The Upgrade Process: Is Your System Ready?
Windows 11 introduces stricter hardware requirements compared to Windows 10. Before upgrading, devices need to be evaluated to ensure they meet the minimum system requirements. While modest, the system requirements include:

• Processor: A compatible 64-bit CPU with at least 1 GHz clock speed and 2 or more cores.
• RAM: 4 GB or more.
• Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
• TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
• Graphics Card: DirectX 12 compatible with a WDDM 2.0 driver.
• Display: A high-definition (720p) display, 9” or larger, with 8 bits per color channel.

Microsoft provides a PC Health Check tool to verify system compatibility. This tool is very handy for taking the guesswork out of matching up requirements, especially on shop floor systems, or newly purchased hardware that seems as though it should be compatible. If your device fails the PC Health Check tool, its clear checklist style readout will tell you where things went wrong, so certain issues can be addressed, such as insufficient disk space. However, for some errors, like an incompatible TPM chip or CPU, you simply won’t be able to upgrade that system to Windows 11, and you’ll need to plan for purchasing new hardware.

CPU Compatibility: A Major Roadblock
One of the most significant hurdles for users upgrading to Windows 11 is CPU compatibility. Windows 11 requires a relatively modern processor for compatibility with its newer security features, which excludes many CPUs that were perfectly capable of running Windows 10. For example, Intel 7th Gen processors and older, as well as AMD Ryzen 1st Gen processors, are not officially supported.

This has left some users frustrated, as their otherwise functional systems running Windows 10 perfectly fine, are deemed incompatible. For those systems that can’t be upgraded, but are considered business critical, Microsoft Extended Security Updates may be an option for the short term.

Increased Security in Windows 11
One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade to Windows 11 is its enhanced security features. Microsoft has made significant improvements to protect users from modern threats, including:

• Hardware-Based Security: Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, which work together to protect against firmware-level attacks and ensure that only trusted software runs during startup.
• Windows Hello: Improved biometric authentication (fingerprint, facial recognition) for secure and convenient login.
• Microsoft Defender SmartScreen: Enhanced protection against phishing and malicious websites.
• Virtualization-Based Security (VBS): Isolates critical system processes in a virtualized environment to prevent malware from accessing sensitive data.
• Zero Trust Architecture: Windows 11 is designed with a Zero Trust approach, ensuring that users and devices are continuously verified before accessing resources.

These security enhancements make Windows 11 a more robust choice for both individuals and businesses, especially in an era of increasing cyber threats.

Legacy Software: The Hidden Pitfall
Another critical consideration is legacy software. Many businesses rely on older applications that may not be compatible with Windows 11. This is especially true for specialized software for interfacing with hardware like PLCs, or an aging ERP system that is no longer actively developed or maintained.

Before upgrading, businesses should work with a trusted IT Partner to assess their readiness for the upgrade to Windows 11 and do the following:

Check Software Compatibility: Verify with software vendors whether their applications are compatible with Windows 11, or if not, what the timeline for compatibility may be, so you can accurately assess business impact.

Test in a Virtual Environment or New System: Run Windows 11 in a virtual machine or on new hardware to test critical applications before committing user systems to the upgrade.

Explore Alternatives: If legacy software is incompatible, consider finding modern alternatives or running the software in a virtualized Windows 10 environment. Leverage the experience and technical expertise of your IT Services Partner to build a solution that keeps business running with minimal impact.

Failure to address legacy software compatibility can result in disrupted workflows, lost productivity, downtime, and unforeseen costs for software upgrades or additional vendor support.

Windows 10 End of Support: The Clock is Ticking
Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will reach its end of support on October 14th, 2025. After this date, the operating system will no longer receive security updates, leaving systems vulnerable to new threats. This deadline underscores the importance of planning your upgrade to Windows 11 sooner rather than later.

For businesses, the end of support means they must either upgrade to Windows 11 or invest in extended security updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, which can be costly. While it may seem like October is a long way away, the reality is that there’s no better time to start working with your IT Partners on a plan for upgrading your hardware.

Extended Security Updates for Windows 10
For organizations that cannot immediately upgrade to Windows 11, Microsoft is expected to offer Extended Security Updates (ESUs) for Windows 10, similar to the program provided for Windows 7. These updates will provide critical security patches for up to three years after the end-of-support date, but they come at an additional cost. Businesses should weigh the cost of ESUs against the benefits of upgrading to Windows 11 to determine the best course of action.

Key Considerations Before Upgrading

• Backup Your Data: Always back up important files before performing a major upgrade. OneDrive folder syncing and a robust backup platform help to curb fears of a catastrophic loss of user files during an upgrade gone awry.
• Check Hardware Compatibility: Use the PC Health Check tool to ensure your device meets the requirements.
• Evaluate Software Dependencies: Identify and test critical applications for compatibility.
• Plan for Hardware Upgrades: If your system is incompatible, budget for new hardware that supports Windows 11.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on Microsoft’s announcements regarding updates and support deadlines.

Conclusion
Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is a significant step that requires careful planning. While the new operating system offers many benefits—including enhanced security, a modern interface, and innovative features—the stricter hardware requirements and potential compatibility issues with legacy software can pose significant challenges. With the end of support for Windows 10 looming, now is the time to evaluate your systems, address any roadblocks, and prepare for the transition. By taking a proactive approach, you can ensure a smooth upgrade process and continue to enjoy a secure and efficient computing experience.

