PPDM5500

Elevating Data Protection with Dell’s Next Generation Converged Appliance

by Data Protection

Introducing DM5500

With cyber threats growing in sophistication and the value of data increasing exponentially, organizations are on the lookout for robust solutions that not only secure their information but also enhance their cyber resilience. Dell Technologies, a trailblazer in data management and cyber-security, has simplified modern data protection with a modern and secure Appliance: the DM5500 Next Generation Converged Appliance.

The Essence of Data Protection

Data serves as the backbone of modern businesses, driving decision-making, innovation, and operational excellence. However, this asset is under constant threat from cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities for their gain. The urgency of data protection has thus become a strategic priority, transcending its traditional IT role.

Dell’s Cyber-Security

Recognizing the escalating challenges of data protection, Dell Technologies has consistently led the way in pioneering solutions that empower businesses to secure their information and fortify their cyber resilience. The DM5500 Converged Appliance is a testament to Dell’s unwavering dedication to crafting cutting-edge tools that not only secure data but also ensure its availability in the face of threats.

Introducing the DM5500 Next Generation Converged Appliance

At the heart of Dell’s latest innovation lies the DM5500 Next Generation Converged Appliance, a paradigm shift in data protection technology. This powerful appliance seamlessly blends Dell’s expertise in cyber-security, backup software, and cyber-recovery to provide a comprehensive solution that addresses the multifaceted challenges of data protection.

Key Features Setting the DM5500 Apart:

  • Unified Data Protection: The DM5500 combines data backup, replication, and recovery into a unified framework, streamlining data management processes and eliminating complexity.
  • Cyber-Resilience Architecture: Designed to withstand cyber-attacks, the appliance boasts a robust architecture that ensures data availability even in the aftermath of security breaches.
  • Simplified Scalability: As data volumes surge, the DM5500 scales seamlessly, adapting to growing demands without compromising performance.
  • AI-Powered Insights: Harnessing the power of AI, the appliance provides actionable insights that enhance decision-making and optimize resource allocation.
  • Compliance and Governance: With built-in compliance features, the DM5500 assists businesses in adhering to data protection regulations and maintaining sound governance practices.

Dell’s DM5500 Next Generation Converged Appliance redefines the landscape of data protection, instilling unparalleled confidence in the face of cyber threats. It not only safeguards data but elevates the concept of cyber resilience, ensuring that your business can recover swiftly and effectively from adversities.

Elevate your Data Protection Strategy

In a world where data is more valuable than ever before, investing in the DM5500 Next Generation Converged Appliance isn’t just an option; it’s a strategic imperative. Secure your business’s future by embracing a solution that not only shields your data but empowers your organization to thrive in the digital era.

Witness the future of data protection with Dell’s DM5500 Next Generation Converged Appliance. Say goodbye to data vulnerabilities and downtime and welcome an era of heightened cyber resilience. By investing in the DM5500, you’re investing in the foundation of your business’s success, where data remains protected, available, and primed to drive your growth.

As the threats to data continue to evolve, protect your organization with cutting-edge solutions. Embrace the future where your data is not just secured, but resilient in the face of adversities with Dell’s DM5500 Appliance.

Data Protection Solutions
Dell PowerProtect Appliances

Exploring Dell’s Future of Data Protection: Unveiling PowerProtect Data Manager

by with No Comment Data Protection

In today’s digital scene, where data acts as the backbone of businesses, guaranteeing its protection has become a foremost concern. With the rise of cyber threats and the expanding value of data, organizations are seeking out robust solutions that not only secure their information but also improve their cyber resilience. Enter Dell Technologies, a pioneer in the realm of data protection, with its groundbreaking innovation: PowerProtect Data Manager. In this article, we dive into the future of data protection and the remarkable features that set Dell’s PowerProtect Data Manager apart in the realm of cyber-security. 

The imperative of Data Protection

The modern business environment relies heavily on data for decision-making, innovation, and operational efficiency. This proliferation of data has attracted the attention of cybercriminals who exploit vulnerabilities to compromise sensitive information. As a result, data protection has transcended its role as a mere IT function and has become a strategic imperative for organizations of all sizes.

