Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting your online presence and data from attackers. It includes network security, information security, and business continuity, all aimed at keeping your systems and data safe so your business can operate worry-free.
However, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving. While new protective methods are developed daily, vulnerabilities in outdated systems continue to emerge. Therefore, staying proactive and responsive by implementing the latest safety measures is crucial to safeguarding your business.
At Total Solutions IT, we stay informed about the latest cyber threats and security measures. We implement essential protections like firewalls, multi-factor authentication, data backup, disaster recovery, and regular software updates to ensure a secure environment.
Additionally, we tailor our security solutions for small to medium-sized businesses using Microsoft tools and Azure to enforce The Essential Eight. This includes restricting access by location, performing regular backups, and managing user privileges.
Developed by The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), the Essential Eight is a series of baseline strategies taken from the Strategies to Mitigate Cyber Security Incidents document, advising on how to implement the strategies and how to measure the maturity of their implementation.
We believe cyber security services should be accessible to all businesses– our Essential 8+ auditing and reporting services are provided in a range of packages designed to suit the smallest operation through to the largest enterprise.
1. Application Control
This relates to the level of application control and constraints you have over user applications and the ability for staff to execute unapproved and malicious programs on workstations. This includes .exe, DLL, scripts and installers.
2. Application patching
Updating third-party applications quickly is essential for ensuring the latest security updates and patches are in place. For example, using the latest version of applications and patches of web browsers, Microsoft Office, Java and PDF viewers. This requires frequent use of security vulnerability scanners to detect missing patches and updates as well as removing solutions that are no longer supported by their vendors.
3. Configure Microsoft Office Macro Settings
This is the amount of freedom your users have to run macros in Microsoft Office applications. Most users should have macros blocked as default unless they have a specific organisational requirement. Only allow vetted macros, either in ‘trusted locations’ with limited write access or digitally signed with a trusted certificate.
4. User Application Hardening
Limitations should be placed on user applications. At its most basic, web browsers should block Flash, ads and Java, with users unable to change these settings. Disable unneeded features in Microsoft Office (such as OLE), and in web browsers and PDF viewers. Internet Explorer 11 should also be disabled.
5. Restrict Administrative Privileges
Tightly manage administrative privileges and access to operating systems and applications based on user duties. This includes regularly revalidating requests for privileged access to systems and applications, blocking privileged accounts from accessing the internet and using separate operating environments for privileged and unprivileged users. Privileged accounts should not be used for reading email and browsing the web.
6. Patch Operating Systems
This focuses on keeping operating systems up to date to ensure that OS patches, updates, and security mitigations for internet-facing services are applied within two weeks of release. All computers and network devices with ‘extreme security risk’ vulnerabilities should be patched within 48 hours. Security Vulnerability scanners should also be used to identify any missing patches, and any OS that is no longer vendor supported should be replaced.
7. Multi-factor Authentication
Enforce MFA for all privileged access. Turn on MFA for VPNs, RDP, SSH and other remote access, and for all users when they access an important data repository. Maturity starts by enforcing MFA for all users before they access internet-facing services and third-party providers.
8.Daily Backups:
Perform daily backups of important new or changed data, software and configuration settings. All unprivileged accounts should be restricted to their own backup environments. Store backups disconnected from the Internet and retain them for at least three months. Test restoration initially, annually and whenever IT infrastructure changes.
Security Assessment
Security Advisory
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, with new threats emerging constantly. Therefore, Total Solutions IT provides access to experienced professionals who stay updated on the latest developments in network and information protection. As a result, we can offer proactive solutions to safeguard your business from evolving risks.
Dark Web Monitoring
When sensitive personal data is stolen from businesses or organizations, it often ends up on the dark web. Criminals package and sell this information to fraudsters through dark web marketplaces.
Managed Firewall
Your network firewall is the first line of defense against cybercrime, preventing unauthorized devices from accessing your network. Additionally, Total Solutions IT can manage and configure your firewall to strengthen your security.
Email Filtering
Phishing attacks are a common tactic used by cybercriminals. Basic email filtering blocks most attempts, while our security awareness training helps your team handle more sophisticated threats.
Web Filtering
Blocking access to known malicious websites helps prevent staff from accidentally downloading harmful content, reducing cyber threat risks and strengthening overall security.
Risk Management
Compliance
Security Awareness Training
IT Security Incident & Event Management
Threat Hunting
Security Assessment
What is data breach in cyber security?
A data breach occurs when information is stolen from a system without the owner’s knowledge or permission. Whether for a small business or a large organization, such an incident can happen to anyone, posing serious risks to data security.
What is data security and privacy?
Data security protects information from unauthorized access by external attackers, malware, or malicious cyber activity. On the other hand, data privacy refers to the rules governing how data is collected, used, and shared.
What is multi factor authentication cyber security?
Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a layered security approach that requires users to provide multiple credentials to verify their identity before accessing a resource.
What are the different roles of the Australian Cyber Security Centre?
The role of the ACSC is to lead the Australian Government’s operational responses to cybersecurity incidents and coordinate national cybersecurity operations and resources. Additionally, it is responsible for raising awareness about the levels of cyber threats facing Australia.
What is Australia’s cyber security strategy?
Total Solutions IT provides modern and secure digital workplaces, focusing on the B2B market with comprehensive services in Telecommunications, Internet, Cloud, IT Managed Services, and Cyber Security.
EMAIL
[email protected]
PHONE
(02) 6061 4222
ADDRESS
2/601 Dean Street
Albury NSW 2640 Australia
