If recent national news has proven anything, it’s that ransomware attacks are on the rise. Especially for businesses here in the United States where approximately 39% of all worldwide ransomware attacks take place, new technology has made ransomware attacks both harder to prevent and harder to untangle once hackers have gotten into your internal infrastructure. Our managed security offerings, backup and disaster recovery, and tech infrastructure design services have helped business owners throughout the Midwest and across the nation avoid the frustration of a full-fledged attack.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malware designed to cause instability by encrypting files on a device. Then, the individual or group who organized the attack will demand a ransom in order to decrypt the file or files that were disrupted. Think of it like kidnapping, but instead of a person, these bad actors are after your private business information. This has been a growing issue, specifically in government entities, municipal utility companies, and other organizations that handle critical infrastructure, but now, even small- to mid-sized businesses are becoming targets for bad actors. Experts have estimated that ransomware and associated spending (loss of revenue due to inability to work, paying ransoms, etc.) will cost businesses somewhere between $20 and $25 billion in this year alone, and those numbers are rising every year. This has left many business owners wondering how they can protect themselves and their sensitive information before issues arise.

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Whether you’re preventing a ransomware attack or recovering from one, DataVizion has solutions to help!

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Recent Ransomware Attack in Omaha

A manufacturing facility near Omaha, Nebraska was the target of a ransomware attack recently. Hackers accessed company systems through existing remote access connectivity, and they managed to bring operations to a screeching halt for about two weeks. That meant no emails, no ordering products, no sending invoices to customers, and no paying vendors. Some floor production remained operational, but with manual processes and paper trails, even production was down. 

Now, more than a month later, the company is still in negotiations to have their information released, with the party involved asking for upwards of $100,000. Add that to the business costs lost by the inability to operate, and leadership has come to a few realizations about the future of their digital landscape.

Firstly, they realized that their company’s basic insurance coverage does not include ransomware coverage, leaving them to cover all costs with no help. Next, they realized that the sophistication of these modern attacks means having safe and timely backups in place is more important than ever. With the right backups, they could have restored their business easier, faster, and cheaper. The last and most important lesson learned by leadership at this manufacturing company is that in the event of a ransomware attack, you’re going to end up paying big bucks no matter what. The costs associated with the attack, legal fees, emergency IT assistance, lack of operations, and upgrading to new equipment add up quickly, so it’s actually more frugal to pay for great IT security upfront and avoid a ransomware attack in the first place.

 

Preventing Ransomware Attacks

There are a few simple steps that businesses of any size should be taking in order to protect themselves, their customer’s information, and their bottom line from the misfortune of a ransomware attack.

1. Prepare Ahead of Time: The best offense is always a great defense. That means creating and actually enforcing your security policies (yes, that includes regularly making new, unique passwords), ensuring all software is updated consistently, using multi-factor authentication, and training your employees to spot strange or malicious behavior in all areas of your technological infrastructure. 
2. Create Additional Protections for Highly Sensitive Information: Cyber criminals will always try to attack your most important information. From the systems that keep your physical building operational to sensitive data like customer payment information, keep all your most private data under multiple levels of security.
3. Use Experts to Manage Threats: Having a third party team of IT experts manage your cyber security is a great way to ensure you know about threats as soon as they pop up.
4. Create & Regularly Test Response Protocols: Should a threat to your business’ security emerge, it’s important to know how you’ll respond. Create a plan of attack (pun intended) and practice your response, so everyone knows what their responsibilities are when those threats arise.

 

Manage Threats with DataVizion

DataVizion is an industry-leading provider of security options for small- to mid-sized businesses, including manufacturing, healthcare, and even mom and pop shops across the country. We’re able to directly assist small business customers and larger mid-sized corporations with everything from managed IT security to network segmentation services. Our ransomware avoidance tactics also include:

• Management of border and edge security: Stopping the threat from being able to access a network
• Endpoint protection: Protecting the endpoint from being susceptible to ransomware attacks.
• Patch management: Distributing and applying updates to software vulnerabilities in a timely manner.
• Backups/Disaster recovery services: Restoring your network to the most recent update in the event that a cyber criminal is able to gain access to the network.

