Cybersecurity Archives - 247 IT Services https://247it.services/tag/cybersecurity/ IT Service Company Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:22:12 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://247it.services/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Logo-alone-150x150.png Cybersecurity Archives - 247 IT Services https://247it.services/tag/cybersecurity/ 32 32 Microsoft Warns of New StilachiRAT Malware Targeting Sensitive Data https://247it.services/microsoft-warns-of-new-stilachirat-malware-targeting-sensitive-data/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 08:11:32 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=3011 It certainly seems impossible to keep up with all of the cyber threats that are floating around on the web lately. With AI creating new hacking opportunities and hackers themselves becoming increasingly more sophisticated, it is becoming difficult for companies to know where to put in the extra effort to secure their data. Recently, Microsoft […]

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It certainly seems impossible to keep up with all of the cyber threats that are floating around on the web lately. With AI creating new hacking opportunities and hackers themselves becoming increasingly more sophisticated, it is becoming difficult for companies to know where to put in the extra effort to secure their data.

Recently, Microsoft sounded the alarm over StilachiRAT, a newly discovered remote access trojan (RAT) designed to steal sensitive data from compromised systems.

The tech giant’s incident response team first identified the malware in November 2024 and has now issued a public warning, urging businesses to take the necessary proactive security measures to protect themselves.

While StilachiRAT does not appear to be widespread at this moment, its sophisticated evasion techniques and persistence mechanisms make it a real problem, especially for companies handling sensitive financial, corporate, and personal data, and those dealing with crypto currency.

How StilachiRAT Works

StilachiRAT works as a stealthy backdoor that gives cybercriminals remote access to infected systems.

Once deployed, the malware gathers detailed system information and then carries out an extensive search for stored credentials, particularly those linked to cryptocurrency wallet extensions on Google Chrome.

To cause its chaos, these are some of the characteristics it is known to do:

  • Extract usernames and passwords that are stored in Chrome.
  • Continuously scan for copied credentials, including cryptocurrency keys.
  • Monitor Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) sessions, which potentially allows attackers to move from one side of a network to another.
  • Execute various commands, such as rebooting the system, clearing the logs, and modifying registry entries.
  • Use the Windows service control manager and watchdog threads to stop it from being removed.

Microsoft has not yet linked StilachiRAT to any known hacking groups or nations, but its complexity suggests that it is a part of a well-funded operation, one with a high level of technical expertise.

Advanced Evasion and Anti-Forensic Techniques

What makes StilachiRAT so different compared to other malware threats, and what makes it rather a scary trojan, is its uncanny ability to totally avoid detection.

Microsoft’s analysis found that the malware actively clears event logs, making it harder for security teams to trace its activity. It also continuously checks for analysis tools and sandbox environments, which has essentially stopped researchers from fully examining its behaviour.

StilachiRAT also scrambles Windows API calls and encodes many of its internal strings, which greatly complicates any attempts at manual analysis.

These measures all ensure that the malware stays hidden for as long as possible, which, as you can imagine, gives it more time to be a problem.

How StilachiRAT Spreads

Microsoft has not spoken about the exact way the trojan spreads, but if we look at similar threats, we can surmise that it is delivered through trojanised software, phishing emails and compromised websites, all of which can be avoided if your staff are well-trained in online security protocols.

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Online threats are growing, but your business doesn’t have to be vulnerable. When you work with an expert IT company, like 24/7 IT Services, you can rest easy knowing that you and your company data are well protected. For advanced IT Security Solutions, Managed IT Support and more, contact us today.

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A New High-Risk Snake Keylogger is Attacking Windows Users https://247it.services/a-new-high-risk-snake-keylogger-is-attacking-windows-users/ Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:04:13 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=3003 Cybersecurity researchers at Fortinet are sounding the alarm over a sudden rise in Snake keylogger malware attacks, which is currently posing a massive risk to businesses and individuals using Microsoft Windows. According to Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity in the United States, the latest version of the Snake keylogger (also known as 404 Keylogger) has been […]

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Cybersecurity researchers at Fortinet are sounding the alarm over a sudden rise in Snake keylogger malware attacks, which is currently posing a massive risk to businesses and individuals using Microsoft Windows.

