CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Blue Layer to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) list in the Pioneering 250 category for 2022. CRN’S annual MSP 500 list identifies the leading service providers in North America whose forward-thinking approaches to managed services are changing the landscape of the IT channel, helping end-users increase efficiency and simplify IT solutions while maximizing their return on investment.

With many customers still recovering from the impact of the ongoing pandemic, MSPs have become a vital part of the success of businesses worldwide. MSPs not only empower organizations to leverage intricate technologies but also help them keep a strict focus on their core business goals without straining their budgets.

“In addition to having to adjust their own business operations to account for the changed conditions during the pandemic, MSPs have also seen increased demand for their managed communications, collaboration and security services,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on our 2022 MSP 500 list deserve credit for their innovative and game-changing approaches to managed services in these unpredictable times, as well as their ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems without straining IT budgets.”

2022 marks the third year in a row that Blue Layer has been recognized on the MSP 500. Our spot in the Pioneering 250 category recognizes companies with business models weighted toward managed services and primarily focused on the SMB market and confirms our ability to deliver leading managed services worthy of industry recognition.

“We are thrilled and honored to be a part of CRN’s Pioneering 250 list for the third year in a row,” said Blue Layer COO Michael Strong. “Industry recognition is one of the most shining indicators of our experience, superior performance, and an unrelenting dedication to providing customers with right-sized managed services they can count on around the clock. I’m proud of our team for this achievement and thankful for our customers’ lasting trust.”

The MSP 500 list was featured in the February 2022 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500.

About The Channel Company 

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

About Blue Layer

Blue Layer was founded in 2002 after years of experience in the computer and networking industry and learning how to best meet the unique needs of businesses. As the company evolved, it became a priority to propel the business and its clients forward with innovations in technology. With a focus on responsible and right-sized technology consulting, Blue Layer’s clients benefit from expertise in Managed Services, Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery, Mobility, Unified Communications, and more.

Why a managed services provider? Blue Layer CSO Chris Powell said it best: “A quality MSP can provide significant enhancements to business efficiencies and security at a nominal cost.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

With a full suite of proven services (and vast industry experience to back them) under our belt, that type of quality is precisely what Blue Layer aims to provide for you, whether your IT team needs a little supplemental help or all hands on deck.

However, you might still be wondering just what type of “efficiencies” Chris is referring to. While our “Right-Sized IT” approach might mean different things for different clients striving for different technology goals, there are a few things you can always count on when enlisting the help of a managed services provider like Blue Layer.

1. First, you’ll experience less downtime.

A 24-hour help desk, fast-response network operations center, and rock-solid disaster recovery plans are central to great managed services.

Get the help you need when you need it. Enjoy remote and on-site maintenance, repair, remote protection, and system monitoring services. Get ahead of business-critical data loss with disaster recovery plans that are designed to make it feel like your business never skips a beat, even in the face of cybersecurity threats.

Downtime is the death of efficiency. Don’t give it a chance.

2. Your team will communicate and collaborate better.

Like in any great relationship, communication is key. A strong partnership with a managed services provider like Blue Layer is no different. Unified communications and cloud solutions are two cornerstones of a business breaking down efficiency barriers. What can you do when you’re communicating and collaborating better with a managed services provider on your IT team?

• Eliminate the frustration of lapses in communication with fully-integrated phone, video, meetings, and messaging solutions.
• Get more done from anywhere with cloud storage.
• Protect your work and your communications with enhanced email and document services like encryption, classification, and compliance.

Enhance efficiency and empower your team. It’s time to take the next step with your technology.

3. Most importantly, you will be set up for future success.

When you enlist the help of a managed services provider like Blue Layer, you won’t get solutions in return that are focused solely on today’s problems. You have every intention of growing your business far into the future, so why shouldn’t the technology you use enable that growth?

Blue Layer’s managed services act as a virtual CIO—offering technology consulting and proactive project planning that helps you future-proof your business so that you are always operating with the future and growth in mind. We identify upcoming needs, find solutions for current and future initiatives, and help guide the technology vision for your organization. No misdirection, no downtime, no IT solutions that you don’t need—only right-sized managed services.

No two businesses are exactly alike, and neither are their goals. Click here to add significant enhancements to the efficiency and security of your business!

If you’re new to (or still only vaguely familiar with) the Managed Service Provider (MSPs) world, it can be difficult to determine whether or not the information you’ve found online is the most accurate, up-to-date, or reliable. What do all the terms mean? How do you know that what you’re looking for is actually what you need? And if it’s ever-changing, how can your business hope to keep up? Some questions are easy to answer with just a peek behind the curtain, and that’s exactly what Blue Layer is here to do for you.

Who better to learn from than those who are on the front lines? In this Blue Layer employee spotlight, we’re speaking with Chris Powell, MSP veteran and Blue Layer CSO, about how he defines MSPs, why they’re vital to a business, and what he thinks business owners should know about them in 2022 and beyond.

BL: How would you describe an MSP to someone who has never heard that phrase? Why would you say that they are important assets to have?

CP: A MSP is a technology support company. MSPs provide a multitude of services including server and networking support, desktop and software support, telephone and communication platforms, mobility and remote connectivity, backup and disaster recovery services, cybersecurity defenses (software, hardware, testing, and training), email and web services support, and more.

A quality MSP has a full staff of various IT specialists and engineers to provide the full scope of IT support for an organization. MSPs are able to bring more services at a higher quality and at a cheaper price than most organizations can afford to hire directly.

BL: What would you say are the most commonly sought-after MSP services?

CP: Employee desktop support and troubleshooting, cybersecurity services, and remote and cloud capabilities.

BL: What does the typical day-to-day look like for a managed service provider?

CP: A high volume of quick response to immediate needs of clients (this is handled by our team of support technicians) as well as large-scope projects for networking, application, and infrastructure enhancements (this is handled by our engineering teams).

BL: What were your biggest takeaways regarding MSPs in 2021? What implications do you think those have on the future of MSPs throughout the rest of 2022 and beyond?

CP: MSPs needed to have the ability to respond quickly with proven solutions to assist businesses migrating from their brick-and-mortar establishments to conducting large portions of their work remotely.

Additionally, the continued increase of cyber attacks revealed the continued need to protect and educate business owners and employees on security and safety, and how they are a critical component of organizations’ security. MSPs are needed even more in 2022 as the demand for additional functionality increases, yet must be implemented with security as a foundation.

BL: What do you hope to accomplish in the rest of 2022? Are there any MSP awards or recognitions you hope to obtain for Blue Layer this year?

CP: For 2022, I would like to promote more of our Azure services to assist companies with efficiencies and security of their remote working needs and reduce the reliance of on-premise servers. Security and business efficiencies are my primary focus.  

In regards to awards and recognitions, Blue Layer achieved Cloud Verify certification in 2021 and is completing its second year of certification. Less than 2% of MSPs achieve this level recognition and we are proud to maintain this level of excellence. Cloud Verify is an internationally recognized standard of processes, protocols, and security that is independently verified (much like an ISO or SOC certification) and is specific to the IT industry.

BL: Are there any tips that you’d like to offer as we head further into 2022? Any trends to be on the lookout for? Any exciting industry developments that might pertain to Blue Layer’s audience?

CP: It sounds simple, but everyone should have a password manager. Every website visited, both personal and professional, should have its own unique password. A quality password manager is the only way to achieve this. Think of it like your address book on your phone. Everyone has a unique phone number, yet you can access everyone you need without frustration. A good password manager works the same. It should be independent of your browser type or phone platform so you can move and change equipment and software without the worry of losing your information. This isn’t new, but it’s severely underutilized. Non-unique passwords are a critical vulnerability to both individuals and businesses.

Additionally, if you are not prepared and able to work remotely (including the ability to conduct business calls when away from the office), access corporate resources (such as files, servers, finance), or [access] CRM systems, it is important to begin implementing these capabilities to best prepare for personal, regional, or global issues that demand remote connectivity and capabilities.

BL: Any final thoughts?

CP: If your organization does not have an MSP supporting it or its internal IT department, a quality MSP can provide significant enhancements to business efficiencies and security at a nominal cost. An MSP does not have to replace an organization’s IT staff but can be supplemental to their team. With the additional engineering specialties of a MSP, every business would benefit from our additional resources.

Click here to get in touch with our team about making Blue Layer your Managed Service Provider.

We’ve talked at length about why your business needs a go-to partner for all things technology like an MSP, but what on earth do you do when it comes time to pick one? Your Google search and industry resource recommendations have both yielded tons of managed service providers that seem great, but with so many to choose from, how do you pick one that checks all the boxes?

With experienced leadership, industry recognition, and proven products and services on our side, Blue Layer makes the decision-making process a whole lot easier. Here’s why—out of all the managed service providers available to you—Blue Layer is the right MSP for your business.

1. Our Team is Experienced

Blue Layer was created after years of experience in the computer and networking industry. In those years, we learned how to best meet the unique needs of a variety of businesses across different industries. Over the years, we’ve remained competitive by making it a priority to propel both ourselves and our clients forward with innovations in technology.

For nearly 20 years, our mission has been simple: to provide “Right-Sized IT” services to businesses and companies across West Texas. Blue Layer was built on a foundation of superior customer service and fair pricing to provide customers with knowledgeable, experienced IT support. Our services continue to evolve as we strive to provide comprehensive technology solutions designed to fit any need. 

2. Our Technology Solutions Follow a Tailored Approach

How do we meet the unique needs of a variety of businesses across different industries? By taking the time to understand each client so that we provide their business with a unique and strategic experience. We deliver custom solutions to companies in industries including banking, finance, legal, education, retail and hospitality, medical, oil and gas, and more. 

Our solutions will never include “off-the-shelf” services that waste time or money. We use the term “Right-Sized IT” to explain the solutions we use to manage your technology and solve any IT problem confidently. From routine system maintenance and data backups to 24/7 disaster recovery and cybersecurity, Blue Layer has the experience and resources to protect your business and enable it to thrive.

3. We Are Industry-Recognized

Through this practice, we’ve received numerous awards, recognition, and loyal partnerships with our customers. Here is a short summary of those awards and the recognition we’ve received.

• MSPAlliance’s Cyber Verify Program-Rated
• Forbes Technology Council Member
• Channel Futures “Top 501 MSP Managed Service Providers,” 2014-2021
• Inc. 5000’s “Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America,” 2020 & 2021

And that’s not even all of them. Whatever the needs your business has, we’re confident that Blue Layer has a solution for you and the experience and recognition to back them. From managed services to 24/7 disaster recovery, we can handle the challenges that your business is facing.

Click here to partner with Blue Layer, and we’ll help you protect your business and improve its productivity.

