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How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

How to Get to the Point of Endpoint Management

The Never-Ending Endpoint Management Game

In today’s digital workplace, the phrase “endpoint management” appears in almost every serious conversation about cybersecurity solutions. Though it’s easy to add to your IT strategy, getting your organization to the point where you have a truly effective endpoint management system isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Let’s walk through the journey of transforming your IT infrastructure from chaos to control according to EstesGroup’s cyber experts.

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Endpoint Management as the End to Pain Points

Before diving into complex solutions, take a step back and assess your current situation. What’s keeping your IT team up at night?

  • Are your help desk tickets overwhelming?
  • Do software updates feel like herding cats?
  • Is employee onboarding taking forever?
  • Are security patches consistently behind schedule?
  • Does remote work support feel like a juggling act?

Understanding your pain points is crucial because it helps you build a case for change and prioritize your needs.

Build Your IT Network Foundation

Think of endpoint management like building a house – you need a solid foundation. First you need to create and assess your unique technology blueprint. Here are the steps to do this:

  • Asset Inventory
    • Document all your endpoints (computers, laptops, mobile devices)
    • Map out your software licenses
    • Identify who uses what and why
  • Standardization
    • Create baseline configurations for different user types
    • Establish standard operating procedures
    • Define security policies
  • Network Infrastructure
    • Ensure your network can handle remote management
    • Set up secure access protocols
    • Implement backup systems

Take IT Management Step by Step

Don’t try to boil the ocean. Instead, implement endpoint management in phases:

Phase 1: Basic Monitoring

  • Deploy basic monitoring tools
  • Set up alerts for critical issues
  • Establish baseline performance metrics

Phase 2: Remote Support

  • Implement remote access tools
  • Train support staff
  • Create support documentation
  • Set up ticketing system

Phase 3: Automation

  • Automate routine maintenance
  • Set up automated patching
  • Configure automatic updates
  • Create automated onboarding workflows

Phase 4: Optimization

  • Fine-tune monitoring parameters
  • Optimize performance settings
  • Streamline support processes
  • Enhance security measures

Address the Human Element of Endpoint Management

Technology is only half the battle. Success requires:

User Education

  • Train employees on new procedures
  • Communicate changes clearly
  • Provide self-help resources
  • Get feedback and adjust

IT Team Development

  • Up-skill your IT staff
  • Define clear roles and responsibilities
  • Create documentation
  • Establish best practices

No End to Your IT Strategy

Your technology journey will never end. The cyber landscape will only become more complex. To prepare for the future, set up metrics now to track your journey:

  • Response times to IT issues
  • System downtime
  • Patch compliance rates
  • User satisfaction scores
  • Support ticket resolution times
  • Security incident rates

Endpoint Management is a Journey, Not an End in Itself

Getting to the point of effective endpoint management takes time, planning, and patience. Start with understanding your needs, build a solid foundation, implement changes gradually, and keep your users in mind throughout the process. The result? A more efficient, secure, and manageable IT infrastructure that supports rather than hinders your business operations. Remember that endpoint management is a journey, not a destination. As your organization grows and technology evolves, your approach should too.

Most importantly, remember that the goal isn’t perfection from day one. It’s about creating a sustainable system that grows with your organization and adapts to changing needs. Start your journey today, take it one step at a time, and keep moving forward. Your future IT team will thank you for it.

Would your team benefit from a partnership with a 24/7/365 team of ERP and technology experts? Learn more about our subscription-based services today.

EstesGroup provides managed IT services and enterprise consulting for all ERP systems: Epicor Kinetic, Epicor Prophet 21, Sage ERP, SYSPRO ERP, NetSuite, QuickBooks, and more!

The Power of a Policy-Led IT Strategy

The Power of a Policy-Led IT Strategy

How to Align Technology Policies with Business Goals

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organizations face the constant challenge of aligning their IT infrastructure with business objectives while navigating a complex web of regulations and security concerns. This is where a policy-led IT strategy comes into play, offering a structured approach to technology management that ensures compliance, enhances security, and drives business value.

Bill McCord IT Policy Webinar

What is a policy-led IT strategy?

A policy-led IT strategy is an approach that places organizational policies at the forefront of technology decision-making. Instead of allowing technology to dictate business processes, this strategy ensures that IT initiatives are guided by well-defined policies that reflect the company’s goals, values, and regulatory requirements.

What are the key benefits of policy-led IT?

  • Improved Compliance: By basing IT decisions on clear policies, organizations can more easily adhere to industry regulations and standards.
  • Enhanced Security: Security policies become an integral part of the IT strategy, reducing vulnerabilities and protecting sensitive data.
  • Better Alignment with Business Goals: Technology investments and initiatives are directly tied to organizational objectives, ensuring better ROI.
  • Enhanced Decision-Making: Clear policies provide a framework for consistent IT decisions across the organization.
  • Increased Transparency: Stakeholders have a clear understanding of how and why IT decisions are made.

How do you implement a policy-led IT strategy?

