The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s rapidly transforming industries and reshaping how businesses operate. IoT is a blanket term to describe smart devices that are internet enabled. One example is smart sensors monitoring production lines. Connected thermostats optimizing energy consumption is another.
Experts project the number of connected devices worldwide to continue growing. It’s estimated to rise from about 15 billion in 2023 to 21 billion in 2026.
IoT devices are weaving themselves into the fabric of modern business operations. But successfully deploying them on your existing network isn’t always easy. It can feel like navigating a maze.
Have you been struggling with the integration of smart devices? This guide will equip you with the knowledge and steps you need.
Step 1: Define Your Goals and Needs
Before diving headfirst, it’s crucial to have a clear vision of your goals. Ask yourself and your team a few questions. These questions will help ensure you’re aligning smart devices with business needs.
What problem are you trying to solve with IoT?
Are you aiming to improve operational efficiency? Possibly, you want to gain real-time data insights. Or you may want to enhance remote monitoring capabilities.
It’s important to target your IoT device deployment. Defining the issue that it’s meant to solve helps you do that.
What type of data will you be collecting?
Take time to define the nature and volume of data generated by your chosen devices. This is essential for choosing the right network infrastructure.
What level of security do you need?
Security measures depend on the sensitivity of the data collected. You might need specific measures to protect it from unauthorized access.
Go through these questions as a first step. You’ll gain a clearer picture of your specific needs. This enables you to select the most appropriate IoT devices and network solutions.
Step 2: Select the Right Devices and Network Infrastructure
With your goals in mind, it’s time to choose your components. You’ll want to look at both the devices and the infrastructure of the network.
IoT Devices
When choosing smart devices, consider factors like:
Compatibility with your existing infrastructure
Data security features
Scalability
Power requirements
Research reputable vendors. Choose devices with strong security protocols in place. Look for good firmware protection.
Network Infrastructure
Your existing network might be lacking. It may not be equipped for the extra traffic and data generated by IoT devices. You may need to upgrade your bandwidth. As well as deploy separate networks for IoT devices. You may also need to invest in dedicated gateways. Ones that can manage communication between devices and the cloud.
Step 3: Focus on Security Throughout the Journey
Security is paramount in the realm of IoT. Compromised devices can become gateways for cyberattacks. Malware attacks on IoT devices increased 77% during the first half of 2022.
Here are some key security considerations.
Secure the Devices
Ensure the chosen devices have strong passwords. They should also be regularly updated with the latest firmware. You want to choose devices that offer features like encryption and secure boot.
Segment Your Network
Create separate networks for IoT devices and critical business systems. This minimizes the potential impact of a security breach on your core operations.
Install Network Access Control (NAC)
Install NAC solutions, such as multi-factor authentication. These controls restrict access to your network only to authorized devices. They also help you enforce security policies automatically.
Track and Maintain
Continuously track your network for suspicious activity. Regularly update your security protocols and software to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Step 4: Deployment and Ongoing Management
You should now have the necessary hardware and security measures in place. It’s time to deploy your IoT devices.
Here are some tips:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during installation and configuration.
Test and confirm the functionality of your IoT devices. You should do this before fully integrating them into your network.
Develop a comprehensive management strategy for your IoT devices. It should include regular maintenance, firmware updates, and issue monitoring.
Step 5: Continuous Learning and Improvement
The world of IoT is constantly evolving, and so should your approach. Here are some tips for continuous improvement.
Analyze the Data
Once your IoT devices are operational, analyze the collected data. This helps you gain insights, identify areas for improvement, and refine your strategy.
Embrace Feedback
Encourage feedback from stakeholders within your organization. Use it to constantly refine your implementation and address emerging challenges.
Stay Informed
Keep yourself updated on the latest trends and advancements in the IoT landscape. This empowers you to adapt and leverage new technologies as they emerge.
Successfully deploying IoT on your business network requires careful planning. As well as prioritization of security and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Get Expert Help for Your Network Devices
Need help embracing a proactive approach to IoT adoption? We can help you transform your business operations. As well as unlock the full potential of smart devices at your business.
