As businesses become more and more connected to the internet, the threat of a data breach only increases. A study conducting by the University of Maryland in 2017 discovered that, on average, computers with internet access are attacked every 39 seconds. While this figure may be worrisome, this should come as no surprise to most. As technology continues to progress, becoming more and more a part of not only businesses but individual’s lives as well, criminals will try harder and faster to obtain access to confidential information. These attacks are not cheap either. A study conducted by IBM found that on average, a cyberattack can cost $3.86 million. This number does not just reflect the damage the breach cost, but it also factors in loss of business, time spent on recovering, and damage to reputation. Taking steps to prevent an attack from happening is imperative. One must have the proper equipment and policies set in place in order to counter cyberattacks. However, attackers are becoming smarter, more resourceful, faster, more aggressive. Many of them are also playing the long game as well. Lying dormant in a companies, or individual’s computers or server, waiting for the perfect moment to attack. While cyber security specialists are doing there best to stay 1-step ahead of criminals, there is only so much that can be done. Therefore, instead of playing a game of cat and mouse with attackers, cyber security specialists should be turning their attention towards using machine learning and AI to aid them in this constantly evolving battle. Why Machine Learning and AI Should Be Recruited Cybersecurity usually relies on methods of created static rules and policies that act as barriers to attackers. These barriers, regardless of how strongly built, are susceptible to cracks and leaks, allowing for unwanted guests to enter. This creates a constant game of catch up, rather than enforcing constant protection. This is especially true since cyber criminals are constantly evolving their viruses, making them stronger and harder to detect. If rules are not kept up to date, and scheduled maintenance is not regularly done, disaster can strike at any moment. Machine learning and AI can help level the playing field. Even though cyber security specialists will remain as the last line of defense against attacks, AI and machine learning can be used as the first line of defense. AI and machine learning are constantly updating and learning, feeding off information from databases about cybersecurity and networking, as well as information from its experiences while deployed. AI and machine learning add automation to your cybersecurity team, aiding them in evolving and keeping your data safe from criminals. Hammett Technologies is specialized in cybersecurity, using only the latest cybersecurity software and hardware to keep your data safe. When you partner with Hammett Technologies, you hire a partner who learns your employees, your business, and your process.
With Windows 7 service coming to an end in only a few days, we thought it was essential to give one last push to those of you who still have not made the jump to Windows 10. After January 15, Windows 7 will no longer be in service, meaning that all security updates will cease. Continuing to run an operating system without support from the developers (i.e. Microsoft), can be extremely risky and will ultimately and inevitably lead to a malware-infected computer. Furthermore, if your business is still using Windows 7 on its work computers, you must upgrade to Windows 10 immediately. Why Upgrading to Windows 10 is Important As you have already read, Windows 7 will be out of service by January 15. However, what you may not understand is what that exactly means for you. Virtually all “end of service” means is that Microsoft will no longer support Windows 7. However, the deeper meaning to that statement is that with Microsoft no longer supporting the operating system (OS), hackers will begin to reverse engineer patches and updates. Essentially, Windows 7 will soon become an open playground for hackers and malware developers. If you are insistent on staying with Windows 7, even though consumers are reporting that they are still able to upgrade for free, you can pay for security updates from Microsoft. This yearly subscription will enable you to stay on Windows 7 and continue to receive security updates from Microsoft, but costs will increase yearly. In our opinion, unless your business relies on Windows 7, there is no excuse not to upgrade to Windows 10. Why Upgrade to Windows 10 First and foremost, Windows 10 is far secure than Windows 7 at this point. With constant updates and patches that have improved performance and security, Windows 10 has come a far way from where it began. Furthermore, upgrading to Windows 10, if you have a valid license of Windows 7, is still free! All you have to do is download the Windows 10 installer and then upgrade it. It is that simple. If you have any questions or concerns, consider contacting Hammett Technologies! We are professionals when it comes to technology and can assist you and your company regardless of the situation! Give us a call and find out why we are the #1 growing MSP in Maryland!
It’s finally time to say goodbye to our old friend. In a few months, January 14, 2020, to be exact, Windows 7 will officially no longer be receiving security patches and updates from Microsoft. Therefore, if you are one of the many still calling Windows 7 your home, it may be time to think about moving to Windows 10. Why is this Important to Me? Many of you are probably thinking, “Why should I worry about moving to a new operating system?”. The answer is security. When Microsoft pulls the plug on the extended support (January 14, 2020) that means Windows 7 will no longer receive any critical updates. Updates that would fix security holes and exploits. This means that the longer you wait to move to Windows 10, the more at risk you are of an attack. Why Not Move to Windows 8? If you are looking for an Operating System similar to Windows 7, you should look no further than to Windows 10. Windows 10, while there are differences between them, is more similar to Windows 7. Windows 8, on the other hand, is, for lack of a better term, a mess. The desperate attempt to mix the mobile and PC platform was a disaster and will ultimately leave you with a sour taste wishing for anything else. The other reason to make the jump to Windows 10 and not 8 is because Windows 8 will also cease support soon. In January 2023 the extended support for Windows 8 will end, and with it will come the same security risks of Windows 7. As we said earlier, for those of you looking to fill the void left from your goodbye to Windows 7, Windows 10 is there. If you find yourself needing assistance in migrating yourself or your company to Windows 10, please give us a call! We will be more than happy to assist you in the transition to Windows 10! To learn more about what we can do to assist your company’s growth, click here!