By addressing these key points, businesses can make informed decisions about upgrading to Windows 11 and avoid the pitfalls that come with these forced upgrades.

Failing to plan is always planning to fail, and DMC is here to partner with you as your trusted advisor in the perilous process of upgrading to Microsoft’s latest operating system. Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11: What You Need to Know appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Recently, I found myself deep in conversation with my Managed Service Provider (MSP) customers as we prepared for M365 license renewals. It struck me how much digital clutter accumulates over time, and how important it is to regularly step back and clean house.

Unnecessary Licenses

Take, for example, a client I worked with last year. They had dozens of unused M365 licenses assigned to former employees, shared mailboxes still hosting outdated project emails, and a web of transport rules so tangled it was a wonder any emails reached their destination at all. Sound familiar? If so, it might be time for a little IT spring cleaning.

The first step? License assignments. It is easy for organizations to accumulate unnecessary licenses, driving up costs without adding value. By reviewing and reallocating these, we were able to optimize spending and ensure every user had exactly what they needed—no more, no less.

Unused Mailboxes

Next, we turned our attention to user accounts. Over the years, old accounts piled up like digital dust bunnies, often with permissions still lingering long after their owners have moved on. We combed through active directory, removing or disabling inactive accounts, and tightening access controls to improve security.

Then came the mailboxes. You would not believe how many standalone and shared mailboxes we found that had not been accessed in months, sometimes years. We archived what we needed, deleted the rest, and refined permissions to keep things lean and manageable.

But the real revelation was in the group structures. So many teams had created ad hoc groups for one-off projects that never were cleaned up, leading to confusion and misrouted emails. By streamlining these groups, we restored clarity and efficiency to their communication workflows.

Updates to Email Security 

And of course, no IT cleanup is complete without a deep dive into email security. We reviewed forwarding rules and transport policies, shutting down any unauthorized forwarding and ensuring phishing protections were properly configured. SPAM filters got a tune-up, and unnecessary rules were pruned to prevent disruptions.

By the end of this process, my client’s M365 environment was running smoothly—no excess, no confusion, just a clean, efficient system ready for the months ahead. 

It was a reminder that IT hygiene, just like home cleaning, should be a regular habit rather than a once-a-year scramble.

So, when was the last time you gave your IT setup a good spring cleaning? If you have not done so recently, now’s the perfect time to start. 

Need help with your IT spring cleaning? Please reach out and the DMC Technology Group experts can get to work!

Jason Hood

President, DMC Technology Group

Jason Hood brings over 30 years of IT leadership to DMC, having successfully guided companies through transformative business initiatives across a range of industries.

The post Spring Cleaning for IT: A Fresh Start for Your M365 Environment appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The Threat: What You Need to Know

The vulnerability affects multiple generations of SonicWall firewalls (Gen 6 and Gen 7) running older firmware versions. Exploitation could allow attackers to bypass authentication, gaining unauthorized access to network resources. SonicWall has strongly urged customers to update their firmware to mitigate this issue.

Affected Firmware Versions:

• 6.5.4.15-117n and older
• 7.0.1-5161 and older

Recommended Firmware Updates:

• Gen 6 / 6.5 hardware firewalls: SonicOS 6.5.5.1-6n or newer
• Gen 6 / 6.5 NSv firewalls: SonicOS 6.5.4.v-21s-RC2457 or newer
• Gen 7 firewalls: SonicOS 7.0.1-5165 or newer; 7.1.3-7015 or higher
• TZ80 firewalls: SonicOS 8.0.0-8037 or newer

Additional Risks

The firmware updates also address other vulnerabilities, including:

• CVE-2024-40762: Weak pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) in the SSL VPN authentication token generator.
• CVE-2024-53705: Server-side request forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in the SSH management interface.
• CVE-2024-53706: Privilege escalation flaw in Gen 7 SonicOS Cloud NSv for AWS and Azure.

SonicWall's Recommendations

• For SSL VPN vulnerabilities:
  • Restrict access to trusted sources.
  • Disable internet access entirely if not required.
• For SSH vulnerabilities:
  • Limit SSH management access.
  • Disable internet access to SSH management if possible.

How DMC Technology Group Can Help

At DMC Technology Group, we understand the critical importance of network security and proactive threat mitigation. If you’re a SonicWall user concerned about this vulnerability, we can:

1. Assess Your Network Vulnerabilities:
   Conduct a thorough review of your network to identify risks and ensure all firmware is up to date.
2. Implement Patch Management:
   Apply the latest SonicOS firmware updates to secure your firewalls against known threats.
3. Enhance Security Policies:
   Configure firewall rules, restrict management access, and implement best practices for SSL VPN and SSH security.
4. Monitor and Respond:
   Provide 24/7 network monitoring to detect and respond to suspicious activity in real time.
5. Train Your Team:
   Offer training and resources to ensure your IT team can maintain a secure and resilient infrastructure.

Staying Ahead of Threats

Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, and vulnerabilities like this highlight the importance of vigilance. With our expertise, DMC Technology Group ensures that your organization is protected against the latest risks.

Contact us today to secure your network and safeguard your business, or download our Security Checklist to see if you're vulnerable.

Stay protected. Stay proactive. Stay connected.