Introducing Dell’s PowerProtect Data Manager

Dell Technologies, a leader in the field of data management, understands the evolving landscape of cyber-security and the critical role data protection plays in sustaining business continuity. PowerProtect Data Manager emerges as a complete solution that addresses not only data backup but also cyber-recovery and resilience. It is a comprehensive offering that integrates cutting-edge technology with Dell’s proven expertise, providing a reinforced defense against emerging threats.

Key features setting PowerProtect Data Manager apart:

  • 360-Degree Data Protection: PowerProtect Data Manager offers end-to-end protection, encompassing backup, replication, and recovery. This all-inclusive approach ensures that data is shielded at every stage of its lifecycle.
  • Cyber-Recovery Capability: In the unfortunate event of a cyber-attack, traditional backup solutions may not suffice. PowerProtect Data Manager’s cyber-recovery feature enables businesses to swiftly recover from attacks, minimizing downtime and data loss.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: As organizations grow, so does their data. PowerProtect Data Manager is designed to scale seamlessly, accommodating data growth without compromising on performance or security.
  • AI-Driven Insights: The solution leverages AI and machine learning to provide actionable insights, helping organizations make informed decisions about data protection strategies and resource allocation.
  • Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: With features like global deduplication and optimized resource utilization, PowerProtect Data Manager ensures efficient data management while keeping costs under control.
  • Compliance and Governance: In an era of stringent data regulations, the solution offers features that facilitate compliance with data protection regulations, enhancing data governance practices.

As companies begin strengthening their data protection strategies, Dell’s PowerProtect Data Manager emerges as a beacon of innovation and resilience. It is not just a backup software; it is a comprehensive data protection ecosystem that safeguards against threats and empowers businesses to thrive in the digital age. In a landscape where cyber threats are continually evolving, investing in advanced data protection solutions is not just a choice; it is a necessity.

Experience the future of data protection with PowerProtect Data Manager. Don’t just safeguard your data; fortify your cyber resilience. Embrace a comprehensive solution that not only protects your data but also empowers your business to recover swiftly from cyber threads.

Dell Technologies’ PowerProtect Data Manager represents a leap forward in the realm of data protection. It embodies the future of cyber-security by combining robust data backup, cyber-recovery capabilities, and complete resilience strategies. In a world where data is at the heart of business operations, investing in such a solution is an investment in the future of your organization’s success. Embrace the power of data protection and secure your business’s tomorrow with PowerProtect Data Manager.

Data Protection Solutions
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Data Breach Response Planning

by with No Comment Data ProtectionPost

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, data breaches have become an unfortunate reality that no organization can afford to ignore. As cyber threats continue to evolve, a proactive approach to data breach response planning is utmost for businesses aiming to safeguard their sensitive information, maintain cyber-security, ensure business continuity, and achieve cyber resilience. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential steps organizations can take to minimize the impact of data breaches and facilitate a swift recovery.

Understanding the gravity of Data Breaches

A data breach can have far-reaching consequences, from financial losses to reputational damage. Rapidly evolving cyber threats make it imperative for organizations to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. A robust data breach response plan is a critical component of any comprehensive cyber-security strategy.

Proactive steps to minimize impact and ensure swift recovery

  1. Develop a comprehensive Data Breach Response Plan: A well-defined data breach response plan outlines roles, responsibilities, and actions to be taken in the event of a breach. It should encompass legal, technical, communications, and recovery aspects, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.
  2. implement strong Cyber-Security Measures: Prevention is the first line of defense. Robust cyber-security measures, such as multi-factor authentication, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, create layers of protection that can deter and mitigate breaches.
  3. Regularly assess and update security protocols: Cyber threats evolve rapidly, so should your defenses. Regular assessments of your cyber-security infrastructure ensure that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly.
  4. Employee training and awareness: Human error remains a leading cause of data breaches. Regular training and awareness programs empower employees to recognize and respond appropriately to potential threats, reducing the likelihood of breaches.
  5. Segment your network: Segmenting your network limits the lateral movement of threats, preventing them from spreading throughout your infrastructure in the event of a breach.
  6. Data backups and Cyber-Recovery Plans: Regularly back up critical data and develop cyber-recovery plans to ensure that, in the event of a breach, data can be restored swiftly, minimizing downtime and preserving business continuity.
  7. Incident response simulation and testing: Regularly conduct breach simulation exercises to test the efficacy of your response plan and identify areas for improvement. This ensures that your team is well-prepared to respond effectively in a real-world scenario.