Talk with our experts today to schedule a security posture assessment so we can ensure your technological infrastructure best protects your business, your customers, and your employees from ransomware attacks.

Financial institutions are subject to some of the strictest regulations and compliance standards and for good reason. Protecting the financial data of the individuals you serve is crucial for the customers who trust you to keep it safe. For banks, credit unions, investment companies, mortgage companies, and other financial institutions, ClearPass is a tool that helps authorized users gain secure access to sensitive data, even when remote access outside a branch or location is necessary. 

 

Learning to Leverage ClearPass

According to a recent study, IoT devices are typically attacked within the first 5 minutes of logging onto the internet. Unfortunately, should a data breach occur, they’re typically discovered nearly 50 days after the incident, leaving plenty of time for bad actors to use the information they’ve gathered for their intended purpose. Using ClearPass helps your team detect and deal with security threats faster than ever before. By keeping an inventory of all devices that can log into and access your private network, what types of devices they are, any new devices that log on, and any untrustworthy or suspicious logins, ClearPass provides unmatched transparency regarding who’s using your network and why. But that’s not all it offers.

 

There are tons of features that can make ClearPass the most important security tool you’ll ever add to your arsenal. All you have to do is learn how to utilize the software to your advantage. That’s why we’re offering a free webinar for our partners who use ClearPass!

 

Start the Conversation!

Our free consultation teaches our partners the new ways to leverage their existing investments in the ClearPass platform so that they’re able to get the best protection possible. Plus, you’ll get a free gift just for showing up (virtually, of course.)! We’ll send a free drone, Amazon gift card ($50 value), or Blink Mini smart security camera to your home when you book your consultation today. Achieve your goals and work well from any location without fear of security threats with top-rated protection from DataVizion powered by Aruba, a Hewlett Packard company.

You can learn more here, or simply book your consultation now!

We’re beyond proud to announce our 20th Anniversary! For two decades, DataVizion has been growing, serving our customers, and implementing new strategies to make IT services for businesses of all sizes as seamless as possible.

 

Over the years, we’ve been recognized by numerous third-party organizations for our top-tier products, excellent service, and exceptional company culture. Some of the awards we’ve racked up over the years include recognition as a Top Managed Service Provider of 2020 by CRN, one of the fastest-growing private companies in America according to Inc. 5000, and one of the Best Places to Work in our hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska! 

 

As humbled as we are by all the recognition and accolades we’ve received over the course of the last 20 years, what we’re most proud of is the unparalleled team of IT experts we’ve put together. Our team is the foundation upon which all our success has been built, and we’re grateful to each and every person who has contributed to our progress.

 

“Looking back on all the great things we have accomplished over the years, the thing I’m most proud of is the fact that we built a great team that focused on each other and our customers.   That we owned success and failure wasn’t an option and boy there were times when we struggled to make payroll, we met with other companies about being acquired but we decided to keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep moving no matter what.

I really think this mindset (Our GRIT) has allowed us to continue to grow on average 30-35% YOY and into the successful people developmental mindset that we are today.  As an associate, you could walk into this company and easily be supported to put your individual mark on the company to allow you to develop a career at DataVizion. We are built to build careers for folks, not simply jobs.  You can really focus on an area you want and make it special at DataVizion.  We are about our people and our people are about our customers…..to steal a tag line from one of our partners it is Customer First, Customer Last……..our people make IT happen.” - Kelly Schrad

 

As we look forward to the next 20 years and beyond, DataVizion’s leadership team has lots of lofty goals and ideas for continued success. From more research into the needs of our customers to discovering better ways to serve the specific needs of specialty industries like financial or educational institutions, our main objective is to continue building the best possible managed IT platform in the country.

 

Thanks again to all the partners who work with us, individuals we employ, and customers who trust us with their software and security needs. We look forward to another 20 years with you all.

Join the Celebration! Check out the exclusive offers we have going only in April!