The post Protecting Your Network: Addressing the SonicWall Firewall Authentication Bypass Vulnerability appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Holiday-season cyberattacks are a very real threat. Cybercriminals know that as companies wind down for the holidays, they have an opportunity to exploit overlooked security gaps. The stakes are high, and failing to secure company systems can have serious consequences, including job loss. Here’s how you can protect your company—and your job—by securing systems when everyone else is winding down.

Why the Holidays Are Prime Time for Cybercrime

During holiday seasons, most businesses run on reduced staff, with many team members out of office. This creates several issues:

• Lower Surveillance: Fewer people on duty means attacks are less likely to be quickly noticed and stopped.
• High Data Traffic: End-of-year financial data and large volumes of customer activity mean cybercriminals have a lot to gain if they successfully breach a system.
• Delayed Incident Response: When key people are away, response times can lag, allowing attackers more time to exploit systems without interference.

Cybercriminals love the holiday lull, and they’re counting on unguarded systems. Don’t give them that opening.

The Top Steps to Protect Your Company (and Your Job) Over the Holidays

By taking these proactive steps, you can keep your company secure and avoid becoming the unfortunate face of a cybersecurity failure.

1. Implement Strong Authentication Protocols

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This extra layer requires more than just a password, which can thwart attackers who manage to steal login credentials.
• Password Hygiene: Encourage everyone to use strong, unique passwords for each system. Weak passwords are an easy entry point, so make sure all team members are using secure passwords and possibly a password manager.
  

2. Complete System Updates and Patch All Software

• Vulnerabilities are often addressed in software patches, so make sure all updates are completed before the holidays. Cybercriminals are quick to exploit known flaws that haven’t been patched, especially during times when IT teams are thinly staffed.

3. Educate Employees on Recognizing Holiday Scams

• Many breaches start with business email compromise through phishing scams. Business Email Compromise (BEC) is a cybercrime where scammers impersonate trusted figures via email to steal money or sensitive company information. Common tactics include requesting fake bill payments or obtaining data for further scams. BEC incidents are increasing, with nearly 20,000 complaints reported to the FBI last year, partly driven by the rise in remote work.
  
• Educate your team on common holiday scams, like fake shipping notifications, “urgent” donation requests, and deal offers from suspicious sources. Even if most employees are out, training them beforehand reduces the chance of anyone clicking a dangerous link while away from work.
  
• Criminals adapt to seasonal trends, so watch out for holiday-specific scams:
  • Phony Promotions or “Holiday Deal” Phishing: Fake emails promising discounts or gift card promotions are a common tactic for spreading malware.
  • Bogus Shipping Updates: With increased online orders, cybercriminals send fake shipping notifications with malicious links.
  • Emotional Charity Scams: Appeals for urgent donations can lure employees into giving out financial details or clicking harmful links.

4. Set Up Continuous Monitoring and Alerts

• Automated monitoring tools are essential for spotting unusual behavior, like unexpected login attempts. Set up real-time alerts for suspicious activity and ensure there’s a plan to address alerts if IT staff are out.

5. Limit Access to Critical Systems Temporarily

• Consider limiting access to sensitive systems during the holidays, especially if staff don’t need regular access to them. Temporarily deactivating access for unnecessary users can minimize risk during low-activity periods.

6. Conduct a Security Audit Before the Holidays

• Do a thorough check for open vulnerabilities, from unused accounts to outdated software. This proactive approach reduces the chances of falling victim to opportunistic attackers.

7. Back Up Important Data and Test Your Backup Process

• Make sure all critical data is backed up and that your restoration process is tested. Should a ransomware attack occur, you’ll want a secure way to recover without paying attackers.

8. Develop a Rapid Incident Response Plan

• Ensure there’s a clear protocol for handling a security breach even if key people are out. Know exactly who to contact, and make sure every team member understands the process, no matter where they are.

Don’t Start the New Year with a Pink Slip

Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting company assets—it’s about protecting your own job. Failing to secure systems over the holidays could lead to more than a reprimand if an attack costs the company financially or damages its reputation. 

The team at DMC Technology Group are Toledo’s local cybersecurity experts. Prevention is your best defense; whether a DMC security audit, or a full penetration test, a small investment in holiday cybersecurity can keep the holiday spirit—and your job—intact.

The post Protect Your Job Over the Holidays by Safeguarding Your Company’s Security appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The world is changing fast with rapidly transforming industries, evolving economic drivers, and technology at a pivotal point. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining the way we conduct business. Twice as many leaders now believe that AI will increase productivity, not reduce headcount. Employees say they are 70% likely to “delegate” work to AI. 

Rather than fearing AI, more businesses can and should adopt, learn and leverage this robust and quickly advancing technology. 

AI can give organizations a competitive edge, with 87% of businesses surveyed by Microsoft affirming that generative AI’s capabilities will help move the needle for performance and profitability. Because 64% of employee respondents indicated a lack of time and energy to effectively perform their jobs, AI can provide a layer of support and even boost morale. AI tools can give team members the traction to perform at higher levels on targeted tasks while assigning mundane roles to AI.

Enter Microsoft 365’s Copilot, a business AI companion now available in the Microsoft Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) program. Our experienced IT engineers and specialists believe that Copilot for Microsoft 365 is an organizational transformation that can unlock productivity, foster creativity and integrate AI into daily workflows.  

Here, we’ll address how your business can capitalize on the technology and answer your questions Copilot for Microsoft 365:

• What is Copilot for Microsoft 365?
• What is the value of Microsoft Copilot for businesses? 
• How can different job functions in my business benefit from AI with Microsoft Copilot?
• How secure is Copilot for Microsoft 365?
• How do I prepare to integrate Copilot for Microsoft 365 AI companion? 

