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The Seven Critical Layers of Cybersecurity

It’s no longer enough to just install a firewall and antivirus software and think you have robust cybersecurity protections. Today, you need a cybersecurity strategy that stands toe-to-toe with the bad guys’ methods, frequency, and vectors of attack. And rather than starting with solutions and working backwards, we recommend using a layered approach like the one below. For many small…

2021 Cybersecurity and Threat Preparedness Annual Study

Based on a survey conducted by ResearchCorp.org and sponsored by Xantrion, see how organizations responded when asked how confident they are about the effectiveness of their security measures and see how your company is doing in comparison to those surveyed.

IT Budgeting and Planning for the “New Normal”

Budgeting and planning season happens at the same time every year – but just like autumn, it’s a little different every time. And planning for 2022 is likely to be more different than “normal” since most companies made so many changes last year and there will likely be more to come in 2022.  Given that, these tips will help you allocate…

How to Compete for Talent in the New Era of Remote Work

A USA Today article explains why our current staffing crunch may take years to abate. Between pandemic-related changes to the workplace and early retirements, organizations are in a fierce competition for employees, including roles like IT that are increasingly important for supporting the primary business or mission.   Technology is playing a significant role in helping organizations meet the challenges…

Technology Helps California Life Sciences Companies Strategically Transition to the Remote / Hybrid Workplace

The 2021 California Life Sciences Workforce Trends Report, points to a nationwide staffing crunch in the life sciences industry. Between pandemic-related changes to the workplace and underdeveloped talent pipelines, the life sciences industry is in a fierce competition for skilled employees, both for STEM positions and for secondary roles like IT that are necessary to support scientists.
Outsourced cybersecurity for business

Let’s work together to achieve state-of-the-art ransomware protection

Recent headlines have been dominated by stories about the Colonial Pipeline and JBS ransomware attacks. With multi-million-dollar ransoms, operations shut down for days, and the costs associated with investigating and recovering from the attacks, these incidents are stark reminders that businesses need to remain vigilant in their efforts to protect themselves from ransomware. Our state-of-the-art security programs have proven to…

The Difference Between Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery

Fires, floods, ransomware attacks, or pandemics, such as COVID-19, that prevent people from working in the office are all reasons your organization needs a disaster recovery plan. However, while thinking about how to recover from a disaster, don’t forget to include business continuity (a.k.a) disaster avoidance as a cost-effective element of your overall disaster recovery plan. What is the difference between…

Identity and Access Management Best Practices: The Key to Cloud and Mobile Security

When we talk about data security, we’re basically talking about two things: making sure information and applications are available to people who are authorized to use them, and keeping everyone else away. Identity management, also known as identity and access management, is key to our ability to do that. Identity management is the process of defining who you are and what you’re…

Let’s work together to achieve state-of-the-art ransomware protection

Recent headlines have been dominated by stories about the Colonial Pipeline and JBS ransomware attacks. With multi-million-dollar ransoms, operations shut down for days, and the costs associated with investigating and recovering from the attacks, these incidents are stark reminders that businesses need to remain vigilant in their efforts to protect themselves from ransomware.   As Xantrion clients, we want to reassure you that, when we work together, our state-of-the-art security programs have proven to be highly effective in protecting clients from ransomware over the…

By Working Together We can Achieve State-of-the-Art Ransomware Protection – References

Reference sources: Colonial Pipeline Cyber Attack: Hackers Used Compromised Password | Bloomberg  JBS Meat Supplier Cyberattack Timeline, Payment and Recovery Details | MSSP Alert  JBS Paid $11 Million to Resolve Ransomware Attack | WSJ  JBS Ransomware Attack Started in March | SecurityScorecard  To Pay or Not to Pay: That is the Question Ransomware Victims Must Answer | iPressGo New Bills on…

To Pay or Not to Pay: That is the Question That Ransomware Victims Must Answer

Most people never heard of the Colonial Pipeline Company before May 2021, even though it transports 45% of all fuel consumed on the US East Coast. This company works behind the scenes, moving 100 million gallons of refined gasoline and jet fuel through 5,500 miles of pipeline each day. However, that all changed in early May when the fuel stopped…

What’s Your Security Score?

As a bonus, you have the option to receive a free 1-hour security assessment. The assessment will include an overall security score as well as scores for each of the 15 elements of the NIST cybersecurity framework that are relevant for investment advisors. The scores and score explanations will help you determine whether your data protections are adequate or need…

On Demand Microsoft Training is Here!

We are excited to announce a new online training service for Microsoft applications, called Clip Training. Please talk to your vCIO about whether this free service might benefit you. If so, we look forward to adding you to the training rollout queue.  Key service features include:  1. It’s easy to use. Just visit http://training.xantrion.com/  Click the orange “Login using Office 365” button that appears at the bottom-right of your screen   If you are using an organization device, you should get logged in automatically. Otherwise, you can log in using your…

Three of the Most Common Employee Offboarding Mistakes

By Derik Belair, President and CEO, Augmentt There’s a famous phrase you’ve probably heard before: to err is human. Those words sum up why your security posture needs to focus on human actions–or the absence of them. When seen from this lens, cybersecurity becomes about much more than cleaning up after mistakes. It’s about proactively putting into place measures to…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Xantrion

