicious software, and other cyber-attacks is on the rise. To protect their data and networks, businesses must understand the latest cybersecurity trends and how they will impact their operations in 2023 and beyond.

This article will discuss the top cybersecurity small business trends should be aware of and how they can best prepare themselves for the future.

Overview of Cybersecurity Trends

Cybersecurity trends are constantly changing, and businesses need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends to protect their data and networks. With the emergence of cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, mobility, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other technologies, the cybersecurity landscape has become increasingly complex and ever-evolving.

The most important thing businesses can do is to stay informed and educated on the latest cybersecurity trends. This will help them to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and to be better prepared to respond to them. By staying up-to-date on the latest cybersecurity trends, businesses can also ensure that their systems are secure and their data is protected.

Cybersecurity Trends Impacting Businesses in 2023

In 2023, businesses should be aware of the following cybersecurity trends that will have a significant impact on their operations:

Cloud Computing Security Trends

Cloud computing is becoming increasingly popular among businesses, offering many advantages such as cost savings, scalability, and flexibility. However, as with any technology, there are also risks associated with cloud computing. As businesses move to the cloud, they need to understand the security risks and take steps to protect their data and networks.

For example, businesses should use strong authentication and authorization measures, encrypt data in transit and at rest, and use a multi-layered security approach to protect their data and networks. They should also ensure that their cloud providers have robust security measures, including data privacy and encryption protocols.

Artificial Intelligence Security Trends

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help automate processes, improve customer service, and increase efficiency. However, AI is not without its risks.  According to IBM, the average savings for businesses that utilize AI and automation to detect and mitigate data breaches is $3 million.

Unfortunately, hackers and criminals are also becoming more adept at using AI due to its increased availability. Among the millions of computers and networks connected to the internet, AI algorithms are employed to find systems with weak security or likely to contain important data. Additionally, it can be used to generate a large number of individualized phishing emails that are intended to deceive recipients into disclosing critical information. As a result, these emails are getting better at avoiding automatic email defense systems that block this kind of mail.

Mobility Security Trends

The mobile attack surface has significantly increased as mobile devices have more access to corporate networks and sensitive data.

Last year, 93% of mobile malware attacks against enterprises started in a device network. The following are the most typical forms of malicious network traffic coming from mobile devices:

• Phishing emails intended to steal passwords (52%)
• Malware on a device’s command and control traffic (25%).
• Accessing URLs or webpages that are affected (23%)

Internet of Things (IoT) Security Trends

According to Gartner, there will be three times as many IoT devices as people on the planet by the end of 2023. Every 18 seconds on average, a connected person will engage with an IoT device by 2025, and each of these interactions will need to be securely protected.

The IoT sector has been steadily expanding over the past 10 years, and this trend will continue into the upcoming year, raising the security risk for businesses. New laws, including the EU Cyber Resilience Act, which will impose strict cybersecurity measures for goods traded in the region, will help mitigate some IoT risks. Still, they will only take effect in at least 2025.

Businesses should concentrate on connected device cybersecurity practices by adopting or updating essential information security policies and processes. To further secure those endpoints, manage vulnerabilities, and react to crises, businesses must also update inventories of their IoT-connected devices while monitoring and updating those devices more frequently.

Data Security Trends

Data security is becoming increasingly important as businesses collect and store more data than ever. Global harmonization of information and data privacy rules will be pushed in 2023. Global regulatory synchronization and alignment will enhance security, notably in data protection, innovation, and cost.

Global trade and business will be enabled rather than hampered by the harmonization of security regimes, empowering improved information and data privacy for all organizations and governments. Applying data protection practices consistently lowers risk and fosters confidence between parties in supply chains.

Conclusion

Developing and fostering a culture of awareness around small business cybersecurity risks is the most crucial action that can be taken at any firm. Employers and employees can no longer consider cybersecurity an issue that the IT department should handle. In reality, everyone’s work description in 2023 should include understanding the dangers and taking simple security measures!

The best way to stay informed and educated on the latest cybersecurity trends is to work with a trusted and experienced cybersecurity provider, such as Protected Harbor. It is one of the top-rated Cybersecurity providers in the U.S. Our system integrates with ISO 27001, NIST, and other frameworks to offer a straightforward, secure, and long-lasting approach to information management. To achieve successful cybersecurity and greater adoption of safe behaviors within your organization, it provides supply chain security, risk management, and compliance assurance, which can be readily adopted, modified, and added to over time.

Get a free Cybersecurity Assessment to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities and better prepare yourself for the future.

