Skip to content

Intelligent data governance: Why IT decision-makers should focus on taking control of their data

Data control is the foundation for everything — from implementing new technologies like AI to ensuring cyber resilience and compliance. Intelligent data governance equips organizations with tools to lay a sustainable foundation for business continuity.

The evolving cybersecurity landscape 

Through speaking with IT leaders around the world, I’ve found that one of the main issues facing modern organizations is data governance — and, naturally, the question of how to approach it efficiently while addressing today’s cybersecurity demands.

These firsthand experiences align with findings from qualitative research Keepit conducted a few months ago. We interviewed 30 senior IT leaders across different industries about the critical role data control plays in business resilience.

Our research revealed that CIOs and CISOs understand the increasingly vital roles they play in ensuring business continuity and resilience amid ever-evolving threat landscape. They also recognize the immense effort required to prioritize tools, resources, and tasks to establish and maintain strong data governance for long-term business continuity.

Rather than just outlining their concerns and challenges, we went a step further: We created a report to help CIOs and CISOs navigate data resilience in their organizations. It provides actionable guidance on implementing a sustainable data governance framework — along with the reasoning behind it.

The report, “Intelligent data governance: Why taking control of your data is key for operational continuity and innovation,” serves as a valuable and in-depth resource for building cyber resilience.

Download the report

 

Defining data governance and data classification

So, what is data governance and how does it relate to cyber resilience?

Existing under the broad umbrella of data management, data governance is a program — implemented via policies and standards — intended to ensure the availability, quality, and security of an organization’s data in accordance with applicable regulations and obligations (e.g., adhering to industry standards, fulfilling requirements for certifications, etc.).

Within data governance, data classification is the process of separating and organizing data into relevant groups (“classes”) based on their shared characteristics, such as the level of sensitivity, risks they present, and the compliance regulations that protect them.

Data governance underpins cyber resilience plans

An intelligent data governance program delivers several beneficial outcomes for organizations:

  • It helps to ensure the availability, quality, and security of an organization’s data, making it a foundational pillar of business continuity.
  • Data governance helps improve overall data accuracy and impacts outcomes based on that data — which can range from comparatively simple day-to-day business decisions and operations to more complex, forward-looking initiatives including AI-focused programs.
  • It helps to support organizational efforts to comply with regulations and other obligations, making it a cornerstone of compliance.
  • An effective data governance program also permeates the entire organization, increasing data literacy, data accessibility, and data scalability.

Do you know where your data is?

Of course, disaster recovery planning cannot start without a clear understanding and mapping of your data and its significance to your business. What data is crucial for us to continue running our operations? Who needs access to which data to do their job? Where do we store all of this critical data?

Knowing the answers to these questions will start your journey towards ensuring continuity in cases of data loss or cyberattacks. This is achieved through an efficient and effective data governance framework.

I hope that, with our new report in hand, CISOs and CIOs will be able to future-proof their modern, data-driven enterprises through effective data governance.

About Keepit’s new report, “Intelligent data governance: Why taking control of your data is key for operational continuity and innovation.”

Our report takes a practical approach to data governance by offering a resource to organizations for creating or adopting a framework that works best for them.

Key takeaways from the report:

-Major trends shaping enterprise IT

-The importance of “always-on” data

-Resilience against data loss and corruption

-Data governance as an investment

-A practical approach to data governance

-10 questions for board discussions

Get the full report

Data governanceCyber resilienceData protectionIT leadership

About Keepit
At Keepit, we believe in a digital future where all software is delivered as a service. Keepit’s mission is to protect data in the cloud Keepit is a software company specializing in Cloud-to-Cloud data backup and recovery. Deriving from +20 year experience in building best-in-class data protection and hosting services, Keepit is pioneering the way to secure and protect cloud data at scale.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

How to Start an MSP Business

Are you considering starting your own business in the IT services industry? Launching a managed service provider (MSP) business is an attractive option.

As an MSP, you’ll provide clients with a wide range of IT services, helping them manage and maintain their technology infrastructure. These can include everything from network monitoring and cybersecurity to cloud computing and data backup.

With the world cybersecurity industry expected to grow by 7.58% between 2025 and 2029, the market needs more MSP businesses that can provide their SMB clients with comprehensive managed services to keep them protected.  

This guide will walk you through the steps to start and grow a successful MSP business. You’ll learn about the benefits, startup costs, and key strategies to thrive in this competitive industry.

Keep reading to learn how to start an MSP business. 

Key Takeaways

  • An MSP business manages clients’ IT systems remotely, offering services such as network monitoring and cybersecurity.
  • Specializing in a niche market, like healthcare or finance, can differentiate your MSP and attract targeted clients.
  • Recurring revenue through subscription-based models ensures financial stability and predictable income streams.
  • Investing in essential tools like RMM, PSA software, and cybersecurity solutions is critical for efficient operations.
  • Startup costs vary, with major expenses including legal fees, tools, marketing, and insurance.
  • Effective marketing, client onboarding, and customer service are key to growing and maintaining your MSP business.

What Is an MSP Business?

An MSP business is a company that remotely manages and maintains its clients’ IT infrastructure and systems, hence the name managed service provider. 

MSPs proactively monitor, troubleshoot, and update their clients’ technology, ensuring smooth operations and minimizing downtime. 

Outsourcing IT management to an MSP allows businesses to focus on their core competencies while benefiting from expert IT support.

MSPs typically offer a subscription-based model, where clients pay a recurring fee for a defined set of services. This model provides predictable revenue for the MSP and allows clients to budget for their IT expenses more effectively.

MSP is a broad term, but this can be narrowed down as these businesses can specialize in various fields, as discussed below. 

Examples of MSP Businesses

MSP businesses come in various forms, each catering to specific niches or offering specialized services, whether general services or securities-specific. 

Some common examples include:

  1. General MSPs: These providers offer a broad range of IT services, including network management, hardware and software support, and help desk services. They cater to businesses of all sizes and industries.
  2. Vertical-Specific MSPs: These MSPs specialize in serving clients within a particular industry, such as healthcare, finance, or legal. They have deep knowledge of industry-specific regulations and technology requirements.
  3. Cloud MSPs: With the growing adoption of cloud computing, some MSPs focus exclusively on cloud services. They help clients migrate to the cloud, manage cloud infrastructure, and ensure data security.
  4. Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs): These MSPs specialize in cybersecurity services, such as threat detection, incident response, and compliance management. They help clients protect their data and systems from cyber threats.

With the most common examples covered, let’s discuss the benefits of starting an MSP business. 

Benefits of Starting an MSP Business

Starting an MSP business offers several compelling benefits that make it an attractive entrepreneurial undertaking, including recurring revenue, scalability, and a growing demand for IT services. 

Here’s why starting an MSP business makes sense:

Recurring Revenue

One of the most significant benefits of an MSP business model is the potential for recurring revenue. You can establish a predictable and stable income stream by offering subscription-based services. 

Clients pay a fixed fee monthly or yearly, providing consistent cash flow. This recurring revenue model allows for better financial planning and helps mitigate the risk of fluctuating income.

