Server Patch Management Best Practices
March 14, 2023
Businesses are increasingly dependent on technology to enable their operations, and the security of their digital assets has become a constant pressing concern. In addition to implementing proactive measures to secure their infrastructure, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems, companies should prioritize server patch management as a key component of their vulnerability management practice.
Ballast Services, Inc Recognized on CRN’s 2023 MSP 500 List
February 23, 2023
Ballast Services, announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Ballast to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category for 2023. CRN’s annual MSP 500 list identifies the industry-leading service providers in North America who are driving a new wave of growth and innovation for the channel through forward-thinking approaches to managed services, helping end users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions while maximizing their return on investment.
Phishing attacks are bombarding SMBs- 2022 Report
February 17, 2023
Watch Out! Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are constant targets of cybercriminals due to the assumption that they have weak security protocols in place. One of the most common forms of cyber-attacks against SMEs is phishing, which is an attempt typically using email, or collaboration platforms such as Teams and Slack.
Cyber Criminals Are Targeting Your Industrial Controls: How to Protect Your Organization
February 08, 2023
Industrial control systems (ICS) are the backbone of modern manufacturing and critical infrastructure such as energy production and these systems are attractive targets for cybercriminals. Critical infrastructure and manufacturing capability are often targeted by cyber groups with nation-state support to create strategic geo-political outcomes.
The Shortage of Cybersecurity Workers in 2023 Creates Trouble for Mid-Size and Enterprise Businesses
February 02, 2023
Cybersecurity is a mission-critical aspect of business operations, and the shortage of skilled workers in this field is a growing concern in 2023. Even with an increase in layoffs in many areas of the IT industry, there are an estimated 530,000 open cybersecurity positions in the United States as of January 2023.
Cyber criminals use legitimate IT RMM tools to control computers
January 26, 2023
Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM) are commonly used by IT professionals to remotely access and manage computers. However, cyber criminals have found ways to exploit these tools, using them to gain access to a computer to install malware and discover and exfiltrate data.
Patch Management is a Critical Component of Cybersecurity
January 25, 2023
Your organization depends on your information technology stack to operate your business and store sensitive information. As a result, the risk of cyber-attacks such as ransomware and data breaches potentially crippling your business has increased significantly. One of the most effective ways to mitigate these risks is through the implementation of a comprehensive patch management strategy.
Why You Need Regular Risk Assessments for Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
January 11, 2023
Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity (BC) planning are essential for any organization, as they help ensure that the company can continue to operate in the event of a disaster. However, to develop an effective disaster recovery and business continuity plan, it is critical to conduct a risk assessment on an annual basis to understand your business risk as your business changes and cyber risks grow in type and complexity.
Cyber Insurance has become a Conundrum
January 06, 2023
Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organizations of all sizes, and cyber insurance can provide financial protection in the event of a cyber-attack. However, many organizations may find it challenging to get affordable cyber insurance with premiums skyrocketing in cost and with ever-changing requirements to get or keep a policy. Managed security services can make it easier for organizations to get cyber insurance by helping to reduce their cybersecurity risk.
Speed Matters when Protecting Companies from Cyber Attacks
January 04, 2023
Technology is constantly evolving and companies must adapt to stay competitive. Unfortunately, with each change comes the risk of introducing vulnerabilities and new attack surfaces. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for these vulnerabilities, and they're not wasting any time exploiting them with increased use of vulnerabilities becoming a trend in 2022. That's why speed matters when it comes to protecting companies from cybercriminals.
Why Cost Optimization Matters in IT
December 28, 2022
Cost optimization is the process of identifying and implementing strategies to reduce costs while maintaining or improving the quality of services. It's a continuous process that helps IT executives ensure that their organization's technology investments are aligned with the organization's goals and objectives.
Secure Backups Can Save Your Company
December 14, 2022
It’s 2023 and cybercrime is a growing concern for organizations of all sizes. A single cyber-attack can cause significant financial loss, damage to reputation, and a loss of sensitive information. One of the most effective ways to protect against such attacks is to have secure backups in place.
The Importance of Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) for Cyber Security Insurance
December 09, 2022
EDR is a vital tool for businesses looking to secure their networks and data. It provides a proactive approach to cyber security, detecting and responding to potential threats. Additionally, it is a requirement for many cyber security insurance policies, providing insurance providers with the necessary information to assess the risk of a cyber attack and determine the appropriate level of coverage.
Why Privileged Access Management Is Key to Your Businesses Security
December 07, 2022
Privileged access management is a security strategy that controls and monitors access to sensitive information and systems within an organization. The goal of PAM is to ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data and systems and that their access is limited to the minimum necessary for their job function.
