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VDI vs. VPN: What’s Best for Remote Employees?

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The widespread shift to remote operations has left IT departments looking for tools that support employees at home. The two most common solutions for remote work situations include virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and virtual private networks (VPNs), but many companies struggle to decide which is better for their workforce. To help your business determine the best option for remote work, VPLS offers a detailed overview of each of these solutions.

What is a VPN?

A VPN forms a secure data tunnel that flows from a remote location to the organization’s private network, enabling workers to access corporate data safely over a public internet connection. The tunnel conceals IP addresses and encrypts your activity, protecting sensitive business information against cybersecurity threats.

Managers can set up a VPN to ensure users only have access to the resources they need. Then, employees can house relevant data on their devices if they must work offline at any point.

What is VDI?

With VDI, employees access desktops in the cloud or on servers through a network connection. These desktops run on virtual machines stored in one server at the office or a data center. Virtual desktop interfaces allow users to connect to interact with business data, applications, and systems from any remote device and give them ample resources and workstations to perform tasks effectively.

What are the Benefits of VPNs for Remote Work?

Companies that wish to cut costs by going remote will find VPNs advantageous. Since all the work happens on laptops, VPNs do not require businesses to purchase costly servers. However, it can be expensive if you do not already have work laptops for each employee.

VPN solutions are compatible with any operating system on any device and can be set up in a matter of minutes by the remote employee. Cybersecurity is also more effective with a VPN because it encrypts data and requires users to pass authentication measures before granting access to critical information.

What are the Benefits of VDI for Remote Work?

Like VPNs, VDI solutions are exceptionally versatile, making them valuable for businesses that cannot store much hardware on-premise. Since the virtual desktop interface operates in the cloud, workers can use any device available to conduct tasks, from the most updated tablet to a five-year-old computer.

Besides saving money on equipment, businesses that implement VDI reduce costs on training. Virtualized desktops are intuitive, enabling users to only log in before accessing applications and systems. VDI also enhances remote employee cybersecurity by housing all data in the servers or cloud, creating less exposure to risk.

What are the Drawbacks of a VPN for Remote Work?

One of the most significant disadvantages of VPNs is that they are dependent on the employee’s internet speed and distance from the service provider. These factors can impede VPN performance, making it difficult to complete everyday work tasks.

VPNs can also overwhelm IT teams because all users connect to the network simultaneously during business hours. For instance, they must reconfigure applications for new software developments and new employees joining the network. This process can make the VPN tedious for IT departments.

Although a VPN enhances security in some respects, it can create new risks because all the applications live on the employee’s laptop. If their device goes missing or gets stolen, the data is lost. Additionally, businesses that permit employees to use personal computers on the VPN may expose data to cyberattacks.

What are the Drawbacks of VDI for Remote Work?

A slow internet connection can hamper VDI performance in a remote location, particularly for those who conduct frequent video meetings or utilize multiple monitors each day. If an internet outage occurs, users may be unable to utilize their work computers at all. VDI users may also encounter security issues if they neglect to equip employee devices with the proper endpoint protection

VDI vs. VPN: Which Is the Best Choice?

When it comes to these solutions, there is no broad, sweeping answer regarding the best option for remote work for every company. Instead, businesses must weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each to determine the most appropriate choice. Regardless of which service you select, ensure you partner with a provider that offers a successful implementation. If you are leaning towards VDI, consider the cutting-edge IT solutions from VPLS.

We offer on-premise and cloud-hosted VDI for companies that wish to switch between operating environments with minimal cost and effort. Cloud-hosted VDI, or Desktop-as-a-Service (Daas), is ideal for remote workforces with employees dispersed across multiple locations.

Unlike many other cloud-hosted VDI providers, we deploy DaaS in private cloud environments with the same technology for on-premise solutions. Additionally, our remote VDI service allows businesses to increase productivity without incurring excessive capital and operational costs.

Connect with VPLS for your VDI Needs

As a trusted global provider for cloud-to-edge IT services, VPLS has the technical experience and reach to help companies across many industries fulfill their cloud and network needs.

Contact us today to learn more about virtual desktop interfaces and our other offerings.

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6 Reasons Why VDI is Built for Remote Work

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses have implemented remote work situations to help keep their employees healthy and safe. As the trend continues, companies are noticing some of the downsides of this model, such as increased cybersecurity risks and operating costs.