What Is Copilot for Microsoft 365? 

Think of Microsoft 365’s Copilot as your ultimate productivity tool that works across Microsoft applications to streamline communications, integrate data and provide real-time intelligence. The AI companion allows your people to enhance their creativity and skills. Here’s a snapshot of how Copilot for business functions in apps you use daily.

Copilot in Outlook: The AI tool helps clean up your inbox and messages, streamlining the amount of time dedicated to inbox management and email communications. For example, you can ask Copilot to summarize emails missed while you were on vacation. Or, request a thank-you draft response in a professional tone. You can also initiate emails, such as inviting everyone in a group to the conference room for a meeting. 

Copilot in Teams: Organize discussion points before a meeting and summarize action steps afterward. You can ask Copilot, “What decisions were made during the meeting and what are suggested next steps?” From creating pro-con lists to summarizing missed meetings, Copilot for Microsoft 365 is the sharp assistant you’ve been missing. 

Copilot in Word: Need to create a proposal for a vendor or client? Editing a document for a presentation? Seeking perspective for an outline so you can write a project draft? Copilot’s writing, editing and summarizing capabilities allow you to focus efforts on the creative side, which delivers more value to an organization. 

Copilot in PowerPoint: You have an idea, and you need a PowerPoint presentation. Copilot for Microsoft 365 allows you to automatically create a slide presentation based on content in a Word document and include stock images that align with each thought. You can ask the AI companion to consolidate a lengthy presentation and repurpose it for a different audience. 

The Bottom Line: Copilot works across Microsoft 365 business applications to save time, drive productivity, increase accuracy and improve systems. 

What is the Value of Microsoft Copilot for Businesses? 

Not sure if your business will benefit from Copilot for Microsoft 365? Let’s take a look at the potential time savings, workflow advantages, quality output, financial gains and employee well-being. 

We know that aside from talent, time is the most precious and finite asset a business has, and maximizing how time is spent directly impacts the bottom line and employee morale. So, how much time can people save with Copilot for Microsoft 365? According to Microsoft’s Early Access Program survey results, 67% of respondents said the AI tool, “Saves me time so I can focus on more important work.” Then, 77% said they would not want to give up Copilot after using it, and 30% noted that access to Copilot would influence their choice of employer. 

Every month on average, employees saved 10 hours of time using Copilot for Microsoft 365 because of its impact on workflow. That includes conducting more effective meetings, analyzing data, creating content and email processing. All of this improved productivity translates to financial gains, and employees are more satisfied at work because they can stay in the flow, spend less time on rote tasks like filtering email and searching for information, and simplify complex tasks. 

The bottom line: Time savings realized from implementing Copilot for Microsoft 365 weeds out waste and, as a result, improves quality and overall business outcomes. 

How Can Different Job Functions in My Business Benefit from AI with Microsoft Copilot?

No matter your industry or job function, AI with Copilot for Microsoft 365 advances your competitive edge and performance. Let’s address various departments in a typical organization and how the AI companion for Microsoft can save time and drive more focused, effective work. 

HR: Job descriptions and employee manuals are ever-evolving documents that easily collect dust because of the time and effort required to update them. You can ask Copilot to write draft job responsibilities, create training materials or respond to job applicants’ emails. 

Marketing: What relevant market trends and segments should your business target? AI can help identify these “hot spots” so you can align marketing efforts with a warm audience. Copilot can summarize a marketing campaign’s results with visuals you can present to the team. Another opportunity: creating the first draft for a project, saving time and innovation for the final product. 

Sales: Looking for a conversation starter or need to develop a case for a potential customer to buy from your business? Copilot can research industries, providing key data and negotiation points to close more deals. Analyze sales data to track performance and set goals, and create proposals. AI from Microsoft 365 can help you finetune sales skills by assisting with time-consuming legwork, allowing sales professionals to focus on more relationship-centric activities. 

IT: From staying up to date on project calls to identifying data patterns, trouble-shooting and communications, IT professionals benefit from added support that Copilot for Microsoft 365 provides. 

Finance: Take the complexity out of financial reporting and planning, and ask Copilot to identify areas for improvement. Rather than spending time generating charts to communicate data, reassign this task to your AI “assistant.” 

The bottom line: Every aspect of your organization can benefit from implementing Copilot by Microsoft 365, freeing up your people to focus on what they do best. 

How Secure Is Copilot for Microsoft 365?

Our team at DMC Technology Group believes that Copilot for Microsoft 365 is a transformative technology, and whenever implementing any IT tool, we focus on security first and foremost. Let’s evaluate how AI will impact your IT environment from a vulnerability perspective. Copilot’s best-in-class security controls provide tremendous peace of mind because of a few key features. Those include user/session risk and access controls, and automatic sensitivity labels for non-Microsoft products that mean your IT systems are “on alert” when operating apps and programs outside of the Microsoft 365 suite. 

Copilot allows your IT team or managed services provider like DMC to discover and evaluate the risk of more than 400 AI apps and implement controls so you can work securely. With Copilot, you can receive automated, ready-to-share reports on security investigations along with guidance to increase your IT security posture. You can also customize Microsoft 365 Copilot’s access and interactions with internal documents by assigning sensitivity labels. 