Technology hasn’t just changed the way we do things in business. Technology has changed the way we think about business and how we make important decisions regarding business direction that will affect how it operates well into the future.

There’s no better indicator of this influence than looking at the role that enterprise mobility & IoT (internet of things) plays in organizations all over the world today, especially after 2020 and 2021. The circumstances of the last two years have taken reliance on mobile and remote tech solutions to a whole new level and have convinced leaders to not only consider adopting new mobile and IoT solutions but to also think about what it might take to make a total shift toward those solutions as a primary way of doing business.

So, why does your business need enterprise mobility & IoT support in 2022?

For one, it mobilizes your team.

Securely, at that. The idea of working from anywhere isn’t just a minor topic of discussion at the quarterly meeting anymore. Now, it’s something that even the big guys are considering for everyday day-to-day.

When enterprise mobility solutions and IoT support solutions (like industrial internet) combine forces, they give your team the flexibility and room to do their best work how they do it best. Not only can they mobilize, but they can feel motivated and inspired, too, opening the door wide open for new ways of collaborating, innovating, and attracting talent from around the globe.

You’re going to see a big increase in productivity. And we mean BIG.

Tech innovation is about removing limits, and nothing smashes barriers like the technology empowered by the IoT. In a seamlessly connected, IoT support-enabled world, teams can reduce the lag traditionally experienced with business communication and increase overall operational efficiency. With enterprise mobility & IoT support at the helm, you can take a historically in-house team and make them mobile work magicians. Then, when you give those magicians technology that empowers them, what you’re left with is easier collaboration, better processes, and ultimately, better products and results.

Click here to take a look at what the numbers say about how much more efficient IoT actually makes things.

It’s a lot cheaper. We like it cheaper.

Untimely downtime for repairs? Time lost to troubleshooting? Incapable cybersecurity? What if we told you that you could sidestep it all?

IoT technology is smart. It enables you to do more, and to do more better. Predictive maintenance, automated safety compliance, and efficient cybersecurity monitoring are just a few ways that IoT technology enables your business to do more without having to spend valuable resources to do so. Instead of using valuable time and money to solve issues, let the IoT give you a heads up before they even have a chance to be an issue.

Finally, it’s safer!

We don’t need a lengthy, detailed report to tell us that people are finding new ways to connect every single day. But, as any regular Blue Layer blog reader knows, scammers are also aware of that trend and are standing on guard to take advantage of it.

So, instead of venturing into the world of enterprise mobility & IoT by yourself, lean on the pros that know what it takes to leverage them in a way that gets you more out of them—safely. Blue Layer ensures that you get what you’re looking for out of enterprise mobility & IoT support, but in a way that best benefits and protects your entire team.

Growth is our dominant theme in 2022—growth for ourselves, our vision, our ability to serve you, and your growth. If your business is rethinking the way it conducts business for the long haul, then you’re certainly not alone. It’s something that we’ve all been forced to consider over the last two years, especially as technology has taken a seat at the table that seems to inch closer and closer to the head with each passing year.Growth is nothing if not supported. Click here to contact Blue Layer for help making sure that you leverage enterprise mobility & IoT correctly and safely.

Are you new to the concept of managed IT services? Have you started looking for an MSP or MSSP but are unsure whether or not they offer the DRaaS, UCaaS, or IoT solutions you need?

If that sentence felt like a whirlwind to you, rest assured that you are not alone. Many business owners like yourself have found themselves on the front half of an uncertain journey like this one with no discernible map in sight.

Instead of going it alone, allow us to help you build a key that anyone in your organization can pick up, easily understand, and use to navigate their way through the managed IT services landscape. Save these terms, share them with your team, and keep them in your proverbial back pocket.

10 Managed IT Terms You Should Keep on Deck

Managed Services Provider (MSP) — An information technology company that provides comprehensive plans that offer consistent, reliable coverage for those aspects of technology that are most critical to your business’s success. These include, but are not limited to, emergency support, technology consulting, network monitoring, and more.

Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) — An organization that provides protection services for all of your virtual and physical assets and infrastructure. Services can include adaptive security hardware installation, risk assessment, cybersecurity awareness training, and more.

Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) — The process of protecting your data from unexpected loss with regularly scheduled backups, remote storage, and zero-downtime recovery plans.

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) — An umbrella term referring to services designed to enhance your business processes and communications. An example of UCaaS would be the integration of phone, video, meetings, and messaging into one reliable, easy-to-use solution.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training — Comprehensive, up-to-date, hands-on training and resources that help you and your team identify dangerous web content, emails, and security risks. Cybersecurity awareness training keeps you informed of the latest cybersecurity threats so that you can protect your business and enable your employees to become human firewalls.

Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) — A new approach to network connectivity that lowers operational costs and improves resource usage for multi-site organizations.

Internet of Things (IoT) — A term that describes the network of interconnected, chip-enabled devices capable of connecting to one another to exchange information, reduce operational costs, and increase efficiency.

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) — A type of software that enables MSPs and MSSPs to manage customer infrastructure without working on-site.

Regulatory Compliance — If your business is required to comply with certain government rules and regulations, regulatory compliance is the process by which an MSP like Blue Layer ensures that all angles are covered and that your business operates in a way that falls within the established lanes.

Blue Layer — An MSP Cyber Verify program-certified and industry-recognized leader in “right-sized” managed IT services that specializes in managed services, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and other mission-critical aspects of the managed IT landscape.

That’s far from everything, but these terms are a great place to start. Now that you feel more confident heading into the cyber-unknown, get in touch with Blue Layer today for help integrating what you think is best for your business and its managed IT needs.

Click here to contact us today, and let’s work on protecting your business the “right-sized” way—together.

2021 was yet another busy year for the cybersecurity industry and the world in general. The pandemic has continued to run rampant on organizations across the globe with the emergence of the omicron variant; phishing has risen quarter over quarter, targeting most organizations in some capacity; and cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and vigilant with each passing trend.

Looking back and learning from the past is the best way to determine what we can expect for cybersecurity in the future. Here are some of the most important takeaways from this past year to make you aware of what you can expect for your cybersecurity in 2022. We’ve also included some helpful tips for the best way to move forward in the new year with confidence.

1. Phishing is on the rise.

And it’s not a trend that’s expected to subside any time soon. In July of 2021 alone, the Anti-Phishing Work Group reported that over 260,000 unique phishing attacks were attempted. In that same report, it was found that the number of brands attacked peaked at 715 in September. We must continue adapting since scammers will continue finding ways around the defenses we build. It’s important to remember that phishing and other types of similar attacks require an ongoing fight.

2. Over 90% of attacks involve some form of social engineering.

The most popular way that scammers obtain the information they’re looking for is by taking advantage of emotions that make us human, with sympathy and fear being two of the most commonly seen.

With most cyberattacks featuring some form of social engineering, the messages they include are getting increasingly convincing, both in their wording and in their presentation. Always be on your guard and always be wary of suspicious-looking and/or suspicious-sounding emails.

3. Scammers are still taking advantage of the pandemic.

As new COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, it’s safe to assume that scammers are still working on ways to manipulate the fears surrounding them. Phishing emails preying on vaccine hysteria, WFH teams, and the large sums of money moved around during mergers and acquisitions are just a few examples we’ve discussed of how scammers are getting what they want out of the pandemic.

4. Cybercrimes are becoming more and more sophisticated and in tune with current popular topics.

This is a trend that has persisted year after year. 2021 was no different, and neither should 2022. Adapting to hot trends and becoming more technologically proficient are just two examples of how the people behind these malicious attacks are working hard to stay ahead of the curve.

Tips For Handling Cybersecurity in 2022 With Confidence

1. Deploy stronger cybersecurity technology.

Are your software and hardware defenses up to date and equipped with what’s needed to defend your information? Consider adding Extended Detection and Response capabilities to better protect your business.

2. Brush up on your training.

By the time you read this, it’s likely that things have changed once again, even if only marginally. Onboarding training modules aren’t enough—real deal cybersecurity in 2022 requires regular, industry-leading training from an MSP that knows the risks.

3. Stay in the know.

The internet is a fantastic place for all things cybersecurity, including tips, trends, industry news, and more. Blue Layer and KnowBe4 are great places to start if you haven’t subscribed yet.

4. Work with an award-winning managed services provider.

Saying that we deploy right-sized solutions doesn’t imply a one-size-fits-all blanket service. Instead of pulling a cybersecurity solution off of a shelf, we consider your unique technology challenges, dig deep into their source, and take the time necessary to identify which of our service lines best addresses them.Tackling cybersecurity in 2022 is going to take an approach that can keep up with how often it changes and solutions that are scalable. Click here for help protecting your business against cybercrime this upcoming new year and beyond.

“Most businesses love to see charts moving up and to the right when the topic is number of customers, revenue, or profit. But when it comes to phishing attacks, seeing a hockey stick on a chart is VERY bad news,” said KnowBe4 in their most recent report on phishing in Q3 of 2021.

According to the data that they’ve found, the frequency and success of phishing attacks have risen in “nearly every way possible,” signaling a persistent trend to which both 2020 and 2021 were no stranger. So, as we move closer to the new year, we can’t help but ask the question, “Why should 2022 be any different?”

That worry is exactly what we’re addressing today. How? By recapping the best ways that Blue Layer can help your business and your employees prepare for the worst while hoping for the best in the face of phishing and other threats in 2022.

Cybersecurity

The most efficient way to handle threats to your cybersecurity? Prevent them from ever occurring in the first place. Blue Layer specializes in providing our clients with a curated suite of software and monitoring tools that protect your system from ransomware, malware, spyware, and different forms of phishing. These tools include

• Real-time extended detection and response to these threats
• Heightened security measures like two-factor authentication and monthly vulnerability scanning and remediation
• “Smart” firewalls with cloud-based threat updates and patching

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Above industry-standard education is far more than your run-of-the-mill training modules. Cybersecurity awareness training from Blue Layer is there to stand up against cybercrime actors when the technology meant to thwart them simply isn’t enough.

You hired your team in the first place for their intuition and knack for giving your business their very best. So, when it comes to equipping them to fortify your most sensitive information, why give them anything less than the very best weapons? We keep people trained on the latest cybersecurity threats and how to use that knowledge to protect your business and enable your employees to become living, breathing cybersecurity virtuosos.

Assuming that your business is protected without including awareness training in its formula is like saying a puzzle is complete when half of the pieces are still in the box. Blue Layer completes your cybersecurity puzzle with affordable, customizable solutions that fit perfectly.

