How Do Managed IT Options Aid Small Businesses?

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, but without the same access to great software solutions as larger conglomerates, many feel as though they’re being left behind in a digital sense. As technology becomes more and more integrated into both how we run our lives and our businesses, software solutions have emerged to meet the needs of smaller companies that don’t have the time, team, or tools to manage their tech on their own. When you need to keep your information and the information of your customers safe at a lower cost, DataVizion can help by integrating a Managed IT Service (also known as a SOC) program into your business.

What is a SOC?

SOC stands for “security operations center,” and it refers to a team within a company that is comprised of cybersecurity experts, security analysts, engineers, and other individuals. They focus on the detection, assessment, and response to cyber threats. As online criminals find more and more sophisticated techniques for infiltrating and stealing data, these teams are becoming more and more crucial for the safety of your business's sensitive information. 

Using a variety of tools, these are the people who spot vulnerabilities in a cybersecurity network, protect against viruses and attempts to infiltrate the network, and create countermeasures to prevent future threats. For small businesses, however, creating an entire team to protect your digital footprint isn’t likely in the cards (or, more accurately, it’s not in the budget).

What are Managed IT Services?

Many smaller companies are turning to Managed IT Services as a turnkey solution that, once implemented, provides you with a remote team to manage your data. It works very similarly to a subscription service. For example, when you pay for a streaming service, you’re paying for access to all the shows and movies available on their platform. Similarly, Managed IT Services uses advanced software to provide you with a dedicated team of security professionals who monitor your business’ devices, cloud storage, and networks remotely, detecting harmful activity from bad actors to immediately and effectively respond to threats. 

This is a way to provide a lower-cost option for businesses that don’t have either the knowledge to take care of these security issues on their own or the budget to finance an in-house team to do so. When you use VizionCare Secure as your Managed IT partner, your small business gets big protection, including:

• Threat detection
• Risk & liability assessment
• 24/7 network monitoring
• Real-time alerts & rapid response
• Compliance reporting
• And more!

Learn About Our Managed IT Services

Read more about our VizionCare Secure program for small businesses here, or contact our team to talk about the ways in which our Managed Service Solutions offer all the benefits of managed security software at a reasonable cost!

JOIN OUR WEBINAR TO LEARN MORE:

Thursday, May 13th, 2021 at 12:30pm CST

 

 

“Cybersecurity Breach Costs Company Millions.” “Global Ransomware Attacks on the Rise.”

We’ve all heard the headlines and the warnings. Yet, companies continue to fall victim to avoidable breaches. Why? Here are five common mistakes that cause businesses to fall short when it comes to securing their networks.

1. Not Taking Inventory

For most organizations, one of the most critical assets is their data. Make sure you know where your data resides and who has access to it. Obtaining a solution that continuously monitors your network for abnormal behavior is critical to identifying potential breaches.

 

2. Trying to Manage it All

Gone are the days when having the latest antivirus would give you peace of mind. Your antivirus program might find common malicious files, but hackers have gotten far more sophisticated. If you hire a Managed Service Security Provider (MSSP) they monitor your network 24/7 and have specialized knowledge and resources for cybersecurity.

 

3. Thinking There Are No Small Fish

The phrase “we have bigger fish to fry” comes to mind, but when it comes to cybersecurity, hackers go after companies of all sizes. The good news? What was once available only to enterprise and mid-market organizations is now making its way down into the small and medium-sized business (SMB) world. Managed Security Services continues to enhance features and advanced security technologies are now developed even in small size firewalls and endpoint protection solutions.

 

4. Forgetting that People are People

You can have the best-intentioned employees, but all it takes is one person to fall victim to a phishing attack and compromise your entire network. End users are a key component to your security and are the most exploited sector. Making a small investment in end-user training and awareness will go a long way to improving your security.

 

5. Failure to Accept the Inevitable

In today’s technology landscape being targeted by cyber thieves is not a matter of “if”, but “when.” Your network security depends on both your ability to detect threats, but also on how to respond to them. Make sure you have a plan in place for when the worst happens.

 

If you have questions about how to protect your data and your business, contact us. Our team of cybersecurity experts is here to advise and help you implement a custom solution.

 

 

The increasing sophistication in and rise in number of cyber security attacks is leading more companies to consider whether hiring a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is the right move. We've found these common misconceptions often keep business owners from considering this solution.

