​Traditionally, businesses and institutions would implement a network in-house that provided everything they needed. Schools would have a messy closet full of cables and switchboards while businesses would have server rooms taking up swathes of space in the office. Network infrastructure was all over the place and relied on an on-site expert. If an issue came up, they're hopefully in the office today or know how to fix the issue quickly, otherwise, the institution suffers. Reliable networks were the exception, not the rule. That is until NaaS entered the scene.

Network as a service (NaaS) is a custom service model in which clients rent networking services from a vendor. You're able to operate your own network without the hassle of maintaining it. While larger businesses and organizations may have the budget for a dedicated networking team, smaller businesses now have a way to handle their networking needs while having the option to scale up as needed.

NaaS was the response to years of network security concerns and enterprise networking testing. Companies needed a network they could trust with the added reliability of cloud computing. Since most networks in the past were fully on-site and managed by the business, it was on the business to determine the best way to set up the network structure and expand as needed. While this is something that most enterprises can afford, SMBs (small-medium businesses) don't always have that luxury.
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NaaS can replace legacy network services like virtual private networks (VPNs) and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS) connections as it is both completely secure and efficient. It is also able to replace certain on-premises hardware such as firewall appliances and load balancers, giving you simplified security services without needing the added space to house it.

Network as a service is a solution that any business can benefit from, but SMBs stand to gain the most from it. Similar to other cloud services, the hardware isn't tied to your location. As long as your service provider has you on the network, you have a secure, personal network. You don't need to spend money setting up your own network infrastructure or finding local talent to maintain it. You don't have to buy new hardware and services every time you need to scale the services up. You don't need to worry about security concerns aside from user error.
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You may be thinking that it sounds too good to be true, but NaaS is rapidly rising in popularity as an SMB and enterprise networking solution that takes the stress of management off of your shoulders at a fraction of the price you would be paying for in-house solutions. No more VPNs or downtime, just network services you can trust.

​NaaS is something that every SMB and educational organization should take advantage of and if you've been looking for network infrastructure you can trust, IntegriTel powered by Nile has you covered. You'll have access to corporate networking infrastructure without the hassle of management or worrying about overhead costs.

We understand that small businesses and schools have network needs that fluctuate. If you're interested in starting up your new NaaS solutions soon, contact IntegriTel today to learn more and get started on your journey to self-sufficient networking.

Cybersecurity is one of the most important factors behind a company's success, but not every business has the means of maintaining their security with consistency. Besides, cybersecurity is such an all-encompassing term that you can never be sure which parts you should be using and which you could do without. However, one concept that should be top of mind is Zero Trust, a form of secure access that doesn't require traditional network edge.

Zero Trust is a security framework that requires all users, whether inside or outside of the organization's network, to be authenticated, authorized, and continuously validated for security configuration and posture before being granted or keeping access to applications and data. Also, Zero Trust assumes there is no traditional network edge. Networks can be local, in the cloud, or hybrid with resources anywhere as well as workers in any location.
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Basically, the Zero Trust model is a framework for securing infrastructure and data for today's modern digital transformation. Businesses face security concerns across remote work, hybrid cloud environments, and ransomware threats, so having a unified solution that covers all your bases can give you the peace of mind you've been missing.

Zero Trust combines advanced security technology with cloud workload technology to create a complete package of protection. Zero Trust is also a significant departure from traditional network security. While traditional security strategy revolved around a "trust but verify" method, it became obsolete with the rise of cloud migration of business initiatives and the acceleration of a distributed work environment due to the 2020 pandemic.

Zero Trust security architecture requires organizations to continuously monitor and validate that a user and their device have the right privileges and attributes. Essentially, the organization must know all of its service and privileged accounts and establish controls about when and where they can connect. A one-time validation isn't enough anymore because threats and user attributes can change at a moment's notice.
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As a result, organizations must ensure that all access requests are vetted prior to allowing access. Not only are you putting a Zero Trust strategy in place but you are creating Zero Trust policies that require visibility into hundreds of user and application identity attributes such as firmware versions, applications installed on endpoint, and credential privileges on different devices.

Implementing a Zero Trust architecture into your current security strategy would immediately decrease your chances of suffering a cyberattack or misusing credentials in the network. Zero Trust not only protects user identity but lowers the chances of human error through the constant need for credentials and access control for users. These protections extend across your entire network so it doesn't matter if your entire team is in the office or remote, your Zero Trust security model is keeping your network secure.
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Also, since it comes with the territory, you're cutting down on cost due to the Zero Trust model encompassing multiple security elements in one convenient package. For smaller businesses, this frees up more capital to focus on new options and allows for a greater degree of scalability.

