Cybersecurity is a critical concern for every business though not everyone accepts the facts and by then it is usually too late.

Businesses need to understand how important it is for them to protect sensitive data, intellectual property, and the overall reputation of the business.

Investing in cybersecurity is a cost of doing business but it is a long-term investment in safeguarding against myriad threats.

There are no two ways about it. You need to dedicate a budget to cybersecurity but that does not mean breaking the bank.

Take our free lite cybersecurity assessment

Let's look at some facts.

There is no denying that cyber threats are real. In fact, the reality is that cyber threats can hurt your small business. 46% of cyber-attacks are targeted at businesses with less than 1,000 employees.

The costs after a security breach are very high. Cyberattacks cost businesses nearly $3 billion in 2020. A lot of that damage could have been prevented if those affected had taken basic steps to prevent attacks in the first place. In many cases, basic cybersecurity awareness and staff training can mitigate some attacks, especially phishing attempts that target employees.

What many businesses do not realise, until it is too late, is that if they experience a cyberattack or a breach, it is going to be extremely expensive to remedy the problem.

Limited budgets: Focus on security essentials

Train your employees

Employees can be the first line of defence against cyber threats but they're also the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Educating employees about cybersecurity best practices, training them on how to recognise and avoid phishing scams, the importance of strong passwords, and how to handle sensitive data securely, can be done with a very limited budget. There are training platforms that are cost-effective with subscription-based plans for small businesses.

Keep software and systems up to date

Even if you don’t have a vulnerability management program in place, it does not cost your IT team to keep operating systems, software applications, and security software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. If not centrally managed, set up automatic updates on individual machines to ensure critical security fixes are not missed.

Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication

Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords that are at least eight characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. This extra layer of security can prevent unauthorised access even if a password is compromised.

Backup your data regularly

It's crucial to back up your data regularly and store backups securely. In the event of a data breach or other disaster, you can restore your data quickly and minimise the impact on your business. There are backup-as-a-service solutions that are not expensive and reduce the need for investment in hardware and other resources.

There are other facets of cybersecurity that could be considered but points 1-4 are a good start if your business has limited budgets or personnel. It’s important to note that just because your business is small, you should not be helpless against cyberthreats. Practical changes requiring minimal effort and cost can help you on the journey towards securing your business.

BMIT can help!

Do you want to learn more about keeping your business safe in a cost-effective manner? BMIT can help tailor your cybersecurity needs based on your budgets. Take our free lite cybersecurity assessment survey to receive a personalised report with our recommendations and feedback, right in your inbox.

Multi Factor Authentication now required for all users

Microsoft has announced that as part of its efforts to boost security of its cloud services, it will be turning on the security defaults setting for all Azure tenants. This includes multi factor authentication (MFA).

Microsoft’s security defaults are a set of preconfigured security settings that are available to everyone at no extra cost. Security defaults are intended for organisations who want to increase their security posture but don’t know how or where to start, or for organisations using the free tier of Azure Active Directory licensing. This does not apply to organisations that already use stricter controls such as Conditional Access.

When signing up for Managed Services from BMIT, these fundamental features are deployed as part of our security baseline. However, we can take your cybersecurity posture to the next level, help you safeguard your employees' identities and protect your data while enhancing your employees' experience.

When?

Microsoft will be automatically enabling the setting after June 27. Before then, admins will be encouraged to proactively enable security defaults.

What happens after the setting is turned on?

After the setting is turned on, every user in the tenant will need to register for multi factor authentication. Microsoft is strongly advising admins to advise and prepare users for this change.

When users sign into their account, they will be asked to install the Microsoft Authenticator App. Instructions on how to set up the app on their mobile device can be found here.

What are the benefits?

According to Microsoft, enabling MFA can help block more than 99.9% of identity attacks to compromise accounts. When enabled:

With MFA, you are helping to increase the organisation’s security posture and in so doing, you are:

Protecting against password-based attacks: By enabling MFA, even if an attacker manages to obtain or guess a user's password, they would still need an additional factor, such as a mobile device or a biometric verification, to gain access.