1. We Already Have an Internal IT Team
Hiring an MSP doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your internal team. At DataVizion we work with your team by freeing them from necessary, yet time-consuming tasks like monitoring, management and patching of your IT network. Empower your internal IT resources by freeing them from status quo-maintaining tasks and allowing them to focus on business-advancing tasks.

2. External Help Means Slower Response Times 
It’s common for companies to fear their issues will sit at the bottom of some never-ending queue. With VizionCare, DataVizion’s managed services platform, there are no mystery queues.  VizionCare includes Service Level Agreements that define exactly how, when and in what timeframes service issues will be responded to. Our experienced team will ensure the right resources are dedicated to each task and resolved in an efficient and timely manner.

3. MSPs Are Only for Large Businesses and Too Expensive 
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from using an outsourced MSP. Not only will it help you gain a competitive edge, but our customers find it helps them operate more safely and efficiently. With VizionCare, you get top-level proactive monitoring and support all for a predictable fixed monthly fee agreement. No surprises.

4. Outsourcing Can Lead to More Security Risks  
VizionCare is a safe and secure solution that brings together protection, detection and response. Actionable threat intelligence is gleaned from the millions of events and we take the proper remediation steps to continuously harden your network. We also deliver compliance reports to you at specified intervals and you maintain full legal chain-of-custody over your logs.

While we can’t say hiring an MSP is the perfect solution for every company, the benefits are many.  If you want to learn more about VizionCare and how we can free up your IT Team, please contact us for a free consultation.

The 2019 DataVizion Tech Summit, held May 1 in Omaha, Neb., brought together industry professionals and technology experts from more than 30 companies.

This year’s theme “Don’t Gamble with Security, Change the Odds” focused on the growing cyber security threats that businesses face and the tools and solutions to combat them.

“Any day of the week, you can read headlines about IT security breaches,” Kelly Schrad, DataVizion President and CEO, said. “Breaches are more common than ever, and hackers are growing in sophistication. We want to make sure our customers understand the potential risks and we provide the right solutions to protect their businesses.”

The day kicked off with Brenden Stai speaking on the importance of taking ownership. Stai is a motivational speaker and current Director of Athletic Development at the University of Nebraska, his alma mater.

Special guest speaker Erich Kron, a veteran information security professional from KnowBe4, shared a presentation about real-world cyber attacks, the social engineering tricks that make them effective, and what businesses can do to avoid falling victim.

Attendees had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions from leading technology companies Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, HPE, Nutanix and Palo Alto. DataVizion also hosted a special breakout session on the company’s managed security services solution, VizionCare Secure.

Datto, an American cyber security and data backup company, provided a live demonstration to showcase the ease and flexibility of their backup solutions.

The day wrapped up a casino games, a cocktail hour and raffle drawing. Several lucky winners walked away with great prizes such as a PlayStation VR Bundle, Apple iPad Air and a Holy Stone Drone.

A special thanks to our partners, sponsors and guest speakers for helping us put together this event.

Click here to view photos.

As we enter 2019, it’s no secret the Internet of Things (IoT) is going to continue to grow at an exponential rate. From smartphones and tablets to wearable technology and appliances, these devices are everywhere and quickly becoming an expectation of doing business.

New Security Risks

Companies, responding to this growing trend, allow employees and guests to connect to their network for work, collaboration and personal communication. With a huge increase in the number of IoT devices on a company’s network, increased security vulnerabilities are a given and businesses need to be ready.

Aruba ClearPass

At DataVizion, we’ve been implementing Aruba ClearPass as an integrated solution for businesses of all sizes. ClearPass gives IT the tools needed to centrally develop, automate, enforce and audit network access policies across their network.

Benefits include:

• Visibility: The ClearPass platform provides ability to capture device information across all networks, ensuring that security policies leverage device attributes and ownership for all authentication services.
• Security: Enforcement, auditing and reporting features enable customers to comply with relevant regulations and legislation, demonstrate compliance, and mitigate the risk of a breach in access security.
• Workflow: Users are able to connect securely and easily from tablets, smartphones, and laptops delivering an improved mobility experience across both corporate owned and user-owned devices (e.g. BYOD).
• Mobility: Employees are given the flexibility to work from their preferred locations and devices while maintaining security posture.
• Cost: The automated workflows and reduction in IT help tickets through self-service and the reduced number of appliances required to secure enterprise mobility, make the ClearPass solution efficient and cost-effective.

