Author: Trevor Schofield

Introduction

Single sign-on (SSO) has emerged as a critical component of an organization’s information technology security frameworks. In current times, where companies are experiencing data breaches and identity thefts, SSO adds security that businesses cannot fold. In this article, we will explain why the implementation of SSO should be the next priority concerning security.

It is often the case that employees are managing tens of passwords for all the software, applications, tools, and accounts required within their working environment. It is almost impossible to try and memorize so many different passwords, including numerical and special symbols. In many cases, what is used is rudimentary or very similar to the previous one, which is easily deciphered by the hackers. Using the same password in different accounts also puts more data at risk if one account is hacked. A breach on one application can easily infect a system when people reuse their passwords across the board.

How SSO Improves Security

By definition, SSO solutions are designed to eradicate these password risks. The user is able to use one ID and password to log in to all his or her internet applications and networks. This password is often more secure because it incorporates two-factor or multi-factor authentication for further confirmation it is the right person logging in.

For instance, to access the application, one might be expected to enter a password, answer a security question, or even crucial a code obtained from a smartphone. This additional layer prevents even a hacker who has the password to get past the system. SSO also improves security with the help of more effective identity management since the administrators can provide or remove the necessary employee’s access at once. For these reasons, it also has encryption, authorization protocols, and other security best practices to prevent the exposure of credentials and data.

Convenience and Productivity Benefits

Of course, SSO saves employee’s time who do not have to bother with ‘password fatigue.’ Research found that weak password practices sap time because employees forget the credentials or have to go through password recovery processes. It helps them to get the resources they require within the shortest time possible hence enhancing efficiency.

Another implication is that if an employee has fewer passwords to memorize, he or she will not be inclined to take shortcuts on the issue of security. As the users are forced by the systems to create multiple passwords, they end up writing them down or using weak ones that may be easy to guess. SSO does away with this frustration for better control of access.

Overcoming Resistance to Change

Despite the fact that SSO provides security and productivity benefits, changing the established system can elicit specific resistance. Users are passive and may not be willing to learn a new process or even change passwords they have been using for some time now.

IT managers should focus on the long-term advantages, offer training, and initially implement SSO for a few departments to see how it works. When employees realize that their lives at work have been made more accessible by the change, there will be increased organizational adoption.

Considering that SSO implements a broad range of services spanning multiple domains, it is crucial to incorporate SSO with legacy systems, which are utilised in many organisations worldwide.

Of course, SSO cannot perform miracles and immediately unify all existing platforms and applications. SSO capabilities have to be integrated with existing legacy systems, home grown databases, specialty software and other applications and technologies that may not fully incorporate.

While it can take months or years to fully integrate SSO with all systems as the systems are updated, organizations can use the SSO strategy to group the primary system access in a short time while enhancing the rest of the functionality. Cloud-based applications and SaaS deployment models also play a role in enabling faster SSO adoption in organizations.

Conclusion

Cyber security is a strategic necessity that cannot be overlooked in today’s business world. SSO is a way to recommend closing vulnerabilities since it eliminates password risks and enhances the use of the access control mechanism through a multi-factor approach. It also results in higher rates of adoption among employees who are less likely to circumvent the security measures.

Though organizations may face challenges such as budget limitations, existing systems, and resistance to change, the benefits of implementing SSO are simply priceless in the long run. The integration of SSO should always be a priority as security and productivity are some of the core factors that determine an organization’s success.

It has emerged as a critical factor to enable companies to adapt to the new world that is considered to be highly digitalized. It means the use of technological tools in every aspect of a business with the view of transforming its processes and value proposition. Now, let’s take a closer look at the key arguments that could be used to explain why your company should go digital as soon as possible.

Improved Customer Experience

Another critical reason to embrace digital transformation is customer experience, among the most essential aspects of business. Consumers of the present era are rather particular about the integrated omnichannel experiences when engaging with brands. Digital transformation also enables the collection of deeper customer insights from analytics, better predicts their needs, and delivers personalized, contextually relevant experiences across different touchpoints.

For instance, you can:

– Provide individual advice to each client

– Make it possible for customers to pick up an interaction from one device and continue on another.

– Ensure that the messages are coherent at the channel level

Better and faster decision making

With digital transformation, companies have the opportunity to obtain the necessary accurate, real-time data on inventory levels, supply chains, sales, etc. This data can power advanced analytical platforms to produce relevant business intelligence in a short span. In this manner, leaders can make faster and more informed decisions on what products to develop, to whom to sell them, how resources should be allocated and so on. This agility is important in outcompeting other players in the industry.

Some examples include:

– The sales prospects and the identification of the potential buyers and their prioritization

– Increasing the price to increase the level of profitability

– Reducing costs and increasing productivity through the application of automation.

Increased Operational Efficiencies

The use of IoT, AI, machine learning and automation tools can enhance business activities and operations. This can also mean that manual activities can be eliminated, cycles within the production process can be minimized, and therefore, costs in all the departments of the organization can be saved. The premise is that teams get more time on the innovation and strategic work with less time on the routine work. All of these improved efficiencies have a direct bearing on productivity and profitability.