Preventing phishing and social engineering attacks: Phishing attacks remain a prevalent threat. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to provide a second factor that is typically not easily replicable, such as a one-time password (OTP) generated on a mobile device. Even if a user unknowingly falls victim to a phishing attack, the attacker would still require the second factor, thus preventing unauthorised access.

Strengthening Identity and Access Management (IAM): By enabling MFA, businesses can enforce strong authentication policies and ensure that only authorised individuals with the necessary credentials can access sensitive data and systems.

Enhancing Security in Remote Work Environments: MFA helps protect remote access to cloud-based applications and services by requiring additional verification, regardless of the user's location. This ensures that only authorised users can access critical resources, even when working from outside the corporate network.

Are you a BMIT customer or need assistance? Get in touch with us today.

Data protection and cyber resilience have become paramount for businesses across the globe. The growing reliance on technology and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats have made it crucial for organisations of any size to prioritise the security of their data.

Recently, BMIT had the privilege of organising along with The Malta Chamber an event that shed light on the importance of data protection and the role of cyber resilience in safeguarding valuable information.

The keynote speaker was the Commissioner for Data Protection, Ian Deguara, who spoke about the work being done in Malta to enhance the level of awareness and latest developments in the field.

Sean Cohen, BMIT Head of Technical Operations, gave a presentation on the technologies and technical implementation strategies that businesses can adopt to safeguard their data.

BMIT’s Chief Customer Success Officer, Nick Tonna, introduced the topic of the event explaining why resilience and digital fortitude played an important role in helping businesses to protect their data.

A very engaging and interesting discussion followed with The Malta Chamber CEO, Marthese Portelli, MPS’s Chris Mifsud and Gabriel Sultana CTO from Apcopay, joining Nick Tonna and the Data Protection Commissioner on the panel.

You can watch a recording of the event here.

We are thrilled to announce that BMIT Technologies is the winner of the prestigious IT Supplier of the Year award at this year's EGR B2B Awards, held in London on 9th June 2023.

The EGR B2B Awards celebrate and recognise the finest service providers in the online gaming industry, spanning various domains such as software development, payments, recruitment, safer gambling tools, IT infrastructure, and more. This victory not only reflects the remarkable achievements of BMIT but also highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional services and innovative solutions to our valued clients.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive the prestigious IT Supplier of the Year award at the EGR B2B Awards, solidifying our position as one of the top IT suppliers in the online gaming world and the only Maltese tech company to win at these awards. This recognition highlights the remarkable efforts of our team at BMIT Technologies in delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to the online gaming industry,” Christian Sammut, CEO of BMIT, said after the event.

He added the company is “proud to be a leading player in helping shape the future of online gaming and will continue to push boundaries, drive innovation, and exceed expectations. This award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence and our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology solutions to our global clients."

This award would not have been possible without our incredible clients, partners, and employees who have played a pivotal role in achieving this prestigious award. Their collective contributions have been instrumental.

Being awarded the IT Supplier of the Year award clearly shows the prominent role BMIT has had, and continues to have, in shaping the future of online gaming. By pushing boundaries and driving innovation, we aim to set new benchmarks for service providers in the industry.

As we move forward, BMIT Technologies remains committed to developing our presence in online gaming, driving innovation, and delivering unparalleled technology solutions to our clients.

Congratulations to everyone at BMIT on this well-deserved recognition!

Many business owners don't think about cybersecurity until it's too late. Cybersecurity is not something that businesses can afford to ignore. There are several scary consequences that can result from your business’ lack of security awareness and preparedness.

According to a study by IBM, 60% of businesses that experience a data breach go out of business within six months. A similar report, also by IBM, found that the global average cost of a data breach in 2020 was $3.86 million, a 10% increase from 2019.

Here are seven facts that should make you think twice about neglecting your cyber defences.

