Top August Cybersecurity Threats

• Increased Phishing Attacks: Back-to-school season and the return from vacations create ideal opportunities for phishing scams. Criminals may impersonate legitimate organizations like schools, banks, or travel companies to trick victims into revealing personal information or clicking on malicious links.
• Exploitation of Unpatched Vulnerabilities: With IT staff potentially on vacation or focused on other tasks, criminals might exploit known vulnerabilities in software that haven’t been patched. Regularly updating software and maintaining strong security hygiene are crucial defenses.
• Ransomware on the Rise: Ransomware attacks continue to plague businesses of all sizes. August might see a surge in these attacks, targeting companies with potentially reduced security alertness.
• Supply Chain Attacks: Third-party vendors and partners can be weak links in an organization’s security posture. Cybercriminals might target them to gain access to a company’s systems and data.
• Social Engineering Scams: Social engineering tactics rely on manipulation to trick individuals into compromising security measures. Be wary of unexpected calls, emails, or even text messages urging immediate action.

Proactive Measures for Enhanced Security

• Security Awareness Training: Educate employees on common cyber threats and best practices for identifying and avoiding them.
• Patch Management: Prioritize timely patching of vulnerabilities in software and operating systems.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all user accounts to add an extra layer of security beyond passwords.
• Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of critical data to ensure recovery options in case of a cyberattack.
• Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly test an incident response plan to ensure a swift and coordinated response to security breaches.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, but by staying informed and implementing proactive measures, businesses can significantly reduce their attack surface. By prioritizing employee training, patch management, MFA, and maintaining a robust incident response plan, you can navigate the ever-changing threat landscape with greater confidence.

Don’t let your cybersecurity defenses take a vacation. Contact us today at (212) 886-0790 to discuss your cybersecurity needs and how we can help you stay protected.

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1. Is the Data Backup System Built for Business Continuity?

Business continuity refers to the advanced preparation and planning that a company undertakes to ensure that it can perform critical business functions during an emergency event. Data backup is a critical component of business continuity as organizations require data to operate.

A good data backup system is built for business continuity, allowing the company to recover after a catastrophic event quickly. A free app or other limited-functionality backup product will likely not be sufficient. Ask the data backup company how their backup solution supports business continuity.

2. How Quickly Can a Backup System Restore Lost Data?

Every minute of downtime can have a significant impact on a business’s bottom line. According to Gartner, the average cost of downtime is $140,000 per hour on the low end and $540,000 per hour on the high end. Choose a data backup system that can restore data in a time-frame that minimizes revenue loss.

3. What Type of Data Can Be Backed Up?

Businesses often rely on data backup systems to back up a wide range of data types, such as word processing documents, databases, spreadsheets and customer data.

Some data backup systems can only back up certain files, leaving the organization vulnerable to data loss.

It is important to look for data backup solutions that can back up everything, such as files, operating systems and application data. Missing or lost data can make it difficult to restart or continue operations after a disaster.

4. Is the Data Backup Solution Manual or Automated?

Data backup solutions can be manual, automated or have aspects of both. While having a manual backup process is better than having no backup system, this option does come with certain downsides.

Manual backup solutions require a person to perform manual processes, such as rotating external hard drives or changing tapes.

If this person overlooks this task or is out of the office for an extended period of time, the backup source may be compromised. Ideally, a business wants an automated backup.

5. How Often Can Data Backups Be Performed?

How fast an organization can recover following a disaster is dependent on when their last backup was performed.

If a backup has not been performed for many hours, days or even weeks, a business will likely lose a lot of valuable data. When choosing a data backup system, ask the company how often data backups can be performed.

6. Does the Backup System Provide Full Protection?

Not all modern backup solutions work well with outdated systems.

It is important to consider if the data backup solution being considered is able to provide full protection or if there will be gaps in coverage. If a backup system cannot back up an entire server, the business may be missing critical data that ultimately cost them money.

7. Can Data Backups Be Virtualized?

Another question to ask a data backup company is whether data backups can be virtualized.

A virtualized backup allows a business to recover a backup as a virtual machine, typically in seconds. This enables an organization to minimize downtime and data loss after a disaster.

Backups that contain an entire operating system are ideal as they allow a business to continue its normal operations in a virtual environment.

8. Where are the Data Backups Stored?

Where data backups are stored plays a major role in how fast a business can recover after a catastrophe. Some businesses store their backup systems on-site at their business location, which can be risky if the local infrastructure is destroyed.

