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Think of employee cybersecurity training as a living, breathing thing, not a one-and-done deal.
Hackers are constantly evolving their tricks, so your training needs to keep up. Regularly evaluating your training program helps you spot what's working and what's not.
Maybe your employees are ace at spotting phishing emails, but they're still falling for strong password scams. By staying on top of things and updating your training, you're not just teaching your team to be security-savvy; you're building a human firewall that can adapt to any cyberattack.
Need some help?
Until then, stay safe.
WHY SECURING YOUR SOFTWARE SUPPLY CHAIN IS CRITICAL
In today’s world, everything’s connected. That includes the software your business relies on, whether you’ve installed that software locally or use it in the cloud. Protecting the entire process that creates and delivers your software is very important. From the tools developers use to the way updates reach your computer, every step matters. A breach or vulnerability in any part of this chain can have severe consequences. Let’s talk about why securing your software supply chain is absolutely essential.
INCREASING COMPLEXITY AND INTERDEPENDENCE
Each added component introduces potential vulnerabilities. These include open-source libraries, third-party APIs, and cloud services. A vulnerability in one part of the supply chain can affect many systems. The interdependence means that a single weak link can cause widespread issues. Securing the CI/CD pipeline is crucial to prevent the introduction of malicious code.
THE RISE OF CYBER THREATS
Targeted Attacks
Attackers infiltrate trusted software to gain access to wider networks.
Sophisticated Techniques
These include advanced malware, zero-day exploits, and social engineering. A robust security posture is necessary to defend against these threats.
Financial and Reputational Damage
Companies may face regulatory fines, legal costs, and loss of customer trust. Recovering from a breach can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Compliance Standards
These include regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
Vendor Risk Management
Companies must ensure that their suppliers adhere to security best practices. A secure supply chain involves verifying that all partners meet compliance standards.
Data Protection
Securing the supply chain helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. This is especially important for industries like finance and healthcare.
Ensuring Business Continuity
A secure supply chain helps prevent disruptions in business operations as cyber-attacks can lead to downtime. By securing the supply chain, companies can maintain the trust of their stakeholders.
Steps to Secure Your Software Supply Chain
Strong Authentication
Use strong authentication methods for all components of the supply chain. Ensure that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data.
Phased Update Rollouts
Keep all software components up to date, but don’t do all
systems at once. If those systems aren’t negatively affected, then roll out the update more widely.
Security Audits
Assess the security measures of all vendors and partners. Identify and address any weaknesses or gaps in security practices.
Secure Development Practices
Ensure that security is integrated into the development lifecycle from the start.
Threat Monitoring
Use tools like intrusion detection systems (IDS) as well as
security information and event management (SIEM) systems.
Education
Awareness and training help ensure that everyone understands their role in maintaining security.
A breach or outage can have severe consequences. Securing your software supply chain is no longer optional; investing in this is crucial for the resilience of any business.
ESSENTIAL SETTINGS TO MAXIMIZE YOUR MICROSOFT 365 EXPERIENCE
Microsoft 365 is a powerful suite of tools. But to get the most out of it, it’s important to optimize the settings. Otherwise, you may only be using a fraction of the power you have.
Here are some tips to get more from your M365 business
subscription.
1. Optimize Email with Outlook Features
Set Up Focused Inbox
This helps you manage your email more efficiently. It separates important emails from the rest.
Organize with Rules
Create rules to move emails to specific folders or mark them as read to reduce clutter.
2. Enhance Collaboration with Teams
Set Up Channels
Channels in Teams organize discussions by topic or project. Create channels for different teams or events.
Manage Notifications
Notifications keep you informed but can be overwhelming.
Customize them by going to Settings > Notifications.
Use Tabs for Quick Access
Tabs in Teams give fast access to important files and apps. Add tabs for frequently used documents, websites, or apps.
3. Secure Your Data
Set Up Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Policies
DLP policies help prevent data breaches. Create policies to identify and protect sensitive information.
Manage Mobile Device Security
Ensure mobile devices accessing Microsoft 365 are secure with Microsoft Business Premium and use Intune.