The synergy of Data Protection, Business Continuity, and Cyber Resilience

A robust data breach response plan aligns seamlessly with broader data protection, business continuity, and cyber resilience strategies. The ability to swiftly detect, contain, and recover from a breach not only minimizes financial losses but also safeguards your organization’s reputation and customer trust.

The crucial role of professional IT Service Providers

Partnering with professional IT service providers specializing in cyber-security and data protection is a wise investment. Abtech Technologies can supply all of this and more for customers. Abtech has a wealth of experience, innovative tools, and up-to-date knowledge to the table, to assist your organization in formulating and executing a comprehensive data breach response plan.

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Achieving a Seamless Migration from Legacy Systems to Next-Generation Solutions

by with No Comment Data ProtectionIT Support

Staying competitive in the ever-evolving landscape of technology requires embracing innovation and staying ahead of the most recent advancements.

For businesses reliant on legacy systems, the prospect of migrating to next-generation solutions can be both exciting and daunting. A successful migration, however, demands meticulous planning, robust support, and a comprehensive understanding of critical aspects such as data protection, hardware support, database management and software support.

The crucial aspects of seamless migration

Migrating from legacy systems to modern, next-generation solutions involves more than just switching out hardware and software components. It entails a holistic approach that ensures data continuity, system stability, and optimal performance. Let’s take a look into the key factors that contribute to a seamless migration process:

  1. Data Protection: During migration, safeguarding sensitive data is paramount. Comprehensive data protection measures should be in place to prevent breaches, data loss, or unauthorized access. Encryption, secure data transfer protocols, and robust access controls must be implemented to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of your critical information.
  2. Hardware Support: Transitioning from legacy hardware to newer systems requires expert hardware support. Skilled technicians can assist in evaluating your existing hardware, identifying compatibility issues, and seamlessly integrating new components into your infrastructure. Reliable hardware support ensures minimal disruption and maximizes the efficiency of your migration process.
  3. Database Management: Databases are the lifeblood of any organization. Proper database management during migration ensures the seamless transfer of data, preservation of data relationships, and optimization of performance. Adequate backup and recovery strategies should be in place to mitigate risks and facilitate a smooth transition.
  4. Software Support: Modernizing software applications involves addressing compatibility challenges, reconfiguring settings, and ensuring a consistent user experience. Knowledgeable software support experts can guide you through the process, from identifying legacy applications that need replacement or updates to testing and validating new software for functionality and security.

Navigating your migration with confidence

The journey to a seamless migration from legacy systems to next-generation solutions is fraught with challenges, but with the proper strategy and support, it will become a solution that boosts your company’s performance.

Prioritizing data protection, expert hardware support, robust database management, proficient software support, and strategic collaboration ensures a successful migration that sets the stage for sustained success. Embrace the possibilities that modern technology brings by partnering with Abtech Technologies’ Hardware Support Services.

Your Trusted Partner

At Abtech Technologies we rely on 35 years of experience in migrating legacy systems to next-generation solutions. With a team of skilled professionals specialized in data protection, hardware support, database management, software support and OEM collaborations, we are your trusted partner in achieving a seamless migration journey.

Our Hardware Support Services encompass a wide array of expertise, ranging from in-depth hardware diagnostics and compatibility assessments to comprehensive integration strategies. We are committed to ensuring your migration process is as smooth as possible, minimizing downtime and maximizing the benefits of your investment.

Whether you’re considering a migration or have already embarked on this transformative journey, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way. With Abtech Technologies, you’re not just transitioning systems; you’re unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation.

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Strengthening Education: StorTrust by Abtech Technologies

by with No Comment Data Protection

How StorTrust by Abtech Empowers Colleges with Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery

Colleges and universities are at the forefront of knowledge creation and dissemination, handling a vast amount of valuable data critical to academic operations, research, student records, and administrative processes. The potential loss or compromise of this data can have severe consequences, impacting student success, research endeavors, and institutional reputation. Recognizing the importance of data protection and disaster recovery in the education sector, Abtech Technologies has developed StorTrust—a powerful cloud backup and disaster recovery tool designed to meet the unique needs of colleges and universities.

