Horne & Benik Networks Blog

The scariest threats out there are the ones that can crack your network without you even realizing it. That’s right, they’re using stolen credentials that they tricked your employees into handing over through a phishing attack. The good news, though, is that a simple multi-factor authentication solution (MFA) can be a significant step forward for your network security, and the simple act of having one makes your business much safer and less prone to cybersecurity breaches.

If you haven’t yet implemented MFA, here are three logical steps you can take to move in the right direction.

Let’s assume that, as a responsible business owner, you’ve established standard operating procedures for your employees to follow—including the tools they can officially use in the course of their tasks. That said, there is always the chance that someone encountered an issue and independently investigated and “fixed” it.

If anyone is using an unapproved tool or an external account to access and manipulate your business data, you have a problem… a problem known as shadow IT.

We see the endpoint—that includes every laptop, desktop, server, mobile device, and IoT gadget connected to your network—as the front line of your defense. Failing to secure every single one of these points is not just a risk; it's an invitation. You need to identify all the endpoints on your network and work to secure them. Here’s why, and how.

Technology has dramatically reshaped the way we work, with remote teams becoming not just a convenience but often a strategic imperative. With every door that opens, however, a new set of challenges emerges, particularly concerning the often-underestimated cornerstone of remote operations, the security of your systems and data.

There is a seemingly infinite number of cybersecurity threats out there, but there are few threats more dangerous than ransomware. If a business hasn’t taken precautions against it, ransomware can (and will) find ways to extort money, hold data hostage, and threaten that organization’s continuity. Today, we want to cover what ransomware does, what you need to do to prevent it, and what to do if you’re attacked.

You've heard the saying, "A man's home is his castle." When it comes to your business, that comparison is even more fitting. Your business is your livelihood, your stronghold, and it deserves the strongest defenses.

Just like a medieval castle was built to keep threats out, your business' security needs to have an all-encompassing strategy. That’s why it is absolutely necessary to implement cybersecurity measures that serve the same protective purpose for your business and its network.

Cybersecurity isn’t the most fun thing to talk about, but it’s still important. This is especially for your employees who are on the front lines, the most likely folks to encounter threats during their day-to-day tasks. Today, we want to cover how your business can build better cybersecurity training practices that can keep your business secure for the long haul.

Data breaches can be a death blow for the small business. In addition to the financial ramifications of such events, they also cost a whole lot in reputational damage and organizational inefficiency. It’s pretty important for personal and organizational security for people to know that there are a few simple things you can do to help keep digital assets secure. 

Businesses everywhere are adding smart devices to their IT, and for good reason. They offer convenience and efficiency but can pose a significant network security risk. These devices, part of the Internet of Things (IoT), often lack robust security features. This makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals.

In today’s world of perpetual security breaches and cyberattacks, it’s no surprise that the greatest response to such threats is to actively prevent them from harming your organization in the first place. One key tool in this effort is an endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution. With endpoint protection on your business’ side, you can leverage a robust and powerful security solution to handle a significant portion of your network security.

Network security is an incredibly nuanced topic with a lot of specifics that must be addressed. Still, today, we want to give you some actionable items that you can use to take an active role in improving network security for your business. Let’s dig into some of the essential dos and don’ts of network security for small businesses.

Remember the era when antivirus software, like most computer programs, came packaged in hefty textbook-sized boxes on store shelves? Fortunately, those days are over. Today, there are a myriad of antivirus options available with a very basic Google search. Having so many options can overwhelm someone looking for basic protection for themselves, so today we thought we would look at free antivirus and whether or not it can be an option. 

Ensuring that your computer's software stays up to date is always crucial for security and for the performance of the software. Outdated operating systems, web browsers, or other essential applications can result in malfunctions and expose you to potential threats. It's important to be aware that hackers can disguise malware as critical web browser updates.

With so many businesses putting time and effort to cultivate an active following on social media, it only makes sense that cybercriminals try to get a piece of the pie.

A new malware strain particularly targets Facebook business accounts to run malicious advertising campaigns on your dime.

The seamless functionality of email often leads individuals to take it for granted. Whether accessing Outlook or logging into Gmail, the delivery of emails seems effortless. However, the intricate and expansive network of systems essential for email operations often goes unnoticed, and understandably so, given its complexity.

With network security being more important than ever for businesses of all types and trades, it’s important that you make it a priority. Thankfully, there are certain simple ways you can pull this off, even if you’re not a technology expert. Here are some of the network security basics that will cover a lot of ground for your business.

Running a business is hard enough without having to think about cybersecurity. Your business faces existential threats from cyberattacks every day it’s operational, as data breaches truly do have the power to bring your business down if you’re not prepared for the fallout. A zero trust approach can help to mitigate many of the risks that come from cybersecurity threats, and it’s all thanks to the principle of least permission.

While artificial intelligence is being adopted across numerous industries, one that many people may not think of is the cybercrime industry. Fortunately, AI can also be used to stop some forms of cybercrime, such as phishing. Let's talk about how AI might soon be an integral part of your phishing prevention.

From the outside looking in, network security can be intimidating to consider. There are so many moving parts that go into protecting a business, it’s understandable that you might not know where to start. Fortunately, we do, and we’re happy to provide this list of critical network security tools that should be seen as the foundation for your company’s protection.

Bad news for T-Mobile users, they’ve suffered another data breach. Hackers have gained access to customer data for nearly 37 million individuals, including both pre-paid and subscription-based accounts. Let’s look at what has happened and what knowledge you might apply to your own network security practices.