Al Alper, Chief Executive Officer of Absolute Logic and sister company CyberGuard 360, warned that Information Technology (IT) firms are being targeted by hackers and need to significantly “step up their game” in the wake of this onslaught.

Alper referenced a U.S. Department of Homeland Security emergency alert, reporting that Cloudhopper, an international hacking ring linked to the Chinese government, has been launching attacks on technology service providers in the United States in an attempt to steal their clients’ data.

Alper, whose sister firm CyberGuard 360 develops and markets cyber security solutions to IT service providers, said, “Many IT Managed Service Providers don’t have the detailed knowledge of cyber security or may not be investing in the Next Gen security to protect their systems which access client data.”

Alper said that Managed Service Providers are ideal targets for foreign hackers because these MSPs host or have access to data for the companies they service. Some MSPs host data for hundreds of individual companies. “Willie Sutton, an infamous bank robber, was asked after being apprehended, why he robbed banks and he said because that’s where the money is. Similarly, professional foreign hackers can access much more data by hacking into the systems of MSPs where so much data is stored or where they are a direct conduit to their clients’ networks.

“Businesses should realize that if their IT provider isn’t protected, neither are they. An IT company which is not fully protected can be responsible for their client’s data being stolen,” he added. “Now, more than ever, MSPs and IT service providers need to step up their game for their clients – and themselves. Relying on anti-virus, anti-malware and a firewall is not enough. Managed Service Providers need a cyber security ecosystem which provides 360-degree visibility and protection.”

He said that the key technology components of a cyber security ecosystem must include:

- SIEM 2.0

- Next-Gen Advanced Endpoint Protection

- Next-Gen Perimeter Protection

- Network Level Monitoring

- Data Loss Prevention

- DNS & Web Filtering

- File and Disk Encryption

- Encrypted Backup

- Multi-Factor Authentication

- Dark Web Monitoring

- Security Awareness Training

Alper said that, in addition to the technological components of a cyber security ecosystem, MSPs must develop a comprehensive set of cyber security-related policies defining behaviors and expectations, deputizing members of the organization to join in safeguarding valuable data. And, he added, all MSPs should carry a cyber liability insurance program for when an employee accidentally opens an infected attachment or visits an infected website.

“The threats facing our infrastructure are increasingly vicious,” Alper said, adding, “Every Managed Service Provider must realize that he/she is the front line of defense for all the data that their company stores and/or has access to.”

About Absolute Logic

Since 1991, Absolute Logic has been providing Fortune 500-style security and IT services, technical support and technology consulting to businesses of up to 250 employees. Absolute Logic has recently launched CyberGuard 360, a strong cyber security protection suite of technology services. The company was also designated as a Champion of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) 2017 and has expansive experience with and knowledge of cyber regulations such as New York State’s Department of Financial Services’ new cyber security regulations (23 NYCRR 500). 

The firm’s original client base was comprised largely of independent insurance agencies, law firms and dental practices; today, these industries remain a key part of the company’s clientele, but Absolute Logic has expanded its scope of services to represent more than 40 different industries. Services include managed IT services and consulting, cloud computing, virtualization, email and spam protection, backup and disaster recovery, VoIP solutions, network security, and more. Absolute Logic serves the IT and related needs of Connecticut and New York. Founder and CEO Al Alper is a national speaker on IT and security issues and has authored several articles and books, including “Revealed! The Secrets to Protecting Yourself from Cyber-Criminals.” To obtain a copy, or to request Al Alper as a speaker for a business organization, please call (203) 936-6680. Absolute Logic maintains corporate offices at 44 Old Ridgefield Road, Suite 216, Wilton, CT, and operates a satellite location at 300 International Drive, Suite 100, in Williamsville, NY. Please visit the firm’s website at www.absolutelogic.com, and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter.