WEI Tech Exchange

Intelligent Security Solutions for Internal Access

By Michael Thweatt |   Mar 24, 2016

Managing internal access to data and software has always been a challenge for technical and security departments. In the past, security was often managed physically; workers couldn’t access what they couldn’t physically get to. Today, cloud computing and the need for employees of all levels to access data from disparate locations makes physical controls outdated in most industries. Instead, organizations are turning to a variety of cloud, software, and hardware-based security solutions, some of which are less effective than others.

The Importance of Data Encryption

By Greg LaBrie |   Mar 22, 2016

Is your business utilizing data encryption in your security strategy? The process of changing information to make it unreadable to those except authorized users can help your company securely protect data and safeguard it from potential threats. [click to tweet] Businesses use data encryption to protect personal information, customer data, trade secrets, employee files, tax information, credit card numbers and more. This benefits the network is breached. Read on to learn about the benefits of data encryption.

6 Tips for a Successful ITaaS Transition

By David Fafel |   Mar 17, 2016

Getting your team up to speed in your ITaaS transition can seem daunting with all of the major changes that look and feel different from original protocol, but ultimately the process boils down to careful planning and thorough communication. While change always starts at the top, an effective transformation will depend on the enthusiasm of your workforce, and their willingness to embrace new ways of doing things. For a step-by-step guide that will lead you through all of the important steps of this process, check out our whitepaper, Making the Transition to ITaaS. But for starters, the following tips should position your organization for a successful transition to ITaaS.

3 Common Cloud Security Mistakes

By Greg LaBrie |   Mar 15, 2016

Not long ago, many organizations were reluctant to adopt cloud technologies mostly due to concerns about security and loss of data control. After all, the traditional approach to network security is heavily focused on protecting the network perimeter. How do you do that when the Internet is being used to interact with applications, services, and data? It’s no surprise that enterprises were a bit unsettled with the idea of sharing the responsibility of security and privacy with cloud providers.

Key Elements of an ITaaS Strategy

By David Fafel |   Mar 10, 2016

Maxwell Health CEO, Veer Gidwaney wrote that as-a-service trends were poised to change the world. Even in 2014, as-a-service models were sweeping industries from software to healthcare. Giants such as Amazon and Netflix are now fully cemented in the entertainment space based on their aaS models; from business to personal life, such trends are creating evolution in the way people work and live. Companies can capitalize on aaS models by implementing IT as a service, or ITaaS.

3 Information Security Trends Every Company Should Know

By Greg LaBrie |   Mar 08, 2016

The technology industry is rapidly evolving, changing and growing; it’s important to stay up to date on current trends, and even brush up on skills well in advance of needing them, so you are prepared when emerging and disruptive technologies sweep the industry. Read on for three information security trends to be aware of in 2016 so your company can best prepare against potential hackers and cyber criminals.

Benefits of the ITaaS Model

By David Fafel |   Mar 03, 2016

As IT organizations are recognizing the increased efficiency, agility, and scalability of virtualized mission-critical applications, the next critical phase is to develop an IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS) program as a method of staying ahead of a constantly evolving IT and business environment. What is distinctive about the ITaaS model is that it allows an organization’s IT department to function as a separate business entity, operating as a value-based service team that delivers precisely the resources needed, when needed. [click to tweet] This model is geared towards the unique demands and requirements of internal and external customers.

Corporate Sustainability through Green Initiatives

By Greg LaBrie |   Mar 01, 2016

From alternative energy to stocking post-consumer recycled content in the office, we pride ourselves on leading the IT industry in corporate sustainability and an eco-friendly mindset. We recently rolled out WEI StepsUP, our environmental initiative which helps to reduce emissions, pollutants and our overall carbon footprint. Here are the green initiatives we are working on to reduce our impact on the world around us.

Importance of Security and Threat Prevention Assessments

By Greg LaBrie |   Feb 25, 2016

IT leaders have worked hard to keep their networks safe. With the right systems, solutions and policies in place, the concern about data security should diminish, right? Not exactly. Plenty of companies have gone above and beyond to secure their networks, although it seems that a breach is inevitable given that so many major corporations and brands have been compromised in the past few years. Hackers continue to evolve and so must a company’s security strategy.

Ransomware Hits Enterprises

By Greg LaBrie |   Feb 23, 2016

Newscasters seemed rattled by the news last week that Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center paid hackers $17,000 in Bitcoin to regain access to a key system.

This is no surprise for security insiders. Ransomware for enterprises is a top trending threat. In fact, the center’s ransom pales in comparison to the $123,000 in Bitcoin demanded from a New Jersey school district in 2015; the district decided instead to rebuild systems from backups.

Security analysts say that anywhere from 3 to 40 percent of ransomware victims pay up. The FBI, the agency responsible for investigating ransomware, has no way to help. Instead, the FBI recommends paying the ransom if the victim has no unaffected backup from which to restore files. Several police departments have paid ransoms.