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.

1. AI and Machine Learning for Proactive Threat Detection

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly transforming the way businesses detect and respond to cyber threats. In 2025, we expect to see increased adoption of AI-driven tools that not only identify potential threats in real-time but also predict potential attacks based on behavioral patterns. These systems help organizations identify irregular activities and automatically respond to incidents, minimizing the need for manual intervention. However, cybercriminals are also using AI to develop more sophisticated attacks, so staying updated on the latest AI advancements is critical.

2. Zero Trust Security Architecture

The Zero Trust model is reshaping the cybersecurity framework, and its adoption will continue to grow in 2025. This security approach operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources within the network. With the expansion of remote work and the increasing use of cloud services, Zero Trust Architecture has become essential for reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

3. Enhanced Cloud Security

As cloud adoption rises, so does the need for robust cloud security. In 2025, we expect to see organizations investing more in multi-cloud security strategies. Multi-cloud security emphasizes protecting data across various cloud environments with unified policies and management tools, as many businesses are now using a combination of private, public, and hybrid cloud solutions. Understanding and addressing potential vulnerabilities in the cloud is crucial for maintaining data integrity and ensuring compliance.

4. Increased Focus on Endpoint Security

The shift towards remote work has made endpoint security more important than ever. Endpoint devices such as laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices can be vulnerable entry points for cybercriminals. In 2025, the focus on securing these devices will continue to intensify, with many businesses adopting endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions that monitor and analyze activities on endpoint devices to detect and respond to threats. This approach helps companies maintain control over remote devices and keeps their networks secure.

5. Ransomware Preparedness and Response

Ransomware attacks have become more frequent and costly. In 2025, businesses will place even greater emphasis on preparedness and incident response strategies to combat ransomware threats. Cybersecurity teams will be focusing on implementing regular data backups, comprehensive recovery plans, and robust access controls to limit the impact of ransomware incidents. Additionally, cybersecurity insurance is likely to play a bigger role, as organizations seek coverage for potential losses from ransomware attacks.

6. Strengthening Cybersecurity Awareness and Training Programs

Human error continues to be a major factor in cybersecurity breaches. Cybersecurity Awareness Month emphasizes the importance of employee training, and in 2025, we expect organizations to strengthen their efforts around educating their workforce. Ongoing security training will not only include awareness of phishing and social engineering attacks but also address new tactics and emerging threats. Investing in a culture of cybersecurity within your organization helps to minimize human errors and keeps everyone engaged in protecting digital assets.

7. Identity and Access Management (IAM) Advancements

In an age where identity theft and data breaches are common, identity and access management (IAM) will continue to evolve. As cybercriminals develop more sophisticated ways to bypass traditional authentication methods, organizations will adopt multifactor authentication (MFA) and biometric verification techniques to enhance security. IAM solutions in 2025 will focus on offering a frictionless user experience without compromising security, particularly for remote and mobile workforces.

8. Improved Data Privacy Compliance and Governance

Data privacy is increasingly becoming a critical concern as new regulations emerge globally. In 2025, businesses will need to comply with updated privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the U.S. Adhering to these regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a means to build trust with customers. Implementing a comprehensive data governance strategy that includes data classification, encryption, and regular audits is essential for compliance and protecting sensitive information.

Embracing Cybersecurity in 2025

As the threat landscape continues to evolve, staying informed and proactive is the best defense. Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a reminder of the critical role that cybersecurity plays in our increasingly digital world. At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to providing our clients with the latest insights, tools, and strategies to safeguard their business from cyber threats. Embracing these 2025 cybersecurity trends will not only help protect your organization but also contribute to a safer, more resilient digital ecosystem for all.

Are you prepared for the cybersecurity challenges of 2025? Contact DMC Technology Group today to learn more about our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. Contact Us to secure your business and protect your future.

The post Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Leading Trends in Cybersecurity for 2025 appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

This marks a considerable change in how companies can manage their software licensing agreements and is expected to provide more flexibility for organizations looking to optimize their IT operations. 

Let’s dive into the details of this new policy and what it means for businesses navigating today's complex cloud landscape.

The Background: Cloud Licensing and Lock-In Concerns

Historically, Microsoft’s licensing agreements have been somewhat rigid, tying customers to a specific cloud service provider or partner for the entire duration of their contract. This created what is often referred to as “vendor lock-in,” where businesses had limited options to switch providers even if their needs or preferences changed. 

For companies using Microsoft's popular suite of cloud-based tools, this could mean being stuck with a provider that no longer meets their performance or cost expectations, or simply being unable to adapt to shifting business strategies.

Vendor lock-in has long been a sticking point for businesses in the cloud space, and Microsoft’s move to allow mid-contract transfers of licenses is a significant step toward greater freedom and flexibility for its customers.

What Does This Change Mean for Businesses?

