IT News

Feb, 2021

A Refresher on NIST 800-171

In a recent article, we wrote about the new DFARS rule and the new NIST “scorecard” system that the rule includes. In order to reach a perfect “score” of 110, companies vying for a government contract need to meet every requirement outlined in NIST 800-171.

In the past few years, we’ve covered NIST guidelines at length. However, there have been quite a few changes since we last wrote about them. For that reason, we’re putting out a quick refresher on the subject for readers who are unfamiliar with NIST compliance, as well as sources for some of the more recent, important updates to NIST standards. Read more

cyber security, data protection, DFARS, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, NIST, NIST 800-171, NIST compliance, V2 Systems

Feb, 2021

By Erik Briceno

IT Managed Services: The Key to Growing Your Business

When you’re running a business, the key to success is remaining focused on your vision and committed to fulfilling it. That’s why it’s essential to keep distractions to a minimum — including the technology your business requires. You shouldn’t have to think about it — you just need it to work.

That’s where an IT managed services provider comes in. Outsourcing your IT tech support can improve your performance measures in terms of cost, quality, service and speed. Look for a provider who will work to understand your company and analyze your needs, then translate those objectives and processes into solutions that span the lifecycle of your entire IT infrastructure. Read more

cyber security, data protection, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, security, V2 Systems

Feb, 2021

By Erik Briceno

Your DoD Cyberscore and You

If you’re a government contractor, you’re probably at least partially familiar with NIST 800-171. Even if you don’t have every detail completely memorized, the vast majority of your cyber hygiene policies should be coming directly from NIST guidelines.

To assist in maintaining compliance with what’s outlined in NIST 800-171, we’ve been guiding several of our contractors with the intricacies of the NIST 800-171 “scorecard.” Supplier Performance Risk System, or SPRS, is essentially a score that reflects the contractor’s accomplishment of the NIST cybersecurity requirements. Here are the basics of how it works. Read more

cyber security, data protection, department of defense, DFARS, IT, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, NIST, NIST 800-171, NIST compliance, NIST Scorecard, security, V2 Systems

Jan, 2021

By Erik Briceno

Should Cisco Umbrella and Meraki MR Still Be Used in 2021?

In an article we wrote as far back as 2019, we mentioned that one of the strongest tools in our arsenal was one that we ourselves at V2 Systems make use of: Cisco Umbrella. We then outlined in detail why we thought it was such a useful utility. But now that we’ve arrived in 2021, do products such as Umbrella and Meraki MR still pair up well with each other?

The short answer is yes — they absolutely do. Because Meraki MR is also technically a Cisco product these days (Meraki was actually acquired by Cisco in 2012.), it integrates seamlessly with Umbrella. They were essentially made for each other. Here’s what Meraki MR is and how Umbrella works within a Meraki network. Read more

Cisco, Cisco Umbrella, cloud computing, cyber security, data protection, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, Meraki, Meraki MR, network security, security, V2 Systems

Jan, 2021

By Erik Briceno

It’s 2021. Isn’t it about time to start outsourcing your IT?

2020 was a chaotic time, but it’s a brand new year. It’s still chaotic in many ways, but change is inevitable no matter how consistent things may seem. The way a company handles that change can mean the difference between success and failure.

One of the biggest changes you can make is deciding to outsource your IT support. As far as changes go, it’s definitely one of the better ones. It can improve performance measures in terms of cost, quality, service and speed. To ensure the change is made smoothly, you need to look for a managed service provider who will work to understand your company and analyze your needs, and then translate those objectives and processes into solutions that span the lifecycle of your entire IT infrastructure. Read more

cyber security, data protection, IT, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, outsourcing, security, V2 Systems

Jan, 2021

By Erik Briceno

Want to reduce overhead costs and increase employee productivity? Partner with an IT managed services provider.

A partnership between your organization and your managed services provider ultimately frees your staff to remain focused on your vision and allows you to stay committed to fulfilling it. By partnering with an IT managed services provider, the end result is a successful two-pronged strategy: a large reduction of overhead costs, as well as an increase in employee productivity. Here’s a brief look at how that is. Read more

cyber security, data protection, IT, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, outsourcing, security, V2 Systems

Dec, 2020

By Erik Briceno

If 2020 Has Shown Us Anything, It’s the Need for Cloud Transition.

For a long time, many were using the cloud already — on iPhones, Androids and smart devices of all types — but not in business environments. Largely thanks to mandatory work-from-home policies, this has changed. But even before the pandemic, forward-thinking businesses realized that cloud computing offers the opportunity for increased productivity combined with managed costs. The best cloud providers deliver software over the internet, which eliminates the need to install and run these applications on local devices, simplifying maintenance and support.

Users are connecting to applications that run on a set of shared or pooled servers, rather than running on a single dedicated server. So, they are essentially outsourcing by having these computer services provided by someone else, which allows them to focus on what they need to get done. Read more

cloud computing, cloud migration, cloud security, cloud transition, cyber security, data protection, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, remote workforce, security, V2 Systems

Dec, 2020

By Erik Briceno

Working from home? An assessment is long overdue.

If you’re like many organizations right now, you’ve probably embraced a work-from-home policy. But are you implementing it securely? Enabling workers to access the systems and data they need from home can create a wide range of cyber risks that attackers can be quick to exploit. Here are some of the most critical vulnerabilities that enterprises of all sizes need to watch out for. Read more

cyber attack, cyber security, data protection, internet, IT, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, remote security, remote worker, remote working, security, teleworker, V2 Systems

Dec, 2020

By Erik Briceno

Holiday Phishing in a Global Pandemic

For those who celebrate, it’s that time of year again — a time for decorations, eating food that you normally wouldn’t, and of course, maxing out credit cards on holiday shopping for gifts or the aforementioned expenditures. But with many of us doing both our shopping and our working from home this year due to COVID-19, the environment in 2020 poses an even greater risk to cybersecurity.

This year, it’s not just individuals who need to keep an eye on their wallets and protect themselves from scammers and thieves. Businesses and organizations of all sizes need to be aware of holiday phishing scams and how they pose a risk to your entire company. Read more

cyber attack, cyber security, data protection, holidays, IT, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, password, phishing, ransomware, remote worker, remote workforce, scams, security, V2 Systems

Nov, 2020

By Erik Briceno

The “Art” of Phishing Scams in 2020

2020 has presented a slew of challenges for everyone. IT professionals worldwide have stories of their own to share — not only facing the challenge of adopting work-from-home technology and infrastructure, but also that of new attack vectors presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and those who would take advantage of them.

Phishing in particular has seen a tremendous increase as a method of attack, and phishing scams are becoming even more elaborate. In today’s blog, we break down some of the top phishing scams of 2020 and how you can protect your organization from becoming a victim. Read more

cyber attack, cyber security, data protection, IT support, managed security services provider, managed services provider, network security, phishing, scams, security, V2 Systems

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A Refresher on NIST 800-171

IT Managed Services: The Key to Growing Your Business

Your DoD Cyberscore and You

It’s 2021. Isn’t it about time to start outsourcing your IT?

Want to reduce overhead costs and increase employee productivity? Partner with an IT managed services provider.

Working from home? An assessment is long overdue.

Holiday Phishing in a Global Pandemic

The “Art” of Phishing Scams in 2020

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