The bottom line: We appreciate how Copilot allows us to help you set the boundaries for the AI tool with settings controls that allow you to integrate the AI companion as you choose.

How Do I Prepare to Integrate Copilot AI for Microsoft 365?

Copilot for Microsoft 365 is designed to work with commercial business and enterprise New Commerce Experience (NCE) subscriptions such as Microsoft Business Premium or Standard, Microsoft 365 E3 or E5, and Office 365 E3 or E5. DMC Technology Group can resell Copilot licenses for your organization because of our Cloud Solution Provider (CSP) status as a Solution Partner for Modern Work.

Ready to enter the AI revolution with a tool that will measurably impact the way your leadership and employees work? 

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing best-in-class IT solutions. We take pride in our talented staff of engineers and IT specialists with strong communication skills that allow us to develop long-term relationships with clients, who see us as a vested partner in their success. 

Let’s talk about how Copilot can add value to your organization. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Toledo, Ohio-based organization develop and execute a robust IT strategy that drives growth and innovation.

Contact us to learn how.

Posted by Greg Gomach, Business Unit Manager at
DMC Technology Group

The post The AI Evolution: How Microsoft 365 Copilot is Transforming the Way We Work appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

We are deep into a new world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its capabilities are vast, evolving and soon to be ingrained in every business across industries. Chatbots are handling customer service requests. AI-powered machines are taking over low-skill manual labor jobs. AI can detect fraud for financial services firms, predict retail purchases and play a role in national defense, the list goes on. 

A Brookings Institute report illustrates how AI has escalated from unfamiliarity to dinner table conversation. When 1,500 U.S. senior business leaders were asked about AI in 2017, only about 17 percent knew what it was.

Fast forward to today – Accenture's "The Art of AI Maturity" report states that machine learning models suggest that the share of AI Achievers will increase rapidly and significantly, more than doubling from the current 12% to 27% by 2024.

This includes using machine learning for cyber security. And there is good reason why. 

First, there is a demand for skilled cybersecurity experts and a growing talent gap across the globe. We need more security support and intelligence than the industry can currently fulfill. Also, a surge of cyber threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks are increasing organizations’ vulnerability. 

Generative AI, when deployed by an experienced IT managed services provider, can empower cyber security teams. AI can improve an existing end-to-end security system and fast-forward the response time should an incident occur.

The bottom line: AI can help detect, prevent and respond to cyber threats before they cause irreversible reputational and financial damage. 

Let’s explore how AI can elevate IT security services. 

Harnessing Generative AI to Enhance End-to-End Cyber Security 

As a longtime IT managed services provider, we know that anticipating cyber security threats and staying ahead of market evolution is essential. What works today could be improved for tomorrow, and what you expect for tomorrow could change the day after that. 

Our approach is beyond proactive. It’s operational preparedness. 

The leading business partners and vendors we align with share this philosophy and are invested in AI-powered tools to bolster cyber security, as well. For example, in March 2023, Microsoft introduced Security Copilot, the first generative AI security product. It is a ready assistant that builds on the latest in large language models and 65 trillion daily signals to inform security teams so they can outpace today’s sophisticated cybercriminals. 

By working with a managed-services security provider (MSSP) or IT managed services provider such as DMC, security experts can support your team with the latest, transformative technology designed for high-level threat intelligence. (Microsoft offers a “Bring Your Own MSSP” option.) 

Artificial intelligence in cyber security can perform a number of mission-critical tasks to protect an organization, including: 

• Threat detection and analysis — AI systems learn network and user behavior, so they can identify deviations and anomalies that could indicate a cyberattack. The sooner you know, the faster you can respond. 
• Intrusion detection — Every minute of every day, increasingly sophisticated cybercriminals find new ways to breach even the tightest security systems. AI can detect and respond to unauthorized access and suspicious activities in real time, which prevents data breaches and helps ensure “always on” security. 
• Social media monitoring — Through national language processing (NLP), AI can analyze text and speech sentiment for monitoring social media and other sources for potential threats. 
• Email monitoring and filtering — AI-based systems can identify phishing attempts and malicious emails before they damage an organization. 
• Automating security tasks — Routine patching and security updates are essential, and security breaches occur during lapse times before an organization realizes it. While working with an MSP for end-to-end cyber security like DMC lifts this burden, a security expert who deploys AI-powered tools adds one more layer of protection for improving response times. 

AI Is A Cyber Security Support, Not an MSP Replacement 

AI will augment security, whether your organization has an in-house IT professional, a team that is supported by an MSO, or you rely on an IT managed services provider as a turn-key cyber security arm of your business. But cyber security intelligence requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. 

Because AI can help automate repetitive tasks and analyze large volumes of data from IT infrastructure, MSPs can more efficiently gather this information to help inform business decisions. Predictive maintenance can decrease downtime, giving managed IT services advanced notice for upgrades, repairs and updates so they can respond immediately. 

MSPs also can leverage AI-driven analytics to optimize resources and aid in IT planning and strategic budgeting, as well. Along those lines, AI-generated reports can provide real-time status updates on system performance and other key metrics. 

Not sure how artificial intelligence in cyber security could benefit your organization? A knowledgeable MSP can identify cases where AI could enhance your offerings, along with implementing trusted AI cyber security tools that elevate your security posture. Keep in mind, involving an MSP in AI-security-related tools is critical because machine learning models can also be susceptible to cyber-attacks. They must be skillfully deployed and protected. 