The ability to move licenses to another service provider mid-contract opens up a new realm of possibilities for businesses. Here’s why this development is important:

• Increased Flexibility and Agility: In today’s fast-paced business environment, agility is key. This new licensing policy allows businesses to pivot quickly, whether they’re seeking better pricing, superior service, or different technical capabilities from a competing provider. If a business realizes halfway through a contract that another provider can better support its evolving needs, they now have the ability to make that switch seamlessly without waiting for the contract to expire.
  
• Enhanced Bargaining Power: With the option to switch providers mid-contract, businesses gain more leverage in their negotiations with service providers. Providers will need to maintain high standards of service and competitive pricing throughout the entire contract period, knowing that customers can walk away if they are dissatisfied. This competitive pressure will likely drive innovation, better service delivery, and more competitive pricing models.
  
• Reduced Risk: Businesses are often wary of making long-term commitments due to the risk of market changes, technological advancements, or shifts in business strategies. Being able to reallocate licenses mid-term reduces this risk, as organizations now have an escape route if they need to realign their technology stack with their broader business goals.
  
• Simplified IT Strategy Adjustments: For companies undergoing mergers, acquisitions, or significant changes in IT strategy, this policy provides a simpler way to consolidate or reconfigure licenses across different environments. For instance, if a company is migrating from a hybrid cloud solution to a multi-cloud or single-cloud strategy, they now have the flexibility to adjust their licenses accordingly, reducing downtime and disruption.

Potential Challenges to Consider

While this change is largely seen as positive, businesses should be mindful of potential challenges that come with mid-contract license mobility:

• Compatibility and Integration Issues: Switching providers mid-contract could potentially lead to integration issues, especially if the new provider’s environment isn’t fully compatible with your existing system architecture. It’s essential to conduct a thorough technical analysis before making any decisions.
  
• Contract Terms with Service Providers: It’s important to read the fine print on agreements with your cloud service provider. While Microsoft may allow you to move your licenses, the contract terms with the service provider you’re leaving may have penalties or restrictions related to early termination or service cancellation.

How to Make the Most of This New Flexibility

To fully take advantage of Microsoft’s new policy, businesses should consider the following:

• Evaluate Current Providers Regularly: Don’t wait until the end of a contract to assess your cloud service provider. Regularly evaluate service performance, costs, and business alignment.

• Have a Migration Plan in Place: If you think you may switch providers, having a well-documented migration plan that outlines timelines, costs, and potential risks will help ensure a smooth transition.

• Leverage Expert Advice: Cloud licensing and migrations can be complex. Engaging with experts—whether in-house or third-party consultants—can help you navigate the potential pitfalls and make the best decisions for your business.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft’s decision to allow customers to move licenses mid-contract is a game-changer for organizations looking to stay agile in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing cloud environment. This flexibility can help businesses negotiate better deals, reduce risks, and ensure that their cloud solutions remain aligned with their evolving needs.

However, as with any significant change, it’s essential to approach these new options thoughtfully. Proper planning and understanding of the technical and contractual nuances will ensure that businesses make the most of this new flexibility while avoiding unnecessary pitfalls. Ultimately, this move by Microsoft empowers businesses to take greater control of their cloud strategies, leading to more dynamic, resilient, and cost-effective IT environments.

How DMC Technology Group Can Help

Microsoft's new policy allowing customers to move licenses mid-contract provides businesses with greater flexibility to switch service providers. Companies can now adapt quickly to evolving needs, optimize their IT strategy, and avoid being locked into long-term, rigid agreements.

DMC Technology Group can help businesses take full advantage of this new policy. With extensive experience in managed IT services, DMC offers seamless migration support, ensuring that companies move licenses efficiently without disruption. DMC also provides expert consultation to help businesses assess their cloud environment, identify potential improvements, and leverage the latest Microsoft technologies to maximize performance.

Whether you’re looking to switch providers, consolidate licenses, or optimize your current IT setup, DMC’s tailored managed services can simplify the process and ensure your business continues to thrive in a flexible and agile cloud environment.

Contact us for more information on moving your Microsoft License to a new provider.

The post Microsoft Now Allows Customers to Move Licenses Mid-Contract: What It Means for Businesses appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Information technology is no longer a peripheral function but a core element of business strategy. As Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan based organizations across industries become increasingly reliant on digital solutions, IT expenditures have grown from simple operational costs to strategic investments that drive business outcomes. 

This shift has made IT planning an integral part of annual budget planning. However, the complexity and rapid evolution of technology make it imperative for company leaders to approach IT budgeting with careful consideration and foresight.

The Growing Importance of IT in Business:

IT is at the heart of almost every business operation, from internal communications and customer relationship management to supply chain logistics and data analytics. As such, the role of IT has expanded beyond basic support functions to include strategic initiatives like digital transformation, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision making. 

Incorporating IT into the annual budget is essential for several reasons:

• Driving Innovation and Competitive Advantage:
  Companies that invest strategically in IT can leverage new technologies to innovate, streamline processes, and offer better products or services. This not only improves efficiency but also creates a competitive advantage in the market.
  