The following are practices we’ve implemented to support our DEI strategy and goals. Our guidelines and practices are constantly evolving as we learn and grow. Recruiting Our recruiters receive implicit bias training and are required to present at least 4 diverse candidates in every candidate group provided to hiring managers. We build a diverse candidate pipeline by participating in groups…

​Changes Ahead for 2021 in Our Regulatory Environment – References

​(n.d.) Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/shareholders/1024190/financial-policy-priorities-in-the-incoming-biden-administration-what-can-we-expect  (n.d.) Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.mondaq.com/unitedstates/shareholders/1024190/financial-policy-priorities-in-the-incoming-biden-administration-what-can-we-expect  (n.d.) Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.natlawreview.com/article/president-biden-s-nominee-sec-chairman-what-does-it-mean-crypto  (n.d.) Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.winsteadsecuritiesdefense.com/2021/02/what-to-expect-from-the-sec-under-the-biden-administration/  (2021, January 17) Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/17/business/gary-gensler-sec-rohit-chopra-cfpb.html  (2021, February 1) Retrieved February 18, 2021 https://finfeed.com/features/biden-makes-esg-investing-key-focus-new-administration/ (2021, February 15) Retrieved February 18, 2021, from https://www.natlawreview.com/article/preview-esg-regulation-under-biden-administration 

​Changes Ahead for 2021 in Our Regulatory Environment

By Sean Wilke, Partner & Head of Strategic Growth, Greyline Partners, LLC​  ​After a year full of unpredictability and change, the 2020 calendar year ended with an election that brings an additional layer of uncertainty to our nation. Now that 2020 has come and gone, what does the change in administration mean for SEC regulatory priorities?    Less than four months…

6 Improved Features of Microsoft Teams

Flexible, cloud-based work is here to stay, and Microsoft has been upgrading its cloud-based products to reflect that. Part of the Xantrion team attended Microsoft’s Ignite event to find out what’s new and improved so we can tell you how to take full advantage of the products we support. This article shares the changes we think are especially useful in Microsoft Teams: improvements to chat, meetings, and…

Preventing Remote Employee Burnout

Before the COVID-19 pandemic made work from home (WFH) necessary and common, many companies were experimenting with it. Some offered WFH as a reward to boost employee morale. Others used it as a tool to recruit and retain candidates who might otherwise have time and geographic constraints.  However, most employers made a point of not making WFH available to everyone. They assumed that workers wouldn’t be as productive remotely as they were in the office. Their remote work agreements still included requirements that employees spend…

Video: Learn How to Protect Yourself Against IRS Imposter Scams

Scam artists are pretending to be IRS officials to get your money. They’ll call, email, or text you claiming you owe back taxes or there’s a problem with your tax return. They even rig caller ID to make their call look official. Learn the truth about official IRS communications and how to report imposters should you encounter them. Click here…

Stay Safe Online During Tax Time

Tax season can be a stressful time for many Americans, and scammers are waiting for you to slip up so they can steal your personal information, money and identity. The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) want to help you stay safe online while filing your taxes with these best practices, tips, and resources. Click…

IRS Imposter Scams: Learn how to Protect Yourself

IRS imposters are scammers who pretend they’re calling from the IRS. They claim you owe taxes and demand that you pay right now, usually with a gift card or prepaid debit card. They threaten you’ll be arrested or face other bad consequences if you don’t pay. But it’s all a lie. If you send the money, it’s gone. Check out…

How Can Your Virtual CIO Help You Today?

Do you want to get more value from your technology budget by saving money and making smarter purchasing decisions? Do you need to future-proof your infrastructure and integrate new technology? Are you unsure what technology will actually meet your needs and improve productivity? Time to contact your virtual CIO (vCIO)! If you’re facing any of these common situations, the sooner you reach out to your vCIO, the more useful they…

And the Top IT Priority for 2020 Was…

Nobody could have predicted in January that we’d spend most of the rest of the year working from home. By June, though, IT leaders had embraced reality and rethought their operational and spending priorities. Out went upgrading on-premises infrastructure, hardware refreshes, and hiring. In came improving cybersecurity and enabling remote work.  We weren’t surprised to hear that the place most IT leaders opted to focus…

Top 10 Keyboard Shortcuts for Microsoft Business Apps

Microsoft apps such as Word, Outlook, Excel, Edge, and PowerPoint are commonly found in the workplace. To save time when using these business apps, employees can take advantage of keyboard shortcuts. However, a keyboard shortcut will only save them time if it automates an action they perform often. Plus, they need to remember what keys to press. Having the shortcuts…

This Microsoft Office Feature is a Time-Saver

If you work with a lot of information, there are times when you need to copy information from one file to another. Microsoft Office is a suite of productivity tools that help you perform tasks like creating documents, entering data into spreadsheets, or designing databases. Sometimes you find it necessary to copy and paste material from one tool to another.…

Software Vulnerabilities: Loved by Cybercriminals, Dreaded by Companies

Software is an important tool that most businesses use in their day-to-day operations. However, apps can be detrimental to organizations’ operations if they contain vulnerabilities — that is, flaws or weaknesses that can be exploited by an attacker for malicious purposes. In 2019 alone, there were 22,316 new software vulnerabilities reported. A similar total is expected for 2020, as the mid-year count…

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