<img src="https://ws.zoominfo.com/pixel/PMY3ZvbpZt27ywWwZSBB" width="1" height="1" style="display: none;">
networkings newsletter

FEATURED RESOURCE

'Networkings Spring 2024 Newsletter

Check out the latest happenings in the world of IT from our Locknet® experts. In this issue learn how your organization can strengthen your defenses through better password management and email protection.

locknet_team_in_conference_room_meeting

Complete Managed IT Support for SMBs

Your Business. Secure.

swoop_right
looking_at_tablet_having_discussion

When You Have Technical Issues, You Need Answers NOW

Tired of contacting IT support and being shuffled through an endless labyrinth of menu options and automated tellers, only to be placed on hold for what seems an eternity?

Thankfully, at Locknet®, you will rarely need to reach out for service. That’s because our goal is to proactively address any issues so your employees never have to pick up the phone. But if they do, they will appreciate the friendly, familiar, and respectful voice that answers their call every time, with low to no wait times.

Featuring Keysuite®

Your technology should not be a barrier to achieving your goals; rather, it should ensure you successfully reach them. Keysuite® is a comprehensive, integrated IT solution built to align with your company objectives and allow you to obtain your short and long-term goals. Locknet® will help you contemplate your specific circumstances and map out Keysuite® components to grow your business.

Keysuite® is an ideal solution for security-conscious businesses with too few or no IT employees, providing:

monitor_icon

Network management including patching, support, and 24/7 monitoring

firewall_icon

Firewall, intrusion prevention, antivirus, antimalware, and spyware prevention

cloud_icon

Backup and data recovery with Reinforce™

security_assessment_icon

Security including SPAM filtering and testing

support_icon_1

Unlimited support center calls

commit_icon

Proactive service maintenance and strategic business review meetings

evaluate_icon

And much more

phone_with_microsoft_teams_app
small_business_owner_on_phone_smiling

Wondering How Managed IT Works?

1
Step 1

Connect with a Locknet® consultant for an IT assessment. They will meet to determine your needs and identify gaps and opportunities to improve your productivity and risk position and decrease expenses.

2
Step 2

We will provide you with our findings and build a customized solution with targeted and transparent recommendations, along with budget considerations.

3
Step 3

Our project manager and technical team will implement a robust and documented onboarding process to efficiently deploy installation, secure networks, and guide users on how to fully leverage your new capabilities.

4
Step 4

We are not done. We will provide remote monitoring, updates, and 24/7 support. We will also seek feedback and regularly review your needs to help you scale.

AICPA SOC Logo
MSP Verify L3
MSP 501 for Locknet_White
Expertise 2023 WHITE
BBBB 2022 White
2023 CRN SP 500_White
swoop_right

The SMB's Ultimate Guide to Managed IT

Layered Security: A Robust Cybersecurity Defense System

Businesses are more vulnerable than ever to a myriad of persistent and emerging cyber threats. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, the stakes are high, and the consequences can be devastating. To fortify their defenses, organizations must adopt a layered security strategy that incorporates both technical and organizational controls. These dual pillars work in tandem to create a robust defense against a constantly evolving threat landscape. Read more.

Mastering Defense with an Effective Security Education Training and Awareness Plan

Technical defenses alone are not enough to protect against cyberattacks. Having a security education, training, and awareness plan in place gives employers the ability to create a “human firewall” by empowering employees to recognize and avoid common cyber security threats through ongoing training. Typically, employee cybersecurity training will educate and test your employees on identifying common threat tactics like social engineering, phishing, spoofing, and ransomware. Read more.

What is a Firewall? Its Role in Network Security

Securing your network from various threats has become an essential part of maintaining a safe online environment. One of the most crucial components of network security is a firewall. But what exactly is a firewall, and how does it work? We take a closer look at firewalls, exploring what they are, how they work, and why they are indispensable in the realm of cybersecurity. Read more.

Hacking vs Phishing: What's the Difference?

In today's technological landscape, where almost everything is connected to the internet, cybersecurity has become a significant concern. Two terms that often come up in discussions about cybersecurity are hacking and phishing. Although these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different activities. We’ll shed some light on the difference between hacking and phishing, two of the most common cyber threats. Read more.