• Ensuring Operational Continuity:
  IT infrastructure is crucial for maintaining day-to-day operations. Downtime or failures in IT systems can lead to significant disruptions, lost revenue, and damaged reputations. Budgeting for IT ensures that necessary resources are allocated to maintain and upgrade these systems, thereby minimizing the risk of operational disruptions.

• Supporting Scalability:
  As businesses grow, their IT needs will also expand. Without adequate planning and budgeting, companies may find themselves unable to scale their IT infrastructure to meet increasing demands. This can result in bottlenecks and inefficiencies that hinder growth.

• Enhancing Security and Compliance:
  With the rise of cyber threats, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. IT budgeting is crucial for implementing robust security measures and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Failure to do so can lead to costly breaches, legal penalties, and loss of customer trust.

Key Considerations for IT Budget Planning:

While the importance of IT budgeting is clear, the process itself can be challenging. Technology is constantly evolving, and the needs of a business can change rapidly. Here are some key considerations for company leaders as they plan their IT budgets:

• Align IT with Business Goals:
  The first step in IT budget planning is to align IT investments with the company’s overall business goals. This requires close collaboration between IT leaders and other departments to understand their needs and how IT can support them. For example, if the company’s goal is to expand into new markets, the IT budget should include investments in scalable infrastructure, data analytics, and customer engagement platforms.

• Prioritize Strategic Investments:
  Not all IT expenditures are created equal. Company leaders should prioritize investments that will have the most significant impact on the business. This might include projects that enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, or support digital transformation initiatives. It's essential to distinguish between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” IT projects and allocate resources accordingly.

• Account for Total Cost of Ownership (TCO):
  When budgeting for IT, it’s crucial to consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) rather than just the initial purchase price. TCO includes not only the cost of acquiring technology but also ongoing expenses such as maintenance, upgrades, training, and support. Understanding TCO helps avoid underestimating the long-term costs of IT investments.

• Plan for Contingencies:
  Technology is unpredictable, and unexpected issues can arise. To mitigate risks, company leaders should include a contingency fund in the IT budget. This fund can be used to address unforeseen challenges, such as system failures, security breaches, or urgent software updates. A well-planned contingency fund ensures that the company can respond quickly to IT emergencies without derailing the budget.

• Consider the Impact of Emerging Technologies:
  The rapid pace of technological innovation means that new tools and platforms are constantly emerging. Company leaders should stay informed about these developments and consider their potential impact on the business. While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, keeping an eye on emerging technologies allows companies to make informed decisions about when and where to invest.

• Emphasize Cybersecurity:
  Cybersecurity should be a top priority in any IT budget. With the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, companies cannot afford to skimp on security measures. This includes investments in firewalls, encryption, intrusion detection systems, and employee training programs. Additionally, companies should budget for regular security assessments and updates to ensure that their defenses remain robust.

• Evaluate Cloud vs. On-Premises Solutions:
  As more companies move to the cloud, leaders must decide whether to invest in cloud-based solutions or continue with on-premises infrastructure. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. Cloud solutions offer flexibility, scalability, and cost savings, but they may also pose security and compliance challenges. On-premises solutions provide greater control but require significant upfront investment and ongoing maintenance. The decision should be based on the company’s specific needs, resources, and long-term goals.

• Focus on ROI and Value Creation
  Ultimately, IT investments should be evaluated based on their return on investment (ROI) and value creation for the business. Company leaders should establish clear metrics for assessing the success of IT projects, such as cost savings, revenue growth, or improved customer satisfaction. By focusing on ROI, leaders can ensure that IT expenditures contribute to the company’s bottom line and long-term success.

• Engage in Regular Review and Adjustment:
  Budgeting is not a one-time activity but an ongoing process. Company leaders should regularly review their IT budgets and make adjustments as needed. This allows the company to respond to changes in the business environment, technological advancements, and shifting priorities. Regular reviews also provide an opportunity to assess the performance of IT investments and reallocate resources to projects that deliver the most value.
  
  
• Create a Culture of Collaboration:
  Effective IT budgeting requires collaboration between IT, finance, and other business units. Company leaders should encourage a culture of open communication and shared responsibility for IT planning. This ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on priorities and that IT investments are integrated into the broader business strategy.

IT planning is a critical component of annual budget planning. As technology continues to play an increasingly central role in business operations and strategy, company leaders must approach IT budgeting with a strategic mindset. 

By aligning IT investments with business goals, prioritizing strategic initiatives, accounting for total cost of ownership, and staying informed about emerging technologies, leaders can ensure that their IT budgets drive innovation, support growth, and enhance security. 

At DMC Technology Group we take a collaborative approach to IT budget planning that will help companies maximize the value of their investments and position themselves for long-term success in the digital age.

The post The Critical Role of IT Planning in Annual Budget Season appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

In today’s digital landscape, the threat of cyberattacks looms large over businesses of all sizes. Among these threats, ransomware attacks have become increasingly prevalent and devastating even for companies in Toledo, Ohio. This is why having an effective incident response plan is not just beneficial, but essential for every company. At DMC Technology Group, we aim to shed light on what incident response and ransomware attacks entail and why a proactive approach is crucial for your business.

