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.

There are several common challenges we hear when discussing the role of a managed services provider (MSP). Some of these scenarios will probably sound familiar.

A Toledo-based business has 50 employees, and the sole on-site IT manager whose primary role isn't tech support, is responsible for managing IT affairs. This IT manager, who also serves as a software developer, carries a substantial workload that includes help desk-related duties like troubleshooting issues related to email and printers.

“But we have someone on staff, we don’t need IT managed services.” We hear this sometimes, too. 

Then there is the security question. The business lacks 24/7 monitoring, so threats can quickly escalate into full-blown cyber attacks that cause financial and reputational damage. 

What if an IT manager wants to take a vacation? 

What if a Chief Information Officer (CIO) finds a job opportunity elsewhere and leaves your business? Who will fill in while you search for a replacement, and how will you train this new person? 

As for cost, can you afford additional IT support staff on payroll with benefits, plus the cost of resources like disaster recovery backup, software licensing, storage, cyber monitoring and end-point detection? 

There can be gaps that exist even with an IT manager on staff, which can expose organizations to significant liabilities. Especially if that person is the only one on staff that understands technology. There are no checks and balances!

In fact, a managed service provider supports your internal IT staff with technical expertise and resources, giving you the flexibility to scale up or down as your IT needs evolve. Yes, an MSP can serve as a single source for support and IT leadership. But in most cases, we work as an always-on, around-the-clock go-to for everything from server support to network management, troubleshooting, proactive patching and cybersecurity. 

Does your company need an IT managed services provider? Here are some factors to consider. 

How IT Managed Service Providers Support Your Business 

Can your internal IT staff provide instantaneous alerts and threat detection 24/7/365? What about offering employees a help desk so tech problems do not prevent productivity? When your IT manager goes home, even if it’s late evening, who’s watching over your IT infrastructure and devices for nefarious actors, phishing attacks, ransomware and a growing list of cyber threats? 

If your company employs an IT manager, this is one person. They have strengths and weaknesses in different IT disciplines, and probably a family at home and a life outside of work. “Always on” with one person just isn’t possible. 

Plus, keeping up with the latest, most secure IT best practices is a struggle for most businesses, let alone an individual. 

Across industries, every business has IT needs. Most are underserved because there is no way to cover all of your IT bases with a single employee, no matter how talented. 

Tech Support: Fulfilling Help Desk Needs

We hear it all the time. IT managers and CIOs for Toledo, Ohio regional businesses often get bogged down with support requests when their focus is supposed to be on IT strategy, development, process improvement, engineering and other big-picture endeavors. There are not enough hours in a day to do it all. 

When an IT manager is distracted with help-desk inquiries, tech support takes away from profit-driving initiatives. Meanwhile, productivity and revenue-driving activities decrease because a team member’s system is “down.” Even technical questions or adding new software becomes a burden when there is one or no IT staff member on site. 

At DMC, we offer efficient, responsive, always-on IT diagnosis and support. A reputable MSP should offer communication options, including in-person support if necessary or preferred. Around-the-clock IT support solves IT problems and prevents business interruptions. 

An MSP to Protect Servers and Workstations 

The threat is real. And it’s growing. Today’s dynamic cybersecurity environment is introducing sophisticated attacks, and often the “open door” to your data occurs because of network security vulnerabilities, and expired antivirus protection and licenses. We get it. You have other mission-critical tasks on deck to manage for your operations. 

This is where an IT managed services provider like DMC can step in and ensure there are no gaps in protection with license renewals, server antivirus software and installation management. We suggest that every business have real-time scanning to detect and block threats. Are these tasks you want to pile on to in-house IT staff? 

Also consider that not all MSPs include the cost of tools in the fee, but DMC does include these costs so you are not paying extra.

Along those lines, when maintenance agreements for hardware and software expire, this leads to more downtime and a loss of return on your tech investments. An MSP can oversee and manage agreements so you can focus on running your business. 

