At ICC, we're committed to providing cutting-edge tech solutions while ensuring a secure software environment for your organization. With the ever-evolving tech landscape, updating your software office policies to align with best practices and address potential security risks is essential. In this checklist, we'll guide you through the process of updating your software office policies, leveraging the power of Microsoft's Software Restriction Policies (SRPs), and educating your staff on software security and usage.
Begin by assembling a dedicated team responsible for updating and implementing your software office policies. This team may consist of IT experts, managers, and tech-savvy employees who can facilitate policy changes and educate others.
Thoroughly review your existing software office policies. Ensure they are comprehensive, up to date, and address your organization's specific needs. A clear understanding of your current policies is crucial before making revisions.
Leverage Microsoft's Software Restriction Policies to update your whitelists (approved applications) and blacklists (restricted applications). This step helps you maintain strict control over what software can run on your systems, reducing the risk of unverified applications compromising your security.
Identify potential security risks and vulnerabilities associated with software usage in your organization. Factors to consider include software sources, malware threats, and the protection of sensitive data.
Properly educate your staff on software security and usage to foster a more secure environment. Key training areas may include:
Clearly define procedures for reporting security incidents, such as data breaches or suspicious software behavior. Encourage employees to promptly report any issues to your IT department.
Software office policies should remain flexible and adaptable. Regularly monitor your software environment, keeping an eye out for new security threats and necessary software updates. Update your policies accordingly.
Create a comprehensive policy manual that documents all your software office policies. Ensure that this manual is readily accessible to all employees.
Conduct routine audits to confirm policy compliance and to identify any potential gaps in your security measures.
Consider seeking professional assistance when facing complex software issues. An IT consultant or security expert can provide valuable insights and tailor your policies to your organization's specific needs.
Updating your software office policies is vital to maintaining a secure and efficient work environment. By systematically educating your staff and staying informed about emerging security threats, you can ensure that your organization remains resilient against software-related challenges. At ICC, we are dedicated to providing robust tech solutions and assisting you in addressing complex software issues. Feel free to reach out to our experts when you need professional guidance. Your software security is our priority, and we're always ready to answer your call.
October 18, 2023
software
In 1998, ICC embarked on a journey to transform from a "Break-Fix" IT service provider into a full-service IT support and cybersecurity protection company. With over 20 years in the industry, ICC is a trusted partner for over 160 businesses in Northern Colorado. As we celebrate Cybersecurity Month this October, let's delve into how ICC's proactive business model and comprehensive services can help your business navigate the ever-evolving landscape of IT and cybersecurity.
At ICC, our mission is clear - to provide peace of mind by safeguarding your business against cybersecurity threats and downtime. We understand that your business's IT needs require professional attention. Our small but dedicated team of hand-picked technicians and support staff is here to serve you.
Investing in IT requires careful planning and execution to ensure you get the best value. ICC offers a comprehensive approach that covers consulting, acquisition, implementation, and support. We're not just an IT service provider; we're your trusted business partner, committed to securing your operations.
Our monthly managed service agreement is designed to ensure your systems operate seamlessly and your costs remain predictable. This proactive approach allows us to monitor your systems continuously. Our expert team is ready to resolve issues promptly so you can return to business as usual. Our flat-rate managed services program, Catapult, provides a range of services for a fixed monthly fee, helping you maintain IT efficiency and stay ahead of potential problems.
Choosing the right solutions is crucial as the business world shifts towards cloud services. ICC understands the nuances between cloud services and offers guidance based on your organization's unique requirements. We'll ensure you leverage the cost and convenience of cloud services that align with your needs.
In a world where remote work is increasingly prevalent, reliable communication systems are vital. ICC assists with traditional phone systems and VoIP, carefully considering your specific requirements and installation needs. Whether it's secure video conferencing, chat solutions, or traditional business phone systems, we'll help you make the right choice for your business.
At ICC, we prioritize your business needs and cybersecurity when recommending products. With strong partnerships with leading industry distributors and years of experience, we offer high-quality IT equipment. Our experts can assist with installation, implementation, management, and maintenance, ensuring your hardware operates smoothly and securely.
Choosing the right software for your business can be a complex task. ICC acts as your technical liaison, working with third-party software vendors and recommending solutions that align with your business objectives. Our highly trained professionals ensure your software and data storage remain robust and reliable, safeguarding your critical data.