Disaster Recovery

Remember to hope for the best, but always prepare for the worst when it comes to cybersecurity. It’s not impossible for scammers to make their way past defenses, even with industry-leading technology and training on your side. But with a proper plan for bouncing back in place, panic isn’t necessary if things go south on you.

Disaster recovery plans save headaches, time, money, effort, worry, stress, loss, and anything else that you could imagine accompanying the hassle of getting back up and running following a compromise.

Regulatory Compliance

Now that you feel confident taking on cybercriminals in 2022, are you ready to answer to the laws and regulations that apply to your business? Cybersecurity isn’t the only thing that Blue Layer specializes in. We can also make sure that your compliance ducks are in a row, which we’re sure you’re aware can be easier said than done.

We too must adhere to numerous compliance requirements. And since we support businesses that maintain protected health information, we also must maintain HIPAA compliance, among others. We have taken this firsthand experience and expanded our technology service offering to include HIPAA and PCI DSS compliance for our clients.

No More Surprises in 2022

Unwelcome ones, anyway. Over the last two years, we’ve all learned that life is unpredictable, if nothing else. And if that unpredictable difficulty has taught us anything else, it’s that doing whatever’s in your power to plan ahead can save you an unlimited amount of stress in the future.

At Blue Layer, we want you to feel as supported and prepared as possible to charge headfirst into the new year with confidence and assurance that you have the industry’s best partner at your side.

Click here for help protecting your business against threats new and old in 2022.

Big business. Small business. New business. Old business. Today’s business landscape is as diverse as it’s ever been. So you can be sure that the enterprise technology solutions required to meet all of their needs are diverse, too. And while our services may vary greatly, they all share one common goal: to ensure that businesses like yours operate efficiently and securely with right-sized IT products and services.

Enterprise mobility & internet of things (IoT) solutions are no different. The newest addition to our service line, enterprise mobility & IoT, meets the growing demand for reliable mobile communications with solutions that can meet the challenges involved with deployment, management, security, scalability, and adaptability on an enterprise level.

They’re 100% scalable for a growing organization.

They’re 100% logistically sound and headache-free.

They’re 100% free of connectivity and security issues that plague so many teams with downtime and lost revenue.

When you partner with Blue Layer to transform the way that your business communicates with the rest of the world, you get a full suite of world-class services that include:

Grow, expand, and communicate with the rest of the world with technology and products that seamlessly communicate with each other and support your goals, not impede them.

Click here to learn more about how Blue Layer can help your business become safer, more efficient, and more connected in 2022.

Every year, the holiday season proves to be the busiest couple of months for essentially everyone, even for cybercriminals and their online shopping scams.

In fact, we could say “especially for cybercriminals.”

Thanks to online shopping trends, an annual spike in online activity between November and December presents a field day during which scammers can do their thing. That’s a habit that’s only likely to stick around (and/or increase) as more people opt out of fighting crowds in favor of one-tap couch couponing.

So, before you fire up your preferred browser, open up all those tabs, and cash in on all those great deals, take note of these online shopping scams that you should be on the lookout for.

Fake Sites

Phony websites that are built to mimic big, well-known brands are a common sight around Christmas time. On these fraudulent websites, you’ll find low prices, unrealistic promises, and unbelievable deals that are often too good to be true.

As it turns out, it’s because they are.

Instead of big savings, you’ll find yourself in big trouble when you fall for this deceptive front for malware, phishing, and other malicious cyberattacks. The best way to tell whether or not you’re on a fake page or the real thing? Fake ones are typically riddled with popup ads, misspelled words and links, sloppy design, and unusual, overreaching information requests.

Phishing

Deal-related promotion emails are a common sight for anyone with an email address in 2021, especially around the holidays. This clutter of messaging presents the perfect opportunity for scammers to sneak their way into your inbox. Scam filters don’t always catch them, though, so the need to be extra vigilant when it comes to which emails you open and read is extra crucial. Red flags for holiday sale-related phishing emails include:

• An unknown sender.
• False coupons.
• Flash sales that seem too good to be true (again, they are).
• Sloppy brand impersonation attempts.
• Suspicious update text messages that you didn’t request.

Fake Digital Ads

Pop-ups. We’ve all seen them, and they’re still around today. While some of them are trustworthy, many of the ones you see while shopping for everything on your wish lists are bound to include what you’ll find on a fake site that’s likely hiding behind the link on them. Remember: anything that features an unrealistic price, misspelled links or words, or suspicious branding/design should be avoided.

Online shopping should be convenient without putting you at risk of your financial info being stolen. Taking advantage of something popular and in-demand during a high-traffic time of year is classic cybercriminal behavior, and these online shopping scams are shining examples.

Do you want some help training your team on how to better recognize behavior like this during the holidays and beyond?

A scammer’s job is never done, and neither is ours. Contact us today for help protecting your business.

This year’s theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on how to #BeCyberSmart. It’s a month that’s all about promoting a safer and more vigorous cybersecurity culture through awareness, education, and most importantly, best practices that you can put into place today. More simply put, it’s all about practicing safety. And you know that’s what we’re all about, too. Because while technology is a sophisticated defense mechanism, it alone is not sufficient.

Do we expect everyone to become an expert overnight? Of course not.

But do we think that everyone has their own part to do day-in and day-out? Absolutely.

Define and communicate #BeCyberSmart best practices.

Having clearly written, easy-to-understand guidelines for using technology safely isn’t negotiable—it’s paramount.

Establish a culture of careful cyber behavior.

Once you have best practices in place, consider them an extension of the very pillars that define your organization, its brand, and the people that make it what it is. When caution becomes as integrated into your company culture as your values, cybersecurity awareness will become as second nature as checking your email.

Practice what you preach and lead by example.

Cybercriminals can target any employee at any level of a business, from entry-level to c-suite executive. That means that your cybersecurity protocols aren’t just for your employees—they’re for you, too! No one (no matter how sophisticated your technology might be) is invulnerable. And remember: cybersecurity awareness is an ongoing effort, not a one-time exercise.

Don’t have best practices in place? Now’s the time to #BeCyberSmart.

What better time to invest in your employees’ safety than Cybersecurity Awareness Month? Cybersecurity Awareness Training encompasses all that this month-long celebration is about: cybersecurity know-how, conscious awareness of and attention to mission-critical details, familiarity with current trends and threats, and of course, the most practical ways to implement all of it.

So, how do you enable your employees to #BeCyberSmart? It takes more than technology. It takes education of the highest degree, constant vigilance, and industry-recognized support and experience.

Click here to launch your business into its safest chapter yet, where everyone on your team knows exactly what it means to #BeCyberSmart.

It’s October, which means that (in addition to that cooler fall breeze) it’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month was created in October 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a “collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.” [National Security Alliance]

In its 17 years as an annual celebration for all things cybersecurity, this initiative has done just as cybersecurity awareness itself has: evolved. What started as a friendly “update your antivirus software” reminder has grown into a month-long call-to-action for every business to re-evaluate its cybersecurity protocols.

Cybersecurity awareness is our bread and butter. And with a 2021 theme like “#BeCyberSmart,” you can count on us to help you stay on top of the latest tips and trends:

The cold hard truth? Anyone can be phished. And unfortunately for those of us on the front lines of cybersecurity, it’s more likely that more people will be targeted in the coming years than not. However, what you do in advance can determine whether or not you make it out of the crosshairs with your defenses intact.

The best possible thing to do right out of the gate is to train ALL team members to lead by example. How? By practicing organization security every time they interact with technology, which they can only accomplish with Cybersecurity Awareness Training from Blue Layer. And, what better time to get started than during Cybersecurity Awareness Month? It’s what this time of year is all about, and we’re proud to be one of the industry’s leading examples of training done right.

So, plan ahead, give your employees the tools they need, and let us show you in real-time what it means to #BeCyberSmart.

Email scanners are an important piece of technology used to automatically detect and reroute potential threats (like a phishing attack) that attempt to infiltrate your inbox from unknown and/or suspicious sources. If you’ve ever had to “check your spam folder or quarantine” after a trusted source has sent you a message, that’s an example of an email scanner doing its job… and doing it well!

But as always, cybercriminals are always working to stay one step ahead of the measures put between them and their goal. Your trusted email scanners are no different.

You don’t want to fall victim to a phishing attack that looks like it belongs with the other meeting invites, newsletters, and company updates in your inbox. So, if a cybercriminal does end up making it past your email’s security protocols, here are a few things to be wary of.

• Cybercriminals might replace words commonly found in phishing emails (such as “invoice”) with synonyms to bypass filters that are set to be on the lookout for those keywords.

• A dark web tool, “Email Appender,” gives any cybercriminal with a set of compromised email account credentials the ability to place a malicious email directly into the inbox of that victim’s mailbox, bypassing any mail scanners, virtual sandboxes, and other security solutions.
• Brand exploitation is a method most phishing attacks use to weasel their way into an unsuspecting person’s email account. By posing as a trusted business or financial institution, cybercriminals can deceive email scanners into giving access to an email that looks just like the ones they get every day from the real source. Read more about this type of phishing here.
• Sometimes, a cybercriminal might even put the recipient’s email address in the subject line of the phishing attack.
• Vendor email compromise (VEC) and business email compromise (BEC) are also ways cybercriminals have attempted to sidestep email security. Much like brand exploitation, a phishing attack like this is meant to look like they’re coming from people that you trust, whether they be internal employees or authorized, frequently-interacted-with vendors. This Blue Layer blog digs deeper.

Simply put, a phishing attack is designed simply to trick. And sometimes, even the sophisticated technology designed to resist these tricks falls for them, too. And when the technology fails, it’s on the user to ensure that the cybercriminal’s last intended step is not followed through.The only way to guarantee that involves a combination of the most effective cybersecurity technology and modern cybersecurity awareness training for those who interact with it. We can help with both. Click here to learn how Blue Layer can protect your business and your employees.

You don’t have to look far to see that interest in bitcoin is on the rise and in the news more and more every day. All this talk of “wallets,” “meme coins,” and “mining” is sure to have caught your attention at one point or another, leading you to wonder whether or not it’s worth a second look.

Of all the cryptocurrencies being talked about today, Bitcoin (BTC) is the one you’ve likely heard the most about, thanks to its accessibility and the groundbreaking headlines it’s made in recent months. Unfortunately, the hype surrounding it has also caught the attention of cybercriminals, and they haven’t hesitated to capitalize on it—even for a moment.

Since cryptocurrency is still considered to be in its infancy stages, there’s a lot of mystery and misinformation surrounding the growth of this decentralized asset. This can make it difficult for newcomers to discern fact from fiction on something that can already be a challenge to understand, so we’re here to help you clear the air and make only the smartest and safest decisions regarding where your money goes.

