Author: Shane

What Is the Dark Web?

Media reports routinely point to the dark web as a criminal underground where drugs, explosives and a wide range of illegal deals are brokered. When the FBI makes a bust, it makes splashy headlines. But those reports usually don’t offer insight about the dark web.

In fact, they tend to make it seem more mysterious than real. But, more importantly, the information we get doesn’t explain why business leaders should fear it. By understanding how cybercriminals hide these platforms in plain sight and how their activities could damage your organization, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about protecting your digital assets.

How Do Cybercriminals Hide Dark Web Platforms?

Understanding the dark web requires knowledge about how digital crooks keep it hidden. The average internet user can search and pull up only a fraction of the active websites. To simplify how platforms are grouped, think of websites as three types — clear web, deep web and dark web.

According to CSO magazine, average users can view 1 to 4 percent of all platforms. These are considered “clear web” sites that pop up in a Google search. The remainder are considered “deep web” platforms that are guarded against prying eyes. The vast majority are owned and operated by legitimate enterprises. Hackers smartly conceal their illicit “dark web” platforms within the deep web. The precise number of dark web platforms remains something of a mystery, and that is how cybercriminals like it.

As a business professional, the clear, deep and dark web sounds curiously interesting. But what does it have to do with your organization? Quite a lot if you store, access, and transfer assets and information digitally.

What Criminal Activities Take Place on the Dark Web?

Aside from the fact that most people cannot access the deep and dark web without specialized tools, it doesn’t necessarily differ that much from ordinary websites. The way cybercriminals do business there also mirrors honest e-commerce platforms. If you had the software, savvy and invitation necessary to browse a dark web platform, you might find it operates a lot like Craigslist and eBay. The only difference is that the assets bought and sold are stolen. These typically include the following.

• Social Security Numbers
• Employee Login Profiles
• Bank Account Information
• Credit & Debit Card Numbers
• Intellectual Property
• Customer Identity Records
• Confidential Health Care Records
• Business Planning Records & Bid Proposals
• Netflix Subscriptions
• Employee Usernames & Password

Industry leaders face the problem of not knowing whether their digital assets are for sale on the dark web. Because if they are, you’ve already been hacked and don’t know it.

If getting hacked and not knowing seems counterintuitive, consider that Marriott International suffered a four-year breach. Digital thieves managed to compromise upwards of 500 million customer files without being noticed, according to Forbes and others. As scary as that sounds, it gets worse. Cybercriminals now offer hacking services, such as the following:

• Corporate Cyberattacks: Skilled hackers offer for-hire services to competitors to implant viruses, hijack email, deploy ransomware, and disrupt your network.
• Login Credentials: Bad actors will take payment — in bitcoin — to target your employees and secure someone’s username and password. With that information, rivals can brazenly access your network and monitor business activities.
• Corporate Espionage: If you have an unethical competitor who doesn’t like to get their hands dirty, hackers will spy on your activities for money.

The question no longer revolves around what is the dark web or why you should fear it. The question decision-makers need answered is: What are you going to do to protect your business?

How to Protect Against Dark Web Threats

There are two things an organization can do to deter digital thieves. The first involves having a cybersecurity professional conduct a dark web scan. This process involves leveraging the specialized technology to search these platforms without suffering damage from the virus and counterattacks leveled against unwelcome visitors. If you’ve been hacked, a dark web scan can find trace evidence and allow you to secure your digital assets.

After a thorough scan has been conducted, routine dark web monitoring searches for references to you or your organization. If there’s chatter, having an advanced warning allows you to harden your defenses and deter for-hire hackers. If there is even a remote possibility that your network could have been breached in the last few years, dark web scans and monitoring will help you sleep a little better.

How Are IT Managed Services Delivered?

IT managed services can be delivered in either of these three ways. The IT company can have its in-office data center that they use to oversee your networks remotely, or they engage a third-party server hosting supplier; they can alternatively use modern cloud facilities from suppliers like Amazon or Microsoft.

All these delivery models operate differently and have their shares of pros and cons. Before deciding on the delivery method that suits your business, you must beware of their individual windfalls and limitations.

In this article, we will exhaust how each of these delivery models operates, their ups and downs…

Remote Oversight of In-Office Networks and Applications

In this method, IT experts acquire, install, and maintain in-house network monitoring software.

Pros

• You Get Custom Design Service Solutions: For most IT professionals that decide to go the on-premise way, the primary motivation is how it gives them hands-on control of devising their own solutions. When you use cloud infrastructure, your options are limited to a set of pre-configured tiers of solutions. This limits your ability to match IT solutions to your specific needs precisely.
• You Have Control Over the Efficiency of Your Systems: The other significant advantage is the reliability of performance. Network downtime or maintenance outages from your supplier’s systems are likely to have a negative trickle-down effect on your performance as well. Having an on-site personal monitoring software lets you have control over the efficiency of your systems. Besides, you are in a position to collect data real-time, analyze, and use this information to predict or avert glitches.
• Your Data Is More Secure: There is also a widespread belief among IT experts that this model guarantees better data security. Although cloud infrastructure is beginning to amass some considerable trust in cybersecurity capabilities, many technicians are yet to be convinced. Again, this is primed on the fact that the model allows experts to monitor their networks personally.