Storing data on the cloud can be practical if the business can restore the data quickly and control how the data is handled. However, the best configuration is often a hybrid cloud backup that provides businesses with the best of both options.

Speak with an Experienced Managed IT Service Provider

Every business requires a data backup and recovery plan. However, not all backup systems are made equal.

When looking for a data backup solution, be sure to ask the backup company many questions to ensure that the system chosen is right for the business’s unique requirements.

To learn more about data backup solutions or to speak with a professional managed IT services provider, reach out to the experts at SeaGlass Technology.

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There are several different types of data backup systems that organizations rely on to protect their company and avoid data loss events. The four main types of data backup include a full backup, incremental backup, differential backup and mirror backup.

Full Backup

A full backup is the most complete type of data backup where all of the selected data is cloned and stored, such as all files, folders, hard drives and SaaS applications. There are many benefits to choosing a full backup, including a relatively short timeframe for the restoration of important data.

Although a full backup is the most comprehensive approach to data backup, it does come with certain downsides. Businesses that run a full backup are at risk of overloading their storage space, impacting backup speed. However, a full backup is generally the most reliable copy.

Incremental Backup

With an incremental backup, only the first backup is a full backup of business data. All succeeding backups are designed to only store changes that may have been made to the previous full backup. Incremental backups are known to be lightning-fast as they are only required to store changes made since the last backup.

Incremental backups need the least amount of storage space, but they must be managed separately during the recovery process. Of course, there are some disadvantages of using an incremental backup.

Restores are a little more complicated than with other backup types as all backup sets, including the first full backup and succeeding incremental backups, are needed for restoration.

Differential Backup

Differential backups have components of both a full backup and an incremental backup. This type of data backup involves backing up business data that was created or changed since the previous full backup. A full backup is performed first and then subsequent backups are then run to include any changes to folders and files.

With differential backups, businesses can restore data faster than with a full backup as they only require two components: the initial full backup and the most recent differential backup. The biggest drawback to differential backups is that they require more space than incremental backups. However, they do allow for a faster restoration time.

Mirror Backup

A mirror backup is essentially the same as a full backup, with one major exception. Files in a mirror backup can be compressed and encrypted individually and only the most recent file version is preserved.

Mirror backups are most commonly used to create exact copies of backup data. One of the biggest benefits of a mirror backup is that backup files can be easily accessed using simple tools like Windows Explorer.

While other data backup types collect folders and files being backed up in a single compressed file, a mirror backup keeps each file separate in the destination. In other words, the destination becomes a “mirror” of the source. This allows businesses to access files in the destination without using a restore feature.

Storing Data Backups

Choosing a data backup type is just the first decision that businesses must make as part of their business continuity plan. It is also important to consider the best place to store a data backup. Over time, businesses have used a variety of mediums for data backup purposes, such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, mini discs (MDs), DVDs, SD cards, SSDs, and USB flash drives.

Today, businesses have more advanced options for storing data backups, such as the cloud. Cloud backup is a popular service in which business data on an organization’s servers are safely backed up and stored on a remote online server.

Common Mistakes

The importance of executing data backups cannot be refuted. However, there are certain mistakes that are commonly made during the process. One of the biggest data backup mistakes is saving backup copies on the same hardware as the original files.

For data backup to be effective, the copy must be stored in a different location from where the original files are kept. Backups should also be tested on a regular basis to ensure that they have not been corrupted, meaning a new backup is required.

Schedule a Consultation

Data loss can have a significant impact on a business in countless ways, including financially. The right backup system can help prevent the loss of valuable data and ensure a fast and effective restoration effort in the event of a disaster.

To learn more about the different types of data backups or to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable managed IT services provider, contact the experts at SeaGlass Technology today.

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Recovery time objective (RTO) and recovery point objective (RPO) are two critical components of disaster recovery. When businesses better understand their RTO and RPO, they become better equipped to build a system that is able to adapt and recover faster from disaster.

Similar Characteristics Of RTO & RPO

Both recovery point objective and recovery time objective are parameters that can help guide an enterprise to choose the most optimal backup plan for their data and operations. Here is a look at some top characteristics of RTO and RPO.

Both Are Measured In Units Of Time

One of the most significant similarities between RTOs and RPOs is that they are both measured in units of time. Recovery time objective refers to the total length of time to fully recover business operations, such as data recovery. RTO is the total span of time between when a system fails and when it is recovered.

Recovery point objective, on the other hand, focuses on the maximum allowable tolerance of threshold that a business is able to handle during a disruption before there are unacceptable consequences.