While BTC is something worth looking into, it’s not something worth ditching your cybersecurity due diligence for. Here are some common phishing attacks to look out for while adding to your new crypto wallet.

Suspicious Log-In Emails

This is a classic phishing strategy that uses a fake email alerting users of a suspicious sign-in attempt to their wallet. Emails like these will appear to be from reputable Bitcoin-related websites and ask for users to click on a malicious link that will prompt them to enter their private login information. Once this information is provided, the cybercriminals on the other end will have access to the user’s account, giving them the ability to empty their wallet.

Phishing campaigns like these are known for using popular social engineering tactics to make their attempts look as legitimate as possible, and it’s working. One report found that the click-through rates on Bitcoin phishing emails are higher than that of other phishing scams.

Sextortion Emails

Instead of asking for login credentials, BTC sextortion emails claim to have evidence of a users’ browsing history to blackmail them into providing payment in the form of Bitcoin wallet deposits. Beware: sometimes, these cybercriminals do research on their intended victims to increase their chances of eliciting the response they want. Don’t fall for this common social engineering tactic!

Google Docs Scams

This is another scam that exploits the Google Doc functionality that many of us know and use every day to trick BTC miners into giving up thousands of dollars worth of crypto. First, users receive an email notifying them that they have been mentioned in a Google Doc by a familiar party informing them that hard-to-come-by mining equipment has become available for a limited time. Then, after the provided link is clicked, they are led to a very convincing website that offers rare equipment in exchange for Bitcoin. Of course, this page is fake, and once payment is processed, funds are lost.While this particular incident targeted miners and not the everyday investor, it should still be noted that scams like these exist and are becoming increasingly convincing. Click here for a more detailed look at how this scam works.

Outdated Bitcoin Wallet Software Exploitation

When a software update is released for any platform, it can often include important security measures that are put in place to thwart cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities that might have been identified in earlier versions. One scam like this found a user supplying their login credentials to a malicious source to the tune of roughly $16 million.

The lesson? Always be wary of credential requests and always use the most up-to-date software.

As cryptocurrency continues to grow, we can only expect attempted attacks on investors to do the same. Always stay on your guard and practice smart cybersecurity habits whenever interacting with technology, especially when it comes to something that you may be new to and especially when it involves your hard-earned money.

Do you have questions about what smart cybersecurity habits look like? Just looking for some help making sense of it all? Click here to learn how Blue Layer can protect your business and your employees.

Does your organization use Google Docs to accomplish work? Do you frequently send and receive documents to and from people outside of your organization? If you answered “yes,” then you might be at risk for another new phishing scam that exploits another familiar tool that your team is accustomed to working with every single day.

Recently, cybercriminals have been producing malicious phishing websites that look identical to the Google login page that we’re all very familiar with and hiding them behind false, yet convincing, invitation emails and landing pages.

Here’s how it works.

First, a person might receive an email from what they believe to be a trusted source directing them to a Google Docs link that looks like the ones you’ve received countless times before.

After clicking the link, they are directed to a custom HTML page that looks like another familiar Google Docs share page. That page will lead the person to “Click here to download the document” to which they think they are receiving access.

Once that second link is clicked, they will be directed to a login page that has been made to look like the Google login portal. However, it’s here that they will find the actual malicious site where their credentials are to be compromised.

Get a more in-depth look at these types of attacks and how they are created here: Attackers Take Advantage of New Google Docs Exploit

This is another prime example of how phishing targets users by exploiting their trust in a source that would otherwise be trustworthy. Attacks like these prove all tools (even the ones that you think are the most secure) can be made a target and that we should always assume cybercriminals can compromise anything in the absence of our constant vigilance.

Do you want to make your team’s vigilant ability to recognize bad content razor-sharp? Add awareness training to your cybersecurity mix, and you’ve got a team that can’t be fooled, no matter how convincing the phishing attacks that they encounter might be.

Click here to learn how Blue Layer can help protect your business from these and other cyber threats.

Inc. Magazine has revealed that Blue Layer is No. 3571 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.

“Every year, the Inc. 5000 gives the world a rigorously-vetted glimpse into what it takes to rank among our country’s fastest-growing private businesses,” said Michael Strong, Blue Layer COO. “Inclusion on this year’s version of the Inc. 5000 proves another level of resilience, and we are proud that our success with our clients has allowed a position on it once again.”

This year’s list proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges. Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared 543%, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years. 

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found here.

For more information about Blue Layer and the industry-recognized, right-sized IT services that we can provide for you and your business, click here.

Methodology

Companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2017 to 2020. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2017. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2020. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2017 is $100,000; the minimum for 2020 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine company rankings were calculated to three decimal places.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Vision Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com or http://conference.inc.com/.

For the eighth consecutive year, Blue Layer has been selected as one of the technology industry’s top-performing providers of managed services by the editors of Channel Futures.

For the past 15 years, MSPs from around the globe have submitted applications to be included on this prestigious and definitive list. The Channel Futures MSP 501 survey examines organization performance based on annual sales, recurring revenue, profit margins, revenue mix, growth opportunities, innovation, technology solutions supported, and company and customer demographics.

Managed services providers that qualify for the list must pass a rigorous review conducted by the research team and editors of Channel Futures that rank applicants using a unique methodology that weighs financial performance according to longer-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue, and operational efficiency.

This year, Channel Futures has named Blue Layer #99 on the 2021 MSP 501, a 45-spot climb from the 2020 MSP 501 ranking, and our first appearance in the Top 100.

“Year after year, our unwavering commitment to quality of service and customer care have enabled us to continue climbing the MSP 501 rankings list,” said Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong. “And now, after moving up 45 spots from last year’s list, we could not be more proud to appear in the Top 100 for the very first time at #99. We’re honored to represent West Texas on this list and look forward to providing our award-winning services for new customers throughout the region and the state.”

Since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking into a vibrant group of innovators focused on high levels of customer satisfaction at small, medium, and large organizations in public and private sectors. Today, many of their services and technology offerings focus on growing customer needs in the areas of cloud, security, collaboration, and support of hybrid workforces.

This year’s list attracted a record number of applicants and was one of the most competitive in the survey’s history. Winners are being recognized on the Channel Futures website and will be honored at a special ceremony at the MSP Summit held on November 1st and 2nd in Las Vegas as part of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo.

“The 2021 Channel Futures MSP 501 winners are the highest-performing and most innovative IT providers in the industry today. They stand head and shoulders above the competition,” said Robert DeMarzo, vice president of content for the Channel Futures and Channel Partners Conference & Expo division of Informa Tech Channels. “Coordinated by Channel Futures MSP 501 editor Allison Francis, this year’s list was clearly one of the best ever on record.”

“Vendors that are aligned with the Channel Futures MSP 501 are driving a new wave of innovation in the industry. Through their partnerships they are demonstrating a commitment to moving the MSP and entire channel forward,” said Kelly Danziger, general manager of Informa Tech Channels. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 2021 winners and gratitude to the thousands of MSPs that have contributed to the continuing growth and success of the managed services sector.”

Click here to view the full 2021 MSP 501 list and click here to see Blue Layer’s award-winning line of managed services at work for you.

Background

The 2021 MSP 501 list is based on confidential data collected and analyzed by the Channel Futures editorial and research teams. Data was collected online from March 1st – May 24th, 2021. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, profit margin, and other factors.

About Blue Layer

For 19 years, Blue Layer has been using superior customer service and a fair pricing model to provide West Texas companies with comprehensive, “Right-Sized” IT solutions designed specifically to meet their needs. We specialize in addressing the many, ever-changing landscapes of technology, including managed services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, networking, and monitoring.

About Channel Futures

Channel Futures is a media and events platform serving companies in the IT channel industry with insights, industry analysis, peer engagement, business information, and in-person events. They are a part of Informa tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. Every year, they welcome 7,400+ subscribers to their research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to their digital communities, 18,200+ students to their training programs, and 225,000 delegates to their events.

It never fails: just when you feel like you have a grasp on current cybercrime trends, hackers are already coming up with something new that you have to worry about protecting yourself from and educating your employees about. This week, we’re talking about vendor email compromise (VEC).

What is a vendor email compromise?

VEC is a type of business email compromise (BEC) that goes after a company’s critical supply line information instead of targeting the employees themselves, as we see with things like CEO fraud.

• First, VEC hackers will monitor a business’s transaction habits and use that data to pinpoint one specific vendor of theirs that would be most lucrative to scam.
• Second, they draft phony emails addressed to these vendors that look almost identical to the real thing.
• Then, they will use hacked email accounts to send requests for payment to their customers.
• Since these invoices are modeled after ones that go out to these customers all the time, vendors will often proceed to pay them, not realizing that they direct to the hacker’s bank accounts and not the legitimate source.

What is the result of a successful vendor email compromise?

Tremendous cost, according to KnowBe4. The average cost of a VEC attack? A whopping $183k! Not to mention compromised vendor information and business financial details.

Is your business at risk?

According to the same linked article from KnowBe4, the chances of getting hit during any given week have increased by over 80% between Q3 of 2020 and January of this year. That’s a giant leap in a small amount of time, meaning that your entire team should always be as vigilant as possible.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals will never stop working on new ways to make something appear to be what it is not. It doesn’t help when they are particularly good at their job, making it harder and harder to combat them day-to-day. Especially when their attacks start to look like an email you might receive on a normal workday!

So, if your business works with vendors that sound like they could be vulnerable to the attack that we’ve described, then you should pursue cybersecurity awareness training for all of your employees that work directly with financial transactions. It will help them understand the scams they’re up against and how to avoid falling into the traps set in front of them.

Click here to learn how Blue Layer can help protect your business today.

Try, for a moment, to remember a time before deepfakes—when technology had not yet allowed us some of the everyday conveniences that we enjoy today: when you could not order things and receive them the same day; when you could not have a face-to-face conversation with anyone, anywhere at the push of a button; and when verifying your identity in any other way than appearing in person was simply unfathomable.

Now, things are different.

Now, technology like video verification makes things like online banking (another phrase that meant nothing only 20 years ago) even more convenient, if you can believe it.

What is video verification?

Video verification is a technique used by businesses to verify the identity of customers attempting to access their account information, either with a video interview facilitated by the business itself or with customer-submitted photos or videos.

Sounds foolproof in theory, right? How could a cybercriminal possibly work around having to verify themselves in real-time on camera? Thanks to the evolution of deepfakes, it’s becoming more and more likely that they can… and will.

What are deepfakes?

In short, deepfakes are any media that is fabricated by AI or deep learning methods. More simply put, it’s a new and improved way for cybercriminals to trick their victims (businesses and individuals alike) into seeing what isn’t really there.