According to Fortinet, a leading cybersecurity in the United States, the latest version of the Snake keylogger (also known as 404 Keylogger) has been responsible for over 280 million attack attempts since the beginning of 2025!

This malware has been detected executing up to 14 million infection attempts per day, making it one of the worst cyber threats of the year, so far.

How the Snake Keylogger Works

The Snake keylogger is designed to quietly monitor and record keystrokes made by users on infected devices, allowing the cybercriminals to easily gather sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, and personal data.

Once they have their hands on this data, the stolen information is then sent back to the attackers using various channels, such as SMTP email servers, Telegram bots, and HTTP post requests.

This malware is particularly dangerous because it goes well beyond simple keystroke logging.

It can access browser autofill data and then steal personally identifiable information, and even geolocation details.

Cybersecurity experts have warned that both individuals and businesses are at high risk of being exploited, with the potential consequences ranging from unauthorised financial transactions to identity theft and corporate data breaches.

Designed to Evade Detection

The Snake keylogger is built using AutoIT, a Windows-based automation scripting language, which is especially effective when used to infect Windows.  

Once installed, it neatly embeds itself into the system’s Startup folder, allowing it to begin its data theft every time the device is started. Unlike many other malware strains, it does not require administrative privileges to run, making it even more insidious and effective for the attacker.

Security experts have specifically highlighted that the latest version of the Snake keylogger makes use of advanced obfuscation techniques (which are techniques made to hide their attacks) which is disguising its malicious code within legitimate system processes.

This makes it that much harder for antivirus software to detect and remove the malware before it causes damage.

The Growing Threat of Phishing Attacks

Like many other forms of malware, the Snake keylogger primarily spreads through phishing attacks.

Cybercriminals are basically tricking unaware users into downloading the malicious attachments or the users are being tricked into clicking on harmful links in emails that appear legitimate.

Phishing scams are becoming more and more difficult to identify, with attackers convincingly impersonating reputable organisations and using persuasive language to convince recipients to interact with their phishing messages.

How UK Businesses Can Protect Themselves

Given the scale and sophistication of this malware, UK business owners using Microsoft products should take immediate action to check and improve their cybersecurity measures. To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend that you take the following steps:

  • Educate your employees by conducting regular cybersecurity training to help staff recognise phishing attempts and to encourage staff to avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments.
  • Enhance your email security by using advanced email filtering solutions to identify and block phishing emails before they even reach inboxes.
  • Keep software updated to ensure that all operating systems, software, and antivirus applications are regularly updated to patch vulnerabilities that malware could exploit.
  • Use strong authentication and use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to accounts and sensitive systems.
  • Monitor all of your network activity by using detection systems to identify and respond to suspicious activity before it escalates into a security breach.

For those concerned about their cybersecurity setup, consulting with IT security professionals, like 24/7 IT Services, is the best course of action. We provide our clients with expert IT security solutions, managed IT support, and more. Contact us today to book a consultation.

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Identity-Based Cybercrime? Yes, It’s Happening https://247it.services/identity-based-cybercrime-yes-its-happening/ Mon, 17 Feb 2025 07:48:39 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2999 Cybercrime is undergoing a seismic shift, and businesses relying on Microsoft products must take notice. The latest CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report has revealed a rather concerning trend as cybercriminals are increasingly abandoning their traditional malware-based attacks in favour of rather more nefarious identity exploitation methods. According to the report, three out of every four […]

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Cybercrime is undergoing a seismic shift, and businesses relying on Microsoft products must take notice.

The latest CrowdStrike 2024 Global Threat Report has revealed a rather concerning trend as cybercriminals are increasingly abandoning their traditional malware-based attacks in favour of rather more nefarious identity exploitation methods.

According to the report, three out of every four cyberattacks now use stolen credentials rather than malicious software.