1. Protecting Academic and Administrative Data

Colleges manage a wide array of data, including course materials, research findings, student records, financial information, and administrative documents. StorTrust places a strong emphasis on data security, employing robust encryption algorithms to safeguard data during transmission and storage. This ensures that academic and administrative data remains protected from unauthorized access, maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.

With StorTrust, colleges can implement access controls and permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to specific data. This feature minimizes the risk of data breaches and unauthorized modifications, fostering compliance with data protection regulations and bolstering the trust of students, faculty, and staff.

2. Ensuring Continuity in Academic Operations

In the event of data loss or system failure, the ability to restore critical data swiftly is crucial for colleges to ensure uninterrupted academic operations. StorTrust provides colleges with a reliable cloud-based backup solution, eliminating the need for complex physical storage infrastructure. By automatically backing up data in real-time, StorTrust ensures that the latest academic resources, research materials, and student records are securely stored off-site.

StorTrust’s efficient recovery process enables colleges to quickly restore their data, minimizing downtime and facilitating seamless continuity in academic operations. With the intuitive user interface, users can easily recover data from previous backups, ensuring that essential information is readily accessible when needed. This capability allows colleges to maintain educational services, support faculty and student needs, and prevent disruptions that could negatively impact the learning environment.

3. Disaster Recovery Planning and Preparedness

Colleges must be well-prepared for various scenarios, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or hardware failures. StorTrust empowers institutions to develop comprehensive disaster recovery plans tailored to their specific needs. By establishing regular backup schedules and defining recovery objectives, such as recovery point objectives (RPOs) and recovery time objectives (RTOs), colleges can proactively mitigate risks and enhance their disaster preparedness.

StorTrust’s flexible recovery options enable colleges to prioritize critical systems and data, facilitating a focused and efficient recovery process. This strategic approach helps institutions minimize downtime, quickly restore essential services, and support faculty and students during challenging times. By incorporating StorTrust into their disaster recovery strategies, colleges can safeguard their academic mission and protect valuable intellectual assets.

4. Promoting Collaboration and Data Accessibility

Colleges thrive on collaboration among faculty, students, and administrators. StorTrust supports seamless data sharing and collaboration by providing a centralized platform for secure storage and version control. Faculty members can collaborate on research projects, access shared resources, and track changes made by different contributors.

StorTrust’s version control capabilities enable colleges to maintain an organized repository of academic data, ensuring the availability of the latest versions of documents and research materials. This promotes efficient collaboration, reduces the risk of data loss or duplication, and enhances the overall productivity of faculty and students.

Your Trusted Partner

In the realm of higher education, where data plays a crucial role in academic excellence, research endeavors, and administrative processes, StorTrust by Abtech Technologies emerges as an indispensable tool for cloud backup and disaster recovery. By prioritizing data security, ensuring continuity in academic operations, supporting disaster recovery planning, and promoting collaboration, StorTrust empowers colleges to protect valuable data assets, maintain educational services, and foster an environment conducive to learning and innovation. With StorTrust as a reliable partner, colleges can navigate the evolving digital landscape with confidence, ensuring the seamless continuity of education for students and faculty alike.

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Securing Financial Institutions: StorTrust by Abtech Technologies

by with No Comment Data Protection

StorTrust by Abtech Revolutionizes Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery in Banking

In the banking industry, data security and business continuity are paramount. Financial institutions handle vast amounts of sensitive customer information, transaction records, regulatory reports, and critical operational data. The loss or compromise of such data can have severe consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance. To address these challenges, Abtech Technologies has developed StorTrust, an innovative cloud backup and disaster recovery tool that is revolutionizing data protection in the banking sector.

1. Protecting Sensitive Financial Data

As custodians of valuable financial information, banks must prioritize data security. StorTrust understands this necessity and employs robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data. The tool utilizes advanced encryption algorithms to protect data both during transmission and while at rest. This ensures that customer records, financial transactions, and confidential banking data remain secure, even in the face of unauthorized access attempts.