Calendars, task lists, and project planning are important business tools. Many people use Microsoft’s apps to power these processes. Including Planner, Microsoft To Do, and Project for the web.
These tools help keep processes on track and enable task accountability. But they’re separate apps. Switching between apps can be cumbersome. It adds more complexity to a workflow.
Microsoft is putting a dent in app overload. The company is rolling out a brand-new version of Microsoft Planner in early 2024. It’s packed with exciting features designed to simplify your project management journey.
What apps does the new Planner include?
The new Microsoft Planner combines:
The current Planner’s collaboration features
The simplicity of Microsoft To Do for task management
The capabilities of Microsoft Project for the web
The automation of Microsoft Copilot (the company’s AI companion)
The new Planner promises to be a powerful tool for staying organized. As well as boosting collaboration and achieving your goals with more ease.
Unifying Your Workflow: Tasks, Plans & Projects in One Place
Say goodbye to juggling several apps and hello to a streamlined experience. The new Planner goes beyond basic to-do lists. It seamlessly integrates tasks, plans, and projects under one roof.
This means you can manage everything from large to small. Including simple daily tasks to complex multi-phased projects. And do it all within a single, intuitive interface.
You can use the new Microsoft Planner from within Microsoft Teams or via a web browser. Here are some of the exciting things you will be able to do with it.
Enhanced Collaboration: Working Together Made Easy
Collaboration is key in today’s fast-paced world. Working remotely has become the new normal. Meaning tools need to keep people coordinated wherever they are.
The new Planner empowers teams to work together seamlessly. Real-time updates ensure everyone stays on the same page. Features like shared task ownership and comments foster clear communication and efficient collaboration.
AI-Powered Insights: Your Smart Copilot for Success
The new Planner incorporates the power of AI with Microsoft Copilot built in. This intelligent assistant helps you stay on top of your work. It can suggest relevant plans, tasks, and goals based on your needs and context. It can even analyze your progress and suggest adjustments to keep you on track.
Scaling with Your Needs: From Simple Tasks to Enterprise Projects
One size doesn’t fit all. The new Planner understands that. It offers flexibility to cater to both individual needs and complex enterprise projects. Microsoft Planner can adapt to your specific requirements. It’s flexible for use to fill big or small needs. Use it for managing a personal grocery list. Or to plan and deploy a large-scale company transformation.
Pre-Built Templates: Get Started Fast & Save Time
You don’t have to start from “square 1,” unless you want to. Microsoft Planner provides several ready-made templates. You can use these to get started on a new project or goal quickly.
Here’s a sneak peek at some key features of the new Microsoft Planner 2024:
Improved Navigation: A redesigned interface makes finding what you need faster and easier.
Enhanced Task Views: It has different views, like grid and board views. These let you customize how you see and organize your tasks.
Microsoft App Integration: Planner integrates with many Microsoft tools. Including, Power BI, Teams, Microsoft Viva Goals, Power Automate, and more.
Customizable Fields: Add custom fields to tasks. Use them to capture specific information relevant to your project needs.
Goal Setting: Define clear goals and track progress visually within your plans.
Critical Path: Identify the essential tasks needed to complete your project on time.
Improved Search: Find the information you need quickly and easily. The app has powerful search functionality.
Access and Availability
Mark your calendars! The new Planner will be available in preview in early 2024. It will become generally available soon after. Some features will roll out later in the year. You can visit Microsoft’s site to sign up for updates and see a feature roadmap.
The Future of Tasks, Planning & Project Management
The new Microsoft Planner 2024 is an example of a trend we’ve seen in the digital world. Less is more. Meaning, fewer apps to juggle and more streamlined interfaces.
Planner’s powerful features make it an invaluable tool. One that both individuals and teams alike can leverage to streamline workflows. It also has an intuitive interface and AI-powered assistant to drive productivity.
Get Expert Business Software Support & Management
Managing both legacy and new cloud tools can be complex. Features often go underutilized. And security can be a big problem if it’s not done right. Our team of business software experts is here to help you.