Securing Your Business: 5 Cybersecurity Tips for CEOs‍

As a CEO, you know that running a business is no small feat. From managing personnel to overseeing operations, there is a lot to consider. One of the most important considerations is ensuring the security of your business. In the digital age, cyber threats are rampant. As a result, CEOs must know how to protect their business from cyber-attacks. This blog post will cover the different types of cyber threats and provide 5 cybersecurity tips for CEOs.

What are the Cyber Risks?

Cyber-attacks come in many forms, from phishing and ransomware to denial of service. Unfortunately, any business connected to the internet is vulnerable to some cyber-attack. As a result, CEOs must be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect their business.

Another risk is data loss. In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of any business. If data is lost or stolen, it can have a devastating effect on the company. Finally, there is the risk of financial loss. Cyber-attacks can lead to financial losses due to fraud and theft.

The Different Types of Cyber Attacks

Now that we’ve discussed some of the risks businesses face, let’s look at the different types of cyber-attacks. The most common type of cyber-attack is phishing. Phishing is a social engineering attack where an attacker sends an email to a victim to gain access to their credentials or sensitive information.

Another type of cyber-attack is malware. Malware is malicious software that can be used to gain access to a system or steal data. Some types of malware include ransomware, which can encrypt a system and demand payment to unlock it, and spyware, which is used to gain access to a system and steal data.

Finally, there are distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks. These attacks involve sending a large amount of traffic to a website to overwhelm the server and take it down.

5 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for CEOs

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of cyber-attacks, let’s look at five essential cybersecurity tips for CEOs. These tips can help protect your business from cyber-attacks and ensure that your data is secure.

1. Keep Software Up to Date

One essential cybersecurity tip for CEOs is keeping software up to date. Outdated software can be a significant security risk, as attackers can exploit known vulnerabilities. Ensure your software is updated by putting strict policies and steps in place. Avoid delaying, waiting, and hesitating. 

2. Educate Staff about Cybersecurity

Email is still the primary method of attack, and Covid-19 has just worsened things. Attacks with spearfishing have risen during the lockdown. Every employee in your company has to receive comprehensive training in the fundamentals of cybersecurity. They must distinguish between a legitimate email and a phishing email.

These fundamentals are crucial, and it’s surprising how many businesses get them incorrectly or ignore them entirely. It’s a never-ending battle that is constantly evolving and progressing.

3. Risk Management

Another essential cybersecurity tip is to implement a risk management strategy. This involves Numerous attempts to steal critical data from technology organizations and expand technological advancement. CEOs must become proficient in risk management approaches to handle any problems that may arise due to cybersecurity. The worst scenario for a CEO is to think that their business is safe from cyber-attacks. There is a 100% possibility that if you have internet access, you are at risk of cyberattack.

4. Data Sharing and Management

Data leaks can occur accidentally as well as on purpose. Sharing a slide with private information not meant for the general public is far too simple.

Recognize the worth of your data. Who shares data? What and with whom do employees want to share? What are sharing tools used? What instruments are secure? In other words, data security governance is necessary.

The traditional IT security perimeter has been compromised by remote work. Your organization’s data and workers’ digital identities are your most valuable digital assets because endpoints are scattered across networks and geographical areas.

Make sure you set up the necessary tools to determine who, when, and what can be done with the data belonging to your organization.

5. Regularly Audit your Security Systems

Make sure your IT team understands the importance of ongoing system effectiveness testing. Request network reports evaluating the data gathered during routine use and identify and address any irregularities that might be signs of a threat.

As an added benefit, analyzing these reports can aid in better management decisions by understanding how the company operates inside. Find out if the team utilizes outside audits in addition to internal checks to audit systems.

To avoid leaving yourself open to new dangers, check to see if your hardware and software assets are still within the approved lifecycle. Your asset inventory should be reviewed frequently to track what needs to be retired.

Conclusion

Several cybersecurity services and solutions are available for businesses that don’t have the resources or expertise to manage their cybersecurity. These services can help companies to implement the essential cybersecurity tips outlined in this blog post and ensure that their business is secure.

At Protected Harbor, we offer tailored IT services and cybersecurity strategies to protect your business from cyber-attacks. We can help you implement the essential cybersecurity tips outlined in this blog post and ensure that your business is secure. And with our free cybersecurity assessment, you can review your security systems in-depth and identify potential risks.

Have you created a recovery plan?   As a final question, have you thought about the employee’s security matrix? Train staff on how to use resources effectively to prevent unexpected security breaches.

Get in touch with us today for a free cybersecurity assessment and find out how we can help you protect your business.