Furthermore, StorTrust enables banks to implement strict access controls and permissions, allowing only authorized personnel to view and manage sensitive data. This capability significantly reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized data manipulation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and enhancing customer trust.

2. Ensuring Business Continuity

Downtime in the banking industry can result in significant financial losses and disrupt customer services. StorTrust offers financial institutions a reliable cloud-based backup solution, eliminating the need for physical storage infrastructure and simplifying data management. By automatically backing up critical data in real-time, StorTrust ensures that the latest customer records, transaction logs, and operational information are securely stored off-site.

In the event of a disaster, whether it’s a system failure, natural calamity, or cyberattack, StorTrust’s efficient recovery process enables banks to quickly restore their data and resume operations. The tool’s intuitive interface and comprehensive recovery options minimize downtime, allowing banks to provide uninterrupted services to their customers and maintain business continuity.

3. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements

The banking industry is subject to stringent regulatory requirements, including data protection regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). StorTrust assists banks in meeting these compliance obligations by offering features designed to align with regulatory standards.

With StorTrust’s robust audit trail capabilities, financial institutions can easily track data access, modifications, and backups. This functionality ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance during audits and regulatory assessments. Additionally, StorTrust supports long-term data retention, enabling banks to meet legal requirements for data preservation, such as those mandated by financial authorities.

4. Enhancing Disaster Recovery Planning

Effective disaster recovery planning is essential for banks to mitigate risks and ensure operational resilience. StorTrust empowers financial institutions to develop comprehensive disaster recovery strategies tailored to their specific needs. The tool allows banks to establish regular backup schedules, define recovery point objectives (RPOs), and set recovery time objectives (RTOs) aligned with industry best practices.

By providing flexible recovery options, StorTrust enables banks to prioritize critical systems and data, ensuring rapid restoration and minimizing the impact of disruptions. This strategic approach to disaster recovery planning helps financial institutions adhere to regulatory requirements, protect customer assets, and maintain the trust of stakeholders.

 

Your Trusted Partner

In the banking industry, where data security, business continuity, and regulatory compliance are critical, StorTrust by Abtech Technologies emerges as a game-changing cloud backup and disaster recovery tool. By safeguarding sensitive financial data, ensuring business continuity, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhancing disaster recovery planning, StorTrust empowers banks to protect their assets, provide uninterrupted services, and maintain the trust and confidence of customers and stakeholders.

Data Breach

8 Effective Ways to Reduce the Impact of Data Breaches

by with No Comment Data Protection

Data breaches have emerged as a pressing concern for businesses worldwide, impacting organizations of all sizes and industries. According to the “Cost of a Data Breach Report 2022” published by IBM, the financial consequences and reputational damage resulting from data breaches continue to rise. The report highlights the urgency for small and medium-sized companies to bolster their data security measures and mitigate the risk of data breaches. In this blog post, we delve into ten effective strategies that your organization can employ to reduce the impact of data breaches. By implementing these cost-effective solutions, your business can strengthen its security procedures, protect personal and confidential information, and safeguard your brand reputation in an increasingly data-driven world.

 

1. Adopt a Zero Trust Security Model 

Adopting a Zero Trust security model is a powerful approach to data security that assumes no trust in any user or device, regardless of their location or network environment. Implementing Zero Trust involves verifying and validating all access requests, regardless of the user’s location or network connection. By enforcing granular access controls, continuously monitoring user activity, and authenticating every access attempt, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches. Implement strong identity and access management practices, such as least privilege access and micro-segmentation, to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive data. Adopting a Zero Trust model strengthens your overall security posture and helps protect against both internal and external threats.

2. Encrypt Sensitive Data

Protecting sensitive data in cloud environments using policy and encryption is essential. Implement encryption techniques to make your data unreadable to unauthorized individuals, even if they gain access to it. Encryption can be applied to data at rest, in transit, and in backups. Use robust encryption algorithms and ensure that encryption keys are securely managed. By encrypting your sensitive data, you add an extra layer of security, making it significantly more challenging for cybercriminals to exploit the information even if they manage to breach your systems.