One technology, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), helps minimize these concerns and enhance the remote experience. Discover six top reasons to utilize VDI for remote work.

What is VDI (virtual desktop interface)?

VDI, also known as virtual desktop interface, occurs when organizations host virtual desktops in servers or the cloud. This service enables employees with a virtual device and network connection to access desktop applications and data from any location. Unlike other types of desktop virtualization, VDI does not feature local or hosted shared virtualization. Instead, it relies exclusively on a host-based virtual machine design.

Benefits of Using VDI for Remote Employees

Under remote working conditions, it can be challenging for companies to scale up operations and grow. However, VDI can help accelerate these efforts by reducing some of the setbacks of remote work. Some of the most significant advantages of VDI include:

1. Convenience

VDI permits users to connect to their work desktop from any compatible electronic device, such as a home computer or smartphone. This system enables employees to conduct tasks from any location, eliminating time-consuming commutes to and from the office.

Installing and updating VDI is convenient because operating system implementation happens in a small amount of data centers instead of multiple office locations. Businesses also save time training staff to use VDI since the configuration and interface on hosted virtual desktops are similar to the physical PC.

2. Cost

Some businesses cannot afford to purchase laptops for remote employees, leaving them to use personal devices to perform work-related tasks. However, home computers can expose corporate data to heightened risk as they rarely have the same security features as work devices.

VDI solves this dilemma because it houses virtual desktops on remote servers, giving employees access to data and systems without needing a work computer. Hosted virtual desktops also decrease maintenance and tech support expenses by consolidating data, applications, and operating systems.

Even if an organization must buy devices so that everyone can function remotely, it can save money in the long run with VDI by using Thin or Zero Clients. These devices prevent businesses from updating individual workstations and typically last longer than conventional work environments.

3. Performance

Since data center infrastructure is more effective than laptop infrastructure, VDI drives better productivity. The service permits employees to run complex applications without a powerful computer and streamlines resource allocation.

VDI reduces time spent managing devices, enabling businesses to market products and services quickly. Additionally, hosted virtual desktops can enhance recovery efforts following disaster situations as they provide a backup for accessing work applications and data.

4. Scalability

Companies that allow employees to use personal computers for work activities often struggle to scale because home devices do not have uniform configurations. With VDI, administrators can scale up or down efficiently and decide how to distribute desktop resources. The added flexibility of VDI can also help enterprises expand refresh cycles, further encouraging business growth.

5. Security

Although employees connect to virtual desktops from multiple devices, administrators manage VDI from a single location. This design gives managers more supervision over traffic and security patches and helps them monitor compliance with company policy. Additionally, VDI allows employers to restrict information to ensure workers use only the applications they need.      

6. User Experience

The performance benefits of VDI improve the user experience for many enterprises, particularly those that run legacy applications and cannot transition to the public cloud without complications. VDI also boosts the user experience for organizations that use servers to store client calls. It brings the client closer to the database and delivers faster response times on inquiries.

How VPLS Helps

If you wish to implement VDI for remote employees at your business, consider utilizing the innovative solutions from VPLS. We offer two hosted virtual desktop solutions to help organizations shift between operating environments affordably — on-premise and cloud-hosted.

Cloud-hosted VDI, or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS), is ideal for companies that operate across multiple sites. Our cloud-hosted VDI provides users with better performance and scalability without driving up their capital or operational expenditures. Unlike many other service providers, we deploy DaaS in a private cloud environment with the same technology used for on-premise solutions. This system provides customers with heightened security and administrative capabilities.

Find VDI Services for Your Remote Employees

Extensive colocation and hosting facilities, superior network services, and a global team of certified technology specialists make VPLS one of the most trusted IT providers in the world. We serve over 7,000 clients spanning numerous industries worldwide, from healthcare and finance to media and the public sector. 

Contact us today to learn more about using VDI for remote work and our other services.

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VPLS Discovers Fortinet Vulnerability CVE-2021-41019

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VPLS has discovered and responsibly disclosed a new Fortinet FortiGate firewall vulnerability which has been assigned the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) number CVE-2021-41019.

At a technical level, this vulnerability can be summarized as an improper validation of LDAP server certificates in the web GUI of FortiOS, the operating system that the FortiGate firewalls run, which could lead to a malicious actor obtaining sensitive information, such as user credentials. VPLS is acknowledged with the discovery and responsible disclosure in Fortinet’s official advisory FG-IR-21-074, which was released on November 2nd, 2021.