Have you been hearing more about email authentication lately? There is a reason for that. It’s the prevalence of phishing as a major security threat. Phishing continues as the main cause of data breaches and security incidents. This has been the case for many years.
A major shift in the email landscape is happening. The reason is to combat phishing scams. Email authentication is becoming a requirement for email service providers. It’s crucial to your online presence and communication to pay attention to this shift.
Google and Yahoo are two of the world’s largest email providers. They have implemented a new DMARC policy that took effect in February 2024. This policy essentially makes email authentication essential. It’s targeted at businesses sending emails through Gmail and Yahoo Mail.
But what’s DMARC, and why is it suddenly so important? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into the world of email authentication. We’ll help you understand why it’s more critical than ever for your business.
The Email Spoofing Problem
Imagine receiving an email seemingly from your bank. It requests urgent action. You click a link, enter your details, and boom – your information is compromised.
The common name for this is email spoofing. It’s where scammers disguise their email addresses. They try to appear as legitimate individuals or organizations. Scammers spoof a business’s email address. Then they email customers and vendors pretending to be that business.
These deceptive tactics can have devastating consequences on companies. These include:
Financial losses
Reputational damage
Data breaches
Loss of future business
Unfortunately, email spoofing is a growing problem. It makes email authentication a critical defense measure.
What is Email Authentication?
Email authentication is a way of verifying that your email is legitimate. This includes verifying the server sending the email. It also includes reporting back unauthorized uses of a company domain.
Email authentication uses three key protocols, and each has a specific job:
SPF (Sender Policy Framework): Records the IP addresses authorized to send email for a domain.
DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance): Gives instructions to a receiving email server. Including, what to do with the results of an SPF and DKIM check. It also alerts domain owners that their domain is being spoofed.
SPF and DKIM are protective steps. DMARC provides information critical to security enforcement. It helps keep scammers from using your domain name in spoofing attempts.
Here’s how it works:
You set up a DMARC record in your domain server settings. This record informs email receivers (like Google and Yahoo). It tells them the IP addresses authorized to send emails on your behalf.
What happens next? Your sent email arrives at the receiver’s mail server. It is looking to see if the email is from an authorized sender.
Based on your DMARC policy, the receiver can take action. This includes delivery, rejection, or quarantine.
You get reporting back from the DMARC authentication. The reports let you know if your business email is being delivered. It also tells you if scammers are spoofing your domain.
Starting in February 2024, the new rule took place. Businesses sending over 5,000 emails daily must have DMARC implemented.
Both companies also have policies for those sending fewer emails. These relate to SPF and DKIM authentication.
Look for email authentication requirements to continue. You need to pay attention to ensure the smooth delivery of your business email.
The Benefits of Implementing DMARC:
Implementing DMARC isn’t just about complying with new policies. It offers a range of benefits for your business:
Protects your brand reputation: DMARC helps prevent email spoofing scams. These scams could damage your brand image and customer trust.
Improves email deliverability: Proper authentication ensures delivery. Your legitimate emails reach recipients’ inboxes instead of spam folders.
Provides valuable insights: DMARC reports offer detailed information. They give visibility into how different receivers are handling your emails. As well as help you identify potential issues. They also improve your email security posture.
Taking Action: How to Put DMARC in Place
Implementing DMARC is crucial now. This is especially true considering the rising email security concerns with email spoofing. Here’s how to get started:
Understand your DMARC options
Consult your IT team or IT security provider
Track and adjust regularly
Need Help with Email Authentication & DMARC Monitoring?
DMARC is just one piece of the email security puzzle. It’s important to put email authentication in place. This is one of many security measures required in the modern digital environment. Need help putting these protocols in place? Just let us know.
Microsoft Copilot has been heading up the business AI charge. It’s used in Word, Excel, Edge, Windows, and more. This genAI-powered app is also showing up in various function-related activities. The latest of which is finance processes.
Microsoft Copilot for Finance is a game-changer. It injects the power of next-generation AI into the heart of your everyday workflow. Imagine having an AI companion that understands the intricacies of finance as well as collaborates seamlessly with you.