The most troubling form of media that the rise of deepfakes has manipulated is found in an example that indicates just how sophisticated this technology really can get: video deepfakes. According to KnowBe4, “Face swapping or puppeting is where the deepfake AI maps the face of the source images and generates a 3D face model based on the photos it is fed. The model maps out the features and then when fed a source video, it will map it over.”

See Deepfakes in Action: The Best (And Scariest) Examples Of AI-Enabled Deepfakes (Forbes)

What are the risks?

Recently, deepfakes have been used to spread hoaxes and other types of misinformation by recreating the likeness of popular opinion leaders and celebrities. Now, there’s a very real concern that they could be used to commit fraud in the form of duping the remote verification technology that helps to make our lives so convenient. This could result in sensitive information (such as bank account details, for example) being compromised without institutions even realizing that the customer whose identity they verified was not the customer at all.

It is important to note that this possibility is purely hypothetical, as no clear evidence has been found that indicates such incidents have occurred. Verifying the identity of a customer usually involves more than a single step. However, the FBI warns that it is only a matter of time before we start seeing these types of attacks emerge in the very near future.

So, if video verification deepfakes are inevitable, what can you do to counter them?

Blue Layer Protection and Training

Blue Layer lives on the frontlines of cyber defense, and we’re constantly on a vigilant lookout for innovation, both advantageous and malicious. We deploy the latest tools necessary for defending you, no matter how sophisticated the threats you’re facing might have become.

We make sure that those tools are put into the hands of those most qualified to deploy them by providing cybersecurity awareness training for your employees that updates as the industry does. Want to know what your employees need to know to look out for as deepfakes start to roll out into the world more frequently? The last thing we want is for you to be behind.

Click here to learn how Blue Layer can protect your business.

It might be difficult to remember a time before MFA when you didn’t have to receive a text or email code beyond a normal password to get access to your accounts. But once upon a time, logging in was as simple as 1.) identity 2.) password 3.) entry.

The evolution of technology has brought us many incredible things since those days. However, it’s also created a reality in which one-factor authentication can’t stand up to the threat that cybercrime poses.

Enter: multi-factor authentication, or MFA, for short.

What is MFA and how does it work?

Simply put, multi-factor authentication is a way that systems use multiple methods of making sure that you are who you say you are. Think of it as presenting two different forms of ID when filling out some type of application. This helps the organization confirm your identity by requiring you to supply something that only you know or possess.

• With something you know like a password or a PIN.
• With something physical like a USB token.
• With something physically unique to you, like your fingerprint or retina scan.
• Some combination of all three.

When you need more than one method, that’s multi-factor authentication.

Why is MFA important?

MFA is a way to enhance a company’s security by making it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to locked information. When a password is all that’s required, and that password is compromised, their entry is granted. When more than one unique credential is required, however, it becomes much more difficult for cybercriminals to sidestep the security measures in place.

One example that many might be familiar with is phone or email MFA. After correctly entering your password, you will be prompted to decide between a unique code to be sent to your phone number or email on file. If you are the sole owner of that phone number or email address, then only you can receive that unique code, creating a wall between your information and cybercriminals that is much harder to penetrate.

How can MFA be hacked?

In recent years, many large companies like Facebook, Google, and Twitter have adopted MFA, confirming its overall effectiveness. However, it is important to note that no MFA tool is totally and completely impenetrable.

A few different ways that hackers can penetrate multi-factor authentication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Social engineering attacks, such as email phishing
• Technical manipulation, such as SIM swaps, “man-in-the-middle” attacks, or “man-in-the-endpoint” attacks
• Theft of your fingerprints, passwords, and other physical keys
• A combination of all three

An unfortunate reality that we all must face is that creativity and ingenuity are not lost on cybercriminals. The fortunate reality is, however, that it’s not lost on us, either.

How can I utilize MFA to protect my business?

There are many different facets to cybersecurity and cybersecurity awareness training, and MFA is one of the most important. 

Click here to get in touch with our team if you are interested in learning more about multi-factor authentication and how to integrate it into your team’s cybersecurity awareness training.

Did you know that the average organization devotes over 20% of its IT budget solely to cybersecurity? That’s following a significant uptick in sophisticated and costly cyberattacks over the course of what has been a very busy year for cybercriminals, making a solid cybersecurity strategy just as (if not more) necessary than it was even a week or a month ago.

Of the organizations reported to have been affected in that data, 44% of them stated that they would be allocating a good portion of that IT budget to one area of cybersecurity that’s as imperative as the rest: cybersecurity awareness training. Here’s why.

Human error is usually one of the biggest gaps in cybersecurity best practices.

We’re all human, and we all make mistakes, so it’s unfair to expect every single user to flawlessly tip-toe their way through something as complex and as sophisticated as the cybercrime landscape. Cybersecurity awareness training is designed to educate you and your employees about dangerous web content, emails, and security risks and how to dodge making easy-to-avoid mistakes that could compromise your business’s safety.

Cyberattacks can cost you—big time.

Most cyberattacks aim to steal personal information and/or private company data, which are very high prices to pay for gaps in your cybersecurity infrastructure. However, in the case of modern ransomware, the cost of compromise is very, very literal. Investing in proven training now can save your company from having to spend big and lose efficiency to downtime later on.

Cybercrime is constantly evolving. So should you.

Unfortunately, what works today might not have worked yesterday and might not work tomorrow. The nature of cybercrime is an ever-changing one, and the best cybersecurity awareness training is one that accounts for that. Blue Layer training utilizes real examples and real scenarios to help your employees recognize and avoid malicious content, thus becoming an impenetrable human firewall.

Click here to learn more about cybersecurity awareness training, a key element in Blue Layer’s laser-sharp focus on your business’s security health.

As a reliable technology partner, it’s our job to help your business identify all types of attacks that pose a potential threat to you, your employees, and the information systems that you’ve been tasked to protect. Social engineering attacks are one of the most common types of threats that we regularly see and help businesses mitigate, and are at the core of nearly every cyber attack.

“Social engineering” is a term that you’ve probably heard at one time or another, but what does it mean? More importantly, how can you be sure that what you’re spotting is social engineering, and how can you make sure your business doesn’t become its next victim?

Let’s break it down.

What are social engineering attacks?

Simply put, social engineering attacks are a process by which cybercriminals (or “social engineers”) obtain control over some element of a computer system by manipulating, influencing, or deceiving its users.

How are they different?

Social engineering attacks target the individual user directly by taking advantage of a person’s inherently-human vulnerabilities. A person’s fear, trust, sympathy, greed, or indifference surrounding a subject all serve as perfect targets for a social engineer, especially when the subject in question is a particularly sensitive or timely one.

Some examples of a sensitive or timely subject that may be grounds for an attack include security compromise, fraud, COVID-19, or COVID-19 vaccine availability, just to name a few.

How can you spot them?

Here are some common examples of social engineering attacks.

• Phishing
• Spear Phishing
• CEO Fraud
• Ransomware
• Extortion
• Automation

Again, social engineering is designed to take advantage of what makes us human. The biggest red flags are elements of a potential attack that are clearly written or designed to fool someone or provoke an emotion. Here are some examples.

• Sender: Is an email or message you received from a suspicious sender? This could either be someone you’ve never met or a name intentionally made to look very close to someone you do.
• Subject: The subject line of a social engineering attack can also be an easy tell. Does the subject have anything to do with the contents of the message? If not, beware. Is the subject written in a language that provokes emotion? If so, proceed with caution.
• Hyperlinks: Malicious links are the most dangerous element of an attack. On the other end of an otherwise innocent-looking link might be malware. Hovering over the links in a message to see where they lead is usually a dead giveaway of whether or not it’s a fraud.
• Content: Is the main content of the message written in a very emotional way? Does it contain trigger words or include a call to action that invokes anxiety? Always beware of emotionally-charged and/or timely messages.

These are some of the most common ways to determine whether or not a message is legitimate. However, as social engineers become more and more clever, distinguishing malice from legitimate sources has become increasingly tricky, fooling even the most cautious users. So, if you’re supposed to be on the lookout for social engineering attacks but they’re continually changing shape, how can your business possibly stand a chance?

How can your business stand a chance against them?

Social engineering is not something to be taken lightly, and safeguarding against it must be a constant team effort. So, if you want to equip yourself with the knowledge that enables you to identify even the most clever attack attempts and place barriers between you and those that might signal those attacks, you need a partner like Blue Layer.

Blue Layer is a team of professionals that is familiar with every angle of strong cybersecurity, meaning we know what it takes to handle something like social engineering.

Click here to learn more about our cybersecurity services, cybersecurity awareness training, and how we can turn your users into human firewalls!

For the second consecutive year, CRN_®, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Blue Layer to its 2021 Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Pioneering 250 category. The list, released annually, recognizes the leading North American solution providers that have demonstrated innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services. These services help end users improve operational efficiencies and navigate the ongoing complexities of IT solutions while maximizing their return on IT investments. This is the third time Blue Layer has made the Pioneering 250 list after being recognized in 2018 and 2020. 

With cutting-edge approaches to delivering managed services, MSPs have become an integral part of the success of businesses worldwide. They help empower organizations to leverage complex technologies, keeping a strict focus on their core business without straining their budgets. CRN’s 2021 MSP 500 list identifies the market’s key managed services players who are setting themselves apart with best-of-breed solutions that provide the business outcomes customers need.

The MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and primarily focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on-premises and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services.

“Effective MSPs enable companies to focus on their core objectives while improving the quality and reliability of their cloud computing capabilities,” said Blaine Raddon, CEO of The Channel Company. “The solution providers on CRN’s 2021 MSP 500 list deserve recognition for their innovative and forward-thinking approaches to managed services, and the ability to optimize operational efficiencies and systems to maximize return on investments.”

“We’re honored that Blue Layer has been named to CRN’s MSP 500 list again this year, and to represent the best West Texas has to offer,” said Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong. “We’re passionate about providing custom, Right-Sized IT solutions to each of our clients with the most innovative and forward-thinking approach. I’m grateful for and proud of our team that provides this superior service each and every day.”

The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2021 issue of CRN and online at www.CRN.com/msp500.

About The Channel Company 

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelcompany.com

About Blue Layer

Blue Layer was founded in 2002 after years of experience in the computer and networking industry and learning how to best meet the unique needs of businesses. As the company evolved, it became a priority to propel the business and its clients forward with innovations in technology. With a focus on responsible and right-sized technology consulting, Blue Layer’s clients benefit from expertise in Managed Services, Cybersecurity, Disaster Recovery, Mobility, Unified Communications, and more.