Understanding Ransomware Attacks:

Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. These attacks can cripple an organization’s operations, leading to significant financial losses and reputational damage. Here’s how a typical ransomware attack unfolds:

• Infiltration: Cybercriminals gain access to a company’s network through phishing emails, malicious websites, or exploiting vulnerabilities.
• Encryption: Once inside, the ransomware encrypts critical files, rendering them inaccessible.
• Ransom Demand: The attackers demand a ransom in exchange for a decryption key, often accompanied by threats of data leaks or further damage.
• Decryption or Data Loss: Victims may choose to pay the ransom (which is not guaranteed to work) or face the potential loss of valuable data and operational downtime.

What is Incident Response?

Incident response refers to the systematic approach taken by an organization to prepare for, detect, contain, and recover from cyber incidents. This process involves a series of steps designed to mitigate the impact of security breaches, limit damage, and ensure a swift return to normal operations. An effective incident response plan includes:

• Preparation: Developing and implementing policies, tools, and training to prevent and handle incidents.
• Detection and Analysis: Monitoring systems to identify potential threats and analyzing the severity and impact of these threats.
• Containment, Eradication, and Recovery: Containing the threat to prevent further damage, eradicating the root cause, and recovering affected systems.
• Post-Incident Activity: Reviewing and analyzing the incident to improve future response strategies and strengthen defenses.

Preventing Ransomware Attacks

While having an incident response plan is critical, prevention is the first line of defense against ransomware attacks. Companies can significantly reduce their risk by implementing the following preventive measures:

• Employee Training: Educate employees about the dangers of phishing emails and the importance of cautious online behavior.
• Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of critical data and ensure they are stored securely offline to prevent ransomware from encrypting these backups.
• Security Software: Use advanced security software, including antivirus, anti-malware, and intrusion detection systems, to detect and block ransomware.
• Patch Management: Keep all software and systems updated with the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities that ransomware might exploit.
• Access Controls: Limit user access to sensitive data and systems based on their roles and responsibilities to minimize the potential impact of an attack.

Why Every Company Needs an Incident Response Plan:

Regardless of size, every company is a potential target for ransomware attacks. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often perceived as easier targets due to potentially weaker security measures compared to larger corporations. Here’s why an incident response plan is indispensable:

• Mitigating Financial Losses: Cyberattacks can result in significant financial repercussions, including ransom payments, recovery costs, and lost revenue due to downtime. An incident response plan helps minimize these losses by enabling a swift and coordinated response.
• Protecting Reputation: A well-handled incident can maintain customer trust and protect the company’s reputation. Conversely, a poorly managed response can result in long-term reputational damage.
• Ensuring Business Continuity: An incident response plan ensures that critical business functions can continue or be quickly restored, reducing the impact on operations.
• Compliance and Legal Obligations: Many industries have regulatory requirements for data protection and incident response. Having a plan in place ensures compliance and can help avoid legal penalties.

In the face of ever-evolving cyber threats, the importance of a robust incident response plan cannot be overstated. Ransomware attacks are not a matter of "if" but "when," and being prepared can make all the difference. 

Check out proprietary Security Posture Checklist to better understand your vulnerabilities.

At DMC Technology Group, we are dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes develop and implement effective incident response strategies to protect their assets and ensure resilience against cyber threats.

Invest in your company’s future by prioritizing cybersecurity and incident response planning today. Contact us to learn more about how we can help safeguard your business against ransomware and other cyber threats.

The post Understanding Ransomware Attacks and Incident Response: Why Your Company Needs a Plan appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Because DMC serves multiple municipalities and city governments as co-managed customers, we understand the complexities of ensuring efficient, secure, and modern IT governance to support administration operations and public services.

Municipalities, townships and local governments carry the significant responsibility of ensuring the security and integrity of data to protect citizens and efficiently provide services.

As with any industry, the “operating system” that allows these community organizations to serve their constituents involves network infrastructure, software, communication systems and cybersecurity measures, all of the traditional elements of a modern IT ecosystem. 

However, many townships and local city governments are spread thin and lack internal IT staff or expert resources to manage this burden. After all, the focus is on serving residents in a wide range of capacities, from public safety to city services like maintaining parks. But IT systems are the core of any operation, and these organizations have many of the same needs as other businesses and some specific requirements. 

When DMC Technology Group partners with a township, municipality or local government, we like to perform a tech audit and assessment to determine risky IT gaps, such as using a single admin account that logs into each device and caches credentials. 

Because DMC serves multiple municipalities as co-managed customers who enlist in support, we understand the complexities of ensuring efficient, secure and modern IT governance to support administration operations and public services. Here are some ways DMC takes the load off managing IT for Ohio townships and municipalities. 

Test 1, 2, 3 — Cybersecurity for Municipalities

Understanding IT vulnerabilities is the first step in establishing a stopgap cybersecurity strategy. First, is the existing IT security infrastructure working? We perform disaster recovery tests to find out, along with security and vulnerability testing. Then, we help Ohio municipalities establish and implement threat detection and prevention protocols, and incident response and recovery plans. This includes data encryption and addressing user authentication. For example, a general best practice we make sure is in place is using LAPS (Local Admin Password Solution). 