Cons

• It Is a Labor-Intensive and Time-Consuming Process: Configuration and establishment of in-house network monitoring software is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Even after the set-up, you will have to worry about its maintenance and regular updates continuously. Even though it promises better management of your networks, some organizations are not just ready enough for this hassle.
• You Get Limited Flexibility: On-premises network management solutions tend to limit flexibility in terms of where you can access data. Unlike with cloud, where you are sure you can access your files from anywhere anytime, some on-site network monitoring tools do not have mobile/web-based access features. As the mobile workforce is becoming the norm, the need to access data from anywhere is a forefront concern for most executives.
• You Pay Higher Costs: Perhaps the final affront that pushes many IT experts to seek alternatives is the cost factor. Its general knowledge that most network management software is pretty much expensive. It doesn’t get any better when you still need to spare more bucks for planning, set-up, and several maintenance programs.

Cloud-Based Infrastructure and Application Services

Here, IT experts deploy digital cloud facilities from outsourced parties such as Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, SAP, and IBM.

Pros

• It Is Easy to Set Up, Requires Less Labor, and Saves on Time: The most prominent perk is the fact that it is easy to set up, requires less labor, and saves on time. Since the service provider deals with most of the back-end set-up and configuration requirements, all the client has to do is to grant access permissions and deploy agents — and they are as good as done.
• You Can Save on Cost: It is cost-effective in comparison with on-site network management. The cloud does not require clients to acquire software licenses; this is the responsibility of the service provider. Acquisition of tools to support the product and upgrades or migrations to newer versions are all handled by the supplier.
• You Can Access Your Data Remotely: Another substantial windfall is the ability to guarantee convenient access from anywhere anytime. As much as you have access to a gadget that can access the organization’s platform and has browsing capabilities, you can oversee your network’s performance remotely.
• You Can Easily Scale Your Business: The other advantage is scalability. The cloud is very convenient for growth because it affords infinite storage space and ease of migrations.

Cons

• Your Cybersecurity Is Dependent on How Safe the Service Provider’s Systems Are: This is the reason most executives still shy from cloud management. You are forced to yield all the data to the supplier’s control and hope that they will safeguard its integrity. If the host’s systems are breached, there are high chances that your files are also compromised. Service providers that host multiple users in the same servers expose their data to vulnerability even more; a breach on one is a breach on all.
• Your Network’s Performance Is Tied to the Efficiency of the Cloud Service Provider’s Systems: The other drawback is that your network’s performance is tied to the efficiency of the cloud service provider’s systems. Do they have a protected maintenance exercise? Is there a network clogged causing extended downtime? Whatever they suffer, you equally bear the consequences.
• It Is Heavily Reliant on Internet Connectivity: Not once or twice have firms had trouble accessing their data due to slow internet connectivity, even in times when visibility is crucially required. This uncertainty, coupled with the fact that you do not have full control of your data, is one of the main reasons why some IT experts prefer on-site management.

In all fairness, each of the delivery models comes with benefits and limitations such that there is no clear line putting one above the other. Given these circumstances, IT professionals often amalgamate the two options.

Combining On-Premises Monitoring and Cloud Delivery Models

To evade the hassle of having to enjoy the windfalls of one delivery method while forfeiting the advantages of the other options, experts have found a way of combining the two. In this manner, their clients can reap the privileges of both worlds. They have more control over their network’s performance and security, and at the same time enjoy cloud-based infrastructure.

We hope this article was resourceful. For more information, contact Data Magic Computer Services.

Data Magic Computer Services is the best IT support and Computer Services company for organizations in Dallas/Fort Worth.

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How To Hire A Managed IT Services Company

Ready to invest in managed IT services? Then you probably want to know how it works.

The basics idea you need to understand is that nearly every managed service offering will be based on a monthly subscription plan. The cost will depend on what’s included in the plan. What’s included in the plan is (or, at least, should be) based on what you need.

Since each managed IT services company is unique, it’s important that you make sure you’re paying for managed services that actually deliver what you need.

What You Should Know Before Hiring

There are a few myths out there about what managed IT services mean to businesses that invest in them. Let’s set the record straight:

You Don’t Have To Fire Your Internal IT Team

Instead, you can augment your internal team with additional support from an external IT company. After all, managing IT can be a daily struggle. Your IT manager or internal IT staff will tend to spend most of their time just “putting out fires” one after another.