For example, you can:

– It is possible to use IoT sensors to automatically update the inventory.

– Most of the customer questions should be addressed by AI chatbots.

– The paperwork has to be digital to avoid wasting people’s time and to reduce the number of mistakes.

New Revenue Streams

Digital transformation also presents possibilities for creating new revenue streams that may not have been feasible before. For example, analytics helps to determine that there is a need for a new product or a service customers require. Alternatively, you can directly capture new markets and new customer segments through online products or mobile applications. New revenue sources in the digital space are beneficial when it comes to the company’s sustainable growth.

Some new revenue opportunities include:

– Online/mobile purchasing channels

– Data monetization

– Premium digital products/services

– Dynamic personalized offerings

Better Collaboration and Communication

Technology enhances coordination and information exchange between dispersed teams and organizational units. Team members working in different locations can work effectively on one project. It is also beneficial in disseminating critical knowledge and updates of particular importance within the organization. It is less challenging for leaders to facilitate transparency and offer the necessary help. The above increased connectiveness leads to employees who are more involved, increased creativity and ideas, and a well-coordinated strategic plan. 

Examples of collaboration/communication tools:

– Instant messaging programs such as Sharepoint or Dropbox 

– Communication tools such as Slack, Teams, or any other team messaging application.

– Communication tools are the ones like Zoom or Skype that can be used for remote meetings.

Competitive Market Positioning

Perhaps the most critical aspect of digital transformation is the ability to prepare your company for disruptions and competition. It helps you in using technology to create a competitive edge for your brand, deliver the customer more than what your competitor does and cultivate customer relations. If you fail to transform digitally, let me remind you, someone somewhere is already doing it and heading towards success. And they will gain market share through better products and services to the consumers. As a result, to maintain a competitive advantage and remain an industry leader, digital transformation is a necessity today.

Conclusion

From increasing satisfaction levels of customers to creating new avenues of generating revenues, digital transformation holds a world of possibilities for business and market viability. It demands the commitment of all the organizational leaders and a proper strategy along with the technology integration. However, the process is not easy, and that is why digital transformation is crucial for any progressive organization in today’s world. The organization that is fully utilizing digital tools and technology is the one that is best positioned for success today and tomorrow.

Introduction

Cyber security issues such as hacking and loss of data are now rife in the world that continues to advance in modern technology. It is also important to note that even an ordinary person can get caught in a cyber-attack that may lead to loss of data, identity thefts or even acts of fraud. That is why the best way is to pay attention to the signs that your online accounts or devices may have been compromised.

Below are seven things that can help you know if you have been involved in a cyber-attack:

Account activity and login notifications

That is why one of the most effective methods to identify unwanted interest is to monitor the activity in your online profiles. Search for activities that you do not know, for example, logins from unknown locations, password changes that you did not perform, or new devices registered. A lot of services will notify you via email or an app notification when something significant happens to your account, and you should not brush them off. Any suspicious activity noticed should be immediately escalated to the service provider.

Scan for Viruses and Malware 

Cybercriminals often leverage malware or viruses to enter devices and access information. Look out for signs such as frequent crashing or freezing, slow performance, new pop-ups, or your camera or microphone turning on without being prompted. Perform automated scans for virus detection on a routine basis. On mobile, check what permissions you may have unknowingly granted to unknown apps as well. Another option is to try deleting any existing malware by restoring the devices to their factory settings.

Check Other Accounts for Unknown Alterations

Check in on all the various accounts you use with great care and review settings, phone numbers, connected apps. Look for minor anomalies that may suggest a third party has gained access. Especially, bear it in mind when it comes to adjustments to the security parameters, password generation, withdrawal or transfer specifications of financial accounts that allow for the retrieval of your money or data. Ensure that phone numbers, emails or physical addresses that may be required in the writing are still valid. Get rid of any connected services that are not recognizable as soon as possible.

Check Credit Reports and Bank Statements 

Constantly scrutinize your statements and credit reports to capture any inconsistencies. Check for names you didn’t recognize, purchases you never made, transfers to accounts you never opened, or debts you know nothing about. In case of any fraudulent activity, contact the bank and credit bureaus to make a complaint. There are cases when you may need to submit a fraud alert or credit freeze in case your financial accounts have been affected. One of the most effective ways to detect cybercrime is through monitoring financial statements.

Beware of Phishing Attempts

Phishing is another method in which cyber criminals send emails, phone calls or text messages that are intended to deceive the recipient to provide credentials or inadvertently download malware. Never follow links or attachments in unsolicited communications. Instead, use any browser of your choice to go to any sites that you require. For all accounts, use complex and distinct passwords and enable the option of two-factor authentication wherever possible.  Research on typical phishing techniques for example using time-sensitive cues, unsanctioned communication structures or fake identities.