Applications & Data Expenses Are Matched To Achieve Both

Another major similarity between RTO and RPO is that applications and data expenses are matched to achieve both. IT prioritizes applications and data, which are guided by both risk and revenue. Even if a business does not use a certain application very often, a company could potentially face significant fines if the data lost was being regulated.

Implementation Of Continuous Data Replication

With modern technology, it is possible to immediately failover applications to continuously replicate data, resulting in minimal to no data loss. However, this process can be costly and time-consuming. In cases where both RTO and RPO are near-zero, continuous replication and failover services can help achieve near-100 percent data and application availability.

Investing in a failover virtual environment with continuous data replication is the only way to achieve 100 percent uptime without any data loss.

How RTO & RPO Differ

While recovery time objective and recovery point objective do have several similarities, there are also some distinct differences. The main difference is in how these metrics are defined. RTO is the amount of time that a business needs to bring a system back online, while RPO is a business calculation that identifies the acceptable amount of data loss from downtime. Here is a closer look at the differences between RTOs and RPOs.

Purpose Of Recovery Time Objectives

Recovery time objectives are used to measure the length of time for an IT department to recover data after disaster strikes. This number can give businesses a general idea of how long the business can survive without IT infrastructure if a power outage, fire, natural disaster, or other unexpected event occurs.

RTOs require an IT department to carefully sort applications based on priority and business loss risks. The IT department can then give each application the appropriate amount of time, money, and other resources. RTOs can be complex as they involve restoring all IT operations. However, this process can be streamlined by automating as much of the process as possible.

Purpose Of Recovery Point Objectives

Recovery point objectives are used to measure the amount of time that can occur between the last data backup and a disastrous event that causes serious damage to the business. Establishing an RPO can help businesses identify how often they should perform backups.

It is common to lose some data when a disaster occurs, even if a business is stringent with its data backup policies. Some businesses back up their data as often as once per hour, while others only back up data once a day or even once a week. An RPO can be useful for determining the last point in which data was available in a usable format and how much data is lost during a disaster.

Reach Out To An Experienced Managed IT Services Provider

There are also other differences between RTOs and RPOs that businesses should consider when developing a disaster recovery plan. Recovery time objectives are usually larger in scale and look at the business and its systems as a whole. RPO primarily focuses on business data and the business’s overall resilience to data loss.

To learn more about recovery time objectives and recovery point objectives or to speak with an experienced managed IT services provider, reach out to the IT experts at SeaGlass Technology today by calling 212.886.0790 or schedule a consultation online.

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What Are Recovery Point Objectives?

Businesses aim to have no downtime. However, this is not always realistic, especially for businesses that rely heavily on technology. From power outages and ransomware attacks to floods and human error, these unpredictable events can wreak havoc on business operations. Recovery point objectives are a critical component of any solid business continuity or disaster recovery plan. When determining an RPO, it is important to consider how much data the business can afford to lose in terms of time. Some businesses can only afford to lose a couple of hours of work, while others can afford to lose a day or more without serious repercussions.

Factors That Influence Defining RPOs

There are several aspects that a business must consider when determining RPOs, such as the frequency in which files are updated. This concept helps ensure that all operations are up-to-date following an interruption of service. The most common factors that can influence RPOs include the following:

The Type Of Industry

Industry plays a major role in determining recovery point objectives. Some businesses work with considerably more sensitive information than others, such as banks that store financial transactions and hospitals that have thousands of health records on file. These enterprises naturally have to update their files more frequently, which will ultimately influence RPOs.

How Data Is Stored

Businesses must also consider how their data is stored when establishing RPOs. An enterprise may choose to store data in a number of different ways, such as on the cloud or in physical appliances. How business data is stored will determine how quickly it can be accessed following a disaster or other disruptive events.

Considerations With Compliance

Compliance issues may also arise when developing a disaster recovery plan and RPOs. It is important to consider any relevant compliance schemes that contain clauses that may affect the availability of data following a disaster. To remain in compliance, some businesses may be forced to minimize the acceptable amount of data that can be lost in a disaster.

What Is Failover?

When a computer system fails, businesses risk losing critical data that could put their enterprises at risk. A failover is designed to prevent this type of loss by acting as a backup source. Failover is a process in which a system is immediately and automatically switched over to a backup if a problem occurs. When a business system or machine contains a failover mechanism, it is able to continue operating even when it experiences a disruption. Due to the seamless process of switching over to the backup system, users do not usually notice that there has been a change.

Today, most businesses have procedures in place that consist of switching to a backup system when disaster strikes. Production facilities, retail stores, banks, and countless other businesses use failover mechanisms to protect against costly losses and downtime. This concept is often referred to as an ‘automatic failover’ as it allows the systems administrator to automatically switch data to a standby system. There are many types of failover methods used by businesses, such as DNS services, on-edge services, and hardware solutions. When choosing a failover solution for a business, consider the organization’s RPOs to minimize the amount of data that is lost when switching to the backup server.

Failover Methods To Consider

• DNS Services — A domain name system (DNS) is a type of naming system used for computers linked to the web or a private network. DNS services can be used to direct traffic from hardware to an off-site data center.
• On-Edge Services — The failover process is managed by a third party off-site, which allows the data to be easily routed during a disaster. On-edge services help eliminate TTL-related delays, which are more common in DNS services and do not result in any additional costs.
• Hardware Solutions — When physical appliances are kept on-site, traffic can be automatically routed to a backup server if a disaster occurs. However, this means that the backup solution is located in the same location as the original server.

Learn More From An Experienced Managed IT Service Provider

Understanding RPO and how they impact business is critical when developing a disaster recovery or continuity plan. For more information about RPOs or to speak with an experienced managed IT services provider, contact SeaGlass Technology.

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What Are Recovery Time Objectives?

Recovery time objective (RTO) is the maximum tolerable amount of time that a computer network, system or application can remain down after a disaster or widespread failure. RTOs are a crucial tool for disaster recovery planning and can help businesses identify which solutions and resources are necessary to successfully recover from a disaster.

It is important to remember that RTOs are not designed to help businesses recover data, but rather they establish how long the business can be down before there is a major impact on the business. Any amount of downtime can be bad for business but extended periods of disruption can result in major financial and reputational losses.

How To Determine An RTO?

Determining RTO involves understanding the various ways that downtime could affect a business and the amount of downtime that the business can reasonably tolerate. Every business will likely experience downtime at one time or another, so having a goal of zero downtime is unrealistic.

RTOs can differ significantly from business to business, but some most common recovery time objectives include an hour, current business day, close of business, tomorrow, three days, within one week or beyond one week. Also consider how the business’s RTO may be different based on environmental factors, such as the season. Some ways to help determine an RTO include:

Aligning RTOs With IT Department Capabilities

Establishing an RTO is not going to be effective if the business’s IT department is not capable of restoring business processes within the specified length of time. When determining an RTO, it is important to consider the capabilities of the IT department and the technology that the IT professionals have available to them.

Acquire feedback from the IT department to gain a clearer picture of what the department is realistically able to accomplish within the timeframe and with the resources available. For an RTO to be successful, RTOs must align with IT department capabilities.

Assessing Comprehension Levels Of Different Types Of Restore Speeds

Before specifying an RTO for a business, IT administrators should gain a solid comprehension of the various types of restore speeds. There is no one right RTO for every business, and what is a tolerable amount of downtime for one business may be too much for another business.

If an IT department determines that the minimum restore time is no less than three hours, a business cannot expect processes to be recovered in just one or two hours. RTOs can be complex as the process involves restoring a range of critical IT operations. While some IT processes can be automated, others require input from an IT specialist, which can lengthen recovery time.

Understanding The Strength Of Your Business Infrastructure

The strength of a business’s infrastructure plays a vital role in its ability to quickly restore processes following a disaster or major failure. Businesses that have solid infrastructures are better equipped to restore processes within a short amount of time and with minimum risk and financial loss.

However, weaker business infrastructures may take considerably longer to recover due to a general lack of planning, minimal IT budget, and similar factors. For an RTO to be manageable, businesses must make recovery planning a priority.

Determining The Costs Of Attaining An RTO

The estimated cost of attaining an RTO will usually be matched with the business’s IT department’s prioritization of data and applications. When an application’s data is regulated, any loss from the app resulting from downtime could lead to hefty fines for the business.

The cost of downtime for a business can be excessive and the longer the downtime continues, the more money the company loses. Performing a business impact analysis can help businesses gain the insight needed to determine the costs of both planned and unplanned downtime.

Reach Out To An Experienced Managed IT Services Provider

Technology is not flawless, and a natural disaster, fire or other catastrophe could cause periods of downtime for a business that relies on computer systems, networks or applications to run processes.

For companies concerned about the state of their business recovery plan, managed IT services are available. Reach out to the trained and certified managed IT services professionals at SeaGlass Technology today to schedule a consultation.

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