Scalability

An MSP business is highly scalable, allowing you to grow your client base and expand your services without significant additional investments. 

As you acquire new clients, you can use existing infrastructure, tools, and processes to serve them efficiently. This scalability enables you to take on more clients and increase your revenue without a proportional increase in overhead costs.

High Demand for IT Services

Businesses of all sizes rely heavily on technology to operate and compete effectively now more than ever. This reliance creates a high demand for IT services, making the MSP industry a thriving and lucrative market. 

As businesses look to outsource their IT management to focus on core competencies, the demand for MSP services continues to grow. This demand provides ample opportunities for MSPs to acquire new clients and expand their customer base.

Moreover, the increasing complexity of technology in cybersecurity further drives the need for specialized IT expertise. Businesses recognize the value of partnering with MSPs to navigate these challenges and ensure the smooth operation of their IT systems. 

As an MSP, you can capitalize on this demand by offering a wide range of services, from network management and cloud solutions to cybersecurity and data backup. The MSP industry is expected to grow by 2.45% annually between 2025 and 2029, thus illustrating growing demand. 

Guardz offers unified detection and response cybersecurity solutions designed for MSPs. 

With the reasons for starting an MSP covered, let’s discuss how to start an MSP business from the ground up. 

How to Start an MSP Business

Starting a managed service provider (MSP) business involves strategic planning, operational setup, and a focus on client needs. Below is a detailed guide to help you successfully launch and grow your MSP business.

Conduct Comprehensive Market Research

Understanding your target audience and competitive landscape is the foundation of a successful MSP business. 

Conduct detailed research to identify the IT needs of local businesses, their pain points, and the existing gaps in services provided by competitors. 

This analysis will help you uncover opportunities for niche offerings or unique specializations that differentiate your MSP business in the market.

Define Your Service Offerings

Based on your market research, clearly outline the services you will provide. Core MSP services typically include network monitoring, cybersecurity, help desk support, and data backup solutions. 

Align your service offerings with the specific needs of your target audience while considering potential areas for future expansion. Providing customizable service packages or focusing on underserved niches can help you stand out in a competitive market.

Develop a Viable Pricing Strategy

Selecting the right pricing structure is crucial for profitability and competitiveness. Standard pricing models include per-device, per-user, and tiered pricing. 

Evaluate your operational costs, target market, and service value to determine a fair and sustainable pricing approach. 

Ensure that your pricing reflects the quality of your services while remaining competitive within the market.

Acquire the Necessary Tools and Platforms

Invest in tools and platforms that will streamline your operations and enable high-quality service delivery. 

Essential MSP tools include:

  • Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software for overseeing client systems.
  • Professional services automation (PSA) software for managing workflows and service delivery.
  • Cybersecurity solutions to protect client data and systems.

Choose scalable solutions and integrate well with one another to create a cohesive technology ecosystem.

Establish Your Business Infrastructure

Formally set up your business by registering your company, obtaining required licenses and certifications, and creating a physical or remote workspace. 

Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent service delivery and efficient operations. Proper documentation of workflows, escalation protocols, and customer interactions is essential for maintaining quality and accountability.

Build a Skilled and Customer-Focused Team

As your business grows, recruit a team of qualified technicians and support staff. Prioritize individuals with relevant certifications, technical expertise, and a focus on customer satisfaction. 

To stay competitive, provide ongoing training to ensure your team is knowledgeable about the latest technologies and industry trends. A well-trained and motivated team is critical to delivering exceptional service.

Create an Effective Marketing Plan

Promoting your MSP business is essential for attracting clients. Develop a marketing strategy that clearly communicates the value of your services to your target audience. Use digital channels such as your website, social media, and email campaigns to build visibility. 

Participate in industry events, network with local businesses, and establish referral partnerships to generate leads. Tailor your messaging to highlight how your services address common IT challenges and improve business operations.

Onboard Your First Clients

A smooth onboarding process sets the tone for lasting client relationships. Begin by thoroughly assessing each client’s IT environment to understand their systems, requirements, and vulnerabilities. 

Document these findings and create a tailored service plan. Communicate clearly about service expectations and provide proactive support to build trust and confidence.

Adapt and Evolve with Industry Needs

The MSP industry is dynamic, with constant technological advancements and evolving client expectations. Regularly review your services, tools, and strategies to ensure they remain relevant and competitive. 

Staying informed about industry trends and client feedback will enable you to refine your offerings and continue to deliver exceptional value.

By following these steps and maintaining a client-focused approach, you can establish a successful and sustainable MSP business.

Now that we know the process of starting an MSP business, let’s discuss the tools you’ll need. 

Essential Tools for Running an MSP Business

Operating a successful managed service provider (MSP) business requires the right tools to manage operations, provide high-quality services, and ensure client satisfaction. 

Below is a comprehensive guide to the essential tools every MSP needs, along with their key features and benefits.

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Software

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software is central to an MSP’s operations. It enables proactive monitoring, maintenance, and management of clients’ IT systems from a single platform. 

By detecting and resolving issues before they affect operations, RMM software helps you minimize downtime and maintain client trust.

Effective RMM software includes real-time monitoring, patch management, remote access, and automated task execution. 

These capabilities allow you to manage IT environments efficiently, providing a seamless experience for your clients.

When selecting an RMM solution, prioritize platforms that integrate well with other tools in your MSP ecosystem. A cohesive integration ensures streamlined workflows and improved service delivery.

Professional Services Automation (PSA) Software

Professional services automation (PSA) software helps manage the business side of an MSP by organizing tasks like ticketing, billing, and project management. 

This tool ensures that your operations remain efficient, profitable, and aligned with client expectations.

Important features in PSA software include ticketing systems, billing automation, resource allocation, and analytics. 

Integrating PSA tools with your RMM software lets you synchronize operational data, track billable hours, and generate detailed invoices. This integration simplifies administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on providing value-driven services.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions

With cyber threats increasing in complexity, comprehensive cybersecurity tools are essential for protecting your clients’ IT environments. Effective cybersecurity solutions safeguard sensitive data and differentiate your MSP in a competitive market.

Core cybersecurity tools for MSPs include endpoint protection, firewalls, email filtering, and disaster recovery solutions. These tools provide a multi-layered approach to security, addressing vulnerabilities across various aspects of IT infrastructure.

Given the challenges many MSPs face in managing multiple security platforms, it is crucial to choose solutions that integrate seamlessly with RMM and PSA software. This integration ensures that security tasks, such as monitoring and remediation, can be handled efficiently within your existing workflows.

Guardz is a comprehensive cybersecurity solution designed to help MSPs manage the security needs of SMBs. 

Selecting and Maintaining Your Tool Stack

Choosing the right tools for your MSP business involves considering scalability, ease of use, and vendor support. The tools you select should align with your service offerings and the needs of your target market.

It is equally important to evaluate and update your tool stack regularly. Staying current with advancements in technology and features ensures that your MSP can meet clients’ evolving demands while maintaining operational efficiency.