Developing and implementing a policy-led IT strategy requires careful planning and execution. Here are some key steps:

  1. Define Clear Policies: Start by creating comprehensive policies that cover all aspects of IT usage, security, and governance.
  2. Align Policies with Business Objectives: Ensure that your IT policies support and enhance your organization’s overall goals.
  3. Communicate and Educate: Make sure all stakeholders understand the policies and their importance.
  4. Implement Technology Solutions: Choose and implement technologies that support and enforce your policies.
  5. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly review and update your policies to keep pace with changing business needs and technological advancements.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month Webinar

How to Create a Policy-Led IT Strategy

To dive deeper into this topic and learn how to create an effective policy-led IT strategy for your organization, join us for our upcoming webinar:

  • Date: October 30th, 2024
  • Time: 11 AM Eastern Time

Ready to learn the key components of an effective IT policy framework? Looking for new strategies for aligning IT policies with business objectives? Seeking best practices for policy implementation and enforcement? Tired of theory and desire real-world examples and case studies?

By embracing a policy-led IT strategy, you can ensure that your technology investments are not simply sustaining your business, but actively driving your future forward in a secure, compliant, and efficient manner.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month
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.

EstesGroup Joins Elite Inc. 5000 Ranks

EstesGroup Joins Elite Inc. 5000 Ranks

EstesGroup Soars to New Heights: Ranked Among America’s Fastest-Growing Companies on the 2024 Inc. 5000 List

We’re thrilled to announce that EstesGroup has been recognized as one of America’s fastest-growing private companies, securing a coveted spot on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for 2024. This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work, innovative spirit, and unwavering commitment to excellence. EstesGroup is the leading ERP consultancy for world-class technology and cloud solutions for businesses, and this has been recognized by the Inc. 5000 community. This annual ranking, compiled by Inc. magazine, showcases the fastest-growing private companies in America, highlighting the most successful independent, entrepreneurial businesses driving the economy forward.

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A Milestone Achievement

EstesGroup’s inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list is a testament to remarkable growth and success over the past few years. This recognition places EstesGroup among an elite group of companies that have demonstrated exceptional revenue growth and resilience in the face of economic challenges.

Navigating Challenges, Embracing Opportunities

The past few years have presented unprecedented challenges for businesses across all sectors. From navigating the complexities of remote work to adapting to rapidly changing market conditions, companies have had to be more agile and innovative than ever before. The 2024 Inc. 5000 class represents companies that have achieved impressive revenue growth while navigating complex economic conditions, including inflationary pressures, rising capital costs, and a competitive hiring landscape. EstesGroup’s ranking on this list underscores the team’s ability to thrive and expand despite these obstacles.

The Journey

Founded in 2004, EstesGroup has quickly established itself as a leader in enterprise resource planning (ERP) consulting and managed IT services. This unique approach combines cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of our clients’ business processes, allowing the EstesGroup team to deliver tailored solutions that drive real results. Notable achievements include:

  • Developing AI-driven ERP optimization tools that increase clients’ operational efficiency immediately 
  • Expanding and enriching the client base, with a strong focus on mid-sized manufacturing and distribution companies
  • Launching an innovative cybersecurity division that has quickly become a go-to resource for businesses looking to protect their digital assets
  • Offering premier cloud solutions and services to businesses of all sizes, across all industries

As part of the Inc. 5000, EstesGroup joins a cohort of businesses that collectively added hundreds of thousands of jobs to the economy over the past three years. This achievement not only reflects our company’s success but also our contribution to job creation and economic vitality.

The Future

EstesGroup takes this moment to thank their incredible team, loyal clients, and all those who have supported them on this journey. The trust and partnership of these stakeholders have been instrumental in the company’s success. As EstesGroup celebrates this achievement, they are also looking forward to connecting with fellow innovators and entrepreneurs at the upcoming Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala in Palm Desert, California. For those attending, EstesGroup representatives would be delighted to connect and share ideas on how to continue driving growth and innovation across various industries.

EstesGroup raises a toast to continued growth, innovation, and success – not just for the EstesGroup team, but for all the visionary enterprises driving America’s entrepreneurial spirit forward. As the leading ERP consultancy, EstesGroup specializes in providing world-class technology and cloud solutions for businesses. EstesGroup’s expertise in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems enables organizations to streamline their operations, enhance productivity, and drive growth. This recognition by Inc. 5000 further solidifies our position as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to leverage technology for success.

Celebrating Two Decades of Excellence

This Inc. 5000 recognition comes at a particularly special time for EstesGroup, as the company celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. Founded in 2004, EstesGroup has grown from a small ERP consulting firm to a national leader in ERP solutions and managed IT services. Over the past two decades, the company team has weathered economic storms, adapted to rapidly evolving technologies, and consistently delivered value to its growing client base.

About Inc. and the Inc. 5000

The Inc. 5000 list is a prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Companies are ranked according to percentage revenue growth over a three-year period. The list provides valuable insights into the most dynamic segment of the economy—America’s independent entrepreneurs. Many well-known companies gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs, offering award-winning content across various channels, including print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. The Inc. 5000 list, along with other recognition programs like Female Founders and Power Partners, provides top businesses with increased credibility and opportunities to engage with an exclusive community of their peers.

For more information about Inc. and the Inc. 5000, visit www.inc.com.

“Our inclusion in the Inc. 5000 list is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the entire EstesGroup team. During unprecedented times, we not only persevered but thrived, leveraging our expertise in ERP and IT solutions to help businesses navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing world. This recognition reinforces our commitment to innovation and excellence in serving our clients. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in business technology solutions, empowering organizations to achieve their full potential in an increasingly digital landscape.” – Brad Feakes, President of EstesGroup