IoT devices are going to continue to become more and more integrated as a way of doing business and will present unique challenges and security concerns for organizations. But, with Aruba ClearPass it’s manageable.

If you are interested in learning more about Aruba ClearPass or other security solutions, give us a call or visit www.datavizion.com.

Click here to read how DataVizion partnered with Aruba Networks to bring Midland University a secure and scalable wireless solution to support current needs and meet growing demands.

 

From answering emails on a smartphone and employees working remotely to creating a collaborative workspace with digital services and amenities, mobility needs in the workforce continue to rise substantially and are crucial to your success.

The result of a Gallup poll found that businesses that hire remote employees have grown from 39% in 2012 to 47% in 2016.¹ The use of smartphones and telecommunication channels are also continuing to increase and provide a competitive edge.

These mobile connections are allowing employees and customers communicate in unprecedented speeds, and this is proving to pay off. According to Forbes, “SMBs that adopt mobile technologies are seeing double the revenue growth and are creating up to eight times as many jobs as their less mobile-ready peers.”²

Don’t let your business miss out on growth opportunities because of a lack in your team’s mobility and network support of these technologies.

While it’s one thing to provide mobility within your company, it’s also important to ensure your network can keep up with the demands. Older networks are being challenged while more devices are hitting the workforce. By 2020, it’s expected that each person will have four or more connected devices.³ And network functionality doesn’t stop at devices. The type of content being viewed also effects network functionality.  For example, video accounts for 35% of all smartphone traffic and over 50% of tablet traffic.⁴

Make sure your network is ready for the challenges of a mobile workforce. As an Aruba Platinum Partner, DataVizion’s dedicated team can deliver simple, reliable and affordable networking solutions for small and midsize businesses. These products can help your business mobility growth by offering:

·       Cloud based networking solutions

·       WI-FI improvement tools

·       Network flexibility to support the addition of new mobile solutions and cloud-based applications

·       A secure network foundation that’s easy to manage

Contact us today at (402) 327-1880 for more information about how we can help your business grow with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, products.

1 Blueprint, “The Rise of ‘Technology Mobility’ in the Workplace,” February 2018.

2 Forbes, “Mobile Technologies Becoming A Growth Engine For Small And Medium Businesses,” February 2015.

3 Mobile World Live, “The number of devices to hit 4.3 per person by 2020—report,” October 2014.

4 Ooyala.com Videomind, “Mobile video traffic to grow 13X by 2019, straining already congested networks,” June 2014.

The number of network-connected devices per person is expected to be nearly seven by the year 2020*. Seem like a lot? Not when you consider smart phones, tablets, laptops, fitness trackers, iPods and more.

Nowhere is this more evident than on college campuses, which can put a huge strain on existing networks. For colleges that want to keep up, it’s time to move to a mobile-first campus with Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company’s, Mobile First Architecture.

The Aruba Mobile First Architecture will allow your campus to seamlessly transition your existing network to a software-defined enterprise, with new features and functionality all while supporting your legacy systems.

Features include:

Mobile First:  It allows users and devices to connect to the network and receive the same policy and permissions regardless of how they connect, wired or wireless, making them truly mobile.

Open: No business wants to be locked-in and limited by a single vendor’s architecture. This solution supports open standards, but also provides rich API support for a seamless integration.

Secure: This solution provides security for both the wired and wireless infrastructure with signed code, secure boot, and cryptographic hardware protection. Rest assured, user data is protected with strong encryption and per-user level policy.

Autonomous: Machine learning uses massive amounts of analytics data in order to understand the operational and security state of the network. Automated systems optimize performance and will alert administrators of changes or highlight potential changes that require acceptance via on-premise and cloud-managed network operations.

If you want to learn more about what Aruba Mobile First Architecture can do for your campus, give us a call at 402-327-1880. DataVizion’s certified mobile-first engineers are ready to get started!

Source: https://www.statista.com/statistics/678739/forecast-on-connected-devices-per-person/

Recently, a group of our DataVizion team members, made their way to Las Vegas, Nevada, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center for Aruba Atmosphere 2018. Hosted by Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, it’s the largest mobility conference in the world, that brings together networking experts from across the globe.

