No matter which industry you serve, odds are your company needs IT compliance that meets the latest regulatory standards. As companies continue integrating technology into their business operations, more legislation will be created to dictate how companies manage the personal and financial data of its users and customers. IT compliance is a must.
Why Compliance Is Important
While we know it’s a hassle, it’s a bad idea to let IT compliance challenges stop you from staying current. Not being in compliance with industry regulations results in negative consequences for your business. Companies and high-level executives may be fined thousands or millions of dollars and face prison time, depending on the severity of the violation. Your business could suffer downtime and damage to its reputation. And it could be forced to close. In a matter of six months, six out of 10 small businesses are forced to shutter after a data breach, according to Inc.
How These Policies Affect Your Business
Below are some examples of industry regulations which may affect your business. Not every market will be affected by all of these regulations, but it’s critical to know which ones apply to you. Here are four compliance questions to ask yourself:
1. Do You Have European Customers?
In May 2018, a set of guidelines for how personal information from individuals living in the European Union is collected and processed went into effect. This became known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation not only affects websites based in the EU, but applies to any website that offers services to EU residents.
Under these rules, visitors must be alerted that your website will be collecting their data and give them the option to consent or “opt-in” – allowing their data to be collected.
2. Does Your Website Allow Credit Card Payments?
If your website has the functionality to conduct credit card transactions, you need to be in IT compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). The PCI DSS is the compliance regulation that requires all companies that accept, transmit, process or store credit card holder data during a transaction to maintain a secure digital environment.
Each major credit card company has its own set of levels and requirements based on the number of credit card transactions a business accepts annually. For example, a Level Four merchant with Visa is a business processing less than 20,000 Visa transactions a year. This level requires companies to annually complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), submit an Attestation of Compliance (AOC) Form and conduct a quarterly network scan by an Approved Scan Vendor (ASV) when needed.
3. Do You Handle Healthcare Records?
Patient confidentiality is one of the pillars of the health care industry — hence why there are so many compliance regulations to remember. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) sets compliance standards for companies that handle protected health information (PHI).
Anyone that has access to patient records, provides or supports treatment, collects payments, or operates within the health care space must follow HIPAA compliance to keep personal patient data safe.
4. Does Your Company Store Financial Records?
Are your company’s financial records up to date? To stop companies from reporting false or inaccurate financial information, the U.S. government passed legislation known as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) in 2002. This regulation protects shareholders and the general public from accounting errors and corrupt financial business practices by public companies.
This regulation affects how financial and IT departments maintain, store and archive their corporate records. It also sets dates for how long companies need to archive this data.
How to Simplify Compliance
If you’re a small- or medium-sized business, you may not have the manpower to focus on maintaining data compliance and meeting industry regulations. That’s where Nitor Solutions comes in. We conduct audits and assessments to see where your company stands with industry regulations. Then we create and maintain policies and procedures that will keep your company in IT compliant in the future.
Don’t tackle this complex topic alone — contact us today to jumpstart your compliance efforts.
How much of your day is spent worrying about business continuity during an IT outage? When your technology fails, productivity drops, sales stall, customer service suffers, and product deliveries are delayed.
Downtime, or even minor disruptions, aren’t just frustrating—they’re costly. According to Datto, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) can lose up to $8,000 monthly due to downtime. It’s no wonder such losses can cause sleepless nights.
As a business owner, you’re constantly juggling responsibilities. With so much on your plate, it’s easy for IT management to slip through the cracks. While today’s technology is reliable, it’s not foolproof.
Your Ideal IT Scenario
Imagine offloading all your IT tasks and concerns to an expert you trust to keep your technology updated, secure, available, and running smoothly. They’d even ensure you’re prepared for disasters.
Many SMBs turn to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) to handle daily IT tasks, including backups, hardware and software issue resolution, secure access, remote monitoring, network management, and more. When the unexpected occurs, preventative measures are in place to switch over to a failover server, minimizing or eliminating downtime.
True Peace of Mind
Picture a scenario where your technology causes no headaches, updates don’t disrupt data continuity, and downtime is a foreign concept. This may sound like a dream, but a reliable MSP can make it a reality by delivering a comprehensive business continuity plan.
Partnering with a dependable IT provider allows you to relax, knowing your technology is covered no matter what happens.
Nitor has the expertise and experience to manage your technology end-to-end. From quick problem resolution and critical updates to data backups, security, seamless new technology deployment, and disaster preparedness, we’ve got you covered. Instead of worrying about your technology, you can focus on your future with confidence.