At DMC, we handle agreement procurement, documentation and expiration date tracking. Have questions about which vendor can provide the best value? A trusted IT managed services provider can offer consultative advice, including evaluating new and current vendors. 

IT Managed Services Elevates Cybersecurity 

The single most in-demand IT career right now is cybersecurity, and the reason is because this is the number one demand among businesses that recognize the risk and vulnerability. At DMC, we implement 24/7 cybersecurity monitoring across all devices and are constantly watching for suspicious behavior. Alerts are triggered and response is immediate. 

In one case, in less than 10 minutes we identified a threat for a client and contacted their on-site IT manager, who disconnected the at-risk workstation and prevented a potential disaster. 

If you plan on monitoring your systems in-house, what happens if an IT manager is out sick, on vacation or sound asleep? Who’s detecting? Who’s responding? Also, are you aware of the latest cybersecurity tools designed for today’s sophisticated threats? 

We recommend partnering with an IT managed service provider that includes monitoring as part of its package, not as an add-on (this is often the case, so ask the question). At DMC, we partner with a specialist in security endpoint monitoring for an even more secure experience. 

Weighing the Cost of IT Managed Services 

Can your business afford an IT managed services partner? Cost is always a consideration, and we recognize that businesses of all sizes operate on a budget and must steward dollars wisely. But there are some common misconceptions related to the cost of working with an MSP for IT services and support. 

If you add the cost of an IT professional’s salary along with critical IT tools, there is a significant savings when you partner with an IT managed services provider. 

Another cost factor is insurance. Cybersecurity coverage is essential for businesses, and insurers are now also requiring organizations to put cybersecurity frameworks in place. The Federal Trade Commission suggests finding out whether your cyber insurance provider will defend you in a lawsuit, provide coverage beyond existing insurance, and offer a breach hotline that is always available. DMC works with clients to identify ways to ensure compliance to cybersecurity insurance policies so you don’t find out after the fact that a requirement is missing that will void your coverage. 

We recommend looking for an MSP that employs engineers and IT specialists with a range of expertise. This way, you’re hiring the power of 10 or more high-level technical experts for one monthly fee that is almost always less than an IT manager's salary. When you have a consultative partner on your side who is dedicated to advancing your IT posture, you can focus on your clients, your bottom line and your growth. 

IT Strategy and Planning for Upgrades 

How could generative artificial intelligence (AI) benefit cybersecurity and help desk support at your business? This is a question more companies are asking as AI is a major headliner that is escalating. Aside from AI, what other technological advances could drive profitability and efficiency in your business? These are questions you can ask an IT managed services provider with a multi-disciplinary, experienced team. 

A proactive MSP will arrange IT strategy meetings with your company, along with annual business reviews and budget planning sessions. When an IT managed services provider is involved in critical short and long-term strategic planning meetings, they can bring innovative solutions to the table that align with your goals.

The Best IT Managed Services Provider for Your Business 

We recommend asking these questions when comparing IT managed service providers for your business: 

• What is your price structure? If you charge per user, what exactly is included? 
• Are there co-management options? 
• What cybersecurity measures do you use? 
• What is your discovery process to customize an IT solution based on my needs?
• What hardware and software do you recommend?
• How often is the contract renewed?
• Who are your vendor partners and how do you vet them? 
• What accreditations and certifications do you have? Are you a Gold Microsoft Partner, IBM Business Partner or Dell Technologies Gold Partner? 
• Can you provide a referral so I can talk to other companies that have worked with you?
• Do you charge extra service fees for break fixes or is this included in a per-user fee? 
• Do you offer IT budgeting and strategy consultation? 

At DMC Technology Solutions, we are committed to doing the right thing for our clients and providing a high level of 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. 

With an IT managed services partner, you can focus on your business and delegate IT responsibilities with the peace of mind that our team is on the same page and coordinates seamlessly with on-site IT staff if you have personnel in this role. 