During the action-packed week, our DataVizion team members, along with several of our customers, attended keynotes from top-performing industry professionals, and hands-on sessions and demonstrations. Along with our customers, we learned about the importance and implementation of intelligent edge, and how to enable its capabilities throughout businesses with Aruba Mobile First Architecture.

We also had the opportunity to hear from Partha Narasimhan, CTO at Aruba. During his presentation, he spoke about the need of Al-powered analytics and assurance. Al-powered analytics and assurance solutions provide connectivity insights that let you measure and manage application responsiveness, so that you can see how your network is performing for your users, in real time.

“Not only does this event enable us to learn more about Aruba and where they are headed, from a partners perspective, is also enables DataVizion to bring customers together to learn more about what can be achieved with the solutions they are considering implementing,” said Tom Burke, Channel Sales Director.

While obtaining an Aruba Mobile First Expert Certification, our DataVizion team members gained insight on:

• How to turn IT resources into assets for businesses
• Closing security gaps while supporting workplace flexibility
• Providing the right collaboration tools for organizational creativity
• Helping organization’s gain an innovative edge;
• Embracing the flexibility and scale of cloud and on-premises solutions.

If you are interested to learn about how mobile-first implementations can benefit your business network,  give us a call at 402-327-1880.

Looking back on 2017, it was a big year for major breaches and cyberattacks. The success of ransomware went mainstream, which lead to increasing cases of ransomware attacks.

Now that 2018 is here, we’ll continue to see the development of ransomware attacks, which will deeply impact the productivity and security of organizations. Here are some predictions for additional vulnerabilities in store for businesses this year.

• Political motives on the rise: Expect to see ransomware motives that are for political gain rather than just commercial.
• Increased sophistication: Security solutions will need to adapt faster than ever to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated ransomware.
• Expanded targets: Hackers are no longer just going after big business. While the statistics vary, most show a significant increase in attacks on small businesses.
• Focus on customer data protection: Customers are walking away from businesses that suffer cybersecurity breaches. To thrive, businesses will need to not only stay ahead of evolving threats, but also keep pace with updated regulation and compliance standards.
• Internet of Things (IoT) integration fueling threats: Hackers are finding new ways to get into your network through unprotected devices, including everything from point-of-sale machines and intelligent vending machines to smart home and vehicle devices.

While the concern for cybersecurity attacks will continue to rise in 2018, we're committed to protecting your data and your business. Our VizionCare Secure, Managed Service Security Solution, can dramatically reduce your chance of suffering a severe breach with 24/7 active monitoring.

Contact us today at (402) 327-1880 for more information about VizionCare Secure.

There have been a lot of reports, articles and even conflicting statements in the news about substantial security issues now known as Meltdown and Spectre.

In the simplest of terms, these are two hardware flaws that affects nearly every computer and device out there, primarily impact Intel based computers.

While there is a lot of valuable news information available, we wanted to share some basics with you. Rest assured, at DataVizion we stay ahead of evolving security risks, capacity requirements and performance demands that can impact your business.

What It Is

Cyber security experts have discovered chip design flaws in computer processors that could allow access to your sensitive information such as passwords on computers, servers and smartphones.

Company’s (Microsoft, Apple, Google, etc) that develop the operating systems for these impacted systems are taking steps to release patches that prevent the vulnerability from being exploited by hackers; however, even if all updates are made, many devices will remain exposed.

What It Does

The Meltdown and Spectre flaws may have serious implications for users as it allows hackers to access important information such as passwords or the encryption keys held in a device’s memory.

Meltdown allows a program running on a computer to break into an operating system’s central memory, accessing data it shouldn't be.

Normally, this could be addressed using the software updates being rushed out. However, Spectre makes it possible for a program running on a chip to access data in a separate program, without any need to call on the operating system.

What You Can Do Now

Users should make sure to install all applicable patches once released from Microsoft and/or Apple. Once the patch is released, those customers who are subscribed to DataVizion’s patching services will receive the patch and have it deployed automatically and managed by DataVizion. Any other users/customers will have to ensure that their systems are patched or contact Datavizion for assistance for additional help.

What We’re Doing About It

DataVizion is committed to ensuring our customers have the latest and greatest cyber security protections in place. For questions about this or to learn more about our patching/security services, please feel free to reach out to your account manager.