Specific to the public sector, we often help set up MDT (Mobile Data Terminals) for police and EMS units to protect those life-saving and public safety terminals and workstations. If malicious activity is recognized, an alert is dispatched and immediate action is taken to head off a breach. 

Many municipalities and public sector clients benefit from Arctic Wolf Incident Response (IR) retainer partnerships and IR builders, which are software tools that help IT partners respond to and recover from cyber attacks, data loss and service outages. When you’re serving a community and its citizens, you can’t risk downtime. 

>>Case Study: A township administrator had an incident on Thanksgiving evening. DMC’s cybersecurity tools locked down the server automatically. There was no cybersecurity incident response plan in place. They called their insurer and other companies to respond, but it took a few hours and yielded no results. However, if they had an Arctic Wolf IR retainer with guaranteed rates and a one-hour response service-level agreement with a plan in place, they would not have to adjust on the fly. Arctic Wolf has a copy of the plan so they can quickly respond. 

Plan Ahead — IT Budgeting to Manage Municipal Expenses 

Just-in-time IT break-fix decisions are costly and present a tremendous security risk. Software licensing updates can fall through the cracks. Cloud migration is put on the back burner because there’s no one in-house to manage the process. On-premise server and firewall updates are unintentionally overlooked because everyday municipal business takes precedence. But these IT musts add up to big expenses when not planned for, and municipalities are budgeting taxpayer dollars. 

Lack of IT strategic planning and budgeting can result in damaging cybersecurity threats, outdated hardware, and not enough earmarked dollars to secure systems and prepare for the future.

Proactive technology planning also includes Virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) services to safeguard a municipality and stakeholders from spoofing and to ensure reliable email delivery from trusted sources. 

>>Case Study: At one village, the administrator couldn’t figure out why all their emails to @yahoo addresses were failing. They didn’t realize that DKIM implementation was essential. How would you know unless you had a trusted IT co-managed services partner?

A Ready Resource, Supporting Your City 

Your No. 1 priority as an Ohio municipality, township or local government is to serve the people. We take the same approach at DMC, serving the public sector and a range of industries that require IT support. By introducing services such as LastPass Password Management or offering KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training, we act as the IT public safety officer for your operation. 

Just as you’re testing emergency response systems, DMC Technology Group is performing readiness assessments. For example, when a police department wanted to learn whether its headquarters was a fit for the Cloud or if an on-prem server needed to be refreshed, we conducted a full audit and determined the file types should live on an on-prem server because the local phone system that relies on this infrastructure. 

>>Case Study: While a police department was better served with an on-prem server, the fire department engaged in a project with DMC to successfully migrate to the Cloud. We leveraged the benefits of their Microsoft 365 licensing and moved an on-site server and domain management to Entra ID, SharePoint Online and OneDrive. Now, they will not have to worry about protecting or supporting their on-prem server, alleviating an IT management burden. 

You Run the City, We’ll Support Your IT 

At DMC, we are constantly tracking system performance, identifying bottlenecks, and making necessary adjustments to ensure that your IT environment continues to meet strategic goals.

Ready to get started? DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Ohio or Michigan local municipality, township or local government develop and execute a robust IT strategy with your efficient operations and citizens’ security in mind. Let’s talk tech.

The post Managing IT for Local Municipalities appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

That’s why DMC Technology Group has partnered with the Arctic Wolf platform to provide our clients with top-of-the-line cybersecurity coverage.

Even when all this information is accessible to an IT security team, existing systems often generate too many alerts and false positives, so alerts are ignored. This is how many high-profile breaches occur. Cyber alert fatigue and a lack of 24/7 IT security coverage amount to significant data breach risk. 

Here’s a statistic that proves how vulnerable many organizations are to cybersecurity threats. When we deploy the Arctic Wolf managed detection and response solution, its concierge security team finds latent threats lingering in 73% of business environments within the first 90 days of engagement. 

What you don’t know about your cybersecurity status will eventually damage your business. 

The good news is, an around-the-clock “security advisor” is within reach and can integrate seamlessly with your existing IT environment, so you do not necessarily have to invest in new systems or equipment. 

How Does Arctic Wolf Secure Your IT Environment?

Arctic Wolf is essentially a security advisor as a full-service incident response partner providing continuous risk management, detection and response. Its concierge security team works as an extension of your IT security team or managed services provider. 

What makes Arctic Wolf different than other incident response vendors? 

A lot of incident response companies will identify cyber threats. But, they do not analyze the root cause of security incidents or restore your business to pre-incident operations. Arctic Wolf stands out because it is a full-service wrap-around cybersecurity solution that provides comprehensive digital forensics and data recovery. 

Basically, Arctic Wolf is a three-legged cybersecurity solution that stabilizes your business IT environment with threat detection, incident response and recovery. We’ll explain how. 