This change is introducing us to a troubling new reality, one where businesses with otherwise excellent defence mechanisms are now faced with an attacker who is able to gain access using legitimate credentials, giving them free rein within a company’s network.

“You may have really locked down environments for untrusted external threats, but as soon as you look like a legitimate user, you’ve got the keys to the kingdom,” said Elia Zaitsev, CTO at CrowdStrike.

With a booming underground market for stolen credentials and the rise of AI-driven phishing campaigns, identity is fast becoming the primary battlefield in cybersecurity.

This raises a pressing question for business owners: if an attacker doesn’t need malware to infiltrate a network, how can they be stopped?

Attackers Moving Faster Than Defenders

Speed is one of the most important factors in combating modern cyberattacks.

The CrowdStrike report uncovered the fastest recorded breakout time, which is the time it takes for an attacker to move across a network after gaining access.

To give you an idea of just how fast modern attackers have become, CrowdStrike reported a speed of just 2 minutes and 7 seconds. This means that by the time a business detects a breach, it may already be too late.

Unlike traditional threats, identity-based attacks do not rely on malicious payloads that can be detected by security software.

Instead, cyberattackers are using legitimate credentials to get through the network undetected, using what is known as “living-off-the-land” techniques which means they use built-in system tools to avoid raising the alarm.

Microsoft users should be particularly vigilant, as these techniques exploit widely used authentication and remote access tools. Without the right identity protection measures in place, businesses could find themselves vulnerable to silent intrusions that bypass conventional security.

DDoS Attacks Are Growing in Scale and Complexity

Aside from the worrying rise in identity-based threats, businesses also face an increasing risk from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.

Cloudflare recently halted the largest DDoS attack on record, an unprecedented 5.6 terabit-per-second (Tbps) attack targeting an East Asian telecoms provider. The attack, launched by a Mirai-variant botnet comprising 13 000 hijacked devices, dwarfed the previous record of 3.8 Tbps.

DDoS attacks, which flood websites and online services with overwhelming traffic, are becoming both larger and more frequent.

Microsoft itself fell victim to a major DDoS incident in July 2024, leading to nearly 10 hours of Azure cloud service downtime. Cloudflare’s data shows that the number of DDoS attacks exceeding 1 Tbps surged by 1,885% in just one quarter!

Protecting your Business From Identity-Based Cybercrimes

The days of relying solely on malware detection and perimeter defences are well and truly over.

Attackers no longer need sophisticated exploits when they can simply buy credentials online, phish employees, or manipulate AI-driven authentication systems.

For Microsoft-dependent businesses, now is the time to start adopting zero-trust security frameworks, implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts, and continuously monitoring user behaviour to pick up potential problems before they escalate.

The harsh reality is that failing to prioritise your identity security will leave you defenceless against modern cyber threats.

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As cybercriminals continue to innovate, outdated security measures may no longer be enough. If you are worried that your digital defences are no longer up to the task, you need the help of an IT company, like 24/7 IT Services. We provide a wide range of IT related services including IT Security Solutions, VoIP and Managed IT Support. Contact us today for a consultation.

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Future-Proof your Business with these 2024 Business Continuity Trends https://247it.services/future-proof-your-business-with-these-2024-business-continuity-trends/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 05:56:43 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2858 time, effort, passion and money into making your business a success. But all it takes is one crisis, whether it is a hacking event or just a hardware malfunction, to greatly set you back. As data becomes more and more important for all kinds of businesses, from the biggest corporations down to the one man […]

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time, effort, passion and money into making your business a success. But all it takes is one crisis, whether it is a hacking event or just a hardware malfunction, to greatly set you back.

As data becomes more and more important for all kinds of businesses, from the biggest corporations down to the one man enterprise, so has the necessity of having a working, easily accessible and highly reliable business continuity plan.