Taking the path of least resistance when it comes to passwords is something we’re all guilty of. If they check all of the required boxes, are as uncomplicated as possible, and are memorable, then the chances are that’s what most of us are sticking with! But, will they pass the Weak Password Test? You can get results in as little as five minutes, and you might be surprised at how vulnerable your passwords are.

The fact is, passwords are the first layer of a business’s strong cyber defense, and getting too comfortable with easy ones can sometimes be to the detriment of that defense. Cyber attacks in 2021 will look like they never have before, and there are critical steps your team must take to have a chance at combating them. Strong passwords are the perfect place to start. 

Here’s how your business can get back to a strong password strategy in the new year.

Private?

A password is yours and yours only. Never share your passwords with anyone and keep them safe.

Eight characters or more?

The longer, the better!  A great hint is to use phrases for your passwords.

A combination of different characters?

The more complicated, the better, too. Strong passwords should be unpredictable and incorporate lowercase letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t worry about making them too complicated either — LastPass has your back.

Predictable?

When coming up with a new password or resetting existing ones, here are some things to avoid:

• Birthdays
• Meaningful names
• Important dates
• Common words found in the dictionary

Unique?

Every credential you use should have a unique password.  Too often, we reuse passwords across websites, applications, and workstations in the name of ease and efficiency.  Unfortunately, criminals capitalize on this to compromise you and your organization.  A password manager such as LastPass enables you to retain the ease and efficiency to login and simultaneously provides unique and complex passwords.

In theory, making a password easy to remember makes sense. But with a password manager in place to keep track of your sites and credentials, you have the freedom to make strong and unique passwords.  Think of a password manager in the same respect as your Contact app on your phone.  Every phone number is unique for all of your contacts, yet you do not have to remember every phone number for every contact.  Simply click on what you need and easily accomplish what you need to do. 

2020 came down on the cybersecurity community with an entirely new brand of attacks centered on the COVID-19 pandemic, giving us all an honest reminder of just how savvy cyber threats really can be.

So, if you’re worried about what your defenses look like in 2021, then it’s time to speak with an innovative leader like Blue Layer. We work with our clients to analyze their current cybersecurity situation and help them pinpoint areas to improve.Passwords are just a starting point! Click here to learn more about the services offered at Blue Layer.

Much in the same way that cybercriminals have targeted remote workers throughout this pandemic, they have also set their sights on other unsuspecting victims by various means. This time, the latest attacks have come in the form of malicious email campaigns concerning the newest coronavirus development: the COVID-19 vaccine.

You can always count on cybercriminals to take advantage of a situation, and this one (as sensitive and as serious as it is) is no different. Here’s how they’re doing it.

COVID-19 Vaccine Phishing Emails

Shortly after the news of an approved COVID-19 vaccine began to circulate, phishing campaigns designed to exploit the uncertainty surrounding and limited access to the vaccine began spreading to unsuspecting inboxes everywhere. These malicious email campaigns featured misleading subject lines that promised the recipient access to limited vaccines, only to expose them to dangerous malware and remote access trojans (RAT) once opened.

As malicious as this social engineering scheme is, it’s not totally unpredictable. “Malicious actors had a field day back in March and April as the coronavirus washed over countries around the world. It was and still is the perfect tool for social engineering scared, confused, and even downright paranoid end users into opening the door to your organization’s network,” said our friends at KnowBe4. “Put very simply, this is pretty much what we expected.”

So, now that these phishing campaigns have arrived, what can you do?

What to Look Out For

Based on what we’ve seen, these phishing campaigns have been designed to take advantage of some of the most common questions about the uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, including:

• “How soon will a vaccine be available to me?”
• “Will the vaccine be safe?”
• “How can I get the vaccine?”
• “When can I get it?”
• “How much will a COVID-19 vaccine cost?”
• “Should I take the vaccine?”

So, when it comes to protecting your information from these attacks, be wary of content that comes from suspicious email addresses that use highly emotive language to direct you to hyperlinks that contain misspelled domain names or unfamiliar sites.

This is a hot button issue that will inevitably develop and evolve over the coming months, so constant vigilance is a must on all fronts. Encourage your team to stay aware, use their best judgment and remember that if an email promises something too good to be true, then it most likely is!

How to Protect Your Team

It may be a new year, but 2020’s issues haven’t hesitated to follow us around the corner, making vigilance just as important now as it was when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Keeping your team up to speed on cybersecurity awareness and best practices has never been more critical, and now is the time to act.

Click here to contact our team and learn how to protect your employees from ever-changing COVID-19 scams.

If this year has taught us anything, it’s that everything can change on a dime. Technology and cybersecurity are no exception. Technology is constantly evolving in one way or another. In a world where “adapt and survive” is becoming more of a norm, your business must have the wherewithal to keep up.

So, if you’re asking yourself, “How can I make sure that my business doesn’t fall to the wayside of a trend that is expected to continue well into 2021?” then you’ve come to the right place. Here are some ways that your business can prepare for the future of technology in the coming new year.

Cybersecurity Awareness Training

Inevitably, with a new year, come new phishing and ransomware trends that businesses will need to avoid. If you’ve ever wondered how to give your employees the tools they need to expertly identify and prevent these types of threats, cybersecurity awareness training is the answer. It’s the single best way to keep your entire team educated and alert with the knowledge they need about the current and emerging cybersecurity landscape.

Train your team, listen to your team, and work together with them to make cybersecurity awareness a natural part of your culture. Setting up a cybersecurity awareness training with Blue Layer is a great place to start. 

Ensure Strong Cybersecurity Initiatives

Your people are protected, but what about your hardware? Strong lines of defense against powerful, ill-intentioned forces require proper security measures that defend your data from the likes of malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, and more. The threat landscape is evolving. Does your business have tools in place that are ready to defend it? If not, Managed Services from Blue Layer can help.

Protect Your Remote Employees

If current trends persist, one thing we expect to see in 2021 is a continued reliance on remote work. COVID-19 has made it open season for cybercriminals, so keeping your employees as protected as they are when they’re in the office is an important prep step. And, be sure you’re using a reliable and secure virtual meeting and Unified Communications software, like RingCentral. Empower your staff to conduct business calls and meet when they are away from the office in the same manner as when they are at their desk.

Have a Plan for Disaster Mitigation

At Blue Layer, we never like to imply that disaster will strike, but we always advocate for being prepared for the worst. If you don’t have a disaster recovery plan yet, you need one to protect your business. What better time to revisit your data loss disaster recovery plans than the beginning of a new year?

Make IT Partners That Can Help You Navigate the Future of Technology

Never before has there been a more experienced and trustworthy team that you can call your IT partners until now. Blue Layer combines a deep understanding of innovative IT solutions, up-to-date familiarity with the future of technology, and recognition of current trends to craft a personalized suite of IT solutions that fit your business’s one-of-a-kind situation and needs.

Do you have questions or concerns about the future and your business’s ability to keep up? Want to make sure that your entire team has what it takes to stay safe from maliciousness in 2021 while collaborating like never before? Click here, and let’s get started.

With phishing scams continuously evolving and becoming more and more clever, email remains the bad guys’ favorite tool to use when going after unsuspecting and unaware cyber victims. It’s an easy tool to protect with the right know-how, but even the slightest of slip-ups can turn an invaluable business tool into a costly vulnerability.

Here are some of the easiest ways to set your employees’ email security settings up for success in the upcoming new year and beyond.

Strong Passwords

First things first: strong, unique passwords are a must. The idea of a password may seem trivial, but in fact, prioritizing ease over function when it comes to them can be costly. Include a combination of numbers, symbols, capital letters and lowercase letters, and avoid including anything that is very closely related to you, including names of family members, friends, pets, etc. Once you have strong passwords, LastPass is the best option for protecting them. 

Two-Factor Authentication

Think of two-factor authentication as an added layer of protection that’s even more personal and more difficult to work around. The first factor is the strong password that only you keep. The second is a unique one-time code that can be sent to your mobile phone or email or one that is generated only on your phone.

Email Whitelists and Blacklists

Whitelists and blacklists give you the power to decide who’s in and who’s out when it comes to those allowed access to your inbox through email. These lists can be set based on domain, email address, or an IP address or IP range.

Data Backups

Losing email data to cybercriminals costs time and money, neither of which your business can afford to lose. Always opt for third-party backup, even when it comes to cloud collaboration platforms like Office 365.

Virus, Ransomware, and Phishing Scanning

An Intrusion Prevention and Intrusion Detection System (IPS/IDS) is a network security tool that detects threats and prevents them from penetrating your email network. An IPS/IDS continually monitors your network traffic and incorporates rulesets that are refreshed daily to ensure protection from the latest, ever-evolving vulnerabilities, including exploits, viruses, rootkits, and more. IPS/IDS updates are issued to customers via the cloud, eliminating the need for manual staging or patching.

Email Security Settings, Cybersecurity, and Cybersecurity Awareness Training with Trained Professionals

Blue Layer provides a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services for our clients that are designed to assess the state of their security, identify weaknesses and vulnerabilities within their systems, and implement the best possible solutions to curb those potential threats to their network.

One element of these services includes cybersecurity awareness training, which effectively works to turn employees into impenetrable human firewalls. So if you are unsure about the current state of your business’s email security settings or your team’s ability to mitigate potential threats, contact Blue Layer today. We can help your organization cultivate the type of cybersecurity-first culture that you will experience the benefit of in 2021.

Click here, and let’s get started together.

Cybercriminals’ Biggest Target: Working from Home

As a business owner who is continuously working to protect your most valuable information, you know firsthand just how important it is to prioritize effective cybersecurity. You also know how frequently the definition of what that looks like can change. And in a time when things seem to be changing at warp-speed on a day-to-day basis, that can be even harder to keep up with.

Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to take advantage of vulnerabilities. What bigger vulnerability than those created by COVID-19? Workforces everywhere have made a massive shift toward working from home in the face of this year’s pandemic, and cybercriminals have shifted focus to meet them there.

Read more: COVID-19 Cybersecurity Scams to Look Out For

So, what can you do to ensure that your remote employees are as safe on the couch as they are in the office?

It all starts with unified communications.

Unified communications allow multiple business communication channels to work together under a controlled platform for increased efficiency for all users. Get connected, stay connected, and collaborate safely with the power, scalability, and flexibility that comes with unified communications.

Backup your data.

Online productivity apps are essential for off-site collaboration, but they are not totally impervious to disaster. Third-party backup adds an extra layer to your remote cybersecurity.

Learn more about backing up your data here: Why You Should Back Up Your Office 365 Data

Fortify your connection.