Impact, Risk, and Recommendations

This vulnerability affects all FortiGates running 7.0.1 and below, 6.4.6 and below, or 6.2.9 and below. With that said, Fortinet has scored this vulnerability a 3.5 out of 10 using the Common Vulnerability Scoring System Version 3.1 (CVSSv3.1), which results in a Severity rating of Low.

Even with a Severity rating of Low, this vulnerability VPLS discovered can be resolved with a quick fix – a firmware upgrade – so we recommend upgrading the firmware to a version in which this vulnerability has been fixed, which is 7.0.2 or above, 6.4.7 or above, or 6.2.10 or above.

With that said, we urge you to also review CVE-2019-5591 and its associated Fortinet PSIRT Advisory FG-IR-19-037. This vulnerability made the list of Top Exploited Vulnerabilities in 2021 and is closely related to the vulnerability we discovered. The difference with CVE-2019-5591 is that upgrading the firmware alone does not resolve it! A configuration change on the firewall must also be performed, and this critical step is one many organizations overlook.

A Testament to Our Commitment to Security

As a Fortinet Expert Partner and MSSP, we provide many Managed Security Services based around Fortinet products, but so do many other MSPs/MSSPs. The difference with VPLS is that we are providing security services powered by a team with a deep commitment to securing our customers’ organizations, and VPLS discovering and responsibly disclosing a brand-new vulnerability related to the products that power our services is a testament to that commitment and dedication.

If you’d like to learn more about mitigating this vulnerability, or you want to talk about the security services we offer, including managed services and professional services, then please reach out to us. We are always here to help.

John Headley

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VDI graphic

What is VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)?

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Businesses that implement Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies require a service that grants access to work desktops through personal computers, tablets, and smartphones. Virtual desktop infrastructure, or VDI, is the ideal solution to this predicament by merging the benefits of cloud hosting with the management and security features IT administrators demand. Gain a better understanding of VDI and how it can help your business from VPLS.

Understanding VDI

With VDI, companies host multiple desktop environments on a central server. When remote employees request desktops, VDI delivers desktops to the endpoint devices of remote employees via virtual machines. This process grants workers secure access to applications and systems from any workstation, driving productivity and providing a reliable user experience. This service also prevents organizations from spending extra costs on workstation updates.

How Does VDI Function?

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure features two central pieces that inform how it operates — the hypervisor and the connection broker. A hypervisor divides the physical server into the virtual machines that host virtual desktops, enabling workers to access business data remotely. A connection broker is the software that connects users on endpoint devices to the server.

Companies can take either a persistent or non-persistent approach when deploying VDI. Persistent VDI saves data changes, requiring users to log into the same desktop image each time. This method is best for employees that handle complicated digital workflows and use virtual desktops the same way they would a physical work computer.

Non-persistent VDI does not save changes, making it most effective for task workers who only need one-time access to their desktops. Additionally, the non-persistent strategy mitigates expenses and simplifies data center management efforts.

Who Uses VDI?

VDI is a versatile service utilized across industries, but several organizations are particularly well-suited for virtual desktops. Businesses with the following users can reap the benefits of this service:

Remote Employees

Using VDI in remote work environments allows employees to retrieve virtual desktops from numerous endpoint devices. It enables workers to utilize one network from separate locations without sacrificing central access or application management. Companies that use persistent VDI can personalize desktops to complement the needs of each user and keep data secure in core centers and software systems.

Contract Workers

Contract employees pose unique challenges for businesses. They must access some critical information to complete temporary tasks but may expose the company to additional security risks. VDI solves this dilemma by permitting contract workers to use resources related to their duties without granting full access to corporate data. This feature heightens security and prevents companies from spending more money on new endpoint devices for these employees.

Call Centers

One of the best uses for non-persistent VDI is a call center because employees only require standard desktops to conduct daily activities. Call centers with the necessary software installed can conveniently patch and deploy non-persistent virtual desktops onsite without incurring high overhead expenses.