As important as that is, the constant stream of requests, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks can keep your IT personnel from tackling the larger goals you have for your business technology, including:

• Developing comprehensive IT security measures and practices to keep you safe
• Major projects, such as migrations, upgrades, and relocations
• Replacing servers and other fundamental hardware

You Won’t Lose Control Over Your IT

This is entirely up to you. While some businesses would prefer to offload IT and never think about it again, others still want or need to maintain agency in the IT sector of their organization. Both are fine, and both are possible. It’s just a matter of finding the right managed IT services company and making sure you’re on the same page as you about how the management of your IT will work.

You Won’t Necessarily Have To Pay More Than You Did For Internal IT

Based on data from PayScale.com, we know that an IT technician will cost you somewhere between $45,000 – $71,000 per year. The range is dependent on how experienced the technician is, what types of certifications they have, etc.

An average small business should expect to pay somewhere from $100 – $115 per device per month for a managed IT services contract. Again, that cost can vary – but it can still come in much lower than the $65,000 per year you would spend on a single employee.

Can You Customize Your Service Contract?

Yes, managed services fall under contracted IT services. The Master Services Agreement (MSA) and a Service Level Agreement (SLA), spells out in great detail, the definitive contract durations and managed services terms. These two documents define the relationship between the business requirements of the customer and the services that get delivered by the provider.

The Master Services Agreement provides the complete scope of services the stated business is contracting from the service provider. The document spells out the service methods and processes, data privacy requirements, and financial penalties for failing to meet the terms of the service contract.

The Service Level Agreement covers any performance guarantees the service provider is making related to the contracted services. These performance guarantees may include infrastructure uptime and availability, service incident response time, and data recovery time objectives. Typically, companies will set allowable thresholds for the performance guarantees and require the service provider to pay financial penalties if limits get breached.

The contracted subscription terms can vary. The provider may bill using either a flat-monthly or pay-per-use billing model – depending on the nature of the service. The subscription price typically is determined by one or more of the following variables:

• Number of users and devices
• Number and Type of managed services
• Types of functions and features that get delivered

Will You Actually Get A Better ROI On Managed IT Services?

Yes – with managed IT services, you can shift your spending strategy, freeing up resources, and potentially cutting costs.

Your ROI will be based on the following:

Reduction OF Downtime And Delays: Often, day-to-day computer issues do not get immediately noticed. Managed IT providers run monitoring and reporting tools that identify the unknown items. They will report their findings when a potential problem gets discovered. That way, the problem gets fixed before it causes frustration and downtime for your employees.

Problems Are Fixed Remotely (And Quickly): Workstation issues can usually get solved remotely, eliminating the expense of a technician doing an on-site visit and assessment. This is a fast, easy way to resolve common computing issues so your employees can get back to work.

Elimination Of Hourly Fees: Undetected IT issues become expensive hourly service calls. This happens when a system isn’t monitored correctly. When the server and network outages keep happening, this is a sign there may be deeper problems that could be expensive to repair.

Confirmed AndPredictable Costs: When mission-critical technology fails, this can cost your company in several ways. First of all, your workflow is disrupted. Your employees can’t work. During any downtime, employees still get paid (often overtime), which includes paying the in-house technical support personnel, possibly paying outside consultants, and a potential loss of business.

Data Magic Makes The Hiring Process Simple

Still not sure where to begin?

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Is Your Dallas IT Company Taking Care Of Your Hardware?

How many of your workstations or other pieces of equipment are out of date and due to be refreshed? You’ve probably been putting it off, at least because of the cost involved. Replacing hardware requires capital, and it’s a lot to spend at once, depending on your budget.

What if you could eliminate the cycle altogether?

Instead of having to invest in new hardware by paying all at once, and seeing the ROI over the course of its life, what if you could budget for hardware in a “pay-as-you-go” fashion?

You can – this is called “Hardware-as-a-Service” (HaaS)…

What Is Hardware as a Service And How Does It Work?

HaaS is a service provision model for equipment, similar to licensing or leasing.

Instead of having to purchase your equipment outright, you get your Dallas IT company to install the equipment for you, and you rent it from them on an ongoing basis. If the hardware is outdated or breaks down, the responsibility for repairs or replacement falls to your IT company. This is according to a service level agreement (SLA) which defines each party’s responsibilities – the two options are:

• You pay a monthly fee for using the hardware.
• The payment gets incorporated into the fee structure for installation, monitoring, and maintaining the equipment.

What Hardware Does HaaS Cover?

Servers

File transfer equipment allows for instant file communication between two or more parties in a company. It’s quick and scalable. When leasing a server, either physical on-premises or virtual in the cloud, the file-sharing is at faster speeds with HaaS.