Safely Deploying AI Cyber Security Tools 

Position your business for success by staying on top of the latest artificial intelligence cyber security tools that are enhancing the way we monitor, detect and respond to adversarial attacks. At DMC, we are invested in and committed to continuous learning so we can offer clients advanced solutions, including AI cyber security tools, to futureproof their organizations. 

How could AI improve your cybersecurity posture? Let’s talk. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your organization develop and execute a robust IT strategy that drives growth and innovation. Contact us to learn how.

The post Artificial Intelligence in Cyber Security appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and its purpose is to help individuals and businesses understand the cybersecurity landscape, potential threats and steps to mitigate risk. This year marks the 20th campaign, and the cybersecurity landscape has drastically changed during that time. The tactics cybercriminals deploy are increasingly sophisticated. Now more than ever, we must take proactive steps to secure our tech environments.

This month of awareness and resources is organized by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance. This year, the campaign is expanding to a year-round effort called Secure Our World. The initiative aligns with DMC Technology Group’s approach to IT cybersecurity as a vital partner in helping organizations develop and maintain a robust security posture. 

When was the last time your business engaged in a security risk assessment? Do your employees know how to identify and prevent phishing attacks? Is software continuously updated to apply the latest security upgrades and patches? These are just a few steps The National Cybersecurity Alliance suggests initiating this month and moving forward. 

As a managed services IT partner for businesses of all sizes, DMC is on the front lines of cyberattacks. We monitor clients’ technology systems around the clock to identify potential threats. We deploy proven strategies from industry-leading partners and our experienced engineers implement cybersecurity solutions that protect the most complex environments. This month, we’re honoring National Cybersecurity Awareness Month with some strategies for improving your IT security posture.

What Is Cybersecurity Awareness and Why Is It Important?

Cybersecurity awareness is understanding potential cybersecurity threats and best practices for protecting every aspect of your technology landscape, from networks and computer systems to email, cloud-based apps and mobile devices. We know cybersecurity can feel overwhelming in our digital world. Virtually everything we do in life and business is somehow connected to technology. Because of this, the windows of opportunity for cybercriminals are ever-expanding. That is, only if we give bad actors the keys. Ultimately, this is the point of Cybersecurity Awareness Month: to inform, share knowledge and secure our world.

Cybersecurity awareness includes:

• Employee education and training to understand and prevent cyber threats
• Understanding financial and reputational risks businesses face when security breaches occur
• Preparing an incident response plan to proactively manage cybersecurity breaches 
• Awareness of legal and regulatory compliance requirements so businesses and individuals understand their responsibilities 
• Promoting cybersecurity best practices and re-committing to essential tech security measures 

Specifically for businesses, cybersecurity awareness is crucial because what you don’t know about your IT security posture can cause significant damage to your organization. 

• Reputational damage
• Loss of customers
• Downtime, related costs and missed sales opportunities 
• Legal ramifications and fees 
• Loss of intellectual property and data 
• Reduced employee morale

Cybersecurity Awareness Education for Employees 

Employee education centered on cyber threats should be ongoing, and we realize that everyday business can push security training down on the priority list. But taking the time to deliver cybersecurity awareness education to employees is just as important as teaching job-related skills. After all, safely navigating the tech landscape is their job, too. 

DMC helps businesses create comprehensive cybersecurity policies for their team members. Even simple efforts like teaching employees how to create strong passwords or use multi-factor authentication go a long way toward protecting your IT environment. 

Here are some basic employee cybersecurity training topics to cover. 

• Assess employees’ cybersecurity knowledge with surveys to identify knowledge gaps.
• Consider employees’ job roles to tailor training for their position.
• Develop and clearly communicate your company’s cybersecurity policy including expectations, guidelines and consequences for non-compliance.
• Implement phishing simulations to test employees’ ability to recognize and respond to phishing emails and text messages.
• Create a cybersecurity incident response plan.
• Use real-life examples and case studies to explain social engineering tactics like baiting and tailgating.
• Enlist in an IT managed services partner like DMC to execute an employee cybersecurity training program and resources—you don’t have to do this alone. 

Business Cybersecurity Awareness Checklist 

Aside from essential cybersecurity employee communications, your business can improve its cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of threats during Cybersecurity Awareness Month by taking these crucial action steps to mitigate incidents. 

Now is a great time to renew a commitment to cybersecurity. It’s a 24/7/365 necessity to protect your business from data breaches and losses, both reputational and financial. DMC offers a security posture checklist with critical IT cybersecurity measures that all businesses should deploy. One of those is effective security awareness training to help employees understand proper cyber best practices and their role in helping combat IT security threats. 

Following are other high-impact essentials to implement in your overall cybersecurity strategy. 

Assess Cybersecurity Risk — As noted, an IT security assessment will set the stage for your cybersecurity strategy by identifying vulnerabilities, potential threats and plans for resolving incidents. 

Backup and Disaster Recovery — If a security breach occurs, what’s the plan? Every business should have a business continuity plan in place that includes how you will effectively backup and recover to reduce downtime and regain access to mission-critical systems, applications and data. This coincides with incident reporting protocols so employees know how to respond when a security breach occurs. 

Endpoint Detection, Protection and Updates — Your IT environment extends far beyond office computer systems and tech infrastructure. End-user devices including smartphones and tablets are equally vulnerable to cyber threats. There are more endpoints attached to networks than ever before, which is why your business needs to protect those devices with elevated security measures. Additionally, endpoint updates to stay current with security patches will ensure ongoing protection. 