Advantages of Choosing VDI

While implementing a virtual desktop infrastructure does not make sense for every company, it can prove valuable for those that deploy a persistent or non-persistent model. For businesses that incorporate virtual desktops, benefits typically include:

  • Centralized management: VDI allows businesses to conduct numerous tasks from a single server, from modifying configurations to updating software. This centralized approach makes virtual desktops easier to manage than computers running on local operating systems.
  • Enhanced security: With VDI, all corporate data resides on servers and not endpoint devices. Therefore, the information stays protected even if a remote work computer or tablet is stolen.
  • Minimized expenses: Organizations that implement virtual desktops seldom purchase new devices for remote employees because it processes information on the server. Users can successfully access virtual desktops from thin clients and older computers, eliminating the need for additional capital.
  • Remote usage: Virtual desktops allow employees to conduct work duties from any device or location. Additionally, VDI provides on-demand access to applications and systems. This setup is highly conducive to businesses with a remote workforce.

Discover VDI Solutions from VPLS

If your business is in need of VDI, turn to VPLS for innovative solutions. We offer exceptional cloud-hosted VDI, or Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS), that helps remote workforces achieve better productivity, as well as on-premise VDI that assists in-house teams with graphics and memory-heavy applications.

For more than 20 years, VPLS has provided customized IT solutions to global organizations. With 18 data centers across the United States, Europe, and Asia and 68,000 servers under management, we can serve businesses of all sizes and industries.

Contact us today to learn more about our VDI solutions and how they can help your business.

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What is Network Optimization?

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Computer network optimization refers to a set of practices that information technology (IT) professionals use to improve an enterprise’s performance. We’ll cover some of the factors that can inhibit network performance, as well as the benefits of network optimization.

What is Network Optimization? How it Helps

Network optimization is a process that can improve network performance and productivity for businesses of all sizes. 

This includes scanning for network bottlenecks, identifying network vulnerabilities, and prioritizing network activity to ensure the most important data gets through first. Network optimization also involves optimizing network hardware such as routers, switches, and firewalls to reduce latency or packet loss.

Network optimization leads to overall network performance improvement, which is vital at any scale. 

The network vendor provides various types of network services, such as scanning for network bottlenecks, identifying network vulnerabilities and bottleneck problems, prioritizing important data packets so they get through first, optimizing hardware devices (routers/switches/firewalls) to reduce latency or packet loss, network consulting, and network optimization services.

Issues That Can Affect Network Functionality

Computer networks are elaborate structures and can require a high level of sophistication if you have tools to support remote work, such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) or cloud computing. And many factors can affect a network’s performance, such as:

  • The number of devices on your network, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones
  • The number of end users, or people, connecting to the network through a device
  • Hardware issues, such as damaged or defective network cables
  • Insufficient bandwidth
    Poor network configuration or design
  • High amounts of network traffic

Measuring Network Performance

Network performance is assessed by measuring a few key indicators of speed and effectiveness. These include the following:

Bandwidth: This is a measure of capability. The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted is a network’s bandwidth.

Jitter: Data is sent across a network in groups called “packets.” Jitter is when packets flow unevenly, meaning the amount of time it takes for data to travel is inconsistent.

Round-trip time (RTT): RTT measures the amount of time it takes for a piece of data to travel from its source to its destination, and back again.

Latency: Essentially one half of RTT, latency is the time required for data to travel across a network from its source to a destination.

Packet errors or loss: Packet errors occur when network packets are incorrectly formatted. If a packet does not reach its destination, it is referred to as packet loss.

A qualified service provider can implement network optimization procedures at your enterprise including maintenance, network protocols, and hardware and software upgrades. These could include:

  • Data caching
  • Tuning router buffers
  • Prioritizing latency-sensitive applications through Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Using a network cable tester
  • Switching to a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN)

How Network Optimization Helps Businesses

Network optimization helps businesses keep their data safe, flowing smoothly, and working efficiently. Network optimization services can eliminate many costly factors that lead to poor performance across the board.

All businesses rely on networks to run their systems, and this dependency will only increase over time. If network connectivity becomes too slow, network security breaches increase. If network performance is poor, productivity decreases, and business response times are delayed.

These issues, if untreated, can cause network ripple effects that could potentially cost millions to fix. The strategy behind employing a high-quality network optimization service provider is identifying potential problems before they escalate and solving them.

Businesses frequently operate with razor-thin margins, but all too often, network vulnerabilities are ignored. To ensure that these vulnerabilities are identified, it’s crucial to get the right team on board sooner rather than later.

