While using the latest technology helps small businesses operate more efficiently, it can also create risks for your company. Staying proactive by focusing on cybersecurity is essential to limiting downtime and protecting your data from hackers. Knowing which tools to use can protect you against these cyber threats.

Why Information Security Matters

Protecting information and IT infrastructures is critical to the success of any organization. This includes guarding against data breaches and other cyber incidents that could result in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Some examples of information security risks include:

• Data breach or unauthorized access to personal data through hacking or insider misuse.
• Malware is malicious software designed to obtain sensitive information, disrupt computer operations, or gain access to private computer systems. These include viruses, worms, trojan horses, and spyware.
• Phishing is an attempt to obtain sensitive information, such as passwords, by masquerading as a trustworthy entity via email.

Security Tools to Keep Your Small Business Safe

Here are a few of the best IT security tools to keep your data safe and secure.

1. ThreatLocker

Threatlocker is a powerful cybersecurity tool that adopts a zero-trust model to bolster an organization's IT security. By continuously validating trust for each element within the network, it minimizes the risk of unauthorized access and malicious activities. One of its standout features is application control, employing "whitelisting" to allow only trusted applications, thereby reducing the chances of malware infiltration.

Additionally, ThreatLocker employs micro-segmentation to isolate network sections and provides comprehensive monitoring and visibility to detect and respond to security breaches in real time, swiftly revoking access rights when necessary. In essence, ThreatLocker offers a comprehensive security solution with robust application control, user activity visibility, and rapid response mechanisms to strengthen your organization's security stance.

2. Huntress

Huntress is a cutting-edge cybersecurity solution renowned for its Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) capabilities, safeguarding network-connected devices. The platform's proactive threat-hunting techniques constantly scan network processes, memory, and file systems to uncover potential security breaches often missed by traditional antivirus software. Huntress not only identifies complex threats but also delivers actionable steps for remediation. Its unique combination of automated efficiency and human-led analysis offers unparalleled protection, particularly suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. The cloud-based solution ensures flexibility, scalability, and continuous 24/7 monitoring for swift breach detection and response, minimizing potential damage and downtime.

3. Microsoft Defender

Microsoft Defender is an antivirus program that automatically checks your files, apps, and settings against the latest malicious software from the Microsoft Malware Protection Center. Its seamless integration with the Windows operating system ensures minimal impact on system performance while providing comprehensive security. It also scans your computers when it detects suspicious activity. If you download any files or apps from the internet, Microsoft Defender will check them for viruses and other forms of malware.

This program uses artificial intelligence to learn how new malware attacks work to better protect computers against them in the future. Its AI makes it much more effective than traditional antivirus programs at stopping zero-day attacks — attacks that use exploits unknown to security researchers or antivirus companies when launched against a target system or network.

4. Cyber QP (Formerly Quickpass)

CyberQP is an advanced privileged access management solution offering robust security features to safeguard critical account credentials like usernames and passwords. It enforces the Zero Standing Privilege principle through Just-in-Time Account Creation, reducing unauthorized access risks.

With features like password rotations and service account protection, CyberQP eliminates static passwords and enhances overall security. Its Privileged Identity Management feature enables businesses to manage privileged accounts and customer identities, incorporating an approval system for further security. The platform automatically discovers privileged accounts and provides comprehensive monitoring, documentation, and auditing features for transparency and accountability.

5. Datto Backup

With advanced backup and disaster recovery capabilities, Datto Backup is a service that ensures critical data is protected and can be swiftly restored in the event of a data loss incident. It provides continuous backups, allowing companies to recover quickly and minimize downtime in case of hardware failure, accidental deletions, or malicious attacks. It's ideal for small and medium businesses, providing all the features they need to protect their information, systems, and applications. Datto Backup offers:

• Rapid data recovery
• Continuous Data Protection
• Flexible and incremental backup options

6. Datto SaaS Protection

Datto SaaS Backup is a dedicated backup, recovery, and restore solution for cloud-based productivity applications like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. It conducts continuous, automatic backups to Datto's private cloud, eliminating the need for local storage resources and ensuring a reliable backup solution with minimal hardware investment. The platform's granular recovery feature allows for detailed restoration of individual files, providing flexibility and precision during the recovery process. It efficiently assists Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in managing licenses and costs related to Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace data protection, while organizations can also opt to manage their accounts if desired.

Datto SaaS Protection offers several technical advantages, including a private cloud infrastructure, unlimited data storage capacity, and indefinite data retention options. Its single-pane management facilitates efficient handling of organization backup data and the monitoring feature tracks backup performance. Moreover, the platform enables quick identification and recovery of individual objects or entire accounts, preserving folder structure and permissions. It provides the ability to restore data to a point in time prior to data loss or a ransomware attack, effectively safeguarding organizations from potential cyber threats. Additionally, Datto SaaS Protection enhances data management through easy file transfer between users, further optimizing its usability and effectiveness.

Partner With a Trusted IT Service Provider

Seeking the help of a knowledgeable IT service provider is a great way to give your company much-needed cybersecurity protection while also helping you to stay up to date with the latest threats. Contact us at Lutz Tech for more information.