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The 2024 Cybersecurity Challenge: Security Together

The 2024 Cybersecurity Challenge: Security Together

EstesGroup Commits to Securing Our World During Cybersecurity Awareness Month

As we enter October, EstesGroup is proud to announce our participation in the 21st Annual Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This global initiative, founded in 2004, has become the world’s foremost effort to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Ready to fall into October cybersecurity challenges together? It will take a team to secure our world – from our homes to our data centers.

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The Importance of Cybersecurity in Our Connected World

In today’s digital landscape, technology is deeply intertwined with our daily lives. From smartphones to smart home devices, the benefits of emerging technologies are undeniable. However, this interconnectedness also presents new opportunities for cybercriminals to disrupt our online activities at home, work, and school.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month aims to address these challenges by providing straightforward, actionable guidance that anyone can follow to create a safer digital environment for themselves and their loved ones.

This 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month Theme: Secure Our World

The theme for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is “Secure Our World.” It encourages everyone to take four simple yet effective steps each day to enhance online safety:

  • Embrace password managers: Understand the benefits of using a password manager and dispel common myths about their security and ease of use.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication: Turn on this crucial security feature on personal devices and business networks.
  • Recognize and report phishing: Learn to identify and report phishing attempts, which remain one of the primary tactics used by cybercriminals.
  • Stay updated: Install updates regularly and enable automated updates when possible.

EstesGroup’s Commitment to Cybersecurity

At EstesGroup, we recognize the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. Our participation in Cybersecurity Awareness Month underscores our commitment to promoting online safety and best practices.

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Join Us in Securing Our World for Years to Come

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a collaborative effort involving businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. By working together, we can create a more secure digital world for everyone.

EstesGroup is proud to support this vital online safety awareness and education initiative, led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance.

We encourage our clients, partners, and the wider community to join us in this effort. By implementing these simple yet effective cybersecurity practices, we can all contribute to a safer online environment.

For more information about 2024 Cybersecurity Awareness Month initiatives and how you can participate, visit cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month and staysafeonline.org/cybersecurity-awareness-month/.

Let’s work together to secure our world, one step at a time. Ready to secure your business? Talk to us today and receive a free dark web scan. We can help you navigate 2024 cybersecurity best practices and build a plan for 2025 and beyond.

Cybersecurity Audits: Safeguarding Modern Manufacturing

Cybersecurity Audits: Safeguarding Modern Manufacturing

Ensuring Robust Cybersecurity with SOC 2: Certified Providers, Certified Protection

In today’s interconnected manufacturing landscape, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern—it’s a critical business imperative. As cyber threats evolve and regulatory requirements tighten, manufacturers must ensure their digital assets, intellectual property, and operational technology (OT) are adequately protected. This is where comprehensive security audits, conducted by SOC 2 certified providers like EstesGroup, play a crucial role. With EstesCare Guard cybersecurity experts, manufacturers can run complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, like Epicor Kinetic, without worrying about cyber threats and attacks. Cybersecurity audits for manufacturers are complex. Let’s take a closer look at the closer look of a security audit.

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The Importance of Security Audits for Manufacturers

Security audits are essential for manufacturers to accomplish the following:

  1. Identify vulnerabilities in both IT and OT environments
  2. Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards
  3. Protect sensitive data and intellectual property
  4. Maintain operational continuity and prevent costly downtime
  5. Build trust with customers and partners

Key Areas Covered in a Manufacturer’s Security Audit

A thorough cybersecurity audit for manufacturers typically encompasses the following categories and more:

Network Security

  • Firewall configurations
  • Segmentation between IT and OT networks
  • Wireless network security

Endpoint Security

  • Workstation and mobile device protection
  • Internet of Things (IoT) device security
  • Industrial control system (ICS) security

Access Control

  • User authentication and authorization
  • Privileged access management
  • Remote access security

Data Protection

  • Data encryption (at rest and in transit)
  • Backup and recovery procedures
  • Data loss prevention strategies

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and SCADA Security

  • ICS/SCADA system hardening
  • Patch management for industrial systems
  • Security monitoring for OT environments

Supply Chain Security

  • Third-party risk assessment
  • Secure data exchange with suppliers and partners
  • Vendor management processes

Incident Response and Business Continuity

  • Incident response plans
  • Disaster recovery procedures
  • Business continuity strategies

The Advantage of Choosing a SOC 2 Certified Provider

When selecting a cybersecurity partner to conduct your security audit, opting for a SOC 2 certified provider like EstesGroup offers several key advantages:

  • Proven Expertise and Reliability: SOC 2 certification demonstrates that the provider has undergone rigorous third-party audits of their own security practices. This ensures they have the expertise and systems in place to effectively assess and improve your security posture.
  • Comprehensive Security Framework: SOC 2 certified providers adhere to a robust security framework based on five trust service criteria: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. This comprehensive approach ensures no aspect of your cybersecurity is overlooked.
  • Industry Best Practices: By working with a SOC 2 certified provider, you benefit from their knowledge of the latest industry best practices and emerging threats, ensuring your security measures are up-to-date and effective.
  • Compliance Alignment: SOC 2 certified providers are well-versed in various compliance requirements. They can help align your security practices with relevant industry standards and regulations.
  • Continuous Improvement: SOC 2 certification requires ongoing compliance, meaning your provider is committed to continuously improving their own security practices—a commitment that extends to the services they provide to you.

The Security Audit Process

When working with a SOC 2 certified provider like EstesCare Guard Cybersecurity, you can expect a structured and thorough security audit process:

  1. Initial Assessment: Understanding your manufacturing environment, technologies in use, and specific security concerns.
  2. Comprehensive Review: Evaluating your current security controls, policies, and procedures across all relevant areas.
  3. Vulnerability Scanning and Testing: Conducting technical assessments to identify potential weaknesses in your systems.
  4. Risk Analysis: Assessing the potential impact and likelihood of various security threats.
  5. Detailed Reporting: Providing a comprehensive report of findings, including vulnerabilities, risks, and compliance gaps.
  6. Remediation Planning: Developing a prioritized action plan to address identified issues and enhance your overall security posture.
  7. Ongoing Support: Offering continuous monitoring and support to maintain and improve your cybersecurity over time.

Safeguarding Your Manufacturing Future

In an era where cyber threats can significantly impact manufacturing operations, regular security audits conducted by SOC 2 certified providers are essential. By partnering with EstesGroup’s EstesCare Guard cybersecurity experts, you’re not just getting a security assessment—you’re gaining a trusted advisor committed to protecting your digital assets, ensuring operational continuity, and safeguarding your manufacturing future.

Ready to enhance your cybersecurity posture and protect your manufacturing operations with a comprehensive security audit? Don’t settle for general! EstesGroup offers cybersecurity audits for manufacturers.

Our team understands the manufacturing industry. Our team understands your ERP system. Our Epicor Kinetic, SYSPRO, and Sage experts are on the same team as our elite cybersecurity consultants. Talk to us today to keep your data secure.