Restless nights, constant headaches, daily disruptions—however IT issues manifest for you, they’re always on your mind. And rightfully so, as IT failures can be disastrous for your business.
Fortunately, you have options to permanently remove IT from your list of worries.
It’s Not a Matter of If, But When
All technology eventually faces issues. Staying ahead of problems can feel impossible, and minor IT issues can snowball into significant downtime. Some days, handing over all your IT responsibilities to someone else sounds ideal.
By entrusting your technology to an MSP, you gain peace of mind knowing a team of experts handles everything IT-related. No surprises, no worries. Whether it’s getting a printer back online, updating antivirus software, implementing a disaster recovery plan, upgrading the network, or backing up critical data, you can confidently focus on your business.
Discover how Nitor can ensure business continuity for your company. Contact us today to get a FREE IT assessment and receive up to three monthsfree of IT support.
When it comes to the livelihood of your business, you probably have some measures in place to make sure your business can withstand a disaster. That’s where business continuity and disaster recovery plans come into play. These plans are critical to the survival of your business, which is why they’re so important to have.
However, there are still businesses who don’t have any precautions in place. According to a survey by Mercer, 51% of businesses don’t have any kind of business continuity plan in place. The same can be said for disaster recovery. As a business owner, you need both a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, but what’s the difference between the two? In this blog, we will explain each type of plan and how they differ.
#1 – When the Plan Takes Place
The first key difference between business continuity and disaster recovery is when each of them can be enacted. When it comes to business continuity, the plan is focused on both preventive and recovery steps and can take place before or during a disaster. Disaster recovery is more specific. This plan takes place after a disaster occurs. Business continuity is the bigger picture of making sure your business continues to run, and disaster recovery is one of the pieces of that big picture.
#2 – What Each Plan Involves
Different from business continuity plans, disaster recovery plans involve a variety of strategies from safety procedures to data backup procedures. For disaster recovery, there are a few elements that go into the plan. Some of the elements include:
Creating a disaster recovery team
Assessing all the risks
Determining your critical business procedures
Creating your backup and offsite procedures
A business continuity plan is a bit broader, since it covers everything about your business. Some common elements of a business continuity plan include:
An analysis of all your critical business functions
Identifying potential threats
Developing strategies to avoid risks
Contact information for key and emergency personnel
#3 – They Have Different Goals
The goals between the two plans are a bit different. For business continuity, the primary goal is to make sure that your business can run during a disaster. Some other objectives are to reduce the financial loss and make sure critical services are uninterrupted. As for disaster recovery, the primary goal of the plan is to minimize the amount of downtime and data loss you experience. Establishing alternate ways to operate your business and complying with regulations are other objectives of a disaster recovery plan.
How Do Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Work Together?
They both help businesses prepare for the worst. Together, their purpose is to make sure your business can bounce back from disruptions and continue to be successful. When you don’t have a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, you leave your business vulnerable to disasters – and several other issues that eat into your organization’s productivity. Consider this: the Federal Emergency Management Agency found that 40% of businesses never reopen after a disaster. So it’s important that you account for how you will recover when an issue does arise.
We know everything from disaster recovery to business continuity can be overwhelming. Instead of stressing over these plans, leave it to the IT experts. Here at Nitor Solutions, our experts are ready to tackle your IT concerns so you can focus on what matters – your business.
The landscape of work has undergone a seismic shift. Gone are the days of cubicles and watercooler gossip. Today, a significant portion of the global workforce operates remotely, accessing company data and resources from their home offices, coffee shops, or even halfway across the world. While this flexibility offers numerous benefits for both employers and employees, it also introduces new security challenges.
This blog delves into the world of remote workforce security, exploring the potential risks and outlining actionable steps businesses can take to safeguard their valuable information and assets in a remote work environment.
Why is Remote Workforce Security Important?
The traditional office setup provided a natural layer of security. Firewalls and physical access restrictions limited exposure to sensitive data. However, the remote work model dismantles these barriers. Remote workers often use personal devices, connect to public Wi-Fi networks, and access cloud-based applications – all potential entry points for cybercriminals.
Here are some of the key security risks associated with a remote workforce:
Phishing Attacks: Remote workers are prime targets for phishing scams. Separated from the physical office environment, they may be more susceptible to falling for emails or messages that appear legitimate but contain malicious links or attachments.
Malware and Ransomware: Unsecured devices and networks can be breeding grounds for malware and ransomware attacks. These can encrypt critical business data, rendering it inaccessible until a ransom is paid.