By investing in the right combination of RMM, PSA, and cybersecurity solutions, you can position your MSP to deliver exceptional services, build long-term client relationships, and achieve sustained growth.

Top Strategies for Growing Your MSP Business

Growing a managed service provider (MSP) business requires a well-structured and professional approach emphasizing differentiation, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer service. The following strategies are essential to achieving sustainable growth and standing out in a competitive market.

Specialize in a Niche Market

Focusing on a specific industry or niche allows your MSP to develop expertise and address the unique challenges faced by clients in that field. Specializing in industries such as healthcare, finance, or legal services helps you tailor your service offerings to meet industry-specific demands.

This targeted approach enables you to deliver value-added solutions that generalist MSPs may lack. 

Clients are often willing to pay a premium for industry expertise, and your specialization can reduce competition while increasing your ability to command higher prices. Building a strong reputation in your chosen niche can lead to referrals and long-term growth within that sector.

Offer Managed Security Services

As cybersecurity continues to dominate business priorities, offering managed security services is a powerful way to enhance your value proposition. 

Providing comprehensive security solutions, such as endpoint protection, network monitoring, email security, and disaster recovery, positions your MSP as a trusted partner in safeguarding clients’ digital assets.

Educating clients on the importance of proactive security measures and staying current with the latest threats and technologies is vital. 

By partnering with reputable security vendors and ensuring your team is well-trained, you can deliver cutting-edge, reliable solutions that strengthen client trust and differentiate your business.

Streamline Operations With Automation

Automation is essential for managing the complexities of an expanding client base while maintaining operational efficiency. Automating tasks such as patch management, software updates, and ticketing reduces manual effort and increases consistency in service delivery.

By using tools like Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software and Professional services automation (PSA) platforms, your MSP can handle more clients and devices without significantly increasing overhead costs. Automation not only improves productivity but also frees up your team to focus on client relationships and strategic initiatives.

Build Strong Vendor Partnerships

Collaborating with trusted vendors can provide your MSP with valuable resources, training, and co-marketing opportunities. 

Identify vendors whose offerings align with your services, such as cloud platforms, cybersecurity solutions, and RMM or PSA software providers.

Participating in vendor programs enables access to certifications, industry insights, and marketing support. 

Engaging in joint events or webinars with vendors can also help expand your reach and establish credibility. Strong vendor partnerships can result in referrals, as vendors often recommend reliable MSPs to their clients.

Prioritize Exceptional Customer Service

Outstanding customer service is a key differentiator in the MSP industry and a driver of long-term success. Proactively addressing client needs, maintaining open communication, and delivering consistent, personalized support foster strong client relationships.

Establishing clear service level agreements (SLAs) ensures expectations are met, while regular check-ins and updates build trust. 

Training your team to adopt a customer-centric mindset and actively seeking feedback helps refine your services and exceed client expectations. Satisfied clients are more likely to recommend your services and provide testimonials that attract new business.

So, how much is starting an MSP business going to cost you?

What Are the Startup Costs for an MSP Business?

Launching a Managed Service Provider (MSP) business requires careful planning to manage the initial expenses effectively. 

Although costs can vary based on factors such as location, services offered, and market focus, there are several key areas to consider when budgeting, such as legal fees, office space, tools, marketing, insurance, and employee salaries.

Here are the costs to consider when starting an MSP business: 

Legal and Registration Fees

Registering your MSP business and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits is one of the first steps. 

Depending on your location and the complexity of your legal requirements, these fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. 

It’s also wise to consult a legal professional to ensure compliance with regulations, particularly if you plan to operate in regulated industries.

Office Space and Equipment

Whether you choose to operate from a physical office or your home, you’ll need to account for the cost of equipment and infrastructure. 

For a physical office, expenses such as rent, utilities, desks, chairs, and computers must be factored into your budget. 

If working from home, reliable hardware and software are still essential to ensure seamless service delivery. Starting with a home-based setup can help reduce costs in the early stages.

Technology and Tools

Investing in key MSP tools is critical for delivering high-quality services. Remote monitoring and management (RMM) software, Professional services automation (PSA) tools, and robust cybersecurity solutions are essential. 

These tools usually require monthly or annual subscription payments, and the combined costs can add up quickly. Selecting scalable and integrated solutions will ensure efficiency as your business grows.

Marketing and Branding

Building a professional image is important for attracting clients. Initial marketing expenses may include website development, social media campaigns, and promotional materials. 

Allocating funds to create a polished logo and branding can help establish credibility. A well-thought-out online presence will help position your business as a trusted provider.

Insurance

To protect your business from potential risks, consider obtaining general liability, professional liability (errors and omissions), and cyber liability insurance. 

These policies safeguard your business against claims that could result in financial loss and are an important part of risk management for any MSP.

Staff Salaries and Personal Expenses

If you plan to hire employees, include their salaries and benefits in your budget. For solo entrepreneurs, it’s important to account for your own living expenses until the business generates sufficient revenue. 

Employing staff early on may not be feasible for all startups, but careful planning ensures you can expand when the time is right.

Estimated Startup Costs

Startup costs for an MSP business generally range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more. Starting small and scaling gradually as you build your client base and revenue can help manage these expenses. A detailed financial plan is crucial to allocate resources effectively and achieve long-term success.

Is Starting an MSP Business Worth It?

Starting an MSP business can be rewarding for those with IT expertise and a customer-focused mindset. With the growing reliance on technology and an increasing demand for managed services, the opportunities in this field are significant. 

The MSP model offers recurring revenue, scalability, and access to various industries, making it an appealing business choice.

However, success requires careful planning, investment in the right tools, and a clear understanding of your target market. By providing services such as network monitoring, cybersecurity, and cloud management, MSPs can address the pressing IT needs of businesses across various sectors. 

With the right approach and a commitment to ongoing improvement, starting an MSP business is worth it and can be a pathway to long-term success.

Guardz offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored for MSPs. These solutions help you protect client data and streamline security management. By integrating Guardz into your service offerings, you can boost your value proposition and stay ahead of the competition when establishing your MSP business. 

Start Free Trial

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

EDR and Endpoint Security

Endpoints are the primary target of cyberattacks. The most conservative estimates indicate that between 68% and 70% of data breaches begin on these devices. This is why implementing an EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solution is crucial to protect them in today’s cyber threat landscape.
An EDR is an advanced security tool installed on the end devices of the technological infrastructure (personal computers, servers, phones…) that monitors their activity in real-time, providing visibility into exactly what is happening on each of these endpoints.
This makes it possible to detect, analyze, and respond to security threats proactively and smartly. In case of an incident, it also allows the response team to have all the necessary information to dig into and solve the issue.
This goes beyond the capabilities of a traditional antivirus, which is normally used to protect some endpoints but falls short in the current security context faced by organizations.