3. Conduct Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits are vital to maintaining a robust data security posture. Perform comprehensive audits to assess your company’s information security measures, identify potential vulnerabilities, and evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls. During audits, review your security policies, procedures, and technical controls to ensure they align with industry standards and best practices. Additionally, conduct penetration testing and vulnerability assessments to identify any weaknesses in your systems and applications. By conducting regular security audits, you can stay proactive in identifying and addressing potential security gaps.

4. Train Employees on Data Security

Employees play a critical role in data security and providing them with proper training is paramount. Educate your employees on the importance of data security and the potential consequences of data breaches. Train them in best practices such as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts, and handling sensitive information securely. Reinforce these training sessions regularly to keep data security top of mind. Consider conducting simulated phishing campaigns to test employees’ awareness and provide additional training if necessary. By empowering your employees with knowledge, you create a strong human firewall that can help prevent data breaches.

5. Create and Test Incident Response Playbooks

Increasing cyber resilience involves having well-defined incident response playbooks in place. Create playbooks that outline the steps to take in the event of a data breach, including communication protocols, containment measures, and recovery procedures. Regularly review and update these playbooks to incorporate lessons learned from security incidents and reflect changes in your organization’s technology landscape. Additionally, conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to test the effectiveness of your incident response procedures. By proactively preparing for potential data breaches, you can minimize response times and mitigate the impact of incidents.

6. Invest in Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR)

Investing in Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) solutions can significantly improve detection and response times. SOAR platforms integrate various security tools, automate manual tasks, and orchestrate incident response processes. These solutions streamline workflows, enable faster threat detection, and facilitate coordinated response actions. By leveraging SOAR, your organization can reduce the time and effort required to investigate security alerts, leading to quicker incident response and containment. Additionally, SOAR enables better collaboration among security teams and enhances overall cybersecurity effectiveness.

7. Use Tools to Protect and Monitor Endpoints and Remote Employees

In today’s remote work environment, protecting endpoints and remote employees is crucial. Employ endpoint protection tools that help safeguard devices and monitor their activities. These tools can detect and block malware, enforce security policies, and provide visibility into potential security risks. Additionally, deploy remote monitoring and management solutions to gain insight into remote devices, apply security patches, and ensure compliance with your organization’s security policies. By using specialized tools for endpoint protection and remote monitoring, you can extend your security perimeter and mitigate the risks associated with remote work.

8. Engage a Third-Party Security Provider

Consider partnering with a reputable third-party security provider to enhance your data security capabilities. These providers offer expertise, resources, and specialized tools to assess, protect, and monitor your company’s sensitive data. They can conduct regular security assessments, offer advice on improving data security measures, and provide 24/7 monitoring and incident response capabilities. Leveraging the knowledge and experience of a trusted security provider allows you to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure a proactive security posture. Evaluate different providers and choose the one that aligns with your organization’s specific needs and budget.

 

Data breaches pose a significant threat to small and medium-sized companies, but by implementing these 8 effective strategies, you can reduce the impact and protect your valuable information. Enhancing access controls, encrypting sensitive data, conducting regular security audits, training employees, investing in SOAR, deploying firewall and intrusion detection systems, protecting endpoints and remote employees, regularly updating and patching systems, and engaging a third-party security provider are crucial steps to safeguard your organization’s data. Remember, investing in data security is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant is key to mitigating risks and maintaining information security.

Protect your sensitive data, enhance cyber resilience, and protect your brand’s reputation today by exploring these cost-effective solutions. Ready for the next move? Contact our security experts at 800 4747 397 or email info@abtechtechnologies.com to discuss the best solution for your organization.

Cyber-Resilient

How to Make Your Business Cyber-Resilient

by with No Comment Data Protection

How to Make Your Business Cyber-Resilient

Any business of any size is a potential target for a cyber-attack and cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Even with the most advanced security measures in place, businesses are still at risk of having data attacked, corrupted or inaccessible.

In recent years, advanced ransomware attacks have infiltrated backups, leaving businesses with little chance of recovery without paying the ransom.
Cyber Insurance is available, but the increase in the number and size of ransomware payouts has meant that insurance providers are putting additional requirements into their policies before they will offer coverage. These requirements are particularly focused on the integrity of data backups.

So, what do you need to do to meet these requirements and make your business Cyber-Resilient.