Data Breaches: Accidental data leaks can occur through lost laptops, unencrypted file sharing, or compromised cloud storage accounts. The remote work environment increases the potential for such incidents.
Shadow IT: Employees may use unauthorized applications and services to complete their tasks, creating blind spots for IT teams and exposing company data to additional security risks.
These security threats can have a devastating impact on a business. Data breaches can result in significant financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. Disruptions caused by malware or ransomware attacks can cripple operations and productivity.
Building a Secure Remote Workforce
Fortunately, numerous steps can be taken to mitigate these risks and establish a robust remote workforce security posture. Here’s a roadmap for businesses to follow:
1. Implement a Comprehensive Security Policy:
Develop a clear and concise remote work security policy that outlines acceptable use of devices, software, and internet access.
The policy should address password management practices, data encryption protocols, and guidelines for secure file sharing.
Regularly review and update the policy to stay aligned with evolving threats and industry best practices.
2. Secure Device Access:
Consider a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy with clear limitations and security requirements.
Enforce the use of Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to centrally manage and secure access from various devices.
Provide secure remote access solutions like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to encrypt data transmission when using public Wi-Fi.
Implement endpoint security solutions to detect and prevent malware intrusions on remote devices.
3. Prioritize Data Security
Implement data encryption for sensitive information, both at rest and in transit.
Enforce access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to confidential data.
Educate employees on data security best practices, including how to identify and avoid phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
Foster a culture of data protection within the organization.
4. Foster a Culture of Security Awareness
Regularly conduct security awareness training programs for remote employees.
These programs should cover topics like phishing scams, password hygiene, and secure browsing habits.
Phishing simulations can be used to test employee awareness and identify areas for improvement.
Promote open communication channels to encourage employees to report suspicious activity or potential security breaches.
5. Leverage Technology Solutions:
Invest in advanced security solutions such as intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor network traffic for malicious activity.
Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to login processes, making it more difficult for unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Implement data loss prevention (DLP) solutions to prevent the accidental or intentional exfiltration of sensitive data.
6. Prioritize Continuous Monitoring
Regularly monitor and audit remote access points, user activity, and system logs to identify anomalies and potential security threats.
Utilize security information and event management (SIEM) solutions to aggregate data from various security tools and correlate events for a comprehensive security picture.
Conduct periodic penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in your remote access infrastructure.
Conclusion
Remote work offers a wealth of benefits, but it also necessitates a proactive approach to security. By implementing the strategies outlined above, businesses can create a secure remote working environment that fosters productivity and protects valuable assets. Contact us today to learn more!
7 Reasons Why Microsoft 365 Reigns Supreme in Charlotte
Microsoft 365 support provides an extensive suite of award-winning apps, cloud-based services and advanced security that many businesses in the Charlotte-based area need and desire. From Outlook to Teams, Microsoft 365 support applications can keep your employees connected and productive, all within one integrated service. But it’s not necessarily the right answer for every business, nor is it the only answer. Let’s dive into the popular features and benefits so you can decide for yourself.
1. All the Apps You Know and Love
You name it. Microsoft 365 has all the familiar apps: Teams, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, Excel, OneDrive, Skype, OneNote and more depending on what plan you select. Sounds like app bliss, right? On the flip side, some people do find the applications limiting. For example, applications accessed through the cloud may not have the exact same functionality as applications accessed from a local desktop.
2. Email, Chat, Call and Collaborate on any Device Anytime, Anywhere
In today’s world, many Charlotte-based companies do business remotely. Cloud-based applications allow employees to stay in touch with each other and access company files from wherever they roam. Cloud supporters love the easy access and mobile capability that Microsoft 365 provides.
3. Connected Employees are Productive Employees
Regardless of where employees are, they can stay in the loop. Smart, cloud-based apps keep everyone connected and ensure important business resources are always safely within reach. Open Outlook to check your email on your smartphone. Or use Teams to join a meeting on your laptop.
Work together in real-time: Getting business done, with internal staff and external vendors and clients, requires collaboration. Microsoft Teams allows people to work effectively together, no matter how far they are apart, with one shared digital workspace. Simply start an online meeting, invite the key players, share important documents and get business done faster.
4. Secure Storage, Access and Sharing
Microsoft 365 includes secure file access, sharing and storage – anytime, anywhere.
OneDrive: Upload, organize and store files on OneDrive, and safely share them both inside and outside your organization. OneDrive even syncs your changes across devices, so you can start edits on one device and finish edits on another. No more multiple versions in different places.