 

How an EDR Works

The features of an EDR and the level of endpoint security they provide ultimately depend on each manufacturer, but they all rely on three fundamental pillars, which help to understand how they work and the protection they offer:

  • Activity monitoring on a steady basis: This includes everything from processes to device connections, collecting data and analyzing it intelligently.
  • Threat detection: When the monitoring system detects abnormal behavior, such as lateral movements, malware, phishing attempts, and other malicious actions.
  • Automated response to threats: This may involve isolating the compromised device from the rest of the network, blocking suspicious processes, or deleting harmful files.

EDRs differ from traditional antiviruses not only in their detection capabilities (being able to face unknown and sophisticated threats) but also in their response capabilities, such as isolating a device from the network. On the other hand, antivirus usually quarantines or deletes an infected file at best.
For instance, a malicious actor might create a new type of malware conceived to retrieve critical data from an organization, such as credentials or privileged information.
While an antivirus might not recognize malware and allow it to operate unchecked, an EDR can detect malicious file’s activity, such as data leaks. It can then stop the process if it detects an unknown connection and a massive flow of data going to it.
A similar situation could take place if data exfiltration is attempted by a disgruntled employee without any malware involved.
A certain user might try to copy information to an external device. While an antivirus wouldn’t react to this, an EDR could detect the connection of a USB drive or the unusual behavior of a large-volume data transfer, and then take the appropriate action against this suspicious activity.

Differences Between Security Management and Infrastructure Management

To ensure optimal endpoint protection and overall system security, it is key to understand the difference between these two concepts and ensure they are aligned.
Infrastructure management aims to ensure that the technological environment works properly and supports the organization’s goals. However, this objective is compromised if security is not also a key consideration.

On the other hand, security management involves implementing measures and policies to protect the infrastructure, such as integrating SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) solutions. However, it is not the same to secure a straw building thrown together haphazardly as it is to protect a well-planned stone castle.
Likewise, an adequately managed technological infrastructure will make the following possible:

  • Security management.
  • Integrated operation of EDR and SIEM.
  • The effectiveness of the blue team, if present.
  • Incident response.

Let’s look at an example illustrating the difference between a well-managed infrastructure and an unprotected one.
Imagine an environment with proper network segmentation, strong device access controls, and a consistent patch management policy.
Even if an infrastructure element fails (for instance, a delayed firmware update on an IoT device due to a vulnerability), if that device has been configured with appropriate network and access policies, it will still contribute to overall security. This setup reduces the likelihood that a malicious actor who compromises that endpoint can move laterally to another, more critical part of the network.
Moreover, if this proper infrastructure management is combined with effective security management using an EDR integrated with a SIEM solution, any attempt at unusual lateral movement would be detected, alerted, and mitigated.
Conversely, if that IoT device still uses the default username and password (an all-too-common situation unfortunately) or has unrestricted network access, a malicious actor will have significant opportunities to move through the network to critical systems or compromise the device in other ways, such as spying through a webcam.

Infrastructure Management Approaches to Strengthen Security

Continuing with the previous analogy, how do we build our castle with robust stone and a resilient design?
An effective infrastructure management strategy would involve the following practical approaches:

  • Strict update and patching policies: To prevent malware or exploit techniques from taking advantage of vulnerabilities in outdated versions. This includes updating both software and firmware on endpoints.
  • Optimal network design: By properly segmenting networks and ensuring that each device has access only to what is strictly necessary for its function—both in terms of data and communication with other devices.
  • Implementation of SIEM solutions: To collect data on what is happening within our infrastructure, consolidate that information for the Network Operations Center (NOC) analyze it, and alert on any suspicious activity.
  • Log monitoring and analysis policies: To detect anomalies within those logs. Currently, security policies allow companies to meet the highest security standards and certifications, such as ISO 27001 as well as government regulations like the new NIS2, which is being implemented by lots of companies.

With these measures in place, our infrastructure becomes more resilient to attacks while continuing to fulfill its primary purpose: supporting organizational goals and workflows.
There is often talk of having to choose between security and convenience or security and performance, but this is a false dichotomy. Proper infrastructure management supports both security and operability—there is no need to choose between them. While system infrastructures and hybrid environments make it hard to get a unified overview, Pandora FMS unifies data sources and allows centralized management.

How Different EDRs and Antivirus (A/V) Solutions Approach Security

Although we often talk about EDRs and antivirus solutions as two general approaches to endpoint security, not all products are created equal.
Therefore, it is essential to understand the key features of each solution and how they may vary depending on the manufacturer.

EDRAntivirus
Constant activity monitoring on endpoints to detect suspicious behaviors.It scans files and applications looking for known malware brands.
It uses behavioral analysis to identify unknown threats.It uses file definition databases to identify known malware.
Some options use predictive AI, such as Pandora FMS, to detect and make decisions.Some manufacturers use heuristics (suspicious behavior predefined rules), an older technology that generates more false positives.
Sophisticated automated response: it may isolate devices, block suspicious processes and generate advanced alerts (the scope of said response will depend on the features of each manufacturer).Limited automated response to quarantine or infected file deletion.
Advanced forensics capabilities, logging everything that happened to make audits easier as well as the work of the incident response team.Forensics capabilities limited to logging basic detections.
Active and reactive protection.Reactive protection based on the definition file.
High integration capacity with SIEM and the infrastructure in general.Limited integration.

This last aspect of SIEM and EDR integration is critical today and the key to security in such a constantly evolving environment.

However, on the other side of the scale, the capabilities of antivirus solutions are much more limited, both in terms of the information they can send to a SIEM and their integration capacity with these systems. Additionally, some antivirus solutions are prone to compatibility issues with the rest of the technological or security infrastructure, leading to conflicts with firewalls or other protection tools.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an EDR Compared to a Traditional Antivirus

The above does not mean that everything is that positive in the case of EDRs, so an impartial analysis should put these advantages on the table, but also the disadvantages and challenges.

Advantages of an EDR Compared to an Antivirus

  • Advantages of an EDR Compared to an Antivirus against both known and unknown threats.
  • More advanced automated incident response capabilities.
  • Enhanced security management through detailed visibility into exactly what is happening on each endpoint.

Disadvantages of an EDR Compared to an Antivirus

  • More complex to implement and manage.
  • It requires skilled personnel to interpret and respond to incidents, as well as for installation and integration, especially in on-premise solutions.
  • Generally higher cost.

Advantages of an Antivirus Compared to an EDR

  • Easier and faster to implement.
  • Effective against known malware and common threats.
  • More affordable than EDRs, and sometimes even free.

Disadvantages of an Antivirus Compared to an EDR

  • Insufficient protection in the current cybersecurity landscape, especially for scenarios beyond low-risk individual users.
  • It may cause management issues, such as false positives or conflicts with other applications.
  • Very limited response capability to security incidents.

Practical Approaches for Endpoint Security in On-Premise Environments

Whether due to legal requirements, such as protecting and managing sensitive data, or due to a strategic technology approach, such as the need for greater control or equipment performance, on-premise solutions are gaining appeal compared to a 100% cloud-based approach.
Therefore, it is important to consider these fundamental strategies for successfully implementing EDR solutions in on-premise environments.