Email Protection — This is the main entry point for phishing attacks and other sophisticated hacks. Email protection should guard against credential phishing and email compromise, and there must be a plan for investigating and remediating attacks. 

Conditional Access — Who has access to your cloud-based and on-premise applications? For added security, there are solutions that allow employees to access those applications only when they are using trusted, compliant devices. You can’t be sure that home laptops and devices are equipped with the IT security measures to protect your business. So, conditional access is another layer of protection. 

Multi-Factor Authentication and Strong Passwords — The National Cybersecurity Alliance emphasizes this practice in its October Cybersecurity Awareness resources. Enable multi-factor authentication that requires employees to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to password-protected information. Also, examine your password policy. Use strong passwords, and then implement the Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) to automatically manage and back up those passwords.

Next-Generation Firewall — Modern, high-impact firewalls should include threat protection, gateway security or multi-engine sandbox detection. This tool analyzes suspicious code and behavior so you have full visibility of malicious activity to resist potential threats. 

Encryption — By encoding messages, hard drives and personal information, only those with authorized access can gain access. Encryption also protects workers when they are working off-site or from home. 

Domain Name System (DNS) Security — DNS servers can be cyber attack targets orchestrated in conjunction with other security breaches. Bad actors compromise DNS servers to distract IT security professionals from the main target, which could be sensitive information or proprietary data. DNS is how employees access apps and IT services, whether on-premise or in the cloud. So if DNS is compromised, your business is shut down until the attack is remediated. 

Life Cycle Management — This speaks to the critical need for ongoing cybersecurity awareness and oversight. It includes maintaining up-to-date hardware and firmware, along with support to safeguard systems. 

Grow Cybersecurity Awareness with DMC 

Cybersecurity awareness is a year-round pursuit. Businesses can’t afford to let their foot off the gas pedal of managing IT security. We recommend starting with an IT security assessment to identify vulnerabilities. DMC delivers thorough cybersecurity assessments conducted by our multidisciplinary team of IT engineers, who examine every facet of your operation. From there, we build backup and disaster recovery protocols, IT strategic plans and can oversee the entire tech environment to protect your business from cyber threats. 

Why not start with an IT security assessment and employee cyber training by DMC. We’re spreading the word about cybersecurity awareness—join us. Let’s talk tech.

Posted by Greg Gomach, Business Unit Manager at
DMC Technology Group

The post Cybersecurity Awareness Month  appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

The internet and cloud are always on, and your systems are running 24/7/365. Plus, today’s ever-changing cyber landscape is layered with threats that leverage multiple ways to attack IT systems and capture data: email attachments, infected web ads, phishing sites. There is always a way “in.”

According to a Cybercrime Magazine article citing data from Cybersecurity Ventures, cybercrime is predicted to total $8 trillion dollars in damage globally in 2023.

Do you have a clear understanding of these cyber thieves? They are constantly finding ways to hack into IT systems and take data for ransom and pushing their way into companies’ tech environments.

Unfortunately, many businesses find out their true cyber security posture and vulnerabilities after the fact. The cost is tough to estimate when you add up potentially irreparable reputational damage, downtime, lost production opportunity, and fees to fix IT systems. Plus, we’re finding that most cyber insurance providers require a forensic review, which means you’re in limbo until that process is complete. 

Going back to the old mantra, “knowledge is power,” a detailed, clear picture of your cyber security posture can be determined during a cybersecurity assessment and provide vital intel for better securing your IT infrastructure. Cybersecurity assessment companies perform IT audits, but when you work with a comprehensive managed IT services provider like DMC Technology Group, you gain the benefit of a multidisciplinary team of IT engineers who examine every facet of your operations through a cybersecurity lens. 

What is Included in a Security Risk Assessment?

A security risk assessment provides a clear picture of your security posture—and it’s a crucial step toward becoming more proactive in your attack surface management and overall IT security strategy. You might be wondering, what should I look for in a cybersecurity risk assessment? 

When DMC partners with businesses of all sizes to perform a thorough audit of your IT Infrastructure, we make sure to cover the following high-impact facets of your systems. 

Security Risk Assessment: We test your organization's security preparedness with vulnerability checks that identify potential risks in IT systems and processes. So, it’s much more than examining hardware and software.

Endpoint Updates: What is your patching policy? If you aren’t sure, that’s a red flag. It’s critical to keep up to date with Microsoft security patches that help protect against the latest cyber threats. 

Passwords: Strong passwords can prevent cyber thieves from “opening the door” to access your company’s data. We’ll review your current password policy and ensure that you have a Windows Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) in place.

Backup Disaster Plan and Recovery: Cybersecurity should be included in your business continuity plan and address backup and recovery processes. We’ll review your policies and ensure that you have protocols in place to reduce downtime and recover mission-critical systems, applications and data. 

Next-Generation Firewall: A firewall is your first line of defense for preventing cyber threats. The traditional firewall isn’t enough. We recommend advanced threat protection, gateway security, or multi-engine sandbox detection. 

Security Awareness Training: Do your employees understand what cyber hygiene means—and do they actually practice it? You should have formal training in place to raise awareness and teach employees their cybersecurity responsibilities to help avoid security breaches. 

