BlackPoint IT Services Joins INTERFACE Phoenix 2024

INTERFACE Phoenix 2024 was an incredible event filled with insightful discussions and innovative solutions. The BlackPoint IT Services team was thrilled to participate in this dynamic event, showcasing our expertise in both cybersecurity and VoIP through two dedicated booths. Throughout the event, we connected with attendees, offered valuable insights, and learned about their specific IT needs. Here’s a recap of the highlights and key takeaways from our cybersecurity presentation at INTERFACE Phoenix 2024.

Cyber Resilience-Fortifying Your Defenses for the Digital Battlefield

Our partner, Brian Doty, Channel Development Manager at Kaseya, delivered an engaging presentation titled “Cyber Resilience: Fortifying Your Defenses for the Digital Battlefield.” The presentation focused on the increasing threats faced by small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and provided practical steps they can take to minimize risks.  

Brian highlighted the reality that 73% of all cyberattacks target SMBs. He emphasized the urgency of implementing robust cybersecurity measures, citing that 60% of businesses permanently close following a ransomware attack, and a staggering business is hit with ransomware every 11.275 seconds.

Common Cybersecurity Threats

The presentation explored common vulnerabilities that leave SMBs exposed, including: 

• Poor password hygiene: Weak or predictable passwords are a major security risk, giving attackers an easy entry point into your systems. 
• Lack of cybersecurity awareness: Employees unaware of common cyber threats are more susceptible to phishing attacks and other social engineering tactics. 
• Phishing attacks: These deceptive messages aim to draw you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on harmful links that can compromise your security. 
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Scammers impersonate legitimate businesses to trick victims into sending money or transferring funds. 
• Lack of security planning: Failing to have a cybersecurity plan leaves businesses unprepared to respond to attacks.

CISA Cyber Essentials Guide as a Roadmap

Brian offered a valuable resource – the CISA Cyber Essentials Guide – as a roadmap for SMBs to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. The guide outlines key actions for: 

1. Manage

• Maintain inventories of network connections.  
• Learn what is on your network. Maintain inventories of hardware and software assets. 
• Remove unsupported or unauthorized hardware and software from systems. 

2. Secure

• Lead investment in basic cybersecurity.  
• Leverage automatic updates for all operating systems and third-party software.  
• Leverage basic cybersecurity training. 
• Utilize next-generation antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools. 

3. Backup

• Employ a backup solution that automatically and continuously backs up critical data and system configurations.  
• Establish regular automated backups and redundancies of key systems.  
• Leverage protections for backups, including physical security, encryption, and offline copies