Better UX: If you have a public-facing network, optimization will help keep your customers satisfied by supporting a positive user experience. Slow loading times or poor functionality will frustrate users, while fast speeds will help to keep them on your site and build confidence in your brand — and potentially increase your profits. 

Better productivity: Similarly, a fast and reliable network will keep your employees happy. High-quality video streams and fast file downloads and transfers make it easier for employees to do their jobs efficiently. It also minimizes time spent on troubleshooting and reconnecting. Plus, your IT team will spend less time and money responding to support requests, allowing them to focus on other priorities.

Better return on investment (ROI): Network infrastructure is a significant capital expense, and replacing it can be costly. Network optimization can improve the performance of your existing infrastructure, meaning you see a higher ROI.

Better security and analytics: With a more reliable network, it’s easier to detect unusual activity that could pose a security threat. Your network performance monitoring tools can function with a higher degree of accuracy, allowing you to use data insights to identify potential cybersecurity attacks. Analytics also help you understand your network usage, helping you to accurately forecast your needs as your business grows. 

Better team structures: With an optimized network, it’s easier for end-users to complete tasks and connect with colleagues, no matter where they are. A well-functioning network allows for a flexible, more effective workflow as distributed, remote teams become increasingly common.

How to Identify Network Vulnerabilities

A good network optimization service provider can identify vulnerabilities quickly before they escalate to bigger problems. There are a variety of network vulnerability tests that can be performed to identify network problems. Your service provider will perform these tests, analyze the results, and optimize your network based on what the results tell them.

One simple test is the ping packet, which sends out packets with a unique ID and times how long it takes for them to return. 

If they take too long or never come back, there might be an issue with your network segment. 

Another type of network security assessment called deep packet inspection will look at all data going through the network looking for viruses and other types of malware by inspecting each individual packet as it passes through the system.

Network Optimization Procedures & Protocols

Many network optimization procedures revolve around optimizing bandwidth utilization across networks in order to ensure maximum performance without sacrificing speed or quality-of-service guarantees (QoS). 

QoS refers to network features and functions designed to guarantee network performance levels for specific types of network traffic, such as voice.

Network optimization is often something that network engineers will work on all the time at an ISP or enterprise network engineering company. Every day, network engineers are looking for ways to optimize their current networks because every network has a limited amount of capacity and bandwidth that they can handle before one segment starts taking too much from another segment which causes it to slow down dramatically.

Each of these network optimization steps requires a dedicated service team who knows how to implement network optimization procedures and handles network equipment installation, maintenance, upgrades, and security updates. 

Network optimizations are worthwhile for any business that needs uninterrupted network performance with very high bandwidth at low cost because it is a continuous process of identifying potential network inefficiencies so they can be addressed before the network has problems.

Traditional networks are designed on assumptions about workloads but modern networks need to be able to dynamically adjust their behavior based on changing load conditions. This requires ongoing communication between the network managers and administrators as well as continual monitoring of all infrastructure components including routers, switches, servers, and storage devices.

Since there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when implementing network optimization techniques or protocols across different types of organizations, service providers are crucial here.

With world-class network optimization services from VPLS, businesses can ensure that the processes run smoothly. 

VPLS has over 20 years of experience at all levels of network optimization, for small, medium, and enterprise businesses. We provide a wide range of services, customized to meet the needs of our clients no matter what the scope is. 

From colocation to cloud services to managed network services and beyond, VPLS is your one-stop-shop for network optimization. Call us today and find out how we can help you and your business achieve success!

To learn more about our managed network services, or to schedule a discovery call, call us at (888) 365-2656 or contact us here!

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Cyber Threat Intelligence Solutions in 2021: Four Must-Have Features

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Cyber security solutions provide businesses with critical context on network vulnerabilities and the threat actors that are looking to attack them. This helps companies be extremely proactive in identifying and responding to threats. However, not all threat intelligence solutions are created equal. While all such tools offer the core feature of basic data about threats, they vary significantly in the extent and methods they provide situational, operational, and actionable intelligence.

In this post, we are discussing what you need to look for when choosing cyber security solutions within the ever-evolving landscape of threat intelligence in 2021.

Key Features of High-Quality Cyber Security Solutions

1. Investigations Powered by Scalable Artificial Intelligence

As existing threats evolve and new ones appear at an alarming rate – partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic – it has become impossible for security teams to manually tackle the huge amount of data, in order to recognize potential threats.