Now that we are on the cusp of the New Year, and as businesses around the country are starting to look for better ways to keep operations running smoothly once everyone is back at the office in January, now is the best time to have a look at some of the 2024 Business Continuity trends

Having a disaster recovery plan, one that is specifically tailored to your business needs, is a non-negotiable necessity in this data driven era. To ensure that your business is up to date with all of the latest business continuity developments, these are some of the trends to be aware of, and to try out, in 2024.

  1. AI And Machine Learning Will Improve (Almost) Everything

We might as well put AI right at the top at the list of trends. This technology is not going anywhere; in fact it is fast tracking tech developments of all kinds, including those in the world of business continuity solutions.

In 2024, AI and Machine Learning are set to be used to make business continuity plans more resilient and a lot more focused. Other ways that this tech will influence business continuity plans include:

  • Assisting businesses to identify potential business disruptions and fully automate the recovery process by using predictive analytics.
  • Improved security using blockchain technology and by assisting existing cyber security measures.
  • And, using the Internet of Things will give businesses the ability to monitor their data in real time.
  • Cloud Based Solutions Will Be The Most Sought-After

Cloud Based technology is already widely adopted by companies. When used for business continuity, such a system allows for the immediate recovery of data, allowing businesses to carry on as usual. As we go into 2024, Cloud Base Solutions will allow for more flexibility and scalability, they will become cheaper, they will remove the need for physical data centres in various locations, and they will enable a faster recovery.

  • Supply Chain Diversity Is Going To Become More Important

Supply chains have become more fragile since the pandemic of 2020, and for some companies this means supply chain diversity is something that needs to be included in their business continuity plan.

Companies should not only find a variety of suppliers to suit their requirements, but they should also consider using localised production. And the list of suppliers should be backed up and protected by the business continuity plan, to ensure that this vital information is never lost.

To make the supply chain even more robust, companies can consider partnering up with suppliers in their industry, and create a separate business continuity plan that solely protects the supply chain.

Tips For Preparing Your Business Continuity Plan in 2024

Preparing for the future means anticipating the things that could go wrong and then planning a system around the disaster. As you work on your business continuity plan for 2024, here are some tips that you should keep in mind.

  1. Cyber-attacks are constantly evolving as technology advances and hackers find new and creative ways to steal. Always stay up to date with the latest threats (or work with an IT company that can do that for you).
  2. Don’t make your plan too complex as this can have the opposite effect, and leave your company vulnerable to problems (too many layers can create gaps that you don’t see).
  3. Move with the times. Your current system might work well, but technology is advancing all the time and there might be something out there that is cheaper and more effective.

Need assistance? 24/7 IT Services can help your business get ready for 2024. Along with offering companies create effective business continuity plans, we also assist with cyber security solutions and managed IT support. Contact us today for a consultation.

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2024’s Business Tech Trends to Prepare for Now https://247it.services/2024s-business-tech-trends-to-prepare-for-now/ Thu, 30 Nov 2023 11:58:36 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2851 There are just over 50 days left until we bid farewell to 2023 and while your mind is probably more focused on the upcoming Festive holiday season, now is actually the perfect time to start planning for the 2024 business year. 2023 set a standard in many ways. It opened many eyes to the new […]

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There are just over 50 days left until we bid farewell to 2023 and while your mind is probably more focused on the upcoming Festive holiday season, now is actually the perfect time to start planning for the 2024 business year.

2023 set a standard in many ways.

It opened many eyes to the new realities of the world, and just how important it is to stay ahead in cyber security; while it also showed us just how important it is to stay in the know when it comes to tech advances, and how valuable it is to make the most of tech trends.

If 2023 is any indication of how the upcoming year will go, businesses and individuals alike will have a lot to look forward to and a lot to prepare for.

To help you start your 2024 planning, these are the tech trends, according to Forbes and Gartner that you need to know now.

  1. Tackling Technical Debt

Within any business, after years of being in operation, there is bound to be an accumulation of technical debt (having too many programmes doing the same thin). De-cluttering, and making a more complex setup simpler, is going to be one of the big trends in the new year, if only because there are so many fantastic programmes out there these days that have been merged and improved to streamline production and productivity.

