In today’s decentralized, mobile world, managing security and compliance has become an increasingly difficult task for IT. Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader and DataVizion partner, knows these challenges all too well.

 

The solution? Prisma Cloud. It's a security platform that addresses three of the leading causes of IT headaches: security risks, compliance, and incident response time – all from an easy-to-use and comprehensive dashboard.

 

Security Risks

 For businesses, the scope of data, devices and more that need to be secured can be daunting. Prisma Cloud continuously discovers new resources as they are deployed into your cloud environment and alerts you to any suspicious activities or any configurations that violate your policies.

 

Compliance

 The dynamic nature of cloud environments can prove challenging and time-consuming to manage compliance, let alone prove it during an audit. Prisma Cloud continuously monitors all cloud resources for everything from misconfigurations and vulnerabilities to compliance violations. You can monitor your compliance posture in real time and easily generate audit-ready reports. Compliance validation goes from a multi-week headache to a few simple clicks.

 

Incident Response Time

 Prism Cloud uses machine learning to correlate and contextualize data from multiple sources – a task that would be overwhelming and time-consuming for even the best IT professionals. Every risk is then automatically ranked by level of severity so your teams can easily prioritize which vulnerabilities need attention first.

 

Ready to get started or want to learn more? JOIN US July 15^th at 11:30am CST. The experts at DataVizion and Palo Alto Networks are breaking down the power of Cloud Services and Next-Generation Firewall platform to protect your critical data regardless of location.

Register Today! Seats are limited to this in-demand webinar.

Typically, when a company moves to a remote work model, they have the luxury of time. Time to plan. Time to implement. Time to assess. The rapid workplace changes due to COVID-19 changed all that. Businesses of all sizes found themselves accelerating their mobile plans in a hurry.

 

Now that the initial scramble is over, it’s important to assess potential security gaps to stop cybercriminals eager to take advantage. Here are five steps you can take to ensure your business can continue to operate remotely while safeguarding business-critical information.

 

1. Communicate Security Policies

Which mobile devices does the IT department support? Can employee-owned devices be used for work? If a mobile device is lost, stolen or broken, what is the process to ensure that the data on the device is/was secure? These are all questions employees are bound to ask if they haven’t already. Make sure you have the answers to address these and other concerns that may arise.

 

2. Provide Ongoing Training

For many, working remotely has been a new concept. Make sure to train your staff on topics such as the dangers of using public Wi-Fi, the use of removable media, and how to recognize and avoid phishing scams to name a few. Hackers are constantly evolving with increasingly complex methods, so your training will need to be ongoing to stay ahead of the game.

 

3. Utilize Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)

When properly designed and implemented, MFA methods are much more reliable and a stronger deterrent for cybercriminals. MFA not only provides increased network security, but also can help make sure the right people are accessing the right information within your organization. Take the time to evaluate your authentication process and update if needed.

 

4. Know What’s on Your Wireless Network

You most likely have many Internet of Things (IoT) devices connecting and disconnecting from your network all day long. With the COVID-19 rush, many businesses were busy just trying to keep up with the need to assign computers and other devices. Take some time now to make sure you have clear visibility into what the devices are, who is operating them, and what they are doing.

 

5. Monitor. Monitor. Monitor.

Deploying anti-virus software and calling it a day simply won’t work. Continuous network monitoring is one of the most proactive ways to deal with security threats and make sure your network is operating the way it should be.

 

Sound overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be. We’re experts in mobility, so wherever you are at in the process, we can help. Give us a call

By now, most people are using cloud-based products such as Apple's iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive for simplification and efficiency in their personal lives. So, it should come as no surprise that businesses of all sizes are doing the same. How? With Aruba Central.

Aruba Central provides a cloud-based network management platform for managing your wireless, WAN, and wired networks. While the benefits are numerous, here are our top five.

 

1. Control From Anywhere

Aruba Central is especially valuable for businesses that have employees working across multiple sites or geographical locations. Your IT team can have complete and comprehensive control of your network – wired and wireless – across all of your sites from wherever they area.

 

2. Streamlined Network Operations

With Aruba Central, there are no complicated applications or dashboards to learn. Just quick and easy access to the data you need to manage, analyze and maintain your networks, devices, and clients.

 

3. Advanced Analytics and Assurance

No need for your team to work around the clock. With continuous monitoring, AI-based analytics provide real-time visibility and insight into what’s happening on your network. You even have the ability to create comprehensive alerts that cover device connectivity, network health and user account activity.

 

4. Automated Mobile and IoT Device Security

Don’t let the number of devices on your network keep your IT Team bogged down. Aruba Central easily integrates with Aruba ClearPass. Once a device connects to your network, it’s automatically identified and categorized. IT can set predetermined enforcement rules for various devices on the network.

 

5. Easy Deployment

There’s no special management hardware for you to install or maintain. This allows your IT team to focus less on managing the infrastructure and more on creating value for your business.

 

Spark your interest? If you want to learn more about how Aruba Central can benefit your business, please join us Feb. 19th, 2020 for a webinar presented by Rusty Holiday & Mat Lehn, DataVizion's own CTO and our most senior Aruba experts.

UPDATED: Sorry you missed it….fill out the contact form below and we will happily send you a link to the recorded event! [wpforms id="1928"]

Aruba Central Gives You

• Streamlined context-aware navigation
• Simplified operational workflows
• Centralized management and control
• Advanced analytics and assurance
• Intelligent mobile and IoT device security
• Unified Wi-Fi, wired and SD-WAN support

 

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.

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.

 

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/

The DataVizion Tech Summit will bring together industry professionals and technology experts to share the latest in next generation mobility and security.

If you are an IT Professional, IT decision maker, business owner, CEO or CFO, you won’t want to miss this event. Come learn how you can leverage next generation technology solutions for your business, exchange ideas on common challenges and network with other professionals.

We will kick off the day with special guest speaker Dale Cline, the CEO of BlackStratus, a global provider of enterprise-security information management solutions. Dale will discuss the latest in IT security and compliance and what businesses should be on the look out for.

Next up will be Condall Clegg, the Director of US Channels and Alliances in the Solutions and Technology organization within Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). Condall, who has been with HPE more than 19 years, will discuss how the company has evolved to address evolving technology demands.

We will also have several breakout sessions throughout the day. Learn more here.

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.