  1. Small businesses are not immune to cyber threats. According to Verizon, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses in general. Small businesses often lack the resources and expertise to protect themselves from cyberattacks, making them more vulnerable.
  2. Cyberattacks can disrupt operations and productivity, cause downtime, data loss, system damage, and network outages. That means loss of revenue and customers.
  3. The weakest link in a secure environment let alone in a business with no security controls. Human error is a major cause of data breaches. According to IBM, 23% of data breaches in 2020 were caused by human error, such as phishing, weak passwords, misconfigured settings, or lost devices.
  4. Data breaches damage reputation and customer trust. Consumers will not think twice and take their business elsewhere if they lose trust in how a business protects their data. Don’t forget the legal and regulatory consequences, and loss of competitive advantage.
  5. A cyberattack can target not only your digital assets, but also your physical infrastructure and devices, such as smart meters, cameras, sensors, vehicles, and medical equipment. This can pose serious risks to your employees, customers, and the public.
  6. Just because a company has moved its data or services to the Cloud does not mean they are not responsible. Cloud security is a shared responsibility. According to Gartner, by 2025, 99% of cloud security failures will be the customer's fault. Cloud providers will take care of the infrastructure, but customers are responsible for their data and users.
  7. Mobile devices are a challenge for administrators. They are often used to access sensitive data and applications, and they are also exposed to various threats such as malware, phishing, theft, or loss. Without any controls, a business’s data is at risk – from email to documentation. A hacked phone can also be used to access the business network.

A business that ignores cybersecurity is putting everything at risk. Investing in cybersecurity is not a cost and this is a key message. The cost of a breach is far higher than an investment in a security solution. A very good reason for any business to invest in cybersecurity.

How BMIT can help

Every business has a unique set of needs. We can help you build your internal capabilities and identify ways to boost security in your business. Contact us, and one of our specialists will get in touch with you immediately.

Cybersecurity has become an essential element of business operations however IT teams and C-level executives often have different perspectives and priorities when it comes to security, leading to misalignment and gaps in communication.

IT teams may feel that the C-level executives do not understand the importance of security, while C-level executives may view IT teams as a cost centre that is always asking for larger IT and security budgets without considering the broader financial implications.

Same goals, different concerns

There are a few reasons why security may be a challenge in the boardroom.

Role and responsibilities are different

C-level executives and management are primarily concerned with the impact of security on business outcomes, including risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and reputation enhancement. They view security as a crucial aspect of business operations that can have an impact on the organisation’s bottom line. Their top priority is ensuring that the organisation meets regulatory requirements, avoids negative publicity, and prevents reputational damage. On the other hand, IT teams are mainly focused on the technical aspects of security, such as implementing policies, procedures, and tools to safeguard the organisation's data and systems. They dedicate their time to patching systems, implementing firewalls, and anti-virus software. While these measures are essential for protecting digital assets, they may be too technical and complex for non-IT professionals to fully comprehend.

Lack of understanding and communication

One common reason for issues in IT security is the lack of understanding and effective communication channels between management and IT teams. Management may not possess a comprehensive understanding of the technical complexities of IT security, while IT teams may be unaware of the business implications and priorities of management. This absence of mutual comprehension, due to inadequate communication, frequently results in conflicting priorities and a shortage of resources.

Cost vs investment

Another reason for the disconnect is the perception of IT security as a cost, rather than an investment. Many C-level executives view IT security as a necessary expense, rather than a strategic investment that can drive business growth and success. This can lead to a lack of buy-in and support from management for IT security initiatives, causing IT security to be underfunded and understaffed. IT teams may also assume that management ‘knows’ why they are requesting additional budget or a new system or software when management do not have enough information or knowledge to help them take a decision.

Business goals are not aligned

While management is focused on accomplishing business goals such as enhancing revenue, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction, IT security prioritises technical objectives such as avoiding breaches, identifying incidents, and mitigating risks. These conflicting perspectives and goals often create tension and misunderstandings. For example, management may be interested in exploring business opportunities or innovations that IT security may consider risky or unfeasible. Conversely, IT security may emphasise increasing resources or expenses to tackle the growing threats and complexity, while management aims to minimise expenses.

Lack of awareness on security

The technical jargon utilised by IT teams may be overly complex for C-level executives to comprehend, causing them to overlook the significance of security measures. Management may not be informed about the most recent threats and technologies, while IT may not possess the resources or expertise to keep up with the latest advancements. Consequently, this can result in a lack of confidence in IT security and a lack of trust in IT's capacity to safeguard the business.