A robust and worry-free network starts with a solid infrastructure. ICC provides comprehensive support, including data and voice cabling, firewall, and switches. Whether establishing a new office or upgrading your existing systems, our experts offer valuable insights to enhance your cabling and infrastructure projects.
Is your business growing? Are you confident your IT infrastructure can scale with you? ICC conducts professional IT audits to assess the health and reliability of your infrastructure. We provide insights into your current IT status and identify areas for improvement, ensuring you have peace of mind that your data is safe and that your IT support is in expert hands.
This Cybersecurity Month, ICC stands by its commitment to protect your business from evolving threats. With a proactive approach to IT management, comprehensive services, and a focus on cybersecurity, we're here to provide you with peace of mind, ensuring your business remains secure and operational. If you're ready to take the next step in protecting your business, reach out to us today. Your cybersecurity journey begins here.
October 2, 2023
Cybersecurity
Why your company should consider VoIP
A VoIP phone system can be a very effective and cost-efficient tool for small businesses. VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a type of phone system that uses a high-speed internet connection to make and receive calls. VoIP converts your voice into data that is transmitted over the internet, and then decoded by the recipient’s phone. Just as you would with a traditional landline phone, you need to have a phone carrier – known as a VoIP service provider – in addition to your internet service provider.
Let’s look at the advantages VoIP has over traditional phone service.
Flexible service
Unlike a traditional phone line that is hardwired into a physical location, a VoIP phone is not limited to a specific location. As long as you have a VoIP provider, it will work on your computer – or any mobile app – and you can take it wherever you go.
More features
VoIP offers many benefits that might not be available (or are expensive) on a landline system, like email voicemail notifications, video conferencing, call forwarding or on-hold music. Such advanced features can keep your staff running more efficiently, while also offering clients better customer service.
Greater Available Security
A VoIP system gives you more options to increase security. Many VoIP system providers offer two-factor authentication for calls, SPAM call blocking and end-to-end encryption to prevent eavesdropping. A properly configured VoIP system can give you a more secure phone system, which is ideal if you are receiving personal information over the phone from clients.
Cost-efficient
VoIP immediately eliminates setup costs such as equipment and installation that landline phones require. Additionally, since you don’t need separate data and voice services, you are consolidating costs. Businesses that make international calls will also see savings from having a virtual phone number.
Overall, a VoIP system can help your team be more productive and enhance your client communication. We would be happy to answer any questions, help you assess the benefits of switching to a VoIP system, and decide if it is right for your company. If you choose to move forward with VoIP, ICC has the expertise and capabilities to get you on board and make the transition easy. And we’re always here to help!
Learn more about our VoIP services here. To schedule a consultation, please call us at 970-419-0602.
September 12, 2023
IT Services, IT News
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In today's digital age, businesses rely heavily on networked systems and online platforms to operate efficiently. However, this increased connectivity also exposes businesses to various cybersecurity threats. To safeguard sensitive data and protect the integrity of your business's network, implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) is crucial.
Understanding Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication, also known as multi-factor authentication (MFA), is a security mechanism that requires users to provide two distinct authentication factors to gain access to a network or system. These factors typically fall into three categories: something you know, something you have, and something you are.
Something you know: This factor encompasses information known only to the user, such as a password, passphrase, or PIN.
Something you have: This factor involves a physical item possessed by the user, such as a hardware token, smart card, or smartphone, that generates a unique authentication code.
Something you are: This factor relies on a biometric characteristic of the user, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, or voice recognition.
Importance of Two-Factor Authentication for Network Security:
Stronger Access Control: Implementing 2FA strengthens access control measures by requiring users to provide additional authentication factors. This makes it significantly more challenging for unauthorized individuals to access your business's network, even if they manage to acquire or guess passwords.
Mitigating Password-Related Risks: Password-related vulnerabilities, such as weak passwords or password reuse, are common targets for cybercriminals. Two-factor authentication acts as an additional layer of protection, reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Defense Against Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks: Phishing attacks, where attackers trick individuals into revealing their login credentials, remain a prevalent threat. With 2FA in place, even if an employee unknowingly provides their password in response to a phishing attempt, the attacker would still require the second authentication factor, thwarting their unauthorized access attempts.