  • Analysis and Assessment of Infrastructure Needs. Every truly strategic action, of any kind, begins with this step. It is essential to have a thorough understanding of your network, its critical assets, and the primary threats you face, which will shape a significant part of your specific threat model, differing from that of other organizations.
  • Choosing the Right EDR Solution. Based on the conclusions from the previous point and your budget.
  • Initiating a Testing Phase. In a controlled environment that allows you to evaluate whether the chosen solution is appropriate.
  • Establishing a Gradual Deployment Strategy. Even if tests are successful, it is crucial to proceed gradually to identify and solve any issues and challenges that will inevitably arise.
  • Integration with Other Tools. Particularly with SIEM, configuring rules and verifying their effectiveness.
  • Setting Up a Robust Monitoring and Auditing Policy. The tool alone is ineffective without a solid process behind it, making it essential to systematize monitoring and control tasks.
  • Establishing Contingency Plans. What would happen if everything failed? Security must always consider this question, even when applying best practices, as the probability of unexpected black swan events is never zero. For such scenarios, it is necessary to have a “red button” plan that allows for operation continuation and the restoration of data and infrastructure as quickly as possible.

While the on-premise approach is gaining traction again, nothing is absolute, so a hybrid solution can also be considered.
Therefore, here are the differences between a 100% on-premise implementation, a hybrid one, and a 100% cloud-based solution.

  • 100% On-Premise: The security infrastructure is located within the organization’s premises. Its main benefit is complete control over data, devices, and security, as well as potentially better performance and lower latency. However, the challenge is that it is more expensive in terms of economic and human resources. These resources, besides being more numerous, also require higher qualifications and will perform more intensive management tasks. It is worth noting that, often due to ENS or NIS2 requirements, certain pieces of infrastructure must be on-premise.
  • Hybrid Implementation: It combines on-premise and cloud elements. The key is to leverage the best of both worlds, for example, by keeping sensitive data locally while managing threat analysis and response in the cloud. A well-planned hybrid approach allows cost reduction and increased flexibility. The biggest challenge is that we will not rely solely on ourselves, as there will be points of failure beyond our control.
  • 100% Cloud-Based: Its main benefit is reduced economic and human costs, as well as lower technological complexity, which rests with the cloud provider. The downside is that we place the most critical aspects in the hands of third parties, in whom we must trust. And in case of an incident, we also depend on their response capabilities.

This is no small matter, and the echoes of July 19, 2024, still resonate in every security manager’s mind. On that morning, millions of Windows systems displayed the infamous blue screen of catastrophic failure, caused by a faulty remote update from CrowdStrike, one of the most well-known EDRs.

How Pandora FMS Enhances Endpoint Security

Throughout this journey, we have emphasized that EDR solutions are more advanced but only as effective as the real-time monitoring and threat detection capabilities we have in place.
This is where the next link in the security chain connects: with a flexible monitoring system like Pandora FMS, which complements endpoint security.

How?

  • By integrating with Pandora SIEM, which collects and centralizes everything, providing a clear overview of what is happening at all times.
  • Through log analysis and audits, which further strengthen endpoint protection. Every company is unique, as are its specific threats. This means that we must have complete visibility into our infrastructure, its unique characteristics, and any suspicious deviations from the norm, which will differ from those of other organizations.
  • With advanced security event correlation, to effectively identify anomalies in our specific case and respond appropriately.
  • Through seamless integration with network devices and firewalls, ensuring that everything operates smoothly.
  • By collecting events from agents on multi-platform endpoints (Windows, macOS or Linux).

As we have seen, for any organization that takes security seriously, using EDR along with a SIEM strategy is essential.
The cyber threat landscape changes frequently and quickly. Attacks are becoming more frequent, and malicious actors are getting more sophisticated. Supported by the emergence of AI, even adversaries with limited technical knowledge can now modify malware to compromise defenses and evade traditional detection systems, such as antivirus solutions. They can even create new malicious programs from scratch.
Therefore, threats that were once exclusive to highly skilled and motivated actors are now within reach of many. This underscores the importance of designing our infrastructure with resilience in mind and integrating security measures capable of anticipating this ever-changing landscape.
Without this approach, we risk facing an increasingly hostile and complex environment unprotected every single day.

 

 

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About PandoraFMS
Pandora FMS is a flexible monitoring system, capable of monitoring devices, infrastructures, applications, services and business processes.
Of course, one of the things that Pandora FMS can control is the hard disks of your computers.

Nord Security

Improving Backup Performance

When it comes to backup performance, every little detail counts. Unfortunately, some companies tend to oversimplify the discussion, focusing only on a handful of key factors. The reality is much more complex, and ignoring the finer points can put data protection at risk.

In a previous article (“Efficient Backup: Ready for the Black Scenario“), we explored backup methods, the importance of RTO and RPO, and the differences between data storage and backup. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. Now, let’s dive deeper and examine how storage media, network throughput, and data reduction mechanisms impact backup performance. What should you consider when choosing the best solutions for your business?

Storage Media: A Tough Choice

Not long ago, using SSDs in NAS systems (often used for backups) seemed unnecessary. Today, almost every NAS device supports them. One of the loudest voices advocating for ditching traditional hard drives is VAST Data, a U.S.-based company specializing in large-scale data management. Their solution relies entirely on flash storage, offering archive-level data retention at a cost comparable to HDDs. With proprietary technology that extends SSD lifespan to up to 10 years, their systems reduce the need for multiple devices to store and protect data. Perhaps in the future, businesses won’t have to choose between HDDs and SSDs – but for now, that decision still matters.

Flash storage significantly boosts backup performance. For example, a standard SATA SSD can be twice as fast as a mechanical SATA hard drive, while NVMe SSDs can outperform HDDs by a staggering 35 times. That’s a game-changer. Yet, many businesses still favor HDDs due to their lower cost. At the start of 2024, a 1TB NVMe PCIe 5 SSD cost around $150 – the same price as an 8TB HDD.

With the growing demand for storage-driven by explosive data growth and backup best practices (3-2-1, 4-3-2, 3-2-1-1-0) – choosing the right media is critical. Many experts argue that hard drives remain more reliable and predictable, while SSDs, despite improvements, can still experience unexpected failures.

But HDDs and SSDs aren’t the only options. Tape storage remains in play, offering a much cheaper alternative to HDDs for long-term archival. However, HDDs are far superior for short-term storage and incremental backups. Speed is also a factor – HDDs provide faster data access compared to tape, where retrieving data can take minutes due to loading and rewinding times. Restoring a large file system from 30 tapes could add up to two hours of delay, whereas HDDs work instantly.

Read more about Data Storage:

Network Throughput: The Silent Bottleneck

Backup performance isn’t just about storage; network speed plays a huge role, too. If backups run multiple times a day, high bandwidth is essential. But if backups occur less frequently – say, once a week or only after hours – the network load is lower. To pinpoint bottlenecks, companies should analyze their network’s data transfer speed. A simple formula can help:

Backup Data Size / Backup Window (time allocated for backup without disrupting operations)

For instance, backing up 5TB of data within a six-hour window requires a network capable of transferring 853GB per hour (5,120GB / 6 hours). On a Fast Ethernet (100Base-T) network, transferring 250GB takes about an hour, whereas a Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base-T) network is ten times faster. In this case, Fast Ethernet won’t cut it.

To improve network performance, businesses can:

  • Extend the backup window
  • Use dedicated high-speed networks
  • Upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet
  • Optimize data through compression and deduplication

Slimming Down Data: Deduplication & Compression

With data storage costs on the rise, companies are turning to compression and deduplication to reduce backup sizes.

Compression comes in two types:

  • Lossy: Removes unnecessary data (e.g., reducing image quality slightly)
  • Lossless: Keeps all data intact, essential for text files, executables, and spreadsheets

For example, a 50MB file with a 2:1 compression ratio shrinks to 25MB. However, compression can reduce network throughput while processing data. While a small quality loss in compressed images may go unnoticed, it matters for high-resolution projects.

Deduplication, on the other hand, prevents redundant data from being stored multiple times. It scans, divides data into blocks, and saves only unique ones.

A key metric here is the deduplication factor, which is often misunderstood. If a solution advertises a 10:1 deduplication factor, it doesn’t mean twice the reduction compared to 20:1. Instead, the percentage of data saved follows this formula:

% Data Reduction = 1 – (1/DD) x 100%

  • 10:1 Deduplication: 90% data reduction
  • 20:1 Deduplication: 95% data reduction

The difference between a 10:1 and 20:1 factor is only 5%, not double the savings as some assume.

Performance Optimization: It’s All About Balance

Reducing backup sizes is a smart move, but it must align with broader data protection strategies. Think of it like fuel efficiency in a car: a vehicle might have great mileage, but if the driver has bad habits – like underinflated tires or carrying unnecessary weight – it will still waste fuel.

The same principle applies to backup performance. Every component – from media type and network speed to compression and deduplication – affects the overall efficiency. The key is balancing cost, speed, and reliability to ensure optimal data protection.

By understanding these details, businesses can make smarter backup decisions—without sacrificing performance or security.

About Storware
Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Throwback to the Target Hack: How It Happened, and Lessons Learned….We Learned Lessons, Right?

The December 2013 Target hack remains one of the most infamous data breaches in cybersecurity history.  The hackers stole 40 million credit card numbers, got the PII (Personal Identifiable Information) of 70 million people, cost Target upwards of $200 million, and ruined Christmas for probably every single person working in Target’s IT department.  The breach not only tarnished Target’s reputation but also impacted several other sectors, highlighting the ripple effects of large-scale cyberattacks. Financial institutions faced increased costs for reissuing millions of compromised cards, while consumers dealt with heightened anxiety over identity theft and fraud. The breach also served as a wake-up call for retailers and businesses worldwide, prompting many to reevaluate their cybersecurity practices and adopt more robust systems to safeguard sensitive data. Ultimately, it underscored the critical importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in an increasingly interconnected world.

What the Hack Happened

The breach began when attackers targeted a third-party vendor that had legitimate access to Target’s network. The vendor, Fazio Mechanical Services, was a Pennsylvania-based HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) company that provided maintenance services to Target.

Attackers sent a phishing email to Fazio employees, and one unfortunate soul fell for it. That’s a point that deserves some emphasis – it only takes one person, one click, in one unguarded moment, to give the bad actors a way in.  

The laptop was protected with the free version of Malwarebytes – an excellent tool that scans for and eliminates malware when initiated by the user.  The version you pay for – that actually gets appropriately licensed for corporate use – has a real-time scanner that probably would have caught the issue, because the malware installed, called Citadel, was pretty well-known.

Network Infiltration

Using the stolen credentials from Fazio Mechanical Services, the attackers got access to a Target-hosted web service dedicated to outside vendors.  They uploaded a file that allowed them to install a web shell to execute commands on the hosting server.  Some call this a vulnerability, but there are lots of legitimate reasons a web application would let you upload files – invoices, for example – and while it should ideally block executables, it’s easy enough to disguise them. 

 They used a Pass-the-Hash attack to get domain admin credentials, and then the network was their playground.  They went looking for database servers, and they found them – to the tune of 70 million records of PII (Personally Identifiable Information.)

But here’s a fun fact – know what those databases did not contain?  Credit card numbers!  Because Target’s data was PCI-DSS compliant, there was no financial info stored on their database servers.  

Deployment of Malware & Exfiltration of Data

Having been foiled in their scheme by Target’s PCI-DSS compliance, the hackers moved on to plan B (or what might have been plan A all along, we don’t really know) – infiltrate the PoS (Point-of-Sale) servers and capture credit card data in real-time.  They did this using malware called Kaptoxa, which would scrape the machine’s memory and store anything that looked like a credit card number in a file. Then, the malware would periodically transfer that file to another server, which would transfer it back to the hackers via FTP.  

If you’ve been following along so far, one thing that may have stuck out to you was how the attackers were able to wander through the network, accessing pretty much whatever they pleased.  This is why standard security procedures – like role-based access control and network segmentation, are so important.  

Note: There’s a very thorough deep-dive about the hack here, including all of the tools, protocols, and technology used if you want to geek out.

Target’s Security Posture Before the Breach

You might think that Target had pretty poor security before the breach, but that was surprisingly (and alarmingly) not true.  They had a security team of over 300 employees and had just invested in the well-known security tool FireEye.  This tool actually did send out alerts about the malware, which the security team forwarded on to the operations team….but no one did anything about them.  Not only that, FireEye has a setting that can automatically remove Malware….and they turned it off. The thought was they wanted a human to make decisions about what to remove vs. automated software.  

Lessons Learned

So what are the lessons we can take away from Target?  Let’s review:

Lesson 1: Security can be expensive – but not nearly as expensive as a breach.

Lesson 2: Assume every device outside your organization is compromised, because eventually one will be.

Lesson 3: Regulatory compliance might be difficult, but it is often worth it.

Lesson 3: Pay attention to the security basics.  Role-based access control, least-privileged access and network segmentation are not new concepts, but they are invaluable to minimize damage.  

Lesson 4: Your security tools are essential; invest in them and tailor them to work for you.  Automation is there to make your life easier.  

We’re going on 12 years since this hack happened, and it still serves as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital age.  The Target breach underscored how even a single weak link in a company’s supply chain can have catastrophic consequences, impacting not only the business but also millions of customers. It also paved the way for stricter industry regulations and greater emphasis on safeguarding sensitive data. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the lessons from this breach remain especially relevant.  

About Portnox
Portnox provides simple-to-deploy, operate and maintain network access control, security and visibility solutions. Portnox software can be deployed on-premises, as a cloud-delivered service, or in hybrid mode. It is agentless and vendor-agnostic, allowing organizations to maximize their existing network and cybersecurity investments. Hundreds of enterprises around the world rely on Portnox for network visibility, cybersecurity policy enforcement and regulatory compliance. The company has been recognized for its innovations by Info Security Products Guide, Cyber Security Excellence Awards, IoT Innovator Awards, Computing Security Awards, Best of Interop ITX and Cyber Defense Magazine. Portnox has offices in the U.S., Europe and Asia. For information visit http://www.portnox.com, and follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.。

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

How to check if a link is safe?

Imagine: a newsletter of an online shop you like drops in your inbox’s spam folder. You open it anyway—after all, it’s not unusual for these emails to be incorrectly marked as spam. Not all components are loading as they should, but it looks convincing enough for you to open the link to see more. Once on the page, you sense something’s off. You take a closer look at the URL bar and realize this uncanny valley feeling is not unwarranted—it’s similar enough, but not the actual website. You’ve accidentally ended up clicking on a scam link.

Creating a spoof website remains a popular phishing technique among cybercriminals, and it can, unfortunately, convince unsuspecting users to give up their sensitive information themselves. Let’s learn how to check if a link is safe before clicking it to dodge such scams and stay safe online.

Why should you check if a link is safe?

It’s really simple—by opening an unsafe link, you risk your digital safety and put your private data at risk. Scam links are a prominent tool in phishing campaigns. Their goal is to get you to inadvertently reveal valuable personal information yourself. Phishy links aim to trick the user by imitating a reliable service. By the time you realize the website you visited wasn’t real, your data may already have made its way to the dark web.

Scam link campaigns try to toy with the users’ emotions and rationale. They often build a sense of urgency, for example, by convincing the user that there’s a problem with an account or a transaction. Likewise, they want to build trust with the target by imitating the service the user would otherwise believe to be real.

Your login details are valuable to scammers for a few reasons. One, they can sell credentials in bulk on the dark web for profit. Two, users still often reuse the same password for multiple accounts, meaning that breaching one can open the doors to many others, including governmental, medical, or banking accounts.

Speaking of banking, scam sites frequently replicate e-commerce pages, as fake purchases allow hackers to collect users’ payment information, like credit card numbers. They can then use this data in financial scams, like falsified tax returns or money laundering.

Personal addresses can also be stolen via scam sites, allowing hackers to spam not just your digital inbox, but your physical mailbox as well. Your address can then be falsely used to register fraud companies or to forge your identity online.

Malware is another risk you can run into when you’re faced with a scam link. Websites have different interactive elements that, once clicked, can download a file on your device. It’s an easy way for cybercriminals to infect your computer with malware like a Trojan virus, steal your data, install a keylogger, or cryptojack your device.

Overall, scam sites can wreak havoc on the security of your personal data. Learning to spot scam links and avoiding them altogether is a surefire way to keep your identity secure both online and in the real world.

How a scam link works

While the emergence of AI has made it more difficult to tell scam sites apart from legitimate ones, there are some telltale signs that they’re built with nefarious intentions.

The scam domain is often very similar to the actual page. It might use extra dashes and a subdomain to confuse the user. If the scam link leads to a mobile app, it might copy the logo and name of the service as well, replacing a few characters or making it appear more generic to avoid getting flagged by app store algorithms.

Not all scam links are overtly similar to their “inspirations.” Often, scammers use shortening services to create a custom coy link that does not immediately reveal the domain or allow the user to guess where it might lead. Such links can spoof parcel tracking sites, discount codes, and similar, more personalized offers and services.

Just clicking on a scam website does not mean that your device has been immediately hacked or that your data has been stolen. Such websites usually require you to perform actions yourself, like entering your login credentials, downloading a file, or connecting to a cloud account, before they can do any real damage. This means you have time to investigate the website to determine whether it’s legitimate or not.

How to tell if a link is safe

If you’re suspicious about a URL, there are a few ways to check whether it’s safe to open. It’s pretty easy to analyze the link yourself without opening it.

  • Check browser history

    If it’s a site you’ve visited before, you can copy and paste the URL into your browser’s search bar or history to see if it finds any previously visited matches.

  • Hover over the link

    If the link is embedded in a text like “Click here” or “Log in,” you can hover over it with your mouse to preview the URL, or right-click and copy it. Then, paste it safely into an empty document to get a better look at the domain.

  • Compare with a legitimate link

    Likewise, you can take both the suspicious URL and the legitimate one, paste them into the same file, and compare the characters. Hackers are likely to use tricks like replacing the letter O with a zero or using a lowercase L instead of an uppercase i to trick the user. If the link is a match, proceed as usual. If not, you can run it through a deeper check.

  • Use a link-checking tool

    You can use a dedicated website that scans a URL and sees if it’s safe. For instance, NordVPN’s Link Checker scans the URL for any malware or phishing threats and warns you if the link is unsafe, protecting you from a potential cyber incident. You can also attempt to find the site’s domain information to see if the registration is recent or matches the legitimate service’s data.

  • Look for the HTTPS protocol

    Although it’s not recommended to open suspicious links, if you’ve done so, look at the protocol part of the URL. If you don’t see HTTPS at the beginning of the link, the site is not using a secure protocol, and your data is not being encrypted. You should close such a website immediately.

How to check if a link is safe on an Android or iOS device?

Checking whether a link is safe is a lot easier on a desktop—you can see the link preview on the browser, quickly check the security protocol, and even close the tab with a simple keyboard shortcut instead of a mouse click. With smartphones, matters are a little more fickle.

Links sent to a phone can be harder to copy, depending on app restrictions. The touchscreen also makes it harder to close or leave a suspicious link without accidentally pressing an interactive part of the screen. If the website contains pop-ups, closing them can also be a tough battle to win. Here’s how to check whether a link is legit to stay safe while browsing your phone.

For iOS phones, Safari offers a tool that alerts you if you attempt to visit a scam page. To use it, go to your phone settings, find “Safari,” and switch on “Fraudulent Website Warning.”

If you’re using an Android device, you can activate secure browser settings:

  1. Go to your device settings and find the “Security and privacy” category.

  2. Select “More security settings.”

  3. Select “Android Safe Browsing” and toggle on “Use live threat detection.”

I think I clicked a scam link. What should I do?

Here’s some good news—simply clicking on the link doesn’t necessarily mean damage has been caused. Scam URLs are usually just one step of the process. Nevertheless, if you think you’ve opened a phishy site, act with caution.

If you opened the website

If you’ve opened a link and can clearly tell it’s a scam, close the tab immediately and delete it from your browser history to avoid accidentally reopening it. Alternatively, open the link using an incognito tab. This prevents the site from potentially accessing your personal data and keeps it from appearing in your history.

Make sure you don’t click anything on the site—even if you avoid the obvious interactive buttons, other design aspects and the empty background space might have been deliberately developed to be interactive. Do not enter any personal information, like login credentials, address, or payment information.

If the website prompted you to log in and you entered your credentials, make sure to change your password on the real site immediately. If the account did not have multi-factor authentication activated yet, consider switching it on. That way, even if the cybercriminals have taken your personal details, you will lower the chances of them overtaking your account.

If you downloaded a file

If the website caused you to download a file and you could not stop the download process, do not open it. Instead, delete the file from your device permanently. The file may contain malware that could infect your computer and gain access to your data. As a precaution, scan your device using antivirus software even after you’ve deleted the file.