Considering the vast range of threats facing governments and organizations today, threat identification techniques and tools can no longer be manual – they have to be AI-based. A web-based intelligence tool powered by AI can access all the nooks and crannies of the internet and pinpoint pertinent threats automatically. It can alert security teams to the threats with the highest risk first by generating critical threat feeds.

Your business may face numerous threats at any moment. The more challenging part is that those threats tend to change continuously with new ones emerging all the time. This is why cyber security solutions must deliver threat data and assist teams in utilizing it in an automated manner. They must include malware assessment tools to help spot relevant threats automatically.

To make access to new threat data easier for stakeholders, threat feeds are also crucial. Also, engineers can calculate which threats pose the most risk thanks to the automated patch prioritization recommendations.

2. Real-Time Information And Alerts

Whether you are a national law enforcement agency or a corporation, the cyber threat solutions you choose must be able to respond to threats and vulnerabilities before they become full-blown breakdowns and breaches. To achieve this, the platform must send you alerts in real-time. When a threat to your cybersecurity presents itself, time is of the essence. Receiving detailed, real-time reporting on these threats can help arm you with key information needed to respond appropriately.

Of course, historical threat intelligence is important to help provide insights and recognize patterns, but only real-time alerts can help you accomplish maximum security.

3. Dark Web Monitoring

The Dark Web is a haven for cybercriminals. Your threat intelligence software should be able to monitor the web, dark web, and deep web in order to discover threats before they attempt to cripple your systems. This level of web monitoring includes anything from hackers’ forums to black-market listings (displaying personal information of your customers) and more.

4. Automated Takedown

Some of the most reliable and proven threat intelligence tools today reduce the time it takes to alleviate risk by taking the compromised web page down automatically, without waiting for intervention from human security experts.

24x7x365 Cyber Threat Solutions – Automate Your Response to Threats

VPLS provides the specialized threat intelligence solutions you need to overcome your most complex security challenges today. Our security consultants can help protect your business from costly data breaches and loss via a cohesive strategy of threat mitigation, data protection, and security assessments.

Leave a message here to set up a consultation today.

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4 Most Common Indicators Your Network is Compromised

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When your enterprise’s network is compromised or hacked, it can be tricky to recognize the signs without the help of a managed cyber security service expert. Fortunately, there are a few clues you can look out for.

Although email continues to be a leading risk when it comes to cybersecurity, hackers today are employing different strategies to access networks. Here are 5 signs that your business network has been compromised and you need to call in a managed cyber security service expert right away.

1. Disabled or Uninstalled Firewall or Security Programs

This is one of the easiest-to-spot indications of a compromised business network. Cybercriminals know that most users have some kind of firewall in place, which is why they have created elaborate ways to hack into your network and disable/uninstall your security programs. If you find that you are unable to restart your firewall or anti-malware program – and you definitely did not turn it off – your network is most likely under attack.

2. Too Many Error Messages While Performing Routine Tasks

Hacking attempts tend to negatively impact the operating systems, especially if the software is not updated regularly. Make sure your managed cyber security service company regularly applies crucial security patches and your network computers are continuously monitored.

3. Emails Sent Without Your Knowledge (Spam Accusations)

Regardless of how sophisticated your business network is, people will always be the biggest security risk to it. Since email data travels across public servers, hackers have a lot of opportunities to intercept it at several points. In many cases, malware and viruses can spread over the internet by email, even without the sender’s knowledge. This can result in your company emails getting blacklisted on popular email platforms.

4. Unusual Login/Session Activity

If you’ve noticed login attempts from unrecognized devices or geographical areas, that could be an indication that your network is compromised. This is especially true for privileged user accounts. When you see abnormal or suspicious activity during those user sessions- it should raise a red flag.

Secure Your Network With Our Managed Cyber Security Service Solutions

Now that you know some of the most common signs of a compromised device or network, make sure you are equipped to handle them. Working with our managed cyber security service team at VPLS will help you minimize – if not negate – the impact of any cyber attacks on your business.

Reach us online to learn more about VPLS network optimization services and solutions regarding your specific business needs.

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What are Managed SOC Service Best Practices

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Security operations centers (SOC), via a managed SOC service, provide managed cybersecurity monitoring and responses for businesses all over the globe. SOCs were created with the goal of monitoring and improving an organization’s security posture. This is done by employing people, processes, and technology to continuously monitor anything that may pose a threat while preventing or countering these threats as they occur.