Security hardware

Security threats will never end, and an outdated firewall leads to security compliance issues. With cybersecurity, firewalls for HaaS have grown in demand and popularity, especially when preventing unwanted malware from entering a computer’s system.

Workstations

When it comes to the actual desktop computers you and your staff use every day, your IT company will install the equipment into your environment. Rather than spending thousands of dollars for dedicated computers, you would use the monthly HaaS equipment option that reduces upfront costs with no change to the end-user.

Data Storage Storage

There are shared and saved files, storage, and backups that must be secured. When deploying a storage appliance with your IT company, your needs are analyzed and storage space is scalable and optimized for storage speed needs.

Switches and Routers

These devices allow workstations to efficiently communicate and route data within your business and internet-connected devices. To run at the best speeds, smart switches and routers are used to route traffic quickly to the correct device, user, or private groups on your network.

Virtualization Hardware

Virtualizing your desktops and servers (so that they run on hosted tech or hardware provided by your IT company) means you don’t need to purchase or install new computers for your network.

With virtualization, now you can operate multiple virtual machines or operating systems on the equipment you already own with software that allows your desktops and servers to be easily connected to new hardware or cloud environments.

What Benefits Does HaaS Offer?

Beyond the actual hardware and associated services that HaaS offers, you likely want to know – what can you expect as actual benefits of this type of service? In addition to everything explored above, HaaS offers other advantages as well:

Outsourced Management

When your IT company implements, maintains, updates, and manages your hardware, any internal IT personnel you have gained back a significant amount of time.

Free Physical Space

If you have some outdated hardware on-premises that need upgrading, that old equipment can easily take up vast amounts of physical office space. Instead of sinking money into new devices, you’ll reclaim valuable office space while getting the most recent technologies.

Security

As a part of HaaS, your IT company will deploy powerful firewalls, virus scanning technology, updating patches, and continuous maintenance, keeping you safe from cyber threats. When utilizing HaaS, concern about the security of your hardware is eliminated.

Reduced Capital Expenses

The key budgetary benefit of this service model is that you no longer have to invest capital in hardware. That funding gets freed up to be used in other areas of your business.

Instead, your hardware, along with any other services provided by your IT company, fall under operating expenses, meaning you get an immediate, month by month return on the small flat rate you’re paying.

For more information on HaaS, click here to get in touch with our representatives or call us at (469) 635-5500.

How Do Dallas IT Services Support Your IT Environment?

You’ve probably been told about a number of very general benefits that IT services in Dallas can offer you…

You’ll be more productive!

You’ll be more efficient!

You’ll gain strategic advantages!

…what does any of that even mean?

In reality, these aren’t much more than buzz words. They mean almost nothing in reality – they’re just easy to promise (because they’re not specific).

What’s the reality of managed services? What do they actually do?

Which Technologies Should IT Services in Dallas Support?

Your Dallas IT services company should be maintaining the following three pillars of your IT foundation:

• Infrastructure: The computer(s), network hardware, and facilities that form your infrastructure.
• Platform: The computing platform is an environment on which computer programs run, and in which a piece of software gets carried out, usually, an operating system or hardware.
• Software: Computer software, at its basic level, is the set of instructions that tell the computer how to work or collect data. It’s how you interact with your technology and get it to do what you want, via a physical interface (mouse, keyboard, touch screen, etc.).

However, that’s not the only way these components of an IT environment can be delivered and accessed. Technology is always evolving.

As such, infrastructure, platform, and software are also available via the cloud. It’s a matter of going from a horizontal deployment to a vertical one (i.e., from infrastructure on a physical device to infrastructure in the cloud, or software across a physical platform to software as a service).

Can Your Dallas IT Services Support These Technologies In The Cloud?

• Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) allows you to deliver an IT infrastructure on an outsourced basis and provides hardware, storage, servers, data center space, and software if needed. It’s used on-demand, rather than requiring the end customer to purchase their own equipment. That means they don’t have to expend the capital to invest in new hardware.
• Platform as a Service (PaaS): PaaS provides a platform for users to develop, run, and manage applications. It eliminates the complexity of building and maintaining the infrastructure for the applications.
• Software as a Service (SaaS): This is a software licensing and delivery model. The software is centrally hosted, licensed, and offered on a monthly or annual basis. SaaS is the standard delivery model for most applications.

In the end, the point of your Dallas IT services is that they should take care of your technology. With Data Magic, you don’t just get access to the range of services and solutions they offer. You also harness their experience in the IT industry.

A majority of the IT issues that you experience will be similar (if not the same) as those they’ve already solved for other clients. That means that problems are addressed with proven solutions, reducing timeframes for resolution, and achieving a more permanent fix.

Data Magic makes sure that your technology works properly, without you having to do anything about it. Problems are prevented, daily management is outsourced, and you enjoy the benefits offered by well-maintained IT – as simple as that.

Click here to get started or call us at (469) 635-5500.