Risk tolerance

IT teams may have a low-risk tolerance and may want to implement strict security measures that may impact business operations. In contrast, C-level executives may have a higher risk tolerance and may view security as a trade-off between risk mitigation and operational efficiency.

Bridging the divide

To bridge this gap, IT teams and C-level executives need to establish a common language and understanding of security. They need to align their goals and expectations and collaborate effectively on security initiatives.

Key message

IT security is not only a technical issue but also a business issue. IT security and compliance should be integrated into the company's overall strategy. By aligning IT security with business goals, the company can proactively anticipate and mitigate risks and make better-informed decisions. This can also help to align the IT security budget with the overall budget and reduce the chances of a budget cut.

Clearly defined roles and responsibilities

IT and management need to work together to develop a security framework that ensures all stakeholders are aware of their roles and responsibilities in case of a security incident. Other teams, such as legal and HR, need to be involved.

Security training and awareness

Every executive at management level should receive security awareness training that covers the basics of cybersecurity, such as phishing, malware, and social engineering. Tailored to their roles and responsibilities, training should include examples of security breaches and their impact on an organisation.

Communicate often

Regular communication is a must when it comes to security. The IT lead should be present in management meetings and explain what is being done on security, the latest threats, risks, and solutions. This builds trust and makes it easier for management to sign-off on any technology or actions needed to improve security. Security should also be discussed at Board level. That way, security is treated a top-level priority.

Many of the challenges facing IT teams can be addressed if they clearly communicated their requirements and concerns to management. Talk to one of BMIT’s experts TODAY to learn how we can help you bridge the ‘security divide’ and optimise your business’s security posture.

A security policy is a set of rules and guidelines that define how your business protects its information assets and systems. It establishes what actions need to be taken to prevent the unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of those assets and data.

If your business deals with sensitive data, customer information, financial records, intellectual property, trade secrets, or confidential communications, you need a security policy!

Security policies are important because they help your business to manage security risks and incidents in a consistent manner. Each policy makes it clear to your employees, customers, and partners what your responsibilities are and what your expectations of them are as well. In regulated industries, a security policy is mandatory for those entities to be compliant with legal and regulatory frameworks.

A well-defined and regularly updated policy is a statement of intent that you are prepared for the likelihood and impact of a security breach or data loss. It also enhances your reputation and trust as a secure and reliable business.

However, creating a strong security policy is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing review and update to reflect the changing needs and threats of your business environment.

Starting the process

  1. Security objectives and scope. Define the goals of your security policy, the assets and systems that need to be protected, the stakeholders and users that need to be involved or informed, and how your security policy aligns with your business strategy and values?
  2. Risk assessment. Creating a baseline is an important step. Identify any potential threats and vulnerabilities and their severity; gaps and weaknesses that may be present. Define the controls and measures in place to prevent or mitigate them.
  3. Security requirements and standards. Based on your risk assessment, identify the specific security rules and guidelines to implement to protect your assets and systems, the minimum security levels and best practices that you expect from your employees, customers, partners, and vendors.
  4. Document and communicate. Using clear and easy to understand language, communicate your security policy to all relevant parties and ensure that they acknowledge and agree to it. Not everyone in your business is IT savvy or knowledgeable on security.
  5. Implement and enforce. Define actionable steps and procedures. Provide adequate training, tools, resources, and support to help your employees, customers, partners, and vendors comply with your security policy. Establish mechanisms for reporting, auditing, reviewing, and updating your security policy on a regular basis.
  6. Evaluate and improve. Monitor the effectiveness and efficiency of your security policy, collect feedback from stakeholders, identify areas for improvement and update accordingly.

Elements of your security policy

You can set and enforce policies that address many security areas. Here are few key areas:

Password Management

One of the most critical components of a strong IT security policy is effective password management using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication.

Access Control

Zero trust or least privilege are two principles to follow. Only give access to those who need it and treat every user as a possible threat.

Data Encryption

Encrypt all data, both in transit and at rest, using industry-standard protocols.

Employee Training

Training employees on best practices for password management, data security, and incident response to help prevent security breaches and mitigate the impact of any incidents that occur.