It can help a seasoned financial analyst or a curious learner. It automates repetitive tasks and provides real-time insights. Copilot is poised to revolutionize how we navigate the fiscal realm.
Read on to see why this innovative tool should be on your financial radar.
What Is Microsoft Copilot for Finance?
First, let’s have an overview of this new application. Copilot for Finance is a new Copilot experience in Microsoft 365. It features AI-assisted help for financial professionals. It does this from within productivity apps they use every day.
Microsoft Copilot for Finance connects to business financial systems such as Dynamics 365 and SAP. It provides finance-based insights and guided actions in:
Outlook
Excel
Teams
Other Microsoft 365 Applications
Benefits of Using Copilot for Finance
Breaking Free from the Manual Grind
Finance professionals are drowning in repetitive tasks. These include data entry, review cycles, and report generation. Copilot for Finance throws a lifeline to finance professionals. It automates these mundane activities and frees up valuable time for strategic thinking. Imagine a world where you can focus on high-impact tasks: tasks like financial planning, risk analysis, and driving business growth.
AI-Powered Insights at Your Fingertips
Copilot for Finance isn’t just about automation; it’s about intelligence. This AI assistant learns your organization’s financial data and behavior. It surfaces insights you might have missed.
Imagine uncovering hidden trends and predicting cash flow issues as well as identifying areas for cost optimizations– all powered by AI that works seamlessly within your existing Microsoft 365 environment.
Tailored for Your Team
Copilot for Finance isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It caters to the specific needs of different financial roles. Imagine streamlining audits with a simple prompt or simplifying collections with automated communication and payment plans. It can also speed up financial reporting with effortless variance detection. Copilot for Finance empowers every member of your finance team. It does this with role-specific workflows and features.
Seamless Integration for a Frictionless Experience
Copilot for Finance integrates effortlessly with your existing Microsoft 365 tools. Such as Excel, Outlook, and Teams. This means no more jumping between applications. No more struggling to import data. Imagine accessing insightful financial insights directly within your familiar workflow. This eliminates silos and streams communication across your team.
Built with Trust in Mind
Security and compliance are paramount in the world of finance. Copilot for Finance inherits the robust security features you trust from Microsoft 365. Imagine leveraging a solution that adheres to the strictest data privacy regulations. This gives you peace of mind and ensures your financial data remains secure.
A Glimpse into the Future of Finance
Copilot for Finance represents a significant leap forward in financial technology. It’s more than just automation. It’s about harnessing the power of AI to augment human expertise as well as transform the way finance operates.
Imagine a future where tedious tasks are a thing of the past. They’re replaced by a world of data-driven insights and strategic decision-making, all at the click of a button or text prompt.
Getting Started with Copilot for Finance
Microsoft Copilot for Finance is currently available for early adopters. Do you want to experience its transformative potential? Here’s how to get started:
Connect with Your IT Provider: We can offer support to set up Copilot for Finance. We’ll ensure it’s integrated and secured and also train your team on its helpful features.
The Future is Now: Embrace the Power of AI
The world of finance is evolving rapidly. Microsoft Copilot for Finance empowers you to embrace this change. As well as navigate the future with confidence. Copilot for Finance offers AI-powered insights, streamlined workflows, and seamless integration. It could soon become an indispensable tool for every finance professional.
Get Expert Microsoft 365 & Copilot Guidance
AI tools in Copilot are dominating business transformations. You can join, or risk missing out on what AI has to offer. We can help you unlock the full potential of Copilot in Microsoft 365. As well as propel your business forward with AI power.
Contact us today to see how we can help your business.
Staying ahead of threats is a challenge for organizations of all sizes. Reported global security incidents grew between February and March of 2024. They increased by 69.8%. It’s important to use a structured approach to cybersecurity. This helps to protect your organization.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created a Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). It provides an industry-agnostic approach to security. It’s designed to help companies manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. The framework was recently updated in 2024 to NIST CSF 2.0.
CSF 2.0 is a comprehensive update that builds upon the success of its predecessor. It offers a more streamlined and flexible approach to cybersecurity. This guide aims to simplify the framework. As well as make it more easily accessible to small and large businesses alike.