Getting ahead of the fallout

Keep an eye on potentially breached accounts for the foreseeable future in case of suspicious activity or misuse. If you happen to use the same password for other accounts, update those login details as well. Make sure you use new and unique passwords for each account—you can easily do this with a password generator.

A good course of action is to contact the legitimate service provider to let them know about the scam. That way, criminal activities can be detected faster, and you can protect yourself and others from falling prey.

Staying secure online

Suspicious links are a sneaky online threat—they’re easy to overlook, but falling for them can have huge consequences for your personal data. So, make sure you stay alert, master the art of dodging insecure links, and get a few tools to help you keep your data secure even if a cybercriminal tries to target you, starting with a password manager.

NordPass is an intuitive password manager that ensures your login credentials are safe and only autofills them for you when it recognizes you’re on the right website. So, if you’ve got your bank password saved on NordPass and a scammer tries to get you to log in to a fake banking site, you won’t automatically log in by accident.

NordPass allows you to generate and store strong and unique passwords for your new and existing accounts, letting you quickly update any login credentials that might have been compromised. You can also use the Data Breach Scanner to check whether your password or credit card details have appeared on the dark web and take action to update your old credentials.

Sharpen your awareness of digital scams and keep your data safe with NordPass.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Championing Diversity: What International Women’s Day Means at Guardz

Saturday, March 8th, marks a very important day. It is International Women’s Day, a day when we honor and celebrate the success of all women across the globe. 

At Guardz, we are fortunate to have such a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes many exceptionally talented women. Without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. 

Despite their incredible accomplishments and the accomplishments of other inspiring women in cybersecurity, there are still barriers that remain today, such as the pay gap. 

An ISC2 study found that the average salary for U.S. women participants was $141,066 compared to $148,035 for men, a difference of nearly $7,000. 

But that’s not all. Research showed that women only make up 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce. We can do better. We must do better. We must continue breaking down barriers, champion diversity, embrace equality, and create more opportunities for women to thrive in cybersecurity.

At Guardz, we are committed to fostering an environment where women feel empowered, valued, and supported in their careers. This means not only advocating for equal pay but also ensuring access to mentorship, leadership roles, and professional development opportunities.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the achievements of women in cybersecurity, recognize the challenges that still exist, and take actionable steps to drive meaningful change.

Meet the Inspiring Women Behind the Success of Guardz

Esther Pinto, CISO

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“The people, the energy, and the values we have as a company embedded directly in our product.

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“I mean, as the CISO, this has been my entire career, so I guess everything? But jokes aside, I love the impact I have. It comes with a huge responsibility.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“Mentoring others, especially young ladies trying to get into cybersecurity.”

Kathrine Knight, Vice President of Cyber Insurance

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“Our team, our mission, and changing our digital world.“

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“Making our digital ecosystem safe for everyone through available and affordable security, insurance options, education, and awareness.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“I have a few, but my most recent is combining my several years of insurance with my passion and degree in cybersecurity to help build the insurance option for Guardz, bridging the gap between security and insurance through our MSPs and beyond.”

Sandy Ritvin, MSIS, Account Executive

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“There’s really a tie between two things here; It’s incredibly rewarding to see how our work directly helps partners and makes a real difference in their business. It is also amazing to be part of a company whose values align with mine, and I appreciate the trust we’re given to do our best work.”

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“Cybersecurity is ever evolving, there’s never a dull moment. I love knowing that my work helps protect businesses and individuals from real-world cyber threats.” 

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“My proudest moments are empowering emerging MSPs with tools and knowledge they need to scale their business successfully as well as helping my established partners get better ROI and value of their stack and crew.”

Adi Geffen-Ronen, Head of HR

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“The people – passionate, talented, and super fun to be with.”

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“I’ve been in the cybersecurity space for the majority of my career, so I would say what excites me about Guardz is the fact that we’re in the MSP security space, which is more of a blue ocean compared with the enterprise security space.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“If you’re referring to Guardz – as Head of HR, it would definitely be tripling the size of the team throughout 2024 and bringing in top talent.” 

Katrin Ace, TA & HR Partner

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“The incredible people who collaborate and support each other while helping small businesses stay protected.”

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“The constant evolution and nonstop challenges that require staying up to date, along with the meaningful impact our products have on the world and people’s lives.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“My first three hires were women! Plus, I successfully filled the AI engineer position in less than two months with two outstanding candidates sourced directly.”

Moriya (Zamir) Daskal, Senior UX/UI Designer

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“What I love most about working here is the people! Being part of this company means working alongside some of the most talented individuals – people who always strive to turn the impossible into possible. I believe that this, combined with a great idea, is the ultimate recipe for a successful startup.”

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“What excites me about working in cybersecurity is knowing that I’m on the side of the good guys. Thanks to what we do, small and medium-sized businesses – built with hard work and dedication – can keep focusing on what they do best, knowing they are protected. I love thinking creatively, solving problems, and knowing that my work truly makes a difference in making the digital world a safer place.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“One of my proudest achievements is being part of the early team that built our company – taking a raw, basic product and turning it into something real. At first, there was just a simple foundation, but we nurtured, designed, and continued to evolve it to meet the ever-changing landscape and needs of our users. Seeing it grow and create real impact has been an incredible journey. Knowing that we created something meaningful that truly helps people is what fills me with the most pride.”

Gal Madmon Law, Marketing Designer

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
“The best part about working at Guardz is the perfect balance between creativity and impact. Every project I work on helps businesses understand and embrace cybersecurity, and knowing that my designs contribute to a larger mission is truly inspiring.”

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
“What excites me the most is the intersection of creativity and technology. In cybersecurity, every design has a purpose, whether it’s educating, engaging, or empowering businesses. Being able to contribute visually to such a crucial industry makes my work meaningful and rewarding.”

What are your proudest accomplishments?
“I’m proud of creating impactful designs that make cybersecurity more accessible and engaging. Knowing my work helps strengthen Guardz’s brand and mission is incredibly rewarding.”

Lauri Goldman, Marketing Operations Specialist

What do you love most about working at Guardz?
I love the fast-paced, dynamic environment at Guardz and the incredible team I get to work with every day. It’s rewarding to be part of a company that’s truly making a difference.

What excites you the most about working in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and that makes it an exciting space to be in.

What are your proudest accomplishments?
Seeing the tangible results of our strategies, whether increased engagement, smoother campaign execution, or stronger team alignment, makes me proud of the work I do every day.

At Guardz, we are committed to fostering an environment where women feel empowered, valued, and supported in their careers, ensuring access to mentorship, leadership roles, and professional development opportunities.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the achievements of women in cybersecurity, recognize the challenges that still exist, and take actionable steps to drive meaningful change.

Start Free Trial

About Guardz
Guardz is on a mission to create a safer digital world by empowering Managed Service Providers (MSPs). Their goal is to proactively secure and insure Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) against ever-evolving threats while simultaneously creating new revenue streams, all on one unified platform.

About Version 2 Limited
Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.