Safeguarding Remote Access: Securing remote access to your business's network is crucial as remote work becomes increasingly common. Two-factor authentication adds an extra level of security, ensuring that only authorized users can connect to the network remotely.
Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Many industry regulations and data protection laws require businesses to implement strong security measures, including multi-factor authentication, to safeguard sensitive data. Adhering to these requirements protects your business, ensures compliance, and mitigates potential legal and financial consequences.
Incident Response and Forensic Investigations: In the event of a security incident or breach, having 2FA in place can aid in forensic investigations by providing an additional layer of accountability. It helps track and trace authentication attempts, contributing to incident response efforts and identifying potential vulnerabilities.
Educating Employees on 2FA: Educating employees about the importance of 2FA and how to use it correctly is essential for successful implementation. Conduct regular training sessions that cover the following:
Explanation of 2FA: Educate employees about the concept and benefits of 2FA, emphasizing its role in protecting both their accounts and the company's data.
How to Set Up 2FA: Provide step-by-step guidance on enabling 2FA on various platforms and applications used within the organization.
Best Practices: Promote good security practices, such as not sharing authentication factors, choosing strong passwords, and promptly reporting suspicious activity.
Conducting Regular Testing: Testing the effectiveness of 2FA within your business is crucial to identify potential vulnerabilities. Regularly assess your security measures by:
Simulating Phishing Attacks: Conduct simulated phishing campaigns to test how well employees identify and respond to phishing attempts. This will highlight areas that require additional training.
Performing Security Audits: Regularly audit your systems and network to identify potential weaknesses or unauthorized access attempts.
Securing your business's network is of utmost importance in the face of evolving cybersecurity threats. Implementing two-factor authentication as part of your network security strategy significantly strengthens access control, mitigates password-related risks, and defends against phishing and social engineering attacks. By leveraging 2FA, you enhance your network security posture, comply with regulations, and protect your business's sensitive data and assets from unauthorized access. ICC can help you execute different ways to protect your employees from getting hacked. Our defense strategy includes network security, email security, security patches and updates, backups, education and testing, and quarterly cybersecurity reviews to boost your defenses against cybercriminals and lost data.
If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and could be faced with significant business disruption and financial loss. To get started, call us at 970-419-0602.
August 15, 2023
Network Security
We all love the convenience and ease of online shopping, but unfortunately it comes with risks. Even with evolving security measures, scammers are consistently using new tactics and technology to deceitfully steal your personal information and money. Below are a few tips to keep your online transactions secure and make your online shopping experience a good one!
Be aware of fake online shops: Make sure the shop you are buying from is legitimate. Look for customer reviews, contact information and a return policy. Blurry photos, strange syntax, and a lack of information about the company are usually red flags.
Don’t save your credit card information: It does save a lot of time but storing your payment information on a website can make you a prime target. It’s worth the extra steps to protect your financial information and just re-enter your credit card number the next time you shop on a site.
Look for luxury dupes: Most of the time, if a deal looks too good to be true – it is. Use online shops that offer authentication checks or are well-established e-commerce sites. Many sites may promise designer items, only to send cheap look-a-likes or nothing at all.
Be wary about extra requested information: Be suspicious of any online shop that asks you for information that seems outside of the norm, like your social security number or occupation. Those should be strong indicators that they are looking for more than just selling you a product.
Use a secure method of payment: Always use a protected method of payment, such as a credit card or PayPal. Avoid using wire transfers, gift cards or even debit cards. Such payments are difficult to recover or trace.
It’s important to stay on top of scam tactics and to educate yourself on how to be vigilant when shopping online. Our blog is a great resource to help you find tips and updates on how to safeguard your personal and financial information.
August 1, 2023
scamming
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In today's digital age, cybersecurity is a paramount concern for businesses of all sizes. One of the weakest links in the cybersecurity chain is often the employees themselves. Educating and empowering your employees to recognize and prevent cyber threats can significantly enhance your organization's security. Below, find simple yet effective ways to help your employees avoid falling victim to hacking attempts.
Conduct Regular Security Awareness Training: Invest in comprehensive security awareness training programs for your employees. Educate them about the latest cybersecurity threats, such as phishing emails, social engineering, and malware. Regularly update the training materials to stay current with emerging threats.