You need to check if you have old online accounts

Create an inventory of all the accounts you have online and make sure to check all of them. Thus, any account that is not being used anymore should be deactivated or removed from the application, not remain active and logged in. People tend to have old accounts that they can forget about for a long time and this is where criminals get information about you. This makes it difficult for hackers to capitalize on the situation because you are always on the lookout. Get login notifications, use different passwords for different accounts, and connect email with a trusted contact person to regain control.

Check Your Data Leaked on the Dark Web

Other services such as identity theft protection companies can conduct dark web searches with the intention of ascertaining whether your social security number, bank details, or login details are being traded in the black markets and cybercrime platforms. They serve as an alert service that informs a person or company if their data is likely to be used fraudulently. Of course, no system is perfect, and it is crucial to note that dark web monitoring provides some indication of breached accounts and provides the victims with the opportunity to protect themselves.

Conclusion

The only way to prevent such fast-moving cybercriminals is to be proactive about account security and monitoring for signs of unauthorized access attempts. If even some of these checks are incorporated an attacker is usually halted in their process or if not at least the amount of damage done is limited. Do not dismiss signals with the mentality that breaches are “not going to happen to me”. Use these seven methods to ensure that you recognize hacks at an early stage and deal with them adequately. Adhering to good cyber hygiene drastically minimizes your odds of becoming one of the many victims in today’s interconnected environment.

IT services are now essential and indispensable for businesses to run their operations effectively and effectively compete. It is not feasible for most organizations, especially small and medium enterprises, to employ a team of IT professionals to serve their needs. This is where managed IT services and co-managed IT services come in. Managed IT services are a form of outsourcing in which an organization transfers the responsibility of managing its IT infrastructure to a third-party provider. But what distinguishes those two strategies? The differences are going to be described in this article.

What is Managed IT Services? 

Managed IT services involve a business hiring a third-party vendor known as the managed services provider or MSP to handle some or most of the business’s IT processes. The MSP provides constant monitoring, management, and problem-solving for a portion or wholesale of the client’s IT environment.

This typically includes functions such as:

– Computer equipment (servers, computers, phones, printers, etc. )

– Software support

– Data backup and disaster recovery

– Network monitoring and security

– Technical support and IT help desk

Akin to outsourcing, a managed service MSP implies that the provider works on behalf of the in-house IT department. Whenever there are IT problems, the MSP provides experienced engineers and technicians to tackle the issues as a proactive measure and when necessary. This enables the business to be able to get enterprise level IT support for a fixed monthly fee without the need to hire more staff.

Benefits of Managed Services:

– Predictable monthly costs

– Availability of specialized skills not readily achievable or cost-effective to acquire internally

– Less overall expenditure on IT infrastructure

– Enhanced cybersecurity systems

– Flexibility to incorporate or remove services required

What is Co-Managing IT Services? 

Co-sourced IT services are a blend of the company’s own internal IT employees plus outsourced managed services provided by an MSP in a ‘co-sourced’ arrangement.

In this model, the client company also employs its own IT staff to maintain critical internal IT assets, networks, applications, and computers on a regular basis. An MSP is a specialized or additional layer of IT services that focuses on specific aspects for higher efficiency, security, reliability, and availability.

Areas commonly handed by an MSP in a co-managed arrangement include:

– Based on the results of the evaluation, the most recommended measures are Server monitoring and Data backup.

– Additional help for help desk lines

– Mitigation of security threats

– Integrated network and cloud systems

Benefits of Co-Management:

– Maximize the internal team’s strengths while minimizing the gaps

– Centralize the decision-making process and maintain control over most of the day-to-day decisions.

– Integrate key talent from MSP at minimal cost

– Allow the internal team to focus on their primary responsibilities

– The fluidity that allows the firm to increase or decrease the services offered.  

Key Differences Summarized

To recap, here are the main differences between managed services and co-managed services:

Managed IT Services:

– All IT functions are outsourced to MSP The consensus of this paper is that all IT functions are outsourced to an MSP (managed services provider) due to the benefits that are associated with this approach.

– The MSP is entirely responsible for all the hardware, software, security, and backup, guaranteeing uptimes, and handling all sorts of problems.

– In this case, the business relies on the MSP’s engineers for all technical decisions.

– The monthly fees are charged for a complete package of predefined managed IT services.

Co-Managed IT Services:

– Day-to-day IT processes continue to be managed by in-house IT personnel

– An MSP offers unique technical support and tools whenever necessary

– The MSP complements rather than replaces completely

– Services and monthly fees are not fixed and can depend on the current situation.

Choosing the Right Model

Which option is more suitable for small to midsize businesses – fully managed or co-managed? Both viewpoints are valid.

Outsourcing fully managed IT services lets you cheaply offload the cost of dealing with recurrent IT disruptions. However, some firms may wish to retain local employees assuming operational infrastructure responsibilities. The ideal model is based on factors including your wallet, skills deficiency, number of heads and degree of control over your technology environment that you require.

A large number of companies begin with a selection of simple managed services and then transition to co-managed arrangements once the business has scaled enough to hire internal IT personnel. It is crucial to find the right partner provider to ensure that either of the arrangements will put into harmony with your organization’s goals and objectives.