4. Customize SharePoint
Organize with Document Libraries
Document libraries in SharePoint help organize and manage files. Create libraries for different departments or projects.
Use Site Templates
Use templates for common site types, like team sites or project sites.
5. Maximize Productivity with OneDrive
Sync Files for Offline Access
OneDrive allows you to sync files for offline access. This ensures you can access important files without needing an internet connection.
Use Version History
Version history in One Drive allows you to restore previous versions of files. This is vital for business continuity and ransomware recovery.
6. Leverage Advanced Features
Use Power Automate for Workflow Automation
Power Automate helps automate repetitive tasks. Go to the Power Automate website and create flows for common workflows.
Analyze Data with Power BI
Connect Power BI to your Microsoft 365 data sources to create interactive reports and dashboards.
Add Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot is Microsoft’s generative AI engine. It can dramatically reduce the time it takes for all types of tasks.
Using these essential settings can maximize your Microsoft 365 experience. This can lead to improved security, efficiency, and collaboration.
ENHANCING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE WITH MOBILE-OPTIMIZED WORKSPACE
Today’s workspaces transcend physical boundaries. Employees work and collaborate seamlessly from anywhere, whether they’re sipping coffee at a local café or lounging on their living room couch. That’s the magic of a mobile-optimized workspace. It’s a game-changer for productivity and performance.
Core Components of a Mobile-Optimized Workspace
· Cloud-Based Everything: This ensures seamless access to files, applications, and collaboration tools from any device.
· Mobile-First Applications: Ensure they are intuitive, responsive, and offer the same functionality as desktop versions.
· Robust Collaboration Tools: Features like real-time editing, file sharing, and video conferencing are essential.
· Secure Mobile Device Management: Protect sensitive company data on mobile devices.
· Employee Training: Equip employees with skills to effectively use mobile devices for work.
Benefits of a Mobile-Optimized Workspace
· Increased Productivity
· Enhanced Collaboration
· Improved Decision-Making
· Attracting Top Talent
· Cost Savings
Challenges and Considerations
While the benefits are clear, creating a mobile-optimized workspace isn’t without challenges:
· Security Risks: Increased device usage means a larger attack surface. Put in place robust security measures to protect sensitive data.
· Employee Distractions: Encourage employees to use focus modes or apps to reduce interruptions.
· Data Usage: Be mindful of data consumption. Consider providing.
· Device Management: Consider using mobile device management (MDM) solutions to streamline the process.
Consider some more basics of mobile device management in the workplace with this video by itGenius.
6 Tips to Troubleshoot Common Business Network Issues
Want to make sure that your network is up and running smoothly? Here are six different ways to troubleshoot network issues that businesses are commonly confronted with:
Identify the Problem
Narrow down potential causes.
Inspect Physical Connections
Quickly rule out or identify simple equipment problems.
Test Network Connectivity
Simple testing can provide valuable
insights.
Analyze Network Configuration
Errors here can often cause connectivity problems.
Monitor Network Performance
This helps identify ongoing issues and potential bottlenecks.
Ensure Security and Updates
Regular updates and checks can
prevent many common issues.
8 STRATEGIES FOR TACKLING “TECHNICAL DEBT” AT YOUR COMPANY
Think of technical debt as the interest you pay on a loan you never intended to take. As your system grows, those hasty decisions can cost you in the long run. We'll have much more on this topic in our blog later this month, but here are a few ways to start addressing it:
Identify and Prioritize
Focus on the most critical issues that will drive the most value first.
Integrate Debt Management into Your Workflow
Maintain a balance between new development and debt reduction.
Educate and Train Your Team
Foster a culture of quality thinking.
Improve Documentation
It provides a reference for current and future team members.
Regularly Update and Refactor Systems
This involves making small, manageable changes for quality.
Optimize Security Practices
Helps maintain system reliability and performance.
Manage Dependencies
Tracking ensures compatibility and security.
Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Encourage learning, celebrating successes, and regular reflection to drive ongoing enhancement.
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