In addition, SOC teams are tasked with analyzing any incidents that do happen to determine what caused them so they can be stopped before it affects other parts of the company. The managed SOC service is one of the most cost-effective ways for organizations to protect their networks against advanced threats such as phishing attacks or malware infections.

In this blog post, we will discuss managed SOC best practices including what they are and how they can help your business.

What Does a Managed SOC Service Comprise of, And Why Do You Need It?

A managed SOC service is made of subscriptions or software-based solutions that monitor your business’s devices, clouds, logs, and network resources. Think of a SOC service as the digital equivalent of hiring a full-scale security guard team for a brick-and-mortar business. With this service, you can utilize both cutting-edge tools and the extensive experience and expertise of your service provider to get the best results.

A managed SOC service is only effective if your organization has an ongoing commitment, including regular consultations and analysis. Be sure to have this service available on call 24/7 so the provider can work proactively with you when needed, rather than reactively in response. It’s also important for both parties to agree on what constitutes “normal” traffic activities versus malicious or suspicious activity that needs attention.

Following these steps will ensure there are no false positives found by the managed SOC services team as it monitors your network resources and devices. If the said team is not providing their services correctly, then the potential benefits may be limited due to missed threats from attacks that would otherwise be mitigated through careful monitoring and high-quality service.

What Are Some Benefits of a Managed SOC Service?

One huge problem with not implementing a managed SOC service is trying to balance how much data there is! A managed SOC team has access to vast amounts of notifications, alerts, and other data that may not be relevant to the customer. A team comprised of experts will understand how to evaluate such data for relevancy and ensure that the data that is most relevant to your customers and business is well protected.

One of the main benefits of SOC services is that they help reduce false positives by identifying malicious or suspicious activity that needs attention versus “normal” traffic activities. This will also ensure there are no missed threats from attacks since SOC services will monitor your network resources and devices. All bases are covered because the risk of missed threats can cripple a business or even shut it down.

A Managed SOC Service Provides Unique Protection Against Cyber Attacks

Another benefit of a managed SOC service team is its ability to protect against cyberattacks. Said team can particularly benefit organizations with protection like spam filtering, intrusion detection systems (IDS), antivirus software, and firewalls. A SOC also works with backup power generators for computer centers and secure authentication protocols such as two-factor authentication (e.g., via text messages).

A managed SOC service team is typically composed of a threat intelligence analyst who researches the latest cyber threats. The team will also have network engineers who implement new defenses and identify weaknesses in existing ones. Incident responders on the team will take appropriate actions when attacks are detected. Forensic analysts specializing in digital evidence gathering from computer systems, as well as skilled reverse-engineers, will be tasked with understanding any malicious code at its core.

Contact VPLS Today for Our Managed SOC Services

The combination of all of these security protocols is what makes managed SOC service from VPLS the best choice for businesses worldwide. VPLS has worked with thousands of global clients over the past 20+ years and stays ahead of the curve when it comes to cybersecurity best practices. We help build customized security solutions and protocols just for you, leveraging extensive experience and some of the best cybersecurity tools on the market.

If your business is in the need of any managed SOC solutions, don’t hesitate to contact us to speak with our sales team.

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Why You Need Managed Security Services

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Managed security services providers are playing a critical role for enterprises of all sizes today. The market for managed IT is growing at a rapid pace and is estimated to continue on an upwards trajectory. When it comes to modern tech solutions for companies, cybersecurity has become one of the most critical.

If you’re wondering why you should embrace third-party managed security services providers (MSSPs), this post is for you. MSSPs provide a wide range of security management services to organizations and institutions across all industries.

Benefits of Working with Managed Security Services Providers

Access to Specialized Staff

If you are a small or mid-sized company, you may not have the money to fund a highly-trained, full-time cyber security professional or team. Thankfully, a reliable and proven managed security service provider will fill this gap.

MSSPs hire their own certified staff and do everything they can to stay on top of the constantly evolving cyber threats. These experts operate out of a security operations facility that runs 24x7x365. They will support your existing departments (instead of replacing them) by utilizing the most up-to-the-minute threat intelligence capabilities and technologies.