​Did you know that more than 80% of all attacks involve credential misuse or stolen in the network? Not even a private network is safe from human error, but Zero Trust eliminates that threat. With a team like IntegriTel, the security of your network is guaranteed. All of our solutions utilize Zero Trust security powered by Nile to enable SMBs the flexibility and protection necessary to facilitate your growth. If you're interested in Zero Trust concepts and want access management you can trust, contact the experts at IntegriTel today.

​Every business requires technology to keep it running smoothly and efficiently, but not every business is capable of dealing with every aspect of the technology at its disposal. If you're in a small or medium-sized business, you know that you only have so much budget and talent to use in-house. For some, that means you have to make the sacrifice of leaving your technology fate up to someone else. Not to worry, it's not as ominous as it sounds. If you pick the right managed service provider, all your worries will disappear. How will you know what the right provider looks like? Here are some of the questions you should be asking during your search.

Managed services are becoming increasingly popular among small businesses due to all the benefits they provide, but before we talk about benefits we need to define what managed service providers (MSPs) are. A managed service provider supports your company's technology for a monthly flat fee that depends on the services you want to use.

MSPs proactively monitor your network, reduce IT problems, and troubleshoot any network issues as they arise. Due to advancements in cloud computing, most IT work can be outsourced without negatively impacting your business. The managed service provider will remotely access networks and deploy solutions for any issues without needing to be in-house.
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MSPs present clients with a contract that details which services they will provide. Outsourced solutions may include:

• Help Desk Services
• Cloud Backup and Storage
• Platform as a Service
• Mobile Device Management
• Software as a Service (SaaS)

​Businesses call on a managed IT services provider to negate risk and simplify their services. Instead of using reactive IT outsourced services to handle issues as they occur, you can use an MSP to proactively manage systems, provide updates, and perform maintenance tasks. You should evaluate potential providers based on your current and future IT needs. While some offer everything from remote monitoring to cloud services, others only provide specific services like disaster recovery.

MSPs differ from other tech-upkeep methods since they're designed to support and centralize many different aspects of IT for small businesses. However, you should still be asking questions before you commit to an MSP. Does an MSP fit into your budget? Do you need on-site support for problems like a printer jam or are most of your services capable of working without on-site management? Is your technology completely secure?

Once you've considered these questions, you still need to clarify that the benefits of an MSP apply to your situation and add up these elements to see if this is the right provider for you or not. These benefits include:

​Proactive Services
Effective MSPs prevent technical issues by monitoring IT elements like hardware, applications, security, and technology trends then notifying you if a problem appears. When issues pop up, your managed services provider may recommend upgrading technology to boost productivity or stepping in themselves to provide technical support services before you get impacted.

At the end of the day, you're paying someone to prevent issues instead of fixing them after they occur. While they do have services in place to resolve problems that may get missed, most of their solutions revolve around prevention. The right provider prevents problems, which is how IntegriTel approaches all of our technology services.

Business Technology Services
Some managed services providers offer all the technology your business needs, ranging from workstations and servers to software. Depending on the managed IT services you are using through them, you'll be able to focus capital on other business expenditures instead of buying, installing, and maintaining technology on-premise.

The right provider, like IntegriTel, offers on-premise services and remote monitoring in whatever capacity you want depending on your needs.

Technology Expertise
A small business using one IT person to handle its concerns will inevitably run into issues because nobody knows everything. There will be services that individual doesn't know how to operate. They may be experts at standing up the website and managing the network, but they may not know how to handle cybersecurity.

Any MSP you work with will have tech expertise across multiple IT functions, meaning they're equipped to handle any issues you face day by day. That said, the right provider, like IntegriTel, will have everything you’re looking for and a few solutions you didn’t know you needed.

Business Continuity
Disaster can strike at any moment, so having a service in place to restore systems that go down or prevent data loss from happening in the first place can go a long way. A good MSP provides you with a comprehensive business continuity plan that gives you peace of mind and prevents ransomware attacks or other potential risks from impacting your business.

The right provider offers continuous support through thick or thin. IntegriTel offers security solutions through RocketCyber and BitDefender services, keeping you safe no matter what happens.

Fully Remote When Necessary
There's no need for physical presence from your MSP after they install their solutions because all of their services are managed digitally. You won't have technicians poking around to find the latest problem and holding everyone up unless it’s a problem with the hardware.

If they can’t handle the problem remotely, the right provider handles the issue on-site, similar to how IntegriTel provides on-premise and remote solutions to all our clients.

Focused Expertise
While many MSPs offer a variety of services across multiple IT solutions, they may not cover every piece of technology you're looking for. This can help you narrow down your options to find an MSP that has exactly what you need so you aren't spending money on services you aren't using. Keep a weathered eye out and find the right fit for your company.