Let’s talk. 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.

The post Does Your Business Need an IT Managed Services Provider? 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.

What’s your plan?

Too often, organizations make just-in-time IT break-fix decisions. A security threat prompts the need for a more robust end-point detection system. A new, large account requires escalating hardware and software to leverage the opportunity. Software licensing updates fall through the cracks and the business can’t keep up. Too much time is dedicated to help-desk-oriented IT issues, so IT strategy is pushed to the back burner. 

Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? 

Unfortunately, a lack of IT strategic planning and budgeting can result in damaging cybersecurity threats, outdated hardware, and simply not enough earmarked dollars to address vital IT needs sufficiently.

Let’s discuss what is involved in an effective annual IT strategic plan and how to get your business on track to ensure IT security and prepare for future growth.

Cybersecurity Planning & Insurance Requirements

Cyber criminals continue to evolve and attacks are increasingly sophisticated. Businesses must have an endpoint detection response (EDR) system in place to protect endpoints including desktops, servers, laptops, tablets, smartphones and smartwatches. 

Any technology in your business environment is a target. 

Even advanced antivirus software is not enough to protect all business endpoints. Because of the potential damage bad actors can inflict on organizations through endpoint targeting tactics, many insurers require EDR and two-factor authentication (2FA) for coverage. This is driven by the increased payouts to policyholders because of data breach claims. 

Endpoint security safeguards all technology and information to prevent data leaks and stop hackers from breaking into your technology ecosystem. When EDR is limited to desktops and servers, businesses are vulnerable to attacks. Thoroughly assessing the entire IT environment is critical when developing an EDR system, because there is a lot at stake if a security breach occurs. 

Developing a comprehensive endpoint security plan can be complex, which is why we advise partnering with an experienced IT managed services partner that can perform a technology audit to identify security gaps. 

Through IT strategic planning, we also identify opportunities to enhance the way you manage and access data. For example, Microsoft Power BI business intelligence helps better protect data across Power BI reports, dashboards and data sets. So while reviewing cybersecurity and EDR systems, we might explore how an organization can benefit from Power BI dashboards that can generate customized reports based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 

The bottom line is, these critical cybersecurity measures are mission critical for businesses of all sizes, and they also require an investment. This is why annual IT strategic planning and budgeting is critical. By understanding potential security gaps and essential EDR requirements, businesses can develop a practical budget that accounts for necessary technology and the nice-to-haves. 

Additionally, a managed services partner like DMC that is engaged in the cybersecurity insurance world can help complete the necessary documentation for insurers to meet requirements. 

Managed IT Services: How DMC Helps Your Strategic IT Planning

Just as an accountant prepares your business taxes and advises on financial matters, an IT managed services partner plays a crucial role in IT strategic planning and budgeting. Managed service providers like DMC begin by conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity measures, systems and software. We look at the whole IT landscape to identify vulnerabilities and potential improvements. In doing so, we consider your business goals to be sure technology investments and plans support future growth and your vision. 

IT Strategic Planning: How It Works

IT strategic planning is centered on your business goals. Here are other aspects of IT strategic planning that a managed IT services partner like DMC provides. 

Technology Roadmap: A managed IT service partner will identify strategic initiatives and projects that require IT support. What upgrades are required to achieve results? What existing technology is in place, and where are there gaps that must be filled to achieve desired outcomes? 

IT Budgeting: After a thorough audit to assess upcoming hardware, software and other technology needs, we help build a budget so there are no financial surprises. By involving an MSP like DMC in IT budgeting, we can provide insights into cost associated with various IT initiatives. This allows you to make informed decisions and properly allocate IT dollars. While budgeting for IT needs, we also consider return on investment and your strategic objectives. This way, we can prioritize IT expenses to ensure you’re addressing the most vital technology requirements to support your business. 

IT Risk Mitigation: Cybersecurity audits identify potential security risks and compliance issues within your IT environment. As mentioned, cyber insurers now require EDR systems and 2FA as a standard when underwriting policies. 