  • Preparing Staff for AI

In 2023, you could hardly open a publication without seeing some article or other about AI. This technology, while in development for years, has only this year really exploded into the public eye as it became more accessible to the everyday person. It is safe to say that AI is not going to go anywhere and if the past year is anything to go by, 2024 is going to be another big AI year and one that businesses need to prepare their staff for, as AI will start disrupting (hopefully in a positive way) every day offices.

  • Investing in AI and Machine Learning

Just about all modern tech is in one way or another leaning on and being improved by AI and Machine Learning. If you want to really help your company stay ahead of the game, and to really benefit from these rapid tech advancements, this coming year should be the one that you invest some of your budget into this technology.

  • Make Reliability and Scalability a Priority

Having business systems set up that are reliable and easy to scale are definitely going to be high up on the business tech trend list. If you have been neglecting your business continuity plan or if your current systems are going to be unable to support the growth of your company, a new year is a good time to put in the work to improve what you have.

  • Making the most of Data

Data is as big an investment as the finances you have to grow your business. Work with your data the right way and it can become the instrumental tool you’ve always needed. In years past, sorting through data to find important and useful information was a bit of a chore, but in the coming year, with AI assisted technology, businesses like yours will be at a huge advantage when it comes to making the most of data through easier analysis.

  • Protecting Data

There were plenty of reasons to improve cyber security this year, and next year will come with new threats and new reasons to analyse your cyber security setup. Before the New Year begins, it will be worth your time to put in the effort to identify gaps in your online security, and it might also be a good time to contact an IT company to find out how they can assist you in that area.

  • An Augmented-Connected Team

According to Gartner, there is a belief that by using employee analytics and intelligent applications, companies will be in a better position to bridge any skills shortage gap through improved employee support, guidance and training. By doing, this any company can become more adaptable and more flexible, as employees will be able to take on various roles as needed. If you need assistance with anything IT related, now or in the New Year, 24/7 IT Services can help you out. Along with being IT experts, we also offer cyber security assistance, business continuity plan setups, and more.

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UK Parliament Launches an Inquiry into the Cyber-Resilience of Critical Infrastructure https://247it.services/uk-parliament-launches-an-inquiry-into-the-cyber-resilience-of-critical-infrastructure/ Fri, 10 Nov 2023 09:48:23 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2848 Cyber security has dominated news headlines all year. According to the IT Governance UK website, the country has had no less than 71 web security incidents in September alone, and 838 incidents for the year overall. In light of the uptick in cyber security attacks, the UK Parliament is launching an inquiry to figure out […]

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Cyber security has dominated news headlines all year.

According to the IT Governance UK website, the country has had no less than 71 web security incidents in September alone, and 838 incidents for the year overall.

In light of the uptick in cyber security attacks, the UK Parliament is launching an inquiry to figure out just how resilient the country’s critical national infrastructure is, after stating that the country is the third most targeted in the world, when it comes to cyber-attacks.

The in-depth inquiry, which seeks to uncover possible weak spots, will be overseen by the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, who have in past stated their concern over the number of attacks the UK is currently experiencing.

Along with the well-documented attacks which have been fairly consistent since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee has made a point of expressing what it sees as concerns about competing priorities between the private companies (who at the moment own and control the majority of the UK’s critical national infrastructure) and the government.

Since it is quite common knowledge that computer products, including critical software, feature different levels of cyber security and as such have different strengths when it comes to cyber-resilience, it is understandable and quite possibly most welcomed news that the nation’s critical infrastructure is being given this extra attention.

 “The committee … will explore the progress of UK CNI toward achieving recently announced resilience targets by 2025, and what support the sector needs to achieve those targets and efforts to make computer hardware architecture more secure by design to protect CNI,” the committee noted.

The committee will not be undertaking this mammoth task all by themselves. Since the critical national infrastructure is already mostly in the hands of private companies, the committee is inviting industry experts to give evidence and to answer the questions that will be asked about the cyber resilience. They will also be having a close look at the strengths and weaknesses of the both the National Cyber Strategy 2022 and Government Cyber Security Strategy 2022-2030

But how does this affect your company and why should it matter?