Every small business deserves the peace of mind that comes with using a managed IT services provider, but finding the right choice takes time. Shorten your search time by seeking out IntegriTel, your local IT and telecom solution for small and medium businesses.

We excel at providing solutions for businesses that range between two and 100 employees. We offer you all the networking, security, and managed services necessary to keep your technology moving smoothly through partnerships with nationally-renowned technology experts like Aruba Networks, Fortinet, Kaseya, and Nile. If you need a new managed service partner, contact IntegriTel today.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced an update to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act’s (GLBA) Safeguards Rule. According to the rule, certain financial institutions must meet several data security requirements to protect customers’ personal financial information and the institutions' own sensitive data.
 
These amendments were intended to take effect on December 9, 2022, but on November 15, the FTC announced a delay to the Safeguards Rule provisions by six months. This gives institutes until June 9, 2023, to update their data security to comply with the new ruling. If you’d like to read more for yourself, you can do so on the FTC’s official site. 

The definition of a financial institution “means any institution the business of which is engaging in an activity that is financial in nature or incidental to such financial activities as described in section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, 12 U.S.C. 1843(k). An institution that is significantly engaged in financial activities, or significantly engaged in activities incidental to such financial activities, is a financial institution. This new definition now extends to businesses such as:

• Account Servicers
• Accountants
• Any business that wires money
• Auto Dealers
• Businesses that print checks
• Career Counselors
• Check Cashers
• Collection Agencies
• Third-Party Financers
• Credit Counseling Services
• Estate & Probate Attorneys
• Financing Companies
• Investment Advisory Companies
• Mortgage Brokers & Lenders
• Payday Loan Providers
• Real Estate Appraisers
• Retailers that offer credit cards
• Tax Preparation Firms & CPA’s
• Title Agencies
• Travel Agencies in connection with Financial Services

The FTC published the amended Safeguards Rule on December 9, 2021, and some portions of the amendments to the Rule came into effect on January 10, 2022. The remaining provisions were scheduled to go into effect on December 9 of the same year, but the FTC delayed the effective date. This was in response to a public comment letter submitted by the Small Business Administration claiming a need for more qualified personnel to implement the information security programs.
 
Financial institutions now have some breathing room to implement these changes before the ruling fully takes effect this June. These delayed amendments include:

Qualified Security Individual
​A covered financial institution must designate a qualified individual to be responsible for implementing and overseeing the information security program. The amended Safeguards Rule allows institutions to use third-party services as their qualified individual, as not all companies that fall under the financial umbrella may have resources to find a person or would prefer to pool resources to share management over the data security.

Risk Assessments
The Safeguards Rule provides new requirements on how financial institutions that maintain customer information for 5,000 consumers or more must conduct risk assessments which now include new stipulations. First, the evaluation criteria for and categorization of the threats or security risks the institution faces. Second, the criteria for the assessment of integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the institution's information systems and customer information. Finally, the requirements describe how identified risks will be mitigated or accepted based on the risk assessment and how the security program will deal with the risks.

Access Restrictions
Financial institutions will be required to implement technical and physical access controls that authenticate only authorized users, along with limiting authorized users’ access to information based on their duties and functions. Institutions must also implement other access requirements like multifactor authentication.

Encryption
Financial institutions will be required to encrypt all customer data, whether in transit or at rest. If encryption isn’t feasible for certain institutions, they can secure the information through alternative measures as long as the controls are reviewed and approved by the qualified individual.

Training
Financial institutions are required to provide all personnel with security awareness training and update any existing training to reflect identified security risks. Additional training should be given so personnel are able to address relevant security risks.

Incident Response Plan
Institutions that maintain information for 5,000 or more consumers must establish a written incident response plan that addresses:

1. Goals of the plan
2. Internal processes for incident response
3. Responsibilities and roles of individuals
4. Communication plans
5. Remediation requirements
6. Logging and documentation of incidents
7. Evaluation and revision of plan following security events

Periodic Assessments
Financial institutions that maintain information for 5,000 or more consumers will be required to have continuous monitoring in place to detect changes in information systems that could result in vulnerabilities. Alternatively, they could use annual penetration testing or vulnerability assessments every six months, including systemic scans or reviews.
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Data Minimization
Institutions are required to develop, implement, and maintain procedures for the secure disposal of customer information in any format no later than two years after the last time the data was in use unless it’s required for business operations. They are also required to review data retention policies to minimize the retention of data. 

If you fall under the new definition of a financial institution and don’t have the means of maintaining your data security internally, it may be time to look for external sources. IntegriTel is a telecom, IT, and cybersecurity expert that handles all of your new data security needs with ease. We can monitor your services, keep you up to date with the latest compliance requirements, and ensure that all of your data and your customer’s data is protected at all hours of the day. If you need a digital security solution, contact IntegriTel today. 