The Difference Between Vishing and Smishing: Unraveling the Tactics

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, criminals are constantly finding new and inventive ways to exploit vulnerabilities. Two such methods, vishing and smishing, have emerged as potent weapons in their arsenal. In this blog, we'll delve into what vishing and smishing entail, provide real-life examples of common scams, and equip you with practical strategies to shield yourself from falling victim to these deceptive practices. Read more.

A Closer Look at Common Types of Phishing Attacks

Phishing is among the biggest cyber threats facing businesses today. An estimated 91% of incidents that end in a data breach start with a phishing email. Phishing is a favorite tool of hackers, so it’s important to understand it and recognize it. We’ll take a closer look at three common types of phishing attacks to learn what to look for and how you and your employees can avoid being a victim. Read more.

Understanding and Avoiding QR Code Phishing Scams

Convenience is king these days, and QR codes are a testament to this. By providing a quick and efficient way to access information, QR codes have become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s reported that the number of US smartphone users scanning a QR code will increase from 83.4 million in 2022 to 99.5 million in 2025. It’s a technology tool that is easy to create and easy to use. Unfortunately, those attributes have also provided opportunities for cybercriminals to use QR codes in malicious ways, leading to the rise of QR code phishing scams. Read more.

Demystifying Email Impersonation: Protecting Your Inbox

Social engineering threats have been increasing in their complexity and ability to evade traditional defenses. Email continues to be the single most common channel for targeting users into becoming victims of social engineering tactics. We take a closer look at email impersonation, providing you with the knowledge and tools to protect your inbox effectively. Read more.

The Impact of Your Digital Footprint as an Employee

The digital world we live in today is challenging to navigate. From social media profiles to online interactions, every click, post, or comment contributes to the mosaic that is your online presence. And your digital presence has the potential to significantly impact your professional life. Whether applying for a new job, seeking a promotion, joining a community board, or trying to maintain a positive reputation in your industry, it’s crucial to understand the importance of managing your digital footprint and being a good digital citizen. Read more.

Top 7 Examples of Cybersecurity Risks Brought on by Employees

Employees play a critical role in safeguarding company assets from cyber threats. However, they can also inadvertently expose organizations to significant risks if proper cybersecurity practices are not followed. From falling victim to phishing attacks to using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, employee behaviors can pose serious challenges to organizational security. Read more.

What You Need to Know About Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)

Securing sensitive information is paramount today. One of the most effective ways to enhance security is through multi-factor authentication (MFA). However, like any other system, MFA can be prone to misconfiguration, which can lead to security vulnerabilities. This blog post will delve into what multi-factor authentication is, its benefits and importance, and how misconfiguration can impact its efficiency. Read more.

Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS): What it is and How Your Business Can Benefit

Disaster recovery planning is a critical aspect of a business continuity plan. We have seen an increase in disasters that can significantly impact IT infrastructure, and organizations are more prone to business downtime than ever before. Read more.

Vulnerability Scanning: What It Is and Why You Need It

Businesses and organizations of all sizes and across all industries are vulnerable to steadily increasing security risks. Vulnerability scanning is one of those things you probably should have started yesterday. But it’s never too late to learn more about vulnerability scanning and incorporate it into your cybersecurity plan. Read more.

Selecting an IT Managed Service Provider?

When you’re selecting an IT Managed Service Provider (MSP), it’s essential to have confidence that the one you select is qualified, will keep your business and customer information secure, and will provide exemplary service when you need them.  Your MSP will be one of your most, if not your most, critical vendors because they will take the responsibility of managing your IT, including your IT security and your uptime.  The process you take selecting an MSP should reflect how serious and critical of a decision this will be for your business. Read more.

How to Create Strong, Memorable Passwords to Deter Hackers

Passwords are the first line of defense against cyber threats. However, the prevalence of data breaches underscores the importance of creating strong, memorable passwords. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of creating strong, memorable passwords in the workplace and delve into strategies for crafting them effectively. Additionally, we'll fill you in on how hackers guess passwords so you can empower your employees and bolster your organization's cybersecurity posture. Read more.