Security measures like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) play an important role in bridging the home-to-office cybersecurity gap. Having a VPN establishes a secure connection directly to your office from wherever you set up shop. Exposed connections are a common vulnerability with most businesses, and VPNs make that gap air-tight.

Get familiar with new cybersecurity trends, and don’t forget what you’ve learned in the past.

This new switch toward a remote workforce model has made it more important than ever to pay close attention to online security trends and apply the cybersecurity awareness training you’ve had in the past. The villains who would threaten your security haven’t gone anywhere — they’re just wearing new masks. Blue Layer can give you all the tools you need to remove them.

Lean on a trusted IT partner for protection when working from home.

Cybersecurity moves fast, and it can be hard to keep up with an ever-changing landscape. Luckily for you, Blue Layer is on top of things. We help you stand firm against changing tides so that your employees and their information are protected, no matter where in the world they may be.

Identify gaps in your company’s cybersecurity strategy, educate your employees on the best cybersecurity practices, and make working from home as safe and secure as the office by clicking here.

Disaster Recovery Plans and Why Your Business Needs One

It’s fair to say that no business ever wants a disaster to occur or their information to be compromised. However, the last thing you should do is act as if you are completely immune to the possibility.

Accidents are not certain, but should your business find itself in the middle of one, it’s imperative that you have a plan to get yourself out. Why? Disasters (whether they’re natural or man-made) can strike at any time, and when it comes to the safety of your information, a proactive mindset is always better than a reactive one.

What’s at stake when you’re not proactive about disaster recovery plans? Why else should your business prioritize creating one or updating what’s currently in place?

Disaster can strike without warning at any time.

From inclement weather all the way to malicious man-made ransomware, cybersecurity disasters take many shapes and can occur with little to no notice. Disaster recovery plans have your back covered, making it impossible for even the most serious or most clever attacks to sneak up on you when you least expect it.

Compromised data can interrupt your business’s ability to operate.

How long it takes for your business to bounce back depends entirely on how prepared you are to mitigate disasters. With an intelligent disaster recovery plan, that could potentially end up being no time at all.

Disaster recovery plans cover all the bases and leave no holes in your cybersecurity defenses.

Well-planned disaster recovery initiatives ensure that all servers, computers, mobile devices, and third-party cloud solutions are backed up and secured. When all gaps are filled, only then can you be sure that you will maintain uninterrupted access to mission-critical data when disaster strikes.

A plan devised by Blue Layer will maximize the utilization of your disaster recovery resources.

We understand how important it is to make the most out of the resources that are available to you and your business. Therefore, Blue Layer remains at the forefront of disaster recovery advancements so that we may develop disaster recovery plans that reduce your backup storage requirements while maintaining your access to block-level, system-level, and duplication backups. Ransomware attacks occur every 14 seconds and are expected to increase even further to every 11 seconds in the new year. A feature like Object Locking with immutability (which makes data backups immutable for a specified period of time) is just one example of how our team continues to raise the bar for our clients, protecting them from an evolving risk and conserving their resources in the process.

Having a plan beforehand beats mitigating problems after the fact.

Again, proactivity > reactivity. Always. Getting your business back on track without a plan in place to do so wastes time, costs money, and puts your data directly in harm’s way. A disaster recovery plan is another critical piece of your business’s complete cybersecurity puzzle — a piece that we can make sure fits perfectly within yours.

Click here for help with assessing your current disaster recovery strategy and creating a plan that will protect your business from the most untimely and/or malicious disasters.

The Latest Phishing Attacks & How Businesses Fall for Them

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we’re taking a closer look at the latest phishing attacks and what leads businesses to fall for them.

Did you know that 90% of successful data breaches begin with phishing scams? Since the term as we know it was first used in the late 1990s, phishing has evolved into cybercriminals’ most tried and true methods of stealing sensitive information or data from unsuspecting users and their businesses. They are costly, they are constantly evolving into new shapes, and they aren’t going anywhere. Some of the most recent and most prevalent attempts at phishing that we’ve seen have included:

• Brand Exploitation Phishing: In this scam, phishers posed as trusted brands to scam users into giving them an open gateway through which they can penetrate sensitive information and install malware on their devices. In recent attacks surrounding panic created by the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers posed as the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.
• Healthcare Phishing: Phishers posed as trusted healthcare organizations and targeted healthcare provider credentials through fake surveys and seminars.
• CEO Fraud Phishing: This is similar to brand exploitation phishing, but this scam targets high-level executives of organizations, as opposed to those that they serve. One attack earlier this year was due to a compromised cloud-based business email.

While they may appear different at face value, most phishing schemes essentially work the same way and have the same goal: stealing information from your business.

So, if they’ve been around for years, we know so much about them, and there is so much available information surrounding cybersecurity, then why are the latest phishing attacks still posing concerning threats to businesses?

Some businesses fail to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity etiquette.

It’s easy to throw words like “cybersecurity” or “phishing” or “cybercriminals” around all day, but what do they actually mean for a business and its information? They can’t be that dangerous, right?

Wrong.

When employees are constantly bombarded with overstimulation of messages on a daily basis, it becomes all too easy for them to become detached from the grim reality that these types of threats pose. “Out of sight, out of mind” just doesn’t cut it when it comes to the latest phishing scams, and employees must be on guard at all times. How? With cybersecurity awareness training.

Some businesses fail to properly train employees on cybersecurity awareness.

Suppose an employee doesn’t know how to identify and avoid phishing scams. How can they be expected to stand on the front lines between their business and cybercriminals who are constantly changing the way they are trying to steal from it? Cybersecurity awareness training puts everyone on the same page and teaches them how to identify and avoid malicious content, even when it is indiscernible from the rest of the messages flooding their inboxes.

Some businesses fail to make cybersecurity awareness a natural part of their employees’ workday rhythms.

Cybersecurity awareness training isn’t something we can just shove into our minds’ metaphorical “junk” drawers once it’s complete. Cybersecurity awareness is the only way to combat the latest phishing attacks, and refining it should become as natural as opening your email in the morning.

Phishing attacks may be evolving and becoming more sophisticated, but that doesn’t mean your business has to fall for them. Contact Blue Layer today to learn how our cybersecurity awareness training can transform your employees into impenetrable human firewalls!

How to Protect Your Business From Ransomware

In the spirit of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we’re taking some time to remind you about one of the most malicious of all cyberattacks: ransomware.

Since its creation in 1989, ransomware has quickly evolved into one of the most dangerous cybersecurity threats to unsuspecting businesses, individuals, and their private information. In its over 30 years of development, it “has gone nuclear,” causing 41% of all cyber insurance claims in H1 2020 and contributing to projected damage costs of over $20 billion by next year. It’s sophisticated, it’s constantly evolving to counteract preventative measures put in place, and it’s not going anywhere. Here are a few ways to protect your business and its sensitive information from ever-changing ransomware threats.

Back Up Your Data

Without a data loss prevention plan in place, a business is never really impervious to attack. Ensure that your data is protected with regularly scheduled backups, offsite storage, and a plan to recover what could be lost.

Create and Protect Strong Passwords

Never underestimate the power of strong passwords. Powerful password protection can mean the difference between keeping your data out of the hands of cybercriminals and subjecting your business to downtime, data loss, possible intellectual property theft, and more. If passwords aren’t your strong suit, allow us to suggest a solution.

Educate Your Employees on Ransomware

Typically, an employee’s inability to effectively identify or navigate cybersecurity threats is what leads to information being taken hostage. With cybersecurity awareness training, employees can become more aware of malicious content, transform themselves into human firewalls, and confidently defend the front lines between your information and those that would seek to steal and compromise it.

As ransomware continues to evolve to overcome protection plans put in place, it’s becoming more imperative that you and your entire team know how to stay ahead of it. That’s precisely what cybersecurity awareness training with Blue Layer will teach you.

Click here to learn how our team can help protect yours from ransomware today.

Why LastPass is the Best Option for Password Management

A vital, often overlooked, layer of the “cybersecurity onion” is strong password protection. Think of passwords like saved numbers in your phone — as each one is unique to their respective person, as should each password be to their separate app, website, etc. The strongest passwords contain a combination of unmemorable and unreplicable letters, numbers, and special characters.

So, what happens when those passwords become so many and so complicated that even you have a hard time keeping track of what’s what?

LastPass Password Management

Blue Layer is an enterprise partner with LastPass, the premier leader in password management that offers personal and business applications for creating, storing, and managing your passwords.

The LastPass business platform provides a management portal for IT teams and designated admins to securely share and disseminate the company’s access credentials to staff during their employment, as well as after to immediately disable a user’s account to protect company data. Other features include:

• Single Sign-On: Utilize a built-in portal with over 1,200 pre-integrated applications.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Add another layer of security that is compatible with two-factor authentication.
• Password Management: Utilize a complete password manager for capturing, storing, filling, and generating passwords with a robust admin dashboard and a vault for every user.
• Tool Vault: Every employee has their own secure vault for access to all of their work tools.
• Notes & Documents: Organize database logins, SSH keys, software licenses, and other critical business information.
• Work & Personal Applications: Employees can have a vault for personal and work, and auto-sort credentials to the right place.
• Encrypted Password Sharing: Help employees share passwords the secure way, and remove access when projects are done.
• Security: Encryption happens exclusively at the device level, so only the user can unlock access to their data.
• Reporting: Generate advanced reports for new users, user activity, policy setting changes, access requests, security reports, and shared folder reports.

We recommend that all customers, both large and small, adopt LastPass to eliminate bad password habits by creating secure and unique logins for every account to improve online security. LastPass offers Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, FireFox, and Apple Safari integration through a browser extension to help users generate secure logins and passwords.  Lastpass also has a free mobile application for logging in and connecting safely on the go. Do you feel like your business’s password management processes are outdated, inefficient, or both? Professional and personalized help with adopting LastPass is only a click away. Talk to our team today!

Why You Should Back Up Your Office 365 Data

The ease, accessibility, and convenience of productivity apps like Office 365 just make sense in today’s workforce. With the ability to draft documents, save them to the cloud, and access the same information anywhere, businesses can collaborate and accomplish work under even the most volatile circumstances.

However, innovation does not equate with imperviousness. Many believe that saving Office 365 data to the cloud is the same thing as automatically backing up and adding another layer of security to their information.

It’s not.

Why Back Up Office 365 Data?

Office 365 is an incredibly intuitive tool, but unfortunately, it does not guarantee that data will never be lost or that lost data can be recovered. Losing data means losing time, losing revenue, and potentially harming otherwise healthy customer relationships. Here are some potential shortcomings that could lead to Office 365 data compromise.

