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Showing posts from January, 2023

How to Choose the Right Cybersecurity Vendor for Your Organization

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https://www.bluelightit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/business-team-searching-on-map.jpg There is no shortage of cybersecurity vendors on the market, and it may not always be easy to decide which one is right for your organization. Each vendor offers different products and services, and it can be daunting to figure out which one will meet your needs best. Here are a few key factors you should consider when making your decision. Security Capabilities The first and most important factor to consider is the vendor’s security capabilities. It is essential to ensure that they have the right solutions in place to protect your organization from cyber threats. This covers areas such as: Data encryption strength User access control measures Network monitoring tools Malware detection features Price Cost is undoubtedly an important factor when choosing a cybersecurity vendor, but it should not be the only consideration. It is essential to ensure that the price you pay for cybersecuri

Can I Take a DIY Approach to the FTC Safeguards Rule?

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https://www.bluelightit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/blu-diy-approach-ftc-sagefuards-rule.jpg Does Your Firm Have The Right Cyber Security Program? If you’re a tax preparer dealing in personally identifiable information (PII), you’ve likely seen articles related to the newly updated FTC Safeguards Rule .1 The rule will take effect soon, specifying that “financial institutions [must] develop, implement and maintain an information security program with administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect customer information.”You must implement a cyber security program to protect your clients’ data. The rule denotes explicitly nine tenants to follow under the law. We’ve interviewed Amir Sachs, CEO of Blue Light IT and bestselling author of cyber security guides, to help explain in more detail what you can do as an individual to implement an FTC Safeguards Rule-compliant cyber security program. Is it possible to take a DIY approach to comply with the new requir

Why Your Business Is a Target for Cyber Attacks

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https://www.bluelightit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/hacker-choosing-target-through-code.jpg If your business faces cyber threats, you’re not alone. According to a 2016 report by the Ponemon Institute, almost half of the companies worldwide have been affected by cyber-attacks that cost them an average of $7 million in lost productivity, legal fees, and other expenses. But what does this mean for your business? As the initial quote says, “while no company is immune to cyberattacks, the severity varies widely.” That means there are firms whose bottom line has been taken down temporarily or permanently due to these digital intrusions. Here are the reasons why your business is a target for cyber attacks. Your Data is a Goldmine The cyber-threat landscape has changed a lot in the last few years. The world’s largest center of innovation and talent, Silicon Valley, is a target because it has so much treasure trove to steal. On average, the digital bad guys are accessing more than 110 m

Ways that Remote IT Support Boosts Productivity

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https://www.bluelightit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/IT-support.jpg Remote IT support refers to the practice of providing technical assistance to users of computer systems and devices over the internet or other remote communication channels. With the increasing reliance on technology and the widespread use of remote work, remote IT support has become an essential component of many businesses. It allows organizations to provide timely and efficient technical support to their employees and customers, regardless of location. In this way, remote IT support can significantly boost productivity by reducing the time and effort required to resolve technical issues and enabling employees to focus on their work without interruptions. Here are some ways in which remote IT support boosts productivity: Quick Resolution of Technical Issues Though a sizable number of businesses still conduct their operations in person, it is becoming increasingly common for employees to work from home. This h

FTC Safeguards Rule – Do I have to comply?

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https://www.bluelightit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ftc-safeguards-rule-comply.jpg If you’re a CPA or other tax preparer dealing in non-public personal identifiable information (PII), you’ve likely seen articles related to the newly updated FTC Safeguards Rule .  On June 9th, 2023, the Rule will be enforced. The Rule specifies that “financial institutions [must] develop, implement and maintain an information security program with administrative, technical and physical safeguards designed to protect customer information.” As a tax preparer, it falls on you and your company to implement a cyber security program to protect your client’s data. The Rule specifically denotes nine tenants to follow under the law. You’re probably busy this time of year, so we’ve summarized the tenants into key takeaways below. The FTC Safeguards Rule requires companies to: Designate a qualified person to oversee their information security program Develop a written risk assessment Limit and monit