Technology Recommendations: During IT strategic planning, we also explain the latest hardware, software and technology systems available so you can stay up to date with the latest innovations. We also recommend strategic IT solutions to improve efficiency, productivity and ROI.

Managing IT Vendors: With our menu of longtime technology partners, including Dell and Microsoft, we can negotiate contracts and secure IT solutions that are customized for your business. We also ensure compliance with service-level agreements. 

Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Planning: Ensuring that your IT strategy includes robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans is crucial. At DMC, we can help create and maintain these plans, ensuring that your organization can quickly recover from disruptions. 

What Is Arctic Wolf? And Why Is It Important For Annual Planning?

Arctic Wolf is a cybersecurity provider that offers managed detection and response services, specifically Extended Detection Response (XDR). Basically, the hardware/software solution monitors all cyber traffic that is running through your on-premise network. It analyzes network traffic in real time using AI tools while IT professionals physically monitor your tech ecosystem for active infections and potential vulnerabilities. 

If a security incident or breach occurs, Arctic Wolf’s security experts deploy rapid response services including investigation, threat containment and recovery to minimize damage. Arctic Wolf operates 24/7/365, which is essential for cybersecurity threat reduction. 

DMC is an Arctic Wolf partner, and we work with them directly to connect our clients with their cybersecurity services. When you choose Arctic Wolf through DMC, you get a dedicated team and direct contact you can access at any time, around the clock. They also offer security awareness training. 

As an Arctic Wolf partner, we make sure DMC clients access the best pricing and are connected with top team members to address their business’s cybersecurity landscape. Essentially, Arctic Wolf is a security operations team that a lot of businesses need but do not have in-house because of the sheer cost of employing a cybersecurity team. Arctic Wolf is an ideal fit for mid-size to enterprise businesses. Small businesses willing to invest in rapid response services also benefit from an Arctic Wolf engagement. 

Dell, Cisco, SonicWall Hardware

When conducting IT strategic planning, we discuss hardware needs and gather vendor pricing to create an accurate IT budget. At DMC, we partner with reputable technology brands to offer businesses turn-key hardware, software, cloud and systems solutions. 

Our strategic hardware partners include Dell, Cisco, Microsoft, Arctic Wolf, IBM, and SonicWall. Through Dell, we have tools to help size an IT environment so we can build a tailored technology solution based on data and best practices. DMC is a trained Gold Partner with Dell.

When enlisting a managed services provider for IT strategic planning and budgeting, find out which hardware brands the MSP aligns with and select a partner that gives you the flexibility to scale up and down as needed.

DMC: Your IT Budget Planning Partner - Start Now!

IT strategic planning and budgeting should be a year-round exercise. 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 organization develop and execute a robust IT strategy that drives growth and innovation. Let’s talk tech.

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

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In the world of business technology, understanding the difference between in-house IT services and managed IT services is crucial. Both play a significant role in maintaining the smooth operation of businesses, especially in today's digital age. 

However, they each offer distinct advantages and are suited to different types of businesses and their specific needs. This article aims to clarify the difference between in-house IT services and managed IT services, providing valuable insights for B2B customers who may need either of these services in the near future.

In-House IT Services: An Overview

In-house IT services refer to the technological functions and support provided by an internal team within the organization. Unlike managed IT services, where a third-party provider takes on the responsibility for a company's IT needs, in-house IT services are managed by employees who are part of the company itself. This approach offers the advantage of having a team that is fully immersed in the company's culture, objectives, and specific technological needs.

The scope of in-house IT services can vary widely depending on the size and nature of the business. It may include similar functions to those offered by external IT services, such as hardware maintenance, network management, and cybersecurity measures. However, the key difference lies in the level of customization and internal understanding of the company's unique requirements. An in-house IT team can offer tailored solutions that are closely aligned with the company's strategic goals.

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