Third-Party Access

Ensure third-party vendors / contractors follow the same IT security policies as your employees.

Network Security

Ensure that firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other network security measures are in place and functioning correctly. Consider VPNs for secure remote connections.

Mobile Device Management

Develop strong policies for securing and managing mobile devices, enforcing strong passwords and remote wiping capabilities, among others.

A security policy is a crucial component of an organization's security strategy, providing direction and guidance for creating a secure environment, fostering a culture of security awareness, and enhancing resilience against threats. A comprehensive, consistent, realistic, and adaptable security policy sets the tone for how security is prioritized and implemented throughout the organization.

How can BMIT help?

If you are relatively new to cybersecurity and creating a security policy for your business, BMIT has a Cybersecurity Assessment Tool that will identify weaknesses in your enterprise IT security and offer recommendations. Our solutions architects can then help you fill in the gaps in your security posture with a detailed report on what is needed.

Want to learn more about creating a solid business security policy and strengthening your business’s security posture?

Contact us today!

Humans are extremely complex beings. Each one is different, possesses the ability to do good, or bad; to absorb knowledge or fail to understand basic concepts. They are also subject to manipulation, biases and extremes of emotion. Ultimately, as much as we’d like to believe we understand them, they are more likely to surprise us by their actions and behaviour.

So, you may ask, what does this have to do with cybersecurity?

Everything.

Humans are the weakest link in your security chain. One individual’s actions – intentional or not – can wreak havoc in your network, cause irreparable damage to your business and, in a worst case scenario, bring a business to a standstill.

Human factors and behaviours

Not surprisingly, there are quite a few!

Motivation: Motivation is powerful driver. Every business wants its employees to be motivated and working hard in the company’s interests. The problems start when employees have ulterior motives. For some it may be personal gain, revenge, or even boredom. Their actions may be intentional or unintentional but still compromise cybersecurity – copying or sharing corporate data to a personal drive, sabotaging systems or facilitating third-party access to systems in return for money.

Trust: A lack of trust between employees can have a significant impact on cybersecurity. If employees don't trust each other, they may be more likely to engage in malicious activities, such as stealing or sharing sensitive data. The flipside is that employees who trust too much, may open emails that appear to come from their boss or a colleague; or they may trust a vendor or service provider that has access to the network (who may be compromised).

Bias: Humans are not always rational and take ‘shortcuts’ or biases to arrive at decisions. These biases impact cybersecurity. For example, optimism bias can lead to the false belief that the network is secure because all systems are configured and running. Other examples are availability bias, confirmation bias, aggregate bias and the framing effect.

Responsibility: When employees feel a sense of responsibility for the security of their workplace, they are more likely to take cybersecurity seriously and take appropriate actions to protect company data. On the other hand, when employees feel that cybersecurity is someone else's responsibility, they may be less likely to take appropriate actions to prevent cyberattacks.

Complacency: If employees are not reminded about the importance of cybersecurity on a regular basis, they may become complacent and assume that nothing bad will happen. This complacency can lead to careless behaviours, such as clicking on suspicious links or downloading malicious attachments.

Awareness: When employees are not aware of the risks associated with cyberattacks and the impact that a security breach can have on the company and their personal lives, they are less likely to take cybersecurity seriously and follow best practices to protect themselves and the company. They may use weak or reused passwords, share sensitive information on unsecured channels, download unauthorised software or applications, or leave devices unattended or unlocked.

Overconfidence: Some employees may feel overconfident in their ability to detect and prevent cyberattacks, leading them to take unnecessary risks or overlook potential threats.

Stress: High levels of stress or pressure can lead employees to take shortcuts or make mistakes that can compromise cybersecurity, such as reusing passwords or failing to follow security protocols.

Employee behaviour has a significant impact on cybersecurity in the workplace. While technical measures are important, a business cannot ignore the emotional and behavioural factors that can increase the risk of cyberattacks. IT teams can rely on line managers to identify behaviours that could indicate a problem or potential threat.

By fostering a culture of awareness, education, and accountability, companies can help ensure that employees take cybersecurity seriously and follow best practices to protect themselves and the company.