Understanding the Core of NIST CSF 2.0
At the heart of CSF 2.0 is the Core. The Core consists of five concurrent and continuous Functions. These are: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. These Functions provide a high-level strategic view of cybersecurity risk, as well as an organization’s management of that risk. This allows for a dynamic approach to addressing threats.
Here are the five Core Functions of NIST CSF 2.0:
Identify This function involves identifying and understanding the organization’s assets, cyber risks, and vulnerabilities. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you need to protect. You need this before you can install safeguards.
Protect The protect function focuses on implementing safeguards. These protections are to deter, detect, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and data encryption.
Detect Early detection of cybersecurity incidents is critical for minimizing damage. The detect function emphasizes the importance of detection, as well as having mechanisms to identify and report suspicious activity.
Recover The recover function focuses on restoring normal operations after a cybersecurity incident. This includes activities such as data restoration, system recovery, and business continuity planning.
Respond The respond function outlines the steps to take in the event of a cybersecurity incident. This includes activities such as containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned.
Recover The recover function focuses on restoring normal operations after a cybersecurity incident. This includes activities such as data restoration, system recovery, and business continuity planning.
Profiles and Tiers: Tailoring the Framework
The updated framework introduces the concept of Profiles and Tiers. These help organizations tailor their cybersecurity practices. They can customize them to their specific needs, risk tolerances, and resources.
Profiles
Profiles are the alignment of the Functions, Categories, and Subcategories. They’re aligned with the business requirements, risk tolerance, and resources of the organization.
Tiers
Tiers provide context on how an organization views cybersecurity risk as well as the processes in place to manage that risk. They range from Partial (Tier 1) to Adaptive (Tier 4).
Benefits of Using NIST CSF 2.0
There are many benefits to using NIST CSF 2.0, including:
Improved Cybersecurity Posture: By following the guidance in NIST CSF 2.0, organizations can develop a more comprehensive and effective cybersecurity program.
Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks: The framework helps organizations identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This can help to reduce the likelihood of cyberattacks.
Enhanced Compliance: NIST aligned CSF 2.0 with many industry standards and regulations. This can help organizations to meet compliance requirements.
Improved Communication: The framework provides a common language for communicating about cybersecurity risks. This can help to improve communication between different parts of an organization.
Cost Savings: NIST CSF 2.0 can help organizations save money. It does this by preventing cyberattacks and reducing the impact of incidents.
Getting Started with NIST CSF 2.0
If you are interested in getting started with NIST CSF 2.0, there are a few things you can do:
Familiarize yourself with the framework: Take some time to read through the NIST CSF 2.0 publication. Familiarize yourself with the Core Functions and categories.
Assess your current cybersecurity posture: Conduct an assessment of your current cybersecurity posture. This will help you identify any gaps or weaknesses.
Develop a cybersecurity plan: Based on your assessment, develop a cybersecurity plan. It should outline how you will put in place the NIST CSF 2.0 framework in your organization.
Seek professional help: Need help getting started with NIST CSF 2.0? Seek out a managed IT services partner. We’ll offer guidance and support.
By following these steps, you can begin to deploy NIST CSF 2.0 in your organization. At the same time, you’ll be improving your cybersecurity posture.
Schedule a Cybersecurity Assessment Today
The NIST CSF 2.0 is a valuable tool. It can help organizations of all sizes manage and reduce their cybersecurity risks. Follow the guidance in the framework. It will help you develop a more comprehensive and effective cybersecurity program.
Are you looking to improve your organization’s cybersecurity posture? NIST CSF 2.0 is a great place to start. We can help you get started with a cybersecurity assessment. We’ll identify assets that need protecting and security risks in your network. We can then work with you on a budget-friendly plan. Contact us today to schedule a cybersecurity assessment.
Imagine this: you leave your house for vacation. You live in a shady neighborhood but feel confident your locks are secure, but you also don’t check them daily. Are they really locked and safe? A tiny crack or hidden weakness could have occurred. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
That’s the risk of neglecting continuous cybersecurity monitoring. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and traditional security measures are no longer enough. Continuous monitoring acts as your vigilant digital guard. It’s constantly checking for weaknesses. It sounds the alarm before attackers exploit them.