Protection Goes Beyond Preventing Cyber-Attacks

We shall assume that you already have front end security measures in place such as anti-virus software, network firewalls and user security training.  Whilst these are important, we should expect that a sophisticated cyber attack will find a way through these protections. Almost all businesses that suffer a cyber-attack, have these front-end security measures in place.

What is important is being able to recover, should such an attack take place.  This starts with having a good, clean backup copy of your data.

Isolation, Immutability and Intelligence

Current research shows that there are three key areas to focus on when planning how to make your business cyber-resilient. Isolation, Immutability and Intelligence.

 
The following table shows the type of threats that are most common and how these measures protect against them.

Isolation

This involves creating a copy of your data backup that is isolated from your core network. This copy is stored in such a way that it cannot be accessed by anything running on your core network or anyone who has access to that network.

This means that if a cyber attacker manages to gain access to your core systems or infect your local data backup, it cannot infect the isolated backup.

Immutability

To achieve immutability, you need to ensure that the original copy of your data cannot be changed. It cannot be modified, overwritten or deleted. Additionally, by keeping multiple copies of immutable backups, organizations guarantee recovery from ransomware attacks by finding and recovering from a clean backup.

Intelligence

Intelligence is the final and arguably the most important part of the cyber-resilience jigsaw. It involves using analytics and machine-learning software tools to analyze the backup looking for known threat patterns. The software effectively knows what ransomware looks like and can raise the alarm and isolate the infection before it is launched.

What Solutions Are Available to Make Your Business Cyber-Resilient

There are many solutions and services on the market that meet one or more of these requirements, but few meet all three.  One solution that does meet all three is Dell’s Cyber Recovery solution.

Cyber Recovery can be deployed on premise in the main business data center, at a remote location or a cloud service. In each case, data isolation and immutability are achieved by building a Cyber Recovery Vault based on Dell’s Data Domain technology. Local backup is performed by software backing up to a Dell Data Domain appliance.  

Another Data Domain Appliance resides in the Cyber Recovery Vault.  Cyber Recovery software also resides in the Vault and periodically pulls a copy of the backup into the Vault. Once this has occurred, Cyber Recovery shuts the port isolating the Vault copy from the core network. 

A retention lock is applied to the copy in the Cyber Recovery Vault to ensure that it remains immutable.

The final component is the CyberSense software.  This provides the Intelligence, but analyzing the data that is brought into the Vault.  CyberSense has a library of known cyber threat patterns that it uses as a reference to find and isolate infected data.

Infected data is interrogated to allow for further analysis.  This also raises an alarm of a possible ransomware attack so appropriate steps can be taken to remove the infection from the core business network and isolate any infected systems.

“The Dell EMC PowerProtect Cyber Recovery solution offers comprehensive ransomware detection and recovery capabilities both on-premises and in the public cloud. The solution supports an immutable and air-gapped architecture and meets Sheltered Harbor recommendations.”   Gartner Magic Quadrant for Enterprise Backup & Recovery Software Solutions – July 19, 2021

Deployment Options for Cyber Recovery

The Cyber Recovery Vault can be deployed in 3 ways.

  1. On premise in the main corporate datacenter
  2. At a remote business location
  3. As a service delivered by a cloud provider such as Abtech’s StorTrust

This gives the business the flexibility to choose the deployment solution that best meets their resources. Deploying a solution on premise or at a remote business location involves more up-front cost and ongoing management resources but provides the benefit of having total control of the solution.  Deployment by a cloud provider spreads the cost of the solution and can take the ongoing management responsibility away from the business IT team.  Both options follow Dell’s rigorous validation process.

Summary and Next Steps

I hope this article helps provide some direction in how to achieve cyber-resilience for your business. We have covered the types of threat that are most common, the steps to take to protect against these threats and presented a market-leading solution.

Abtech is fully certified to design and deploy Dell Cyber Recovery and CyberSense.  We are also certified in Data Domain and Dell’s suite of backup software tools.

If you would like to know more, please reach out to our Data Protection team and we can set up a presentation.

We look forward to working with you to achieve cyber-resilience for your business.