By addressing the human factor, businesses can help create a culture where employees feel empowered to take an active ‘cybersecurity’ role.

Internal IT teams in companies using Microsoft infrastructure are often seen to be struggling to implement setups that use the best practices, are ideal for their business and maximise investment.

This growing trend also indicates that implementations are not always optimal. This is happening because IT staff do not have the time or they are overwhelmed by the setup’s complexity and internal demands. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the challenges that legacy Microsoft environments create.

Lack of support for legacy Microsoft environments

One of the major challenges of legacy Microsoft environments is the end of support for older systems, such as Windows Server 2008 and 2008R2, whose technical support and security updates ended in 2020. This will also extend to Windows Server 2012 and 2012R2 in 2023. In addition, legacy systems may be running on hardware that is no longer capable of supporting more advanced versions, leading to poor scalability and potential disruption to business operations.

The lack of operational system support also poses a significant security risk, as unpatched vulnerabilities can be exploited by malicious actors, leading to data breaches and other security incidents. It is essential for organisations to upgrade their systems to ensure ongoing security and protection of their data and networks.

Poor performance from legacy Microsoft environments

Legacy applications, which are systems and applications that have not been updated with the latest technology advancements, often suffer from poor performance due to the lack of updated features for performance optimisation. This makes it challenging to scale these applications across multiple platforms, resulting in poor performance on mobile devices. As of 2021, it is estimated that over 60% of internet traffic originates from mobile devices, making it imperative for applications to be optimised for mobile use. The lack of a mobile-friendly version of these legacy applications further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult for users to access and use these applications effectively on their mobile devices. To provide a seamless user experience and improve overall performance, organisations should consider upgrading their legacy systems to the latest technology and hardware.

Lack of appreciation for the significance of IT

Businesses must start appreciating the all-around significance of IT since legacy Microsoft environments. Essentially, IT should remain at the heart of an enterprise's departments and adequately line up with its operational strategy. This will help minimise costs and increase performance.

However, most companies usually treat their IT departments as an ‘expense’, thinking that they probably don't need it. Some departments may also look at ‘IT’ as a simple ‘computer’ when in reality it is the core of most operations. Companies also need better IT regulations, structures, processes, and personnel training.

Ensuring that your legacy is in line with the current Hybrid Cloud

To address these challenges, Microsoft has invested over a billion dollars annually in its cloud platform, with a focus on security and manageability. The company's aim is to stay ahead in the field of cybersecurity and make the transition to the current hybrid cloud environment easier for businesses.

Why BMIT Technologies provides a solution

All BMIT clients has different needs and require different solutions. Therefore, we tackle each need with our technology, business strategy, and innovation expertise. We design intelligent, secure infrastructure solutions, and help build your internal capabilities. Our goal is to also identify opportunities to enhance your business potential through innovative technologies. This ensures a greater level of business management and progression.

If you want to learn more on how to respond to the challenges of legacy Microsoft environments, contact us, and one of our experts will reach out and guide you accordingly.

We are delighted to announce that BMIT has once again been shortlisted for a prestigious EGR B2B Award, a reflection of our commitment to providing excellent customer service and IT solutions to our clients. 

This year, BMIT has been shortlisted for three categories: 'Best Customer Service', 'IT Supplier', and 'Data Centre and Cloud Systems Provider'. We are proud to be recognised in these categories, which showcase our expertise and dedication to providing top-notch services to our customers. 

The EGR B2B Awards recognize and celebrate the achievements of companies in the online gaming and betting industry.  

At BMIT, we have always put our customers first. We believe that excellent customer service is essential to building strong relationships with our clients, and we are proud to have been shortlisted for the 'Best Customer Service' award. Our team works tirelessly to ensure that our customers receive the best possible service. 

In the 'IT Supplier' and 'Data Centre and Cloud Systems Provider' categories, we are being recognized for our expertise in providing innovative and reliable IT solutions and services to our clients, led by our team of experts who ensure they can advise and implement solutions based on the latest trends and technologies. 

The winners will be announced in June 2023. 

If you are looking for reliable IT solutions with excellent customer service, contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help your business grow.