If 2023 was the year that cyber-attacks were ramped up to levels we’ve not seen before, then 2024 is set to be even more interesting (in a rather concerning sort of way).

Cyber-attacks are often more devastating, and a lot more frequent, than physical ones. And the result of company downtime, the loss of company data and the potential leaking of customer information, not only has a detrimental effect on company profits but it can also destroy trust and confidence, leading to less growth over the long term.

It is not just the critical infrastructure that has this year become more vulnerable and its systems in need of review.

In 2023, small businesses in the UK and the US have recorded higher instances of cyber-attacks, many of which have been successful.

According to the Identity Theft Resource Centre (ITRC) in the US, up to 73% of small US businesses have reported being victims of attacks in the last year and the majority of these attacks have attempted, and in some cases been successful, in creating data breaches. In the UK, the government estimates that small businesses can lose up to £1 100 per breach, and on average, annually, businesses lose up to £4 960 due to cybercrime.  

Although this is a serious concern, when you have both an excellent cyber security system in place and a well-thought out business continuity plan set up, your business will become a less desirable, and somewhat impenetrable, target for cyber theft.

At 24/7 IT Services we have spent our careers learning as much as there is to know about cyber security and we are up to date with all the latest cyber security threats in the UK . We also offer expert business continuity plans, managed IT support, and more. Contact us today for a consultation or a quote.

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How Small Businesses in the UK can Overcome IT Challenges https://247it.services/how-small-businesses-in-the-uk-can-overcome-it-challenges/ Mon, 04 Sep 2023 08:00:00 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2823 IT problems and issues are not an everyday cause for concern. But when they do happen, they can shut down business, something no small business can afford to do. Whether it is an unexpected web outage or a very much unwanted cybersecurity compromise, when issues come up, it is important that they are swiftly dealt […]

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IT problems and issues are not an everyday cause for concern. But when they do happen, they can shut down business, something no small business can afford to do. Whether it is an unexpected web outage or a very much unwanted cybersecurity compromise, when issues come up, it is important that they are swiftly dealt with before they create a headache.

The Most Common IT Challenges for UK Small Businesses

Small businesses in the UK face various IT challenges, some of which are a lot more common than others. To deal with any kind of IT related issues, you first need to know what to look for.

  • Limited Budgets for IT Infrastructure

Ideally all companies, even the small ones, should have enough money to budget for a decent IT system. But this is not an ideal world, and often having the right kind of IT infrastructure from the get go is just not feasible for small businesses juggling limited IT budgets.

  • Cybersecurity Concerns

Small businesses are the most at risk of a cyber-attack, mostly because of the challenge listed above. Many hackers and scammers know that small businesses don’t have the best defence and so they go out of their way to target them.

  • Lack of IT Expertise

Very few small businesses have a dedicated IT staff. This can end up resulting in the company not having the correct type of IT management, which can in turn result in various challenges such as opening the company up to certain unwanted risks.

  • Data Backup and Recovery

Data loss happens when businesses aren’t secure or when their IT is improperly managed. It also happens when the company neglects its backup systems, which often get forgotten when there are other tasks demanding attention. Not having a business continuity plan in place can have dire consequences.

  • Scalability and Future-Proofing

Finally, there is the lack of scalability and future proofing. Small businesses are often so busy trying to get through the daily work load and to stay afloat, that any thoughts of IT scalability and future-proofing goes out of the window. Adapting to future changes can be hard if there is no plan in place, especially when budget constraints and a lack of knowledge are standing in the way.

Actionable Solutions

The various IT challenges might sound a bit like a mountain to overcome, but with these easy solutions they don’t have to be. Here is what you as a small business owner can do to overcome these challenges.

  • Prioritise IT Investments

You don’t need the biggest budget, you just need to be dedicated to putting aside some money to put towards your IT investments. You can also look at affordable solutions such as using Cloud based services.