Cyber-attacks don't happen like they do in movies. Hackers aren't people slapping away at a keyboard for a few seconds to break into your network. Data breaches usually don't set off red lights and alarms. Sensitive data isn't held deep underground in a vault that can only be accessed by passing a wall of lasers.
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In reality, hacking is much less exciting but just as dangerous as it's portrayed in the movies. Cold, calculated strikes occur across the country daily, with almost half aimed at small and medium businesses. Why does everyone pick on the little guy? Because typically the security solutions of SMBs are either minimal or nonexistent. How can you avoid cyber-attacks when you're a little fish in a big pond? Not to worry, knowledge and experience will lead the way.

According to a joint report by IBM and the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach increased by 10% in 2021 and according to Verizon, the cost of 95% of incidents for SMBs fell between $826 and $653,587. Usually, these businesses lack the resources to defend themselves from security breaches. When 51% of small businesses don't have security solutions in place to handle hackers or potential digital theft, that leads to increased targeting.
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The odds aren't in your favor as a small business. New business owners have many decisions to make around their small businesses, so sometimes cybersecurity tools are left by the wayside to make room for business-oriented decisions. Additionally, most small companies have as many digital assets as a larger businesses without the same protections. This naturally leads to increased security threats as you're now an easy target for any potential digital attack. 

Hackers usually attempt to gain access to your sensitive data during an attack, like customer payment data or personal files that could be used for gain. With enough information, attackers can exploit your business, your customers, or your identity in any number of damaging ways.
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These attacks can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars to recover from if you catch on quickly enough, but often times the damage has already been done and sets you back months or years. One of the best ways to prevent this from occurring is to know what to watch out for. This isn't a complete list, but these threats are the most common forms of attack that small business security solutions encounter on a regular basis.

• DDoS: A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack occurs when a server is intentionally overloaded with requests until it shuts down the target’s website or network system. This is the one you hear about all the time in the news.
• Malware: This umbrella term is short for “malicious software” and covers any program introduced into the target’s computer with the intent to cause damage or gain unauthorized access. Types of malware include viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Knowing this is important because it helps you determine the type of cybersecurity software you need.
• Phishing: Perhaps the most commonly deployed form of cybertheft, phishing attacks involve collecting sensitive information like login credentials and credit card information through a legitimate-looking (but ultimately fake) website that’s often sent to unsuspecting individuals in an email. Spear phishing, an advanced form of this type of attack, requires in-depth knowledge of specific individuals and social engineering to gain their trust and infiltrate the network. If you see suspicious links in emails, don't click on them. Ever.
• Ransomware: A ransomware attack infects your machine with malware and demands a ransom. Typically, ransomware either locks you out of your computer and demands money in exchange for regaining access, or it threatens to publish private information if you don’t pay a specified amount. Ransomware is one of the fastest-growing types of security breaches and one of many network security processes highlight under their security solutions.
• Zero-day Attack: Zero-day attacks can be a developer’s worst nightmare. They are unknown flaws and exploits in software and systems discovered by attackers before the developers and security staff become aware of any threats. These exploits can go undiscovered for months or even years until they’re discovered and repaired. The more you know about your systems and software, the easier it is to enact effective cybersecurity solutions. 

Network security is one of many steps involved in keeping your data under wraps. While an SMB may not be able to afford the same level of coverage as enterprise security solutions, you still have ways to get ahead of potential threats.

Data backup software and services recover any lost or compromised data from a hack so, at worst, only a copy of your data was stolen. Not ideal, but much better than the alternative of not having any of that lost data at all.

Encryption software keeps your sensitive data, like employee records or client payment information, covered behind a digital veil. This is incredibly difficult to hack for most offenders, so it's one of the best ways to dissuade potential attacks.
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Finally, multi-step authentication reduces the likelihood of password cracking by putting it behind multiple layers of protection. 

Everything you just learned was the groundwork for your preventative measures. Knowing the tools your opponent uses gives you a better shot at dodging the next attack. However, even with all this knowledge, you may still need a helping hand, and that's where IntegriTel comes in.

Our cybersecurity solutions cover everything from disaster recovery to data security. All of our security tools are powered by Kaseya and Fortinet, giving you a new angle of protection with Zero Trust. This goes beyond two-step authentication, always giving you unparalleled security protection.
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If you think it's time to take the next step towards greater identity and access management solutions, IntegriTel is here to help. Contact us today to get your cybersecurity journey started on the right foot. We’d be more than happy to schedule an appointment or call with our vendors to show you what our solutions provide with a free demonstration.