Financial institutions have seen an astounding evolution in the past hundred years alone. The iron vaults of the past have been replaced by a digital alternative, but that alternative poses entirely new challenges when it comes to the safety of not just a simple stack of bills, but entire caches of data that your customers trust you to keep private. DataVizion’s team makes sure your customers are getting the safest, most secure financial services possible. With help from our partners at Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Company, we can gain secure, remote access to your system in the event you’ve experienced a tech emergency or issue. 

In our nearly 20 years of providing full-scale IT services for companies of all sizes, we’ve learned how to pivot quickly, strategize effective solutions, and work within the regulations of a variety of industries to custom-design IT solutions that best protect both our customers’ most sensitive data and, in turn, their own customers. Plus, we’re regularly researching the latest technology and data protection compliance standards for banks, credit unions, investment management companies, and other financial industries to ensure your IT infrastructure meets every criterion. That includes infrastructure that spans multiple branches and locations, with each branch’s technological landscape operating as smoothly and efficiently as the last. 

Our scalable solutions have kept private data private, provided backup and disaster recovery, managed IT and security, and created network infrastructure and cloud solutions that have been supporting financial institutions for the past two decades. The coming years will only see technology become more and more integrated into our daily lives. Make sure your business is staying ahead of the curve with help from DataVizion.

Book an appointment with a DataVizion rep today and you’re automatically entered to win a drone or a $50 Visa gift card!* 

*Must complete appointment as scheduled to be entered

About DataVizion: 

DataVizion is a leading provider of custom IT solutions for businesses for 20 years. Proficient in the full range of business technology solutions from Small Business to Enterprise, DataVizion provides a better connection through enhanced speed, flexibility, and productivity in a secure environment. Backed by superior support and customer service, these proven solutions give their customers a competitive advantage to grow and thrive. IT, the way it should be.

 

Follow Us: LinkedIn, Facebook, @DataVizion, 

“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 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.

Our team at DataVizion would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who attended our Third Annual Charity Golf Tournament Aug. 30, 2018, at the Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, Neb.

Together, with our partners, hole sponsors and customers, we were able to raise $8,500 for Child Saving Institute (CSI). That’s $2,000 more than last year! In the past three years, we have donated a total of $20,500 to this amazing local organization. 

The donation helps this nonprofit provide services including counseling, therapy, education and support for children and families in the community.

“We are beyond grateful for DataVizion’s support of CSI year after year,” said Anna Willey, CSI events and project coordinator. “Our mission is ‘responding to the cry of a child’ and such a significant donation like this helps us to do just that.”

A special thanks to Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, who sponsored this event and helped make it possible.

“This golf tournament is a way to show our customers how much we appreciate them and being able to come together and give back to a local charity makes it even better,” said Kelly Schrad, DataVizion President and CEO, said. “Each year we have been able to increase our charity donation and that wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of all involved.”

For more information about Child Saving Institute or to learn about volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.childsaving.org.

Click here to view photos of the event.

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.

DataVizion is pleased to announce that Joel Rourke has joined the company as Director of Sales. Joel brings 20 years of IT sales experience. In the past five years, he’s worked for leading IT solution providers Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company, and most recently Nutanix. Joel has significant experience including growing territories and helping customers solve their business objectives through the use of meaningful technologies.

“We at DataVizion are really looking forward to having Joel’s leadership on our team to facilitate the exciting plans we have for DataVizion,” said Kelly Schrad, DataVizion President and CEO. “Joel understands our company values well and especially embodies our top two values ‘Customer first, customer last’ and ‘Our people are the keys to our success.’ I’m confident he will help drive a great sales experience towards the outstanding customers we get work with on a daily basis.”

In his new role as Director of Sales, Joel will work with the sales team to drive further growth for the company.  He will also work closely with customers and DataVizion’s strategic partners.

While Joel is new to DataVizion as an employee, he’s certainly no stranger.

“I’ve known the team here at DataVizion for most of my career and very familiar with their work culture,” Joel said. “This opportunity is a great fit for all of us.”

In addition to knowing the DataVizion team well, through Joel’s past experience he’s very familiar with the territory and understands the challenges customers face.

“This is like coming home for me,” Rourke said.  “I look forward to helping the company, customers and partners grow with us.”

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/