  • Implement Robust Cybersecurity Measures

Again, you don’t have to bankrupt yourself with expensive security programmes, just become obsessive about using strong passwords and encryption, and use tough firewalls. You can also train employees on the best cybersecurity practices.

  • Outsource IT Support

Reputable IT companies know what they are doing and they often have an affordable service created just for small companies. Shop around for an external IT service provider and find out about what they can offer you.

  • Establish Regular Data Backups

As for your business continuity needs, setting up an automated data backup system that stores data frequently is an effective way to protect your work and your customer information. Having both an off-site and a Cloud-based solution is a must.

  • Choose Scalable IT Solutions

And lastly, when you are setting up your IT infrastructure, you should opt for the kind that will be able to grow with your business. The system should be flexible and adaptable, and it should be able to effectively meet your needs.

* As a small business owner, you don’t have to navigate your IT setup on your own. Instead, you can give us a call. At 24/7 IT Services, we have a list of IT solutions, including IT infrastructure, VoIP and IT security, which will work perfectly for your company.

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2023’s Best Anti-Virus Software for Small Businesses https://247it.services/2023s-best-anti-virus-software-for-small-businesses/ Wed, 19 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2803 While large corporations often make headlines when they fall victim to data breaches, small businesses are just as vulnerable, if not more so, due to limited resources and lack of knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity measures. The consequences of a cyber-attack can be devastating for small businesses, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and […]

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While large corporations often make headlines when they fall victim to data breaches, small businesses are just as vulnerable, if not more so, due to limited resources and lack of knowledge when it comes to cybersecurity measures. The consequences of a cyber-attack can be devastating for small businesses, leading to financial loss, reputational damage, and even the closure of operations.

Understanding the importance of cybersecurity is paramount for small businesses in order to safeguard sensitive data, protect customer trust, and ensure business continuity.

Although in the past small businesses had a limited number of options available to them, these days there is a wide variety of anti-virus software programmes to choose from, many of which are either free or at the very least really affordable.

Aside from investing in a reliable anti-virus programme, you can also get assistance from an IT company.

When working with such a company, not only will they set you up with the latest IT security technology, but given their expertise, they should be able to analyse your unique cybersecurity needs and then come up with a complete plan to keep you protected.

But your most important frontline defence is going to be an anti-virus programme and in 2023, these are some of the best for small businesses.

Avast Small Business Solutions

Avast is a name that is quite popular in the industry, because it is so reliable and because it is a good choice for small businesses. Currently, Avast is the second biggest market shareholder when it comes to malware programmes, and it is adaptable enough to be more than suitable for smaller companies looking for an affordable solution to their cybersecurity problems.

Suitable for all kinds of PCs, Laptops and Servers, and really easy to install and to use, Avast just about always gets a high score in user reviews.

AVG Business

AVG (which is a subsidiary of Avast) is another excellent anti-virus programme. This software neatly stops malware attacks and it does an excellent job at protecting privacy. What’s also great about this anti-virus programme is that it doesn’t slow down other systems as it does its work. AVG secures networks using AI and real-time analytics, and stops new threats in their tracks.

AVG scores highly on both user and industry ratings and it also has remote management options, making it perfect for small on the go businesses.

Bitdefender GravityZone Business Security

Bitdefender is used globally and is to currently protecting over 500 million systems. With its GravityZone Business Security option, Bitdefender has gone to the next level for small businesses by offering cybersecurity admins a Cloud-based interface from which they can manage their servers, track potential cyber issues and it gives them their own workstation.

This anti-virus programme is updated using machine learning as well as advanced AI. Along with its modern features and ease of use, Bitdefender also enjoys a high score among users.

Norton Small Business

Norton is another global anti-virus programme worth considering if you are a small business owner. The brand offers a variety of security product packages, most of which are focused on device and identity security, privacy, and various sought-after consumer solutions. One Norton license is designed to protect up to 20 devices at a time and with Cloud-based setup and device management, users can quickly and easily install and use the software. The software also has a remote access option, ideal for small business owners.

