Microsoft is phasing out their Windows Server 2012 platform, which means that the end-of-life deadline is quickly approaching. After this date, the product will no longer be supported, and security updates will cease to exist.
It’s important to understand why the end-of-life deadline exists and what you need to do in order to prepare your organization for it. Let’s take a closer look at the EOL deadline and how it will affect you.
What Does End of Life Mean?
End of life (EOL) is a term used by technology companies when they are phasing out a product or service.
When a product reaches its end of life, it will no longer receive any software updates or patches, leaving it vulnerable to security threats and bugs. Additionally, any customer support services related to the product will also be discontinued.
Why Is Windows Server 2012 Being Phased Out?
Microsoft has decided to phase out Windows Server 2012 because its technology is now outdated compared with newer versions of their server operating system.
The company believes that users should transition over to more secure platforms like Windows Server 2019 in order to keep their data safe from malicious attackers and other security risks.
How Can You Prepare for The EOL Deadline?
If your business is still using Windows Server 2012, there are several steps you can take in order to prepare for its EOL deadline:
As the end-of-life deadline approaches for Windows Server 2012, it’s important for all organizations using this platform—big and small alike—to begin preparing for the transition process before it’s too late.
By following these steps outlined above, you can ensure that your organization stays up to date with modern technology solutions and keeps its data secure from potential cyber threats! Talk about an important reminder!
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The lifecycle of software is ongoing, so continuously modifying and updating your software is necessary for ensuring your operating systems and applications are running to the best of their ability at all times.
Between the evolving needs of your organization and changes in technology, software must be monitored and adjusted accordingly. Software maintenance is necessary for general use, enhancing features, reworking for future needs, moving to the Cloud and more.
Hire SorceTek Technologies to make sure your IT security is at its absolute best.
A data breach is when an unauthorized party gains access to your personal data. This can happen when you least expect it, which is why it’s important to know how to find out if you’ve been affected by a data breach.
Keep reading to find out how to tell if you’re a victim of a data breach, and what you can do next.
How to Tell if You’ve Been Breached
There are a few tell-tale signs that you may have been the victim of a data breach.
First, check your inbox for any suspicious emails or messages. If you see anything that looks odd, delete it immediately.
You should also keep an eye out for unusual activity on your credit card or bank account statements. If you see any charges that you don’t recognize, chances are your information has been compromised.
Finally, keep tabs on your personal information. If you receive any calls or emails asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other sensitive information, it’s likely that someone is trying to scam you.
If your bank or other institutions call asking for your personal information, don’t give it to them. First ask them who they are and how you can reach them through a known public number for their institution.
Remember it is fairly easy for criminals to change their caller ID and make it seem they are calling from your bank.
What To Do Next
If you think you may have been the victim of a data breach, the first thing you should do is reach out to your financial institutions and alert them of the situation, right away without delay. They will then be able to take steps to protect your accounts.
You should also change all of your passwords, both on your financial accounts and on any other accounts where you may have used the same password.
This is also a good time to institute a better password system for your personal passwords. You should never use the same password anywhere. All passwords should be highly complex and unique. We live in a new world and this type of protection is now necessary.
And finally, make sure to keep an eye on your credit report for any irregular activity.
A data breach can be a really scary thing. But by being proactive and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity, you can help protect yourself from becoming a victim.
If you think you may have been breached, reach out to your financial institutions and change all of your passwords right away.
And finally, keep an eye on your credit report for any unusual activity.
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When it comes to cybersecurity, simultaneous offense and defense is key.
Rapid detection of threats means better odds at preventing a major breach and safeguarding your assets from exploitation.
Skilled cyber criminals have been known to hide in networks for weeks or longer. As they sit in wait, changing, destroying or stealing valuable data while evading detection, no one may be none the wiser until it’s too late.
A threat can turn into an absolute nightmare for a business if not stomped out quickly.
In today’s business world, the ability to bounce back from an unexpected event is more important than ever before. Having a plan in place to ensure your business can continue to operate in the event of an interruption is critical to your success.
But what are the biggest threats to business continuity for small businesses today?
Here are the top 5:
Natural Disasters
Cyber Attacks
Employee Error
Supply Chain Disruptions
Pandemics
Natural Disasters
From hurricanes and earthquakes to wildfires and floods, natural disasters can strike at any time and often with little warning. And while you can’t control Mother Nature, you can control how prepared you are for her wrath.
Creating a comprehensive business continuity plan that takes into account the specific risks associated with natural disasters in your area is critical to ensuring your business can weather the storm.
Cyber Attacks
In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes are increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. From ransomware and malware to phishing scams and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, the threat landscape is constantly evolving.
As hackers become more sophisticated, so too must your defense mechanisms.
By investing in robust cybersecurity protection and training your employees on best practices, you can help defend your business against a potential cyber attack.
Employee Error
Believe it or not, one of the most common threats to business continuity is employee error. From accidentally deleting important files to losing laptop computers containing sensitive data, mistakes happen.
And while you can’t prevent them from happening altogether, you can minimize their impact by implementing proper security protocols and procedures – like data backup and disaster recovery – and by providing employees with adequate training on how to use them effectively.
Supply Chain Disruptions
In today’s global economy, supply chains are often complex and far-reaching – which means they’re also susceptible to disruptions.