Detect: Hunting Down Cybersecurity Threats

Today’s highly motivated, malicious cybercriminals use social engineering skills to trick your employees, or they simply slip through gaps in existing security controls. While you’re focused on running your business and serving customers, these bad actors are hard at work finding backdoors to feed on your data. Even IT environments with security solutions in place are prey for increasingly sophisticated breaches. 

We know, it’s frustrating and overwhelming to think you’ve got your IT environment covered only to discover there are many weak links. Detection is an integral part of a three-step, full-service cybersecurity risk management solution. 

There a number of essential risk detection actions your business needs to secure your IT environment. Some of those include: 

• Security risk scoring: You need to know if your secure posture improves or declines over time, so you know where you stand. 
• Account take-over risk detection: By scanning the dark and gray web for breached data, action can be taken to secure compromised accounts. Arctic Wolf provides details such as the source, data breach description and exposed emails. 
• Asset criticality and tagging: Arctic Wolf labels assets based on their importance, such as critical, high, medium, low or unassigned. This allows for prioritizing risks for hardened security. 
• Asset inventory: Your attack surface is ever-changing as you add IT assets to your environment. You need to be sure your managed risk platform identifies, profiles and classifies IT assets automatically and continuously. 
• Vulnerability assessment: Continuous scanning is essential for understanding your company’s digital footprint and quantifying business risk exposure. Additionally, audit reporting and security controls benchmarking elevate threat detection. 
• Advanced threat detection: Machine learning with adaptive tuning allows Arctic Wolf to detect advanced threats and provide forensic analysis. This improves efficiency and broadens the scale of threat detection. 

Cybersecurity threat detection is one aspect of a full-service risk management solution. But it’s not enough to identify the threats. How will you respond to incidents and strategically delete future risk? 

Incident Response — Now What?

When a threat is detected, how will your risk management partner investigate the incident and rapidly respond to the alert to contain the threat? This requires 24/7 monitoring, alert triage and prioritization. 

What your business needs is a team of digital forensics analysts, which is how Arctic Wolf determines the root cause of cybersecurity compromises and can determine if data was accessed, deleted or stolen. This intel allows for targeted incident response, recovery and future risk mitigation. 

When vetting managed risk vendors, we recommend partnering with a provider that can deliver these incident response services: 

• Dedicated Incident Director: Arctic Wolf assigns an Incident Director to every case. This expert has an intimate understanding of your cybersecurity situation and is a primary point of contact that is in constant contact. 
• Progress updates: Communication is key during incident response, with progress updates and milestone tracking. 
• Forensics findings: Clear explanations of forensics investigation findings will inform risk management strategies to prevent future attacks. 

Strategic Recommendations — Recover from Cybersecurity Incidents

Many incident response vendors drop the ball after detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats. But what was the root cause of the attack? What digital forensics were discovered during incident response that can inform your cybersecurity strategy? How is a provider working diligently to restore your business to pre-incident operations? 

Ultimately, what did you learn about your IT environment because of the security incident so you can prevent future data breaches? 

We believe a critical part of the incident recovery process involves remediation guidance and strategic recommendations to harden your security posture over time. It’s a full-circle cybersecurity approach that starts with understanding your “attack surface” and security posture, and continues with ongoing cybersecurity scans to maintain full visibility, measure progress and mitigate incidents.

Level Up Your IT Cybersecurity Profile 

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of hardware solutions, managed services and cybersecurity solutions such as Arctic Wolf. 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. Arctic Wolf + DMC Technology Group can create a secure business IT environment so your Ohio or Michigan-based business can focus on what you do best. Contact us to learn how.

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

The post Arctic Wolf Helps Manage Your Cybersecurity Risk 24/7/365 appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Business continuity demands proactive security measures and comprehensive IT resources. We offer more than just IBM Power i solutions because modern businesses require a holistic approach to IT.

Consider common scenarios: Losing your sole IT lead leaves your business vulnerable, or a dedicated IT team struggles with daily tasks, neglecting critical projects. We bridge these gaps with tailored solutions.

We provide IBM i services alongside Windows environments, ensuring seamless integration and comprehensive support. Our team of experts delivers project-based and scalable managed services, enhancing security and efficiency.

Managed services offer full IT support, ideal for IBM i-powered companies seeking comprehensive solutions beyond in-house capabilities. Co-managed services support businesses with existing IT staff, augmenting expertise and ensuring continuity.

Mid-sized businesses benefit from our co-managed services and project-based support, addressing vulnerabilities and allowing internal teams to focus on core functions.

Our services extend beyond IBM i, covering hardware installation, network management, cybersecurity, and more. We offer flexible solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring business continuity and growth.

Partner with DMC Technology Group to secure your business continuity and drive innovation. Contact us to learn how we can empower your IBM i-powered business in Ohio, Michigan and beyond.

Patrick Sheehan, Owner, DMC Technology Group

The post EMPOWER YOUR BUSINESS WITH IT MANAGED SERVICES BEYOND IBM I appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Let’s explain the new rules organizations must comply with to successfully send emails, and why more stringent requirements for email authentication is an important protection for your business and clients. 