How ITIL-based Change Management Helps Organizations Stay Secure
December 01, 2022
ITIL, or Information Technology Infrastructure Library, is a framework for IT service management that provides a structured approach to managing IT services. One of the core components of ITIL is Change Management, which is a process for managing and controlling changes to IT services.
Firewall Management is a Must-Have for Retail
November 04, 2022
When you think of retail businesses, you probably think of customer service, sales, and stocking the shelves. But did you know that cyber security is just as important? With the rise of e-commerce and the increased use of technology in the retail industry, it's more crucial than ever to protect your business from cyber threats. And one of the most important ways to do that is through firewall management.
Ballast Services Named to MSSP Alert’s Top 250 MSSPs List
September 22, 2022
“Ballast Services is honored to be recognized by MSSP Alert as one of the TOP 250 MSSPs for 2022”, said Keith Archibald, CEO of Ballast Services. “Our team is humbled to be included with such an elite group of cyber security companies. Our success is the result of the Ballast team’s continued focus on solving the complexity of cyber security.”
Ballast Hosts Tampa Bay Technology Companies CEO meeting
September 12, 2022
Tampa Bay Tech CEOs’ August 2022 meeting, co-hosted by Dan Collins of 360 Advanced and Keith Archibald of Ballast Services, focused on the current market economy and how tech CEOs are responding. Collins said the TBT CEO happy hour meeting was productive, as leaders exchanged ideas on business sustainability and growth strategies amid the current economic climate.
Partnerships in Action- Sentinel One
July 25, 2022
Ballast Services is proud to partner with SentinelOne and N-able to secure our customer endpoints. Highly automated patching and EDR, coupled with our top cybersecurity talent is the cornerstone of advanced endpoint protection.
Ballast Services Ranked on Channel Futures 2022 MSP 501
June 15, 2022
Ballast Services has been selected as one of the technology industry’s top-performing providers of managed services by the editors of Channel Futures. For the past 16 years, managed service providers (MSPs) from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this prestigious and definitive listing. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organizational performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.
Ballast Services Recognized on CRN’s 2022 MSP 500 List
February 23, 2022
Ballast Services, Inc. “Ballast” announced today that CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Ballast Services to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Security 100 category for 2022. CRN’s annual MSP 500 list identifies the leading service providers in North America whose forward-thinking approaches to managed services are changing the landscape of the IT channel, helping end users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions, while maximizing their return on investment.
BIG NEWS! Ballast ranks in the MSSP Alert Top 250 for 2021
September 29, 2021
Ballast Services is pleased to be recognized as a member of the MSSP Alert Top 250 for 2021. MSSP Alert tracks and ranks the world’s top managed security service providers on an annual basis. This recognition is a testament to the cyber security capabilities and value that Ballast provides customers each day. Ballast offers a comprehensive security solution that enables businesses to effectively secure their information technology assets and protect their employees against complex cyber security threats 24x7.
Advanced Persistent Threats
August 04, 2021
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) Actors are targeting government agencies and businesses at an alarming rate. The attackers are focusing on agencies and companies that operate and service critical infrastructure (power, water, communications), supply chains (food, manufacturing), and technology service companies focused on keeping the US economy running.
Ballast's New Partnership Provides Top-Notch IT Cyber Security
March 21, 2021
Adsero Security and Ballast Services are pleased to announce their integrated partnership to provide comprehensive IT security compliance and managed services. Business leaders are challenged with complex and fragmented cyber security services, and this partnership enables customers to immediately benefit from a seamless service that significantly improves their on-going security posture. Together, this dynamic team delivers exceptional IT security and compliance services for customers across many verticals including retail, healthcare, financial, education, entertainment, restaurant, technology, transportation, manufacturing, distribution, energy and government industries.
Cybersecurity Defense, An Honest Take!
February 24, 2021
There is no crystal ball, magic hat or single product that you can purchase to protect your business from cyber security threats. Anyone worth their salt, will tell you that if a sales guy is pushing their product as the end all be all for cyber security, they are blowing proverbial smoke up your kazoo!
Ballast Services Announces Expansion of Secure IT Managed Services
June 10, 2020
Ballast Services announced the addition of secure remote monitoring and management "RMM" services to strengthen its service portfolio, enabling customers to improve and protect their vital information technology. Today's workforce is quickly evolving to "work from anywhere" and these critical 24x7 services are designed to identify and reduce the evolving risks facing companies and their employees. Ballast's secure RMM services include proactive infrastructure and security monitoring, security policy enforcement, critical vulnerability patching, anti-virus, malware defense, and employee security awareness training. These new services advance the company's mission to innovate, optimize, stabilize, and secure customer IT environments.