Evaluation of Vulnerabilities

When you start working with managed security services providers, they start by performing a thorough audit of your existing security measures. They will evaluate your company through scanning tools and staff interviews, identifying potential vulnerabilities with your public-facing and internal networks.

Once identified, they will make recommendations and create a robust strategy to address those concerns. Depending on the MSSP you’re working with, this strategy may include follow-up scans and checks to protect your network going forward once all the holes have been mended.

Access to the Most Up-To-Date Resources

Since MSSPs specialize in cyber security, they will have the most modern and relevant resources at their fingertips, including the latest incident response techniques, infrastructure, and technologies. Some managed security services providers also deliver constant or frequent vulnerability management, intrusion detection, systems scanning, compliance testing, and advanced monitoring.

The good news is, you don’t have to purchase all these capabilities; outsourcing it all to an MSSP will remove the stress of employing security personnel and researching, obtaining, implementing, and maintaining software and equipment.

Minimize Costs

Hiring cybersecurity experts, especially an entire team, is not cheap. With an average salary of $100,000, cybersecurity experts are some of the highest-paid professionals today. Hiring a whole team can set you back a significant sum of money.

On the other hand, with managed security services providers, you still get a team of pros who are dedicated to their specialized roles. However, you don’t have to pay them a full-time salary. If you want to scale up the capabilities of your security team but don’t have the budget to hire an in-house cybersecurity engineer, MSSPs are an excellent option.

Industry-Leading Managed Security Services​

VPLS’s cybersecurity services are designed to protect your customers and fortify your business. Our team of certified engineers provides customized solutions that cover your entire security lifecycle. Whether you are struggling with cyber-attack protection, general infrastructure security, identity, and access management, or you need a brand-new compliance system and risk management, VPLS can help.

Allow us to proactively prevent data breaches and downtime to defend your sensitive data with top expertise and cutting-edge tools. Fill out this contact form to learn more about our managed security services.

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4 Benefits of a Managed Network Service

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Whether you are a business manager or a seasoned IT professional, a managed network service can make your job easier and allow you to focus on achieving your business goals. Some of the biggest benefits of a managed network include the expertise, industry knowledge, and dedication of an entire IT department that is focused on the delivery of your core business functions.

A managed network service vendor like VPLS can help you handle the routine tasks that are more time-consuming like:

  • End user support
  • Asset management and cyber security
  • Disaster recovery planning
  • Cloud computing
  • Data center solutions

Working with a network service provider can ultimately increase your company competitiveness and efficiency by providing you multiple advantages:

1. Proactivity and Scalability

When you work with a managed network service firm, it frees up your organization’s resources to focus on your mission-critical goals. Your network solutions provider will achieve this by proactively combining increased flexibility and speed with high-performance network availability to effortlessly drive the progress of your growing enterprise.

Vendors that provide managed network services have the infrastructure required to support faster tech upgrades and implementations. Preventative maintenance checks and enhancements as well as ongoing proactive measures are also handled in this setup.

2. Control Operating Costs of Entire IT Network

The main reason why companies turn to managed network service is that it drastically reduces costs associated with infrastructure, software, hardware, service, maintenance, and operations. All these costs also become more predictable and better controlled since they become a form of fixed expense. In addition, upgrade costs go down too as they are handled by the managed network vendor.

This entire arrangement will minimize the cost of your ongoing maintenance labor as well. Costs associated with technology upgrades, employee turnover, and initial and ongoing training will either be completely eliminated or reduced to a minimum.

3. Superior Network Security

Managed network services give you enhanced security for your entire data and voice network. Most vendors include products that protect the business from breaches, viruses, malware, spam, and even inappropriate content. As a result, all your sensitive data, critical applications, and transactions will be kept safe and secure. For example, VPLS works to prevent intrusions and bottlenecks and eradicate single points of failure via fully-managed network security.

4. Better Quality of Network Service

Other benefits your company can experience by choosing the right managed network service include: better network management, enhanced call routing, and better voice quality thanks to the built-in quality of service. You’ll get access to high-quality, high-speed Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) backbone across a wide range of internet connections.

Choose VPLS Managed Network Services for Maximized Performance

Our managed solutions provide multiple ways to save cost and time, preventing network hiccups and reducing support time. If you’re looking for a managed network service provider that can help you perform your day-to-day tasks with more efficiency so as to increase overall productivity, reach out to us by sending us a message online.

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