In fall 2023, Google and Yahoo announced new, stricter email authentication standards to fight spam, prevent phishing and spoofing, and otherwise establish a greater level of security for senders and recipients of bulk mail. While email authentication has always been advised as a cybersecurity best practice, not until 2024 was outgoing email authentication in the Domain Name System (DNS) required. 

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of hardware solutions and managed services that meet their needs 24/7/365. 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. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Toledo, Ohio-based organization develop and execute a robust IT environment with reliable, customized hardware solutions that drive growth and innovation. Contact us to learn how.

Why Is Email Authentication Important for Your Business?

In today’s dynamic cybersecurity environment, sophisticated bad actors are constantly designing tactics to steal information and data. Now more than ever, email authentication is mission-critical for any organization to ensure emails are safe, prevent email phishing and spoofing attacks, and combat fraudulent activity. Email senders and recipients must have an email authentication policy and architecture in place to protect themselves, clients and anyone receiving their emails.

Email authentication verifies email messages are legitimate and sent from a safe domain. It protects recipients from malicious messages, and it improves the success of email campaigns by reducing Non-Delivery Reports. With email authentication, there is less of a chance emails will get rejected or marked as spam. 

Google and Yahoo now require those sending more than 5,000 emails daily to meet authentication standards to ensure secure delivery. If your organization sends bulk emails to addresses ending in gmail.com or yahoo.com, you must adhere to new restrictions. 

Important Email Authentication Compliance Dates

April 1, 2024: Any unauthenticated email will start being rejected.
June 1, 2024: Bulk senders must implement one-click unsubscribe.

Email Authentication: Does Your Business Need SPF, DKIM and DMARC?

DNS email authentication records validate mail sent from your Microsoft 365 account, verifying messages were not altered or compromised during transfer. DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) are essential components of email authentication that your business needs now. Sender Policy Framework (SPF) is also an email authentication protocol that aligns with DKIM and DMARC. By implementing SPF with DKIM and DMARC for a multi-layered email authentication strategy, you are covering all your bases. 

How does SPF Stop Email Spam?

SPF prevents unauthorized messages that illegitimately use your domain name. An SPF record includes verified senders, so if it detects a sender not included in the record, those email messages are usually marked as spam. 

How Does DKIM Verification Improve Bulk Email Delivery? 

DKIM scans key parts of outgoing messages: From, To, Subject, Date and other fields, along with the body of email messages. When a server receives email messages, DKIM verifies messages came from the actual domain owner. DKIM alone is not enough, but it is an essential component of effective email authentication. SPF and DMARC configuration is also critical for additional validation. 

How Does DMARC for Email Authentication Work?

DMARC validates emails sent from your Microsoft mail to prevent business email compromise, phishing attacks, impersonation and other fraudulent activity. Basically, DMARC works on the receiving end by verifying domains in “mail from” and “from” addresses. Important to note: DMARC messages “pass inspection” only after verification from DKIM and SPF, which is why you need all of these tools in place.

The bottom line: Implement SPF in conjunction with DMARC and DKIM for the highest level of email authentication protection for your organization and email recipients. 

How Can My Business Implement New Email Authentication Protocols?

There is a level of complexity and ongoing maintenance required with implementing aligned SPF with DKIM and DMARC. At DMC, a turn-key approach with email fraud protection solutions and email security monitoring ensures compliance without business interruption. First, we recommend an assessment of existing email protocols and your overall technology ecosystem. We will review DMARC Reports to identify issues related to authentication and spam detection. Details extracted from these reports can help inform email delivery best practices

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of software, cloud and hardware solutions and managed services that meet their needs 24/7/365. 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. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Toledo, Ohio-based organization develop and execute email authentication compliance without taking your time away from serving clients and growing your business. Contact us to learn how.

The post New Requirements for Email Authentication - April 1! appeared first on DMC Technology Group.

Businesses operate in a constant state of change. Is your technology evolving to align with security demands, increased traffic and growth?

Did you resolve to work smarter, reduce costly downtime and enhance security in 2024? Then it’s time to evaluate your business IT hardware and the health of the central nervous center of your technology environment. 

When a server goes down, the cost of downtime for your business can be exponential when you add up lost revenue and productivity, reputational damage, customer dissatisfaction, and the cascade of negative consequences associated with data loss. 

But servers are just one aspect of your tech hardware arsenal. Routing and switching are essential to your network, along with firewalls to monitor, filter, control, and protect your IT environment. Wireless networks also require access points and controllers, and the technology engineering and business planning expertise to design and implement custom hardware solutions.

Ready to give your IT hardware a comprehensive checkup to secure your environment, maximize uptime, and get the most out of your tech investment? Let’s address the four key components of tech hardware: 

• Servers and storage
• Routing and switching 
• Firewalls
• The complete wireless environment 

Server and Storage Solutions

IT is swiftly moving toward the cloud, but some businesses maintain on-premise servers for various reasons. For example, security or compliance demands might require your business to maintain full control over hardware and the data it stores. This is often the case in highly regulated industries. Sometimes, there are workloads that cannot be shifted to the cloud, or doing so would not be cost-effective. In other instances, some workloads are moved to the cloud and others maintained on on-premise servers. Businesses with an aging server that must stay on-premise could require updating. Replacing servers calls for monitoring and analysis to identify the right amount of storage for the near term and the next three to five years. 