Enforce Strong Password Practices: Weak passwords are an invitation to hackers. Encourage your employees to create strong, unique passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Implement a password policy that includes minimum length, complexity, and regular password changes. Consider using password managers to generate complex passwords.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide multiple forms of authentication, such as a password and a unique verification code sent to their mobile device. Encourage your employees to enable MFA for their accounts, especially for critical systems and applications, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access, even if passwords are compromised.
Keep Software and Systems Updated: Outdated software and operating systems often contain security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Encourage employees to update their devices with the latest security patches and software updates. Enable automatic updates whenever possible to ensure timely installation of patches.
Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Train your employees to be cautious when connecting to Wi-Fi networks, particularly public ones. Encourage using virtual private networks (VPNs) when accessing company resources remotely. Ensure your organization's Wi-Fi network is encrypted and secure, and limit access to authorized personnel only.
Exercise Caution with Email and Attachments: Phishing emails remain one of the most prevalent methods hackers use to gain unauthorized access. Train your employees to scrutinize emails, checking for suspicious senders, grammatical errors, and unexpected attachments or links. Implement email filtering systems to flag and quarantine potentially malicious emails.
Implement Strict Access Controls: Adopt the principle of least privilege, where employees only have access to the resources necessary for their roles. Regularly review and update user access rights and promptly revoke access for employees who no longer require it, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
Protecting your organization from cyber threats starts with empowering your employees to become the first line of defense. Implementing these simple yet effective strategies can significantly reduce the risk of your employees falling victim to hacking attempts. Cybersecurity is an ongoing effort, and continuous education and reinforcement are essential to maintain a strong defense against evolving threats.
ICC can help you execute cybersecurity awareness training for your staff. In addition to instructing, we provide network security, patches, and updates. If you are missing any of these components of cybersecurity, call 970-419-0602.
July 18, 2023
hacking, employee IT training
When it comes to cybersecurity, many businesses forget a significant factor in their line of defense – staff training. This is especially important with more and more people working remotely. In fact, in Proofpoint’s 2022 State of the Phish Report, 81% of organizations said that more than half of their employees are working remotely, but just 37% educate workers about practices for remote working. It’s not enough to focus on security frameworks, software updates, and compliance requirements: It’s critical to raise awareness and educate your team to boost your business's cybersecurity level. Here is some advice on establishing a cybersecurity awareness training program at your workplace:
● Include all employees. The entire team should be trained, not just leadership members.
● Training is an ongoing effort. Cyber awareness education is not just a one-time session. Depending on the size and turnover of your staff, training should occur quarterly – or even monthly if warranted – supplemented by posters, newsletters, and email correspondence.
● Be comprehensive. There are many aspects of cybersecurity to consider. The key topics to include are email-based phishing, malware, Wi-Fi security, ransomware, mobile device security, and best practices for passwords and Internet safety.
● Consider consequences. The Proofpoint survey discovered that 55% of organizations take action against employees who fall for actual or simulated phishing attacks. A scale of disciplinary actions may start with a one-on-one discussion with a manager and could ultimately result in termination, especially for repeated offenses. However, 24% of organizations surveyed said a consequence model is not the right fit for their company’s culture.
ICC can help you execute cybersecurity awareness training for your staff. In addition to instructing, our defense strategy includes providing network security, email security, patches and updates, and quarterly cybersecurity reviews. If you are missing one piece, you may risk your business. To get started, call 970-419-0602.
June 13, 2023
Most companies rely heavily on their IT network, and use it as a tool that will help their business grow, operate more efficiently, and give them the tools to be competitive in their market. Unfortunately, in today’s technological landscape it is vital to consider risks – and most importantly – be prepared for them. Poor preparation can lead to data loss – or worse – and a serious disruption in your business.
Businesses should consider an IT audit as part of their network management. An IT audit is a detailed assessment of a company’s tech policies, web services, equipment, software applications, security protection and operating system. When reviewing each of those assets, IT auditors look for any gaps that could be a security risk or hinder a company’s growth. At the end of the evaluation, a report outlines what was done during the audit and recommendations to fix any potential security risks or needed upgrades.