Whether it’s a hurricane wreaking havoc on shipping operations or a supplier going out of business unexpectedly, supply chain disruptions can have a serious impact on your business continuity plan – not to mention your bottom line.
That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place for how you’ll maintain operations in the event of a disruption. This might include things like sourcing alternative suppliers or rerouting shipments through different channels.
Pandemics
In recent years, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating effect a pandemic can have on businesses of all sizes – from mom-and-pop shops forced to shutter their doors permanently to multinational corporations laying off thousands of employees worldwide.
While there’s no way to fully prepare for something like a pandemic, having a plan in place for how your business will continue to operate in the event of one can help reduce its impact on your bottom line.
This might include things like instituting remote work policies or cross-training employees so that essential functions can still be carried out even if key personnel are unavailable.
Let’s Build a Recovery Plan Together
Our solutions mean a quick return to “business as usual” after a crisis. Disaster recovery typically involves backing up data and processes to an off-site facility or cloud-based storage, ensuring business continuity as operations transfer to a second site or technology environment.
Prevention is the most important key to recovery; nonetheless, there is no such thing as perfect prevention. Anything can happen, be it accidental file deletion, security breaches, or even weather disasters.
We help identify and address potential technology risks, then build recovery plans that include considerations such as optimal backup solutions and climate-controlled facilities.
We’ll help you build these systems and tailor them to your industry’s and business’s specific needs.
October isn’t just for pumpkin spice, it also means we are officially in National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Yes! This is a real thing. It’s like Christmas for those of us in the industry. Okay, that might be a stretch, but it is a great time to share our passion for online security.
Created in 2004 by a partnership between Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) and the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), the month is intended to encourage both public and private sectors to demonstrate and educate the importance of staying safe online.
Of course, SorceTek is dedicated to promoting safe online use all year round.
Online threats and data breaches are only becoming more commonplace, making it vital for all internet users to, at the very least, have a solid baseline of security tools in place. This is true whether you work in cybersecurity or just use the internet for entertainment.
In fact, this year’s theme is “See Yourself in Cyber” which is meant to encourage all internet users to up their game when it comes to online safety. Here are four simple ways to do just that:
Update Your Software:
If you see a software update notification, act immediately Turning on automatic updates is an even better, and very convenient, solution.
Use Strong Passwords:
Use passwords that are long, unique to each account and randomly generated. Password managers are able to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts.
Password managers can even encrypt passwords, securing them for you.
Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing:
Do not click on suspicious looking links. It could be an attempt to get sensitive information or install malware.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication:
To protect your online accounts, having more than just a password is important. Enabling MFA makes getting hacked far less likely.
Upgrade Your Cybersecurity With Us
In today’s digital world, cybersecurity is of particular importance for small business owners. To protect your company, clients, employees and your reputation, make sure to consistently encourage and uphold basic security strategies all year long.
Of course, attacks are becoming more sophisticated and continue to evolve.
Fortunately, SorceTek stays informed of how to protect small businesses from the latest threats. From risk management to disaster recovery, and everything in between, SorceTek has your back all year round. Personally, we’d take sound cybersecurity over a pumpkin spice latte any day.
Outsourcing your company’s IT can come with numerous benefits. Improved scalability, more robust security, better control over IT costs and increased time to focus on your company’s core mission, just to name a few.
Of course, finding the right technology group with the skill and expertise to oversee your IT is of the utmost importance, along with hiring a company that deserves your trust.
Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when you are ready to outsource your IT services, and want to do so effectively.
1. Hire Smart, Not Fast
Entering into a partnership with another entity is a big decision. Doing some research ahead of time, conducting interviews, checking references, similar to how you would hire a new employee, are important steps.
While this means the process could take longer, it will pay off in the end. Putting in the extra legwork means you are more likely to find the best IT partner with the right expertise for your industry and organization
2. Communicate Goals and Scope
Be clear about what you want out of the partnership, including your expectations and the extent to which you are looking for assistance.
Think about what IT services your organization can handle on its own, and what type of help you need from an expert provider. Do you want someone who can improve your overall network design? Do you require basic support services for daily troubleshooting? Make your goals and expectations clear.
A good service provider will also ask you a lot of questions regarding your potential needs. Finally, the goals and scope must be detailed in your final contract to keep everyone on the same page.
3. Culture and Values Fit
This is an ongoing partnership. Technology evolves, and the needs of your company change over time. Additionally, you are entering into a long-term relationship with a team that has access to your organization’s sensitive data and information.
Finding a group you work well with and can trust, and that you know will be loyal to making sure your business thrives is imperative. Finally, make sure your values align with one another. If your company values taking ownership, integrity and commitment, find an IT company who feels the same.
Effective outsourced IT services means having experts on your side who lessen your workload, improve efficiency and relieve stress. Finding the right partnership might take extra time, but your organization will ultimately benefit.
See Why SorceTek Should Be Your IT Partner
We believe every business is different and deserves a custom IT solution. Your IT stack should work for you and your business to increase productivity, protect vital data, and ultimately help you serve your customers.
Before we start, we’ll sit down together and discuss your unique pain points. After we have a clear understanding of your needs, we’ll make recommendations, and implement solutions.
Entering into a partnership with an organization that shares your values, with clear goals and expectations in place is vital. If you’re interested in outsourcing some or all of your IT services, reach out to SorceTek to learn more about our partnered approach, we’d love to talk.