COMMON SERVER PROBLEMS

Server storage sizing – During server analyses, we frequently run into servers that are overburdened, increasing the risk of downtime and data loss. Another storage-related error we frequently discover is multiple servers with roles that are not properly divided. One server is running on not enough storage and another is underutilized. By running storage assessment tools for one or two weeks on-premise, we can identify the appropriate size for servers and storage. 

Lack of shared storage – If one server goes down, can others on-premise run your business IT environment while the other is repaired and brought back online? If the answer is no, your business needs to be “N +1,” meaning a closed loop so if one server fails, redundancies are in place so your data is still fully accessible and secure. 

Lack of customization – An out-of-box server solution might have worked for your business before, but now your needs have changed. When you partner with an IT hardware and managed services provider with robust hardware partner vendors like DMC, you unlock concierge services. We design and implement storage and servers on-premise to accommodate your data consumption now and down the road based on industry standards. Plus, DMC is a Dell Gold partner and can also customize servers. 

Routing and Switching: Essential IT Hardware 

When routing and switching are not properly designed for your IT network infrastructure, your network can get congested with data that moves more slowly because of bottlenecks and there are significant security vulnerabilities. Inadequate routing and switching capabilities are a welcome sign for unauthorized users and traffic sniffers that intercept data. We frequently address these routing and switching issues in businesses’ tech environments. 

RED FLAGS

We frequently address these routing and switching issues in businesses’ tech environments. 

Lack of redundancy – When routing and switching design is not executed with redundancies in place, there can be multiple points of failure that increase the risk of network outages and result in downtime. 

Poor customer service – When a network is poorly designed with inadequate routing and switching, this impacts video and voice quality along with your ability to serve customers in a timely manner. 

Expansion challenges – Your IT network’s routing and switching might have reached its full capacity or beyond and require updating to manage more data. The key is to work with an experienced IT solutions partner that can assess your organization’s needs and implement first-class hardware by vendors such as Cisco Meraki, which is cost-effective, seamless to implement, long-lasting and easy to manage. 

Effective Firewalls Protect Business Data

The firewall guarding your IT network is mission critical for protecting your system from cyber threats and unauthorized users, and it should be built to prevent the most sophisticated attacks. An effective firewall successfully monitors network traffic patterns for suspicious behaviors and then limits or blocks access. At DMC Technology Group, our knowledgeable team of IT specialists and experienced IT engineers consider firewalls your first line of defense in securing your IT environment. We partner with best-in-class providers like SonicWall and Cisco Meraki, which are ideal for businesses that have multiple locations. 

Firewall updates — Your business might be subject to regulations that require updating firewalls within a required frequency. 

Adding a firewall – When your network grows, so should your firewall capacity, which can mean adding another firewall for increased traffic or redundancy purposes. 

Mitigating threats - If your business experienced a security threat or vulnerability, we recommend implementing firewalls with specialized threat detection and prevention. Your existing firewall might not include advanced security that would better secure your IT network. 

A Secure, Robust Wireless IT Environment

Servers, routers, switches and firewalls contribute to your overall wireless business environment, along with components including access control systems that manage user authentication and authorization, and network monitoring tools to track performance, availability and security. 

IT hardware is the foundation of your wireless network, and a lot goes into customizing solutions that align with businesses’ capacity and growth potential. 

HOW LONG DOES AN IT NETWORK UPGRADE TAKE?

At DMC, the process begins with running specialized tools that analyze storage and network performance, along with other metrics depending on the business. This helps identify gaps in the network. 

• Weeks 1 to 2: We generally run these tools for one to two weeks. For businesses that experience especially busy seasons, we like to analyze traffic during those peak times to evaluate the server and overall network load.    
• Weeks 3 to 4: From there, we can present analytics to begin hardware selection and design, followed by delivering cost estimates from our partner vendors, which can take up to two weeks. So, from the initial meeting to delivering a quote, most businesses can expect three to four weeks of time. Remember, this includes the analysis period, so results and figures are provided rather quickly.
• Weeks 4 to 12: Once IT hardware is in hand, implementation can take two weeks to several months depending on the project scope. We maintain ongoing communication with clients undergoing hardware upgrade or IT network expansion efforts, ensuring a seamless process that is on budget and supports their business objectives. 

Customizing Hardware Solutions for Your Business Needs

At DMC Technology Group, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of hardware solutions and managed services that meet their needs 24/7/365. 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. DMC’s expertise and industry knowledge can help your Toledo, Ohio-based organization develop and execute a robust IT environment with reliable, customized hardware solutions that drive growth and innovation. Contact us to learn how.

The post Is Your Technology Optimized for Reliability and Efficiency?  appeared first on DMC Technology Group.