Technology and Stress in the Workplace: A Guide to Easing Employee Concerns

Technology is both a boon and a burden. While it offers efficiency and innovation, it also brings a host of challenges that can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and stressed. From ongoing software updates to fears of job obsolescence, the digital landscape is full of potential workplace stressors. However, by addressing these concerns head-on and implementing thoughtful strategies, businesses can alleviate employee anxiety and foster a more harmonious relationship with technology. Read more.

Understanding and Addressing the Surge in Insider Threats

There are a variety of societal factors impacting the rise in insider attacks. Some employees are disgruntled about return-to-work policies, the labor force is changing jobs more often, we’ve seen massive layoffs in the tech industry, there is looming economic uncertainty, and cybercrime recruitment efforts are on the rise. The 2023 Insider Threat Report from Cybersecurity Insiders found that 74% of organizations say insider attacks have become more frequent and 74% of organizations also felt they are at least moderately vulnerable or worse to insider threats. Read more.

Compliance with GLBA & Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information

Regulations concerning consumer privacy, information security, and data protection represent a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. With this understanding, it's imperative to keep you informed of impending changes impacting financial institutions.

Effective May 13, 2024, financial institutions under the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) jurisdiction via the Gramm-Leach-Bliley-Act (GLBA) are required to report to the FTC any notification event where unencrypted customer information is acquired without authorization and affects 500 or more individuals. These requirements build upon and amend the longstanding Safeguards Rule promulgated by the Commission over twenty years earlier under the GLBA. Read more.

What is IT Asset Disposition and Why Do You Need it?

Businesses today are constantly upgrading their IT infrastructure to stay secure and competitive. This continuous cycle of acquiring new technology inevitably leads business leaders to ask: what should be done with outdated or obsolete equipment? This is where IT asset disposition (ITAD) comes into play. But exactly what is IT asset disposition, and why is it essential for your business? Let's dive in.

MDR vs SIEM:Why You Need Both

Identifying today's cybersecurity threats and responding to them requires advanced technology. But you might be surprised to learn that your organization would benefit from having both Managed Detection and Response (MDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions. While they may appear similar at first glance, they serve distinct purposes and, when used together, can significantly enhance an organization's security posture. Before we dig into why you need both MDR and SIEM for your business or organization, let's first explain what each of these technologies delivers. Read more.

Safeguarding Your Business with AI Due Diligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept but an accepted component to driving business innovation and efficiency. As organizations increasingly integrate AI solutions into their operations, the importance of conducting thorough vendor due diligence has become paramount. This practice ensures that AI partnerships are not only effective and innovative but also maintain your security posture and regulatory standards. Read more.

Persistent Foothold: An Advanced Persistent Threat

A persistent foothold may sound innocuous, but this cyberthreat can actually put the security of your network at risk long-term as an Advanced Persistent Threat. So what is a persistent foothold? And what does it mean to face an Advanced Persistent Threat? Read on for vital information about the reality of persistent foothold defense and how you can protect your business. Read more.

Banking on Security: The Vital Role of Managed IT Services for Financial Institutions

The financial sector is under constant threat from cyber-attacks. As a result, financial institutions are investing heavily in securing their data and optimizing their operations. Managed IT services for financial institutions provide a robust solution that combines both security and efficiency, allowing these organizations to focus on their core business while ensuring the safety of their data. Read more.

Unraveling the Role: What is a Technical Account Manager?

There are numerous roles that are crucial for the smooth operation and success of an organization. Within the web of hardware, software, networks, and security protocols, the role of Technical Account Manager (TAM) is one who plays a significant part in business growth. So, what is a Technical Account Manager? We’ll answer the question, define the responsibilities, and highlight the importance of the role in today's tech-driven business landscape. Read more.

Overcoming Challenges in IT Project Management

IT project management often presents unique challenges that require innovative solutions. From inception to execution, even well-planned IT projects can easily get steered off course. However, understanding these hurdles and how to navigate them can significantly improve the success rate of your projects. This blog post will explore the challenges faced by IT project managers and offer insights on how managed IT services can help overcome them. Read more.

Understanding and Addressing the Surge in Insider Threats

When we think of cyber threats, we often think of the dark web, criminal hacking gangs, and external forces breaching a network. It’s a big misconception as cybersecurity experts know some of the riskiest threats are inside your organization. And these insider threats are on the rise. It’s been reported that the frequency of insider-led incidents was up as much as 44% in 2022. Read more.