End-Point Detection and Prevention: Our robust next-gen antivirus and malware solution monitors for any threats that may try to make it into your systems. We know not everything gets stopped, but knowing when a breach does happen is just as important as stopping one. We would review what is in use now and where it is lacking and make recommendations on how to lock down any vulnerabilities.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Two-factor authentication (2FA) and MFA requires every user to provide several verification factors to gain access to credentialed accounts and protected information. Without MFA, again, you’re leaving the door to your data wide open. 

Domain Name Service (DNS) Security: We help stage sites through policy-based content filtering. This prevents unwanted site visits and website hijacking. DNS security breaches are a common way cyber thieves gain access to your systems and information.

Advanced Email Protection: We’re seeing more attacks via email attachments and credential phishing. A cybersecurity assessment will analyze your email security and provide recommendations for preventing attacks. 

Encryption: Who can read your company’s messages, access hard drives, and dig into personal information? Without proper encryption, the answer is—anyone. By encoding all of this critical data, only those with authorized access can read or use systems. 

Mobile Device Security: Today’s workforce is hybrid, mobile and employees operate on multiple devices. A cybersecurity assessment should also review how you’re protecting data on employees’ portable devices and the connected network. It takes a multi-layered security approach to prevent cyber attacks.

Conditional Access: Who can access your applications on the cloud and on-premises? The answer should be only those who are authorized, but we find that many businesses lack conditional access tools. 

Life Cycle Management: By maintaining up-to-date hardware and firmware, you can better safeguard IT systems from cybersecurity threats. An audit from a cybersecurity risk assessment company will identify gaps that need to be addressed. 

We’re in this for the long run!  

Employees. We aspire to have every one of our employees retire from DMC, and we have a good track record.  9 of our 24 employees were with DMC when we started in 1993 and we will certainly host retirement parties for all of them.  I tell all prospective employees that my goal is to have them retire from DMC.  Those that fit into our culture share that aspiration.

Clients.  We also aspire to have career-long relationships with our clients.  We want partnerships, not transactions.  We believe these long-term relationships are priceless……….to DMC and our clients.  

Partners.  We have strong loyalty to our technology partners including IBM, Microsoft, Dell, Cisco, SonicWall, Arctic Wolf, HP, and many others.  These firms count on DMC to represent, install, and support their technologies with our clients. They continue to provide us with advanced technologies that allow us to deliver best-in-class solutions.

We also enjoy a great partnership through our joint venture with William Vaughan, Toledo’s largest locally-owned accounting firm, providing IT solutions to their clients.

Who Needs a Security Risk Assessment?

Unfortunately, too many companies wait until a cybersecurity attack occurs before putting into place best practices like annual cybersecurity vulnerability assessments. Any company of any size should get a cyber audit to identify their existing IT security posture and areas that require improvement. 

Some SMBs think that cyber attackers only go after the “big guys” and assume they are safer from data breaches because of their size. This is not true at all. A cyber thief’s goal is to capture data that matters to you so they can hold it for ransom for any given dollar amount. They don’t care what the data is—all that matters is that it’s yours and you need it to function in day-to-day business. 

Also important, cybersecurity vulnerability assessments are required by cyber insurance providers. The insurance company might perform the assessment, and often will require a business to hire a cybersecurity assessment company to perform the third-party audit. These vulnerability assessments are important for insurers and business owners. The insurance company will gain an understanding of possible risks and how to underwrite them; and the business will get a clear picture of potential security breach issues so they can be solved before they become all-out cyber attacks.

What are the Risks of Ignoring Cybersecurity?

What you don’t know about your cybersecurity posture can really hurt your business. Risks of ignoring cybersecurity include:

• data breaches
• ransomware attacks
• phishing scams
• legal ramifications
• reputational damage
• loss of business

Not to mention all of the expenses related to downtime and lost production opportunities. No business can afford to be in this position, and a cybersecurity risk assessment can better position your company to address vulnerabilities, revise cyber protocols and head off security attacks.

What are the Benefits of a Security Risk Assessment?

When you know your numbers—blood pressure, cholesterol—you can maintain better health and improve your overall wellness. You know where you stand and what areas to address. The same is true with a cybersecurity assessment that carefully examines your security posture, inside and out. This way, you can proactively manage vulnerabilities and prevent the cascade of costs and risks that occur when a data breach or cyber attack happens. 

We want to emphasize, cybersecurity assessment is not a one-and-done deal. Like an annual physical to keep track of your health, your business should get a cyber vulnerability assessment from a third party on an annual basis. And the reason it’s so important to partner with an experienced managed IT services provider that employs technical engineers with a range of specialties is so you can get a deep-dive cyber audit from professionals who are dedicated to protecting companies’ IT infrastructure, systems and procedures. 

Basically, you don’t know what you don’t know. The overriding benefit of a cybersecurity assessment is gaining the knowledge required to continuously improve your IT environment. 

Security Risk Assessment Service

Don’t wait for your insurance company to ask you for a cybersecurity assessment. This critical audit of your security posture should be an annual practice, and it’s mission critical for preventing damaging cyber attacks. Check out the high-impact essentials DMC recommends every organization consider, and let’s talk about how a cybersecurity assessment can benefit your business. 

Contact us by filling out this simple form, or call our IT managed services office in Toledo at 419.535.2900.

Posted by Greg Gomach, Business Unit Manager at DMC Technology Group

The post What is a Security Risk Assessment? appeared first on DMC Technology Group.