The software is easily expandable, which allows businesses to add more devices as needed. Norton also scores favourable review among users.

ESET Endpoint Security

Known for being effective and lightweight, this sophisticated cybersecurity programme is perfect for companies of all sizes and with its Cloud-based solutions it provides users with a multi-layered approach to online defence. ESET Endpoint Security can be used on various devices including mobile phones, and it consistently monitors and evaluates the systems it protects as it searches for malicious attacks.

ESET Endpoint Security is known for its outstanding detection rate and with the options of browser security, endpoint management, and automatic updates, this programme effortlessly earns its exceptional reviews.

* Need a cybersecurity plan? Or maybe you just need help with its execution? At 24/7 IT Services, our team of cybersecurity professionals can provide you with a customised security plan and they can suggest the best anti-virus software for your small business. Contact us today for more information.

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How to Improve Your Cybersecurity https://247it.services/how-to-improve-your-cybersecurity/ Wed, 30 Mar 2022 08:00:45 +0000 https://247it.services/?p=2281 It is one of the biggest issues in the business world today, and as the global community’s problems get a little more daunting, having another look at your cybersecurity setup might well be worth the extra time and money you spend.

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It is one of the biggest issues in the business world today, and as the global community’s problems get a little more daunting, having another look at your cybersecurity setup might well be worth the extra time and money you spend.

Every business, and even home computer setup, will have some level of cybersecurity if it is using the Microsoft operating system and if a free anti-virus system has been downloaded. While both of these security systems can be good enough for some, for others, more protective systems and just general good practices, should be put in place to protect data from viruses and hackers.

As our lives are increasingly lived online, and as more of our data is stored in places where they can be vulnerable to ill-intentioned people, it becomes even more important that everyone who has something online that might be at risk of theft or loss takes all the possible steps towards protecting that data.

Some of the tips we’ll be sharing are fairly straight forward to use and will be easy to implement, while other tips might be a little more complicated for the less tech savvy, but in these instances, you can always give us a call.

Easy Cybersecurity Tips You can use Today to Improve Your Online Safety

1. Just keep your software updated

It is too tempting to push the pause button on a Microsoft update especially when it pops up early in the morning. Unless you are keeping up to date with all of what Microsoft is upgrading with each update, it is next to impossible to know just how long each update is going to take.

But here’s the thing. Many Microsoft system updates have to do with the operating system’s security. Microsoft is constantly identifying new threats, and addressing these new threats with the updates.

The easiest way to stay secure online, is to just make sure that all of your computers are properly kept up to date.

2. Limit access for those who don’t need it

If your business has numerous accounts or if there are some websites that you don’t want your employees having access to, it helps to just limit the access. This is especially important when it comes to data access.

3. Backup everything you are afraid to lose

There is some data that won’t break your spirit if lost but there is other types of data that when lost could bring your business to a halt. Sometimes, no matter how many cybersecurity software systems you have in place, data goes missing or is corrupted, with no way to restore it. To avoid this happening to an extent that it interrupts your business, it is always a good practice to have a secure backup in place, and not just a backup on the Cloud alone.

4. Don’t play with your passwords

When you are running a company with loads of employees and accounts, and everyone needs to have their own unique password, it can become overwhelming when it comes creating passwords. One of the worst practices some businesses follow is creating generic passwords that everyone has access to or creating passwords that can be easily guessed. You need to make sure that you improve your password strength and one of the best ways to do this is to create strong passwords and to change the passwords every few months.

5. Only use secure Wi-Fi

A secure internet network is of utmost importance. The access should only be available to those working in your business, and if you want to give clients access when they are visiting your business you should create a separate guest network. You should also be sure to get your internet service from a trusted provider. This can help to guarantee that the network remains protected from outside sources.

At 24/7 IT Services, we are a team of IT and cybersecurity experts and we specialise in helping businesses of all shapes and sizes. To find out more about how we can assist you, you can contact us directly or browse our website.

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