SharePoint: Manage, organize and store files with SharePoint. Assign access privileges to ensure the right people have the right kind of access to the right files.
5. Automated Business Processes
With Microsoft 365 support, you won’t need to burden IT staff or hire an IT staff to maintain. Setup is easy with step-by-step instructions, and the latest versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more are automatically updated. Plus, through various applications including Word, SharePoint, Power Apps and Power Automate, you can digitize documents and workflows and reduce paperwork.
6. Advanced Security and Compliance
Microsoft 365 can also defend your business against security threats through:
Reduced dependence on multiple third-party vendors
One integrated solution
Adaptive security policies
Sophisticated phishing and ransomware protection
Mobile Device Management (MDM) for protection of iPhones, iPads, Androids and Windows devices
Data loss prevention (DLP) policies across cloud, on-premises and endpoints
Pre-emptive Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
Encryption, access restriction and visual markings
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and single sign-on (SSO) with Azure AD
7. Potential Savings
Many businesses find they save money with Microsoft 365. Through its subscription-based pricing model, you can choose a plan that best suits your business needs. Business owners also like that subscriptions are paid per user, per month. Add to that big gains in productivity, and it’s easy to see how Microsoft 365 could pay off.
Before You Sign
Microsoft 365 is one robust beast of a cloud-based platform, for sure. And all of the apps are great – as long as your employees actually use them. Before you sign along the dotted line, think long and hard about the features and services you truly need. And choose a plan that meets your business needs where you stand today. To learn more about how Nitor Solutions can provide Microsoft 365 support to your business, contact us today.
A great business leader knows they have to play by the rules before they can change the game. This is why being well-versed in IT compliance in Charlotte is so imperative. Compliance has become the new house rules for how businesses conduct themselves on the board. To ensure all of your pieces stay in play, here are the compliance regulations we at Nitor Solutions want you to know before rolling the first dice.
GDPR: Playing by the EU’s House Rules
The European Union rolled doubles on protecting the information of its citizens with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). While you and your business may reside stateside, any entity that processes and stores the personal data of EU citizens must follow this compliance.
These guidelines must be followed unless otherwise consented by individual citizens. Visitors retain the right to withdraw their information at any time and companies must respect the individual’s right to be forgotten. Essentially, an EU citizen will allow some of your house rules until they want to change up the game, then you must respect their decision — no rage-flipping the board.
You can rise above IT compliance challenges successfully and conduct business in European markets with a qualified technology partner. Nitor Solutions helps you understand the transition to GDPR compliance. They ensure that you are properly meeting regulatory compliance and help you avoid fines of four percent of your global annual turnover or up to $22.4m (whichever is larger).
PCI DSS: A Safe Strategy
Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance creates an additional level of protection for credit, debit and cash card transactions. It guarantees that your customers’ card information is kept safe when it’s stored, processed and transmitted.
A great technology partner can make all the difference in your regulatory status by building a secure network and maintaining crucial systems throughout the year. You’ll be able to avoid risky noncompliance fines and ensure you stay in the game.
Got any, SOX?
In the legendary and hallowed battle of wits known as Go Fish, strict penalties fall upon the deceitful when they are caught lying about not having a certain card. This is similar to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX).
SOX maintains a level of transparency among entities that publicly trade within the U.S. It holds company officers responsible for accurate reporting and requires a number of auditing measures to show how much capital a company has, as well as where it is being spent.
With intuitive IT services, you will keep the faith of investors, remain transparent and discover the streamlining benefits that SOX can provide. Not to mention, you’ll avoid hefty fines and jailtime so you can pass go and collect your profit.
HIPAA-ration
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects the storage of an individual’s medical records. Like the Operation board holding various ailments, companies known as Business Associates (BA) hold the medical, insurance, and payment records of individuals. Your company is considered a BA if it creates, receives, maintains or transmits protected health information and compliance pertains not only to the primary data handlers, but also their subcontractors.
To safeguard this information from top to bottom, a technology partner becomes the red light and buzzer on the patient’s nose, a safeguard against anyone trying to remove the “water on the knee” of information from your client’s records. Working with tech services provide the necessary solutions so you and your partners transmit data securely.
Consider Us Your Game’s Master
Partnering with Nitor Solutions is the easiest way to ensure you’re meeting and exceeding compliance standards. Contact us today to be your guide in the IT Compliance game, and we’ll help you become a seasoned player.