There are several reasons a company should conduct an IT audit. First and foremost is protecting your company’s data. An audit can find places where your company’s defense against hackers is weak. Cybersecurity threats can come from outside or even inside the company. Looking at who has access to your devices and software is all taken into consideration. An audit also reassures that your business is fully compliant with any laws and policies relevant to your industry and business procedures. This is important, because if it’s discovered that your business is not compliant, your company could face serious penalties and consequences. Finally, an audit is a good opportunity to make sure all your hardware and software is running efficiently.
ICC can help you keep operations running smoothly. We conduct a number of audits and tests, as well as put tactics in place, to significantly reduce the possibility of an attack and make sure your network is running to its highest performance. Our audits include analysis of data backups, compliance, internet connectivity, cybersecurity, antivirus evaluation, and so much more. If you are missing one piece of the pie, you may be putting your business at risk and could be faced with significant business disruption or financial loss.
To learn more about ICC’s audits, visit https://www.iccusa.net/services/it-audits. To schedule an IT audit, give us a call at 970-419-0602.
May 15, 2023
Are you stepping on cables when working at your desk? Do you feel like you’re looking out for wires when walking around the office? Cable installation is extremely important in any office or business space to avoid safety risks, space constraints or damage to your office network. Cables keep your networks connected and communications going, including the Wi-Fi and security systems – all critical to your daily business – so you don’t want to risk damaging them.
Keeping cables properly organized also makes troubleshooting problems inside your business look presentable to clients and gives your staff a more efficient work environment.
Cable installation might seem like an easy task to control, but it can be challenging to feed and organize cables and wires around desks, office furniture and in closets. Consider including cable management in your technology support. Besides safety hazards, tangled or unmanaged cables can result in cord damage and possibly cause the cords or outlets to overheat. Too many wires and cables around office hardware can disrupt airflow that can also cause equipment components to get hot.
Some ways to control and organize cables is with the use of wire guides, floor cable covers, ties and cable loom tubing that help prevent cords from getting tangled or stepped on. Replacing cables can get expensive so you’ll want to install everything neatly right from the start.
Cables provide the most reliable connections in keeping your network running at an optimum level. Proper cable installation provides better throughput and helps software run smoother and may increase Internet speed, allowing you to work more productively. Any kinks in or damage to the cable can slow down connections. Additionally, cable types vary and deliver different levels of performance; it’s important to know which cable types are going to work best for your network.
Good cable installation and maintenance is important to your company’s operations. ICC can help keep your office cables and wires organized and clean, so your office equipment is running at maximum efficiency. ICC experts can help you design your office space, install, implement, manage, and maintain your entire IT system to ensure the safety of your employees and get the best performance from your equipment, including cabling. ICC consultants are your trusted, technical experts to keep your business going.
If you need new equipment installed or even reconfigured, please give us a call at 970-419-0602.
April 12, 2023
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Computer lingo has very much become part of our office vernacular, but it’s important to use the terms correctly. Although it may seem obvious, there are many people who frequently interchange the words hardware and software. If a problem arises – or you’re speaking with an IT consultant – it’s important to be able to identify these correctly.
Simply put, hardware refers to the physical, tangible components of your computer system, which includes your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and peripheral equipment like scanners and printers. Hardware is also used to describe devices like laptops.
Software refers to the programs and applications that run on your hardware, such as web browsers, graphic design programs and office suites. The software is installed into the hardware and is what actually makes the hardware functional. One can’t perform without the other. We need both software and hardware to get tasks done on our computer systems.
A key difference between hardware and software is that hardware can wear over time from extended use. Software doesn’t wear out, though technology changes and it can be affected by a virus! Software can be upgraded with new features, but hardware most of the time needs to be replaced with newer models because new features aren’t available on older models.
The working relationship between hardware and software is crucial to helping you get your job done, and is important to your company’s operations. ICC can help keep your hardware and software running smoothly and our experts can help you install, implement, manage, and maintain your IT system. When it comes to hardware, ICC will recommend reliable products for a consistently high-quality lineup. ICC has partnerships with leading industry distributors, and has many years of experience supporting our recommended products. When it comes to hardware and software, ICC consultants are your trusted, technical experts to recommend the right hardware and software to suit your business needs.
If you need new hardware or software, or are looking to upgrade, please give us a call at 970-419-0602.
March 13, 2023