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Prevent, Protect and Mitigate Cyber Attacks

by with No Comment Data ProtectionNetwork Security

Prevent, Protect and Mitigate Cyber Attacks

An anatomy of a real attack

  1. User targeted by spam email.
  2. User engaged with hacker and their local laptop was compromised.
  3. The hacker then used the VPN connection on the laptop to access the corporate network.
  4. With access to the network the hacker started a network discovery sweep.
  5. One spreadsheet with admin credentials was found.
  6. Ransomware was deployed and in less than 20min the entire network was encrypted.
  7. The company did not have an effective backup plan an it too 2 weeks for them to get back to 80% of production.
  8. As of 2 months after the attack they are only at 90%

Signs of unauthorized access attempts on your computer systems.
The hackers target individuals who may hold confidential company information. Then, they contact them via text messages or emails containing executable malware or links, by posing as someone of a familiar identity. If these links are clicked on, the hackers could gain substantial access to the victim’s network and data.

What will an attack look like?

Identifying the malware, phishing, spyware, trojans and viruses.

Presuming the cybercriminals are successful, the target company may experience:

  • Malware infections: Bitcoin mining, Keystroke loggers or Identity theft.
  • Data theft/high jacking.
  • Ransomware.

How to prevent the attack?

Preventing a cyber attack and saving your data and network. People need to be educated about this threat, and strong awareness needs to be spread throughout the organization. Companies need a Defense in Depth approach to a security architecture that is multilayered and spans all networks, endpoints, mobile devices, and the cloud. These are the measures recommended to ensure maximum safety:

Basic IT Security Measures

  • Phishing and password training
  • Proofpoint email protection
  • Datto RMM anti-Ransomware
  • CyberHawk
  • KnowBe4
  • End point Security Software
  • Web Application Firewall
  • Botnet protection
  • Latest updates from vendors
  • Identify all attack vector

High End Security Measures

  • Additional Security Measures: Bi-Annual Penetration testing, Internal Vulnerability Scans, Annual Information Security Audit and Compliance audit readness
  • Intrusion Prevention System
  • Cyber Insurance
  • StorTrust: Cloud Backup and Disaster Recovery: Allows data to be stored offsite and be restored should an accidental deletion, a failed software upgrade, database corruption or ransomware occur.
  • Stortrust Immutable Backup: Immutable backups are air-gapped and cannot be affected by ransomware originating from a client site.

We protect your data and your business. With our service, file and systems can be recovered instantly from a local appliance. If disaster strikes, we can spin your critical systems up in our cloud so your business can keep running. We include an annual DR test, sou you can relax, knowing we will be there when you need us.

Phishing

6 common items that help identify a phishing attempt

by with No Comment Data ProtectionNetwork Security

What is Phishing?

Phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone, or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking and credit card details, and passwords. Generally, emails sent as phishing attempts are masked so they appear to be sent by the business, person, or institution who is known by the recipient.

Here are 6 common items that help identify a phishing attempt:

  1. Is the message sent from a public email domain, such as Gmail?
  2. Check the email address. Does the email address match the email address of the sender? Example: Bob – Bob@exxon.com, but shows Bob – bob@gmail.com.
  3. The email domain name is misspelled. (exxon.com is Exxan.com)
  4. The body of the email is poorly written with misspellings, bad grammar, or poor word choice. (However, be careful, the cybercriminal’s grammar is improving)
  5. The message includes attachments or links that are suspicious. The link says it goes to one place but when you hover over it is shows another URL.
  6. The message creates a sense of urgency, such as please change your password or look at this document ASAP.

If you ever have a question about an email and if it is legitimate, you have options: contact the sender via telephone and confirm or ask Abtech and we will provide an expert opinion. And please remember that as a client of Abtech, you have access to resources to mitigate Phishing and Ransomware attacks. Here are a few examples. Your company may already be utilizing some or all of these:

  • Endpoint Security Software such as ESET or Capture Client
  • Email Security and Spam Filer – Abtech Recommends Proofpoint Essentials
  • KnowBe4 Security Awareness testing and training
  • Datto Ransomware Protection
  • Cyberhawk Internal Threat Detection
  • Internal Vulnerability scans and mitigation
  • Cloud backup and disaster recovery (Stortrust)

Abtech offers a range of services aimed at protecting you and your users from cyber attacks.

If you would like to know more, please click here or reach out to info@abtechtechnologies.com