Why Continuous Monitoring Matters
There are several reasons you need to watch your network. It’s not just a “good to have.” Here’s why continuous monitoring is a cybersecurity must for businesses of all sizes.
Breaches Happen Fast
Cyberattacks can happen in seconds. They exploit vulnerabilities before you even know they exist. Continuous monitoring provides real-time insights. It allows you to identify and respond to threats swiftly, minimizing potential damage.
Advanced Threats Need Advanced Defenses
Hackers are constantly developing sophisticated techniques. Some can bypass traditional perimeter defenses. Continuous monitoring delves deeper. It analyzes network traffic, user behavior, and system logs. It uncovers hidden threats lurking within your network.
Compliance Requirements Often Mandate It
Many industry regulations and data privacy laws require organizations to have continuous monitoring. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and reputational damage.
Peace of Mind and Reduced Costs
Continuous monitoring helps prevent costly breaches and downtime. It also reduces the workload for security teams. It automates routine tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.
What Does Continuous Monitoring Look Like?
Continuous monitoring isn’t a single tool. It’s a holistic approach that combines different elements. These include:
Log Management: Security logs are collected and analyzed for suspicious activity. Logs come from firewalls, devices, and applications.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM):SIEM systems collect security data. They tap into various sources. They provide a centralized view of your security posture and identify potential threats.
Vulnerability Scanning: Regular scans identify weaknesses in your systems and applications. This allows you to patch them before attackers exploit them.
User Activity Monitoring: Monitoring user behavior can identify suspicious activity. For example, unauthorized access attempts or data exfiltration.
Network Traffic Analysis: Monitoring network traffic can reveal several risks:
Malware
Suspicious communication patterns
Attempts to breach your network defenses
Benefits Beyond Threat Detection
Continuous monitoring offers advantages beyond just identifying threats. Here are some extra benefits.
Improved Threat Detection Accuracy
Continuous monitoring reduces false positives. It does this by analyzing vast amounts of data. This allows your security team to focus on genuine threats.
Faster Incident Response
Continuous monitoring provides real-time alerts. This enables a quicker response to security incidents, minimizing potential damage.
Enhanced Security Posture
Continuous monitoring aids in identifying vulnerabilities. It helps you rank patching and remediation efforts. This proactively strengthens your security posture.
Compliance Reporting
Continuous monitoring systems can generate reports. This helps you prove compliance with relevant regulations. It also saves you time and resources during audits.
Getting Started with Continuous Monitoring
Implementing continuous monitoring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You can begin with a few common-sense steps.
Assess Your Needs
Identify your organization’s specific security needs and compliance requirements. Have a cybersecurity assessment done. This is the best way to identify vulnerabilities you should address.
Choose the Right Tools
Select monitoring tools that align with your needs and budget. Consider managed security service providers (MSSPs) for a comprehensive solution. We can help you ensure a holistic cybersecurity strategy. Plus, we can tailor solutions for your budget.
Develop a Monitoring Plan
Define what your monitoring plan will look like. This helps ensure that things don’t get missed. Here are some things to include in your plan:
How you will track data
How you will handle alerts
Who handles responding to incidents
Invest in Training
Train your security team on how to use the monitoring tools as well as how to effectively respond to security alerts. Include training on reporting from monitoring systems. Ensure your team knows how to understand the insights they offer.
Continuous Monitoring: Your Cybersecurity Lifeline
In today’s threat landscape, continuous monitoring is not a luxury. It’s a security necessity. Proactive monitoring of your systems and data has many benefits. You can identify threats early and respond swiftly, as well as reduce the impact of cyberattacks.
Don’t wait for a security breach to be your wake-up call. Embrace continuous monitoring and take control of your cybersecurity posture. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially in the digital world.
Need Help with Your Cybersecurity Strategy?
Monitoring is one part of a holistic approach to cybersecurity. We’ll be happy to help you protect your business. We can customize a plan that works for your needs and budget.