Accidental Deletion

Mistakes happen and are to be expected from time to time. And even those that are the best at regularly saving their progress can slip up and accidentally delete or accidentally overwrite data. OneDrive is a great way to automatically save the most up-to-date version of any given file, but that doesn’t mean it’s a perfect backup, as the deletion of an active file can automatically erase all versions of that file across devices.

File restoration from the Recycle Bin can sometimes be a good failsafe, but only if noticed in a timely manner, as these restorable files are only available temporarily. And if those files found in the Recycle Bin are deleted, they are rendered permanently unretrievable.

Malicious Deletion

On the other hand, some deletion isn’t necessarily accidental. Malicious deletion of Office 365 data can be caused by disgruntled employees, parting administrators, or outside threats. The results can be just as bad (if not, worse), thus providing another reason that the “better-safe-than-sorry” approach is essential here.

Malware

Sophisticated security software ensures that your cloud data is kept as safe as possible, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t subject to malware if employees are not adequately trained on avoiding it. If OneDrive is turned on when malware is downloaded, that infection can spread to shared files, putting your entire cloud database at risk of being lost and/or unrecoverable.

Making a Plan

Like almost all cybersecurity initiatives, protecting your Office 365 data begins with education and training. Together with your team, create and enforce specific safety guidelines on the proper usage of the internet and productivity applications like these. With a prepared team and antivirus software on your side, only then can you rest assured that your data is protected from compromise — both accidental and intentional. Native Office 365 features are good, but third party intervention is the safest way to ensure proper backup. Blue Layer can analyze your business’s current cybersecurity situation, identify gaps, and work with you and your team to develop a plan to close them. Contact us today to get started.

Blue Layer Ranks Among World’s Most Elite 501 Managed Service Providers for 7th Consecutive Year

For the seventh year in a row, Blue Layer has been named one of the world’s premier managed service providers on the prestigious 2020 annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings at #144. Blue Layer is the only MSP provider in the West Texas area to consistently appear on the list.

MSPs from around the globe completed an exhaustive survey and application this spring to self-report product offerings, annual total and recurring revenues, profits, revenue mix, growth opportunities, and company and customer demographic information. Applicants are ranked on a unique methodology that weights revenue figures according to long-term health and viability, commitment to recurring revenue, and operational efficiency.

“We’re incredibly proud to have ranked on the MSP 501 for the seventh year in a row,” said Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong. “Our quality of service and dedication to customer care has helped us achieve the MSP 501’s increasingly strict ranking metrics year after year, including jumping from #327 in 2019 to #144 this year. We’re honored to represent West Texas as the only provider with this consistent recognition and look forward to continuing to provide our superior services throughout the region and all across Texas.”

In the 13 years since its inception, the MSP 501 has evolved from a competitive ranking list into a vibrant group of service providers, vendors, distributors, consultants, and industry analysts working together to define the growing managed service opportunity. This year’s applicant pool grew for the third year in a row, making 2020 the most competitive list to date.

“These benchmarks are what local businesses should examine when choosing a managed service provider with the experience, skill set, business knowledge and defined strategy to help them succeed in this fast-changing digital landscape,” says Kris Blackmon, Senior Content Director, Channel Partners and Channel Futures. “In all of the managed service providers that Texas has to offer, Blue Layer stands as a shining example of excellence.”

The data collected by the annual MSP 501 program drives Channel Partners’ and Channel Futures’ market intelligence insights, creating robust data sets and data-based trend reports that support our editorial coverage, event programming, community and networking strategies, and educational offerings. It serves as a lynchpin to dozens of programs and initiatives.

The complete 2020 MSP 501 list is available at Channel Futures. 

Click here to see Blue Layer’s award-winning line of managed services at work for you.

Background

The 2020 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected online from Mar. 1 through June 30, 2020. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics, including recurring revenue, profit margin, and other factors.

About Informa Tech

Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. We help drive the future by inspiring the Technology community to design, build, and run a better digital world through our market-leading research, media, training, and event brands. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs, and 225,000 delegates to our events.

About Blue Layer

For 18 years, Blue Layer has been using superior customer service and a fair pricing model to provide West Texas companies with comprehensive, “Right-Sized” IT solutions designed specifically to meet their needs. We specialize in addressing the many, ever-changing landscapes of technology, including managed services, cloud solutions, cybersecurity, networking, and monitoring.

Blue Layer Ranks Among Fastest-Growing Private Companies on 2020 Inc. 5000 List

Inc. magazine has revealed that Blue Layer is #3402 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses.

“The Inc. 5000 represents a comprehensive snapshot of growing ingenuity and innovation in America’s private business sector, and we could not be more proud to be a part of this year’s list,” said Michael Strong, Blue Layer COO. “We believe this recognition is a testament to the quality of products and services that we provide for our customers and what they can expect from us in the future.”

Not only have the companies on the 2020 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists as well. The 2020 Inc. 5000 achieved an incredible three-year average growth of over 500 percent, and a median rate of 165 percent, with Blue Layer’s three-year average resting at an impressive 110.49%. The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $209 billion in 2019, accounting for over 1 million jobs over the past three years.

Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000. The top 500 companies are also being featured in the September issue of Inc., available on newsstands August 12.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 come from nearly every realm of business,” says Inc. editor-in-chief Scott Omelianuk. “From health and software to media and hospitality, the 2020 list proves that no matter the sector, incredible growth is based on the foundations of tenacity and opportunism.”

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held virtually from October 23 to 27, 2020. As always, speakers will include some of the greatest innovators and business leaders of our generation.

For more information about Blue Layer and the right-sized IT services that we can provide for you and your business, click here.

Methodology

The 2020 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2016 and 2019. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2016. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2019. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2016 is $100,000; the minimum for 2019 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Inc. Media

The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc.

Blue Layer Service Spotlight: Smart Cameras

As a tool that has been protecting people and property for decades, security cameras are traditionally an integral piece of a successful business puzzle. And now, after years of progress and development, Blue Layer is bringing magic to the enterprise video security world with families of smart camera solutions for every application type.

Our products include a range of models for multipurpose deployments, but all of them share five distinct characteristics.

Cutting Edge Architecture

Layer cameras utilize advanced, mobile-grade processors, high-grade solid-state storage, and intelligent software that enable them to remove the need for a network video recorder (NVR) and the complexity that comes with it. This means that, even without a network connection, you can expect constant, reliable recording in up to 1080p high definition resolution.

Bandwidth Consciousness

Because of our smart cameras’ solid-state storage-based architecture, they can use WAN bandwidth only when needed. Less than 50kbps of metadata streams to the cloud per camera when footage is not being viewed, eliminating excessive WAN usage. This ensures that critical network activities are allowed the appropriate bandwidth when it’s most important.

Cloud Archive Capabilities

On top of their solid-state storage, Blue Layer smart cameras can also come equipped with backup cloud archive functionality. Their centralized cloud management dashboard provides secure monitoring and management of all of your cameras from anywhere in the world. The best part? No extra software is required.

Simplicity

What you want is what you get, and everything necessary comes in the box — no extra hardware, software, or analytics packages required.

Security

Cameras automatically allocate signed SSL certificates, and all management and video data is always encrypted by default. All hardware also comes with a three-year warranty!

So, if your business needs new security solutions that combine simplicity with cutting-edge capabilities, click here for help finding the products that are right for what you require!

What is Quality of Experience (QoE) and How Can Blue Layer Improve Yours?

At Blue Layer, our goal is to be your partner in technology service. And as your partner, it’s our job to provide the knowledge and know-how necessary to ensure that your quality of experience (QoE) is as good as it can possibly be.

What your QoE means for you

As we’re sure you’ll agree, technology can sometimes be more frustrating than it is helpful. Technology is supposed to help us, not hinder us — right? We certainly think so. That’s why we’ve made the experience that you have with our technology our highest priority.

Take a cloud service like Office 365, for example. It’s a great application for email and collaboration, but when an employee is having trouble staying connected, it can bring your productivity to a screeching halt. That’s where we come in. Blue Layer can implement software and other services to help diagnose issues related to the performance of a cloud application and how it impacts employees at the business. That includes remote workers!

How we measure your quality of experience

Our team utilizes an intuitive software that enables us to measure the performance analytics of the applications that your business is using. With access to these analytics, we can make informed decisions that will impact the performance of all of your most-used cloud apps, including Office 365, Zoom, Dropbox, and the like. If your preferred applications are not performing to your standards, we help you do something about it!

Why your QoE is important to us

The purpose of your technology is to help you, not hinder you. This is especially true in a business setting, where the applications that we employ are meant to help us maximize our efficiency and ability to do good work. If one piece of that puzzle doesn’t fit, it can bring the whole operation to a standstill, making for a pretty lackluster experience.

By monitoring your quality of experience across all applications, we are not only able to make them work more efficiently for you, but we’re also able to make improvements upon them that will eliminate future issues from arising and make every user’s experience even better than the last. That includes new employees and expanded remote teams. Is your company eager for a partner in technology that is continually focused on your QoE with the products that they provide? Click here, and let’s talk about what that might look like for you and your team.

Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong, Accepted Into Forbes Technology Council

Forbes Technology Council Is an Invitation-Only Community for World-Class CIOs, CTOs, and Technology Executives.

Blue Layer COO, Michael Strong, has been accepted into Forbes Technology Council, an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives.

Michael was vetted and selected by a review committee based on the depth and diversity of his experience. Criteria for acceptance include a track record of successfully impacting business growth metrics, as well as personal and professional achievements and honors. 

“We are honored to welcome Michael into the community,” said Scott Gerber, founder of Forbes Councils, the collective that includes Forbes Technology Council. “Our mission with Forbes Councils is to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world.”

As an accepted member of the Council, Michael has access to a variety of exclusive opportunities designed to help him reach peak professional influence. He will connect and collaborate with other respected local leaders in a private forum. Michael will also be invited to work with a professional editorial team to share his expert insights in original business articles on Forbes.com, and to contribute to published Q&A panels alongside other experts. 

Finally, Michael will benefit from exclusive access to vetted business service partners, membership-branded marketing collateral, and the high-touch support of the Forbes Councils member concierge team. 

Forbes Councils is a collective of invitation-only communities created in partnership with Forbes and the expert community builders who founded Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC). In Forbes Councils, exceptional business owners and leaders come together with the people and resources that can help them thrive.

For more information about Forbes Technology Council, visit forbestechcouncil.com.

COVID-19 Cybersecurity Scams to Look Out For

As long as vulnerabilities in technology exist, you can count on scammers to take full advantage of them and as one might expect, the coronavirus outbreak has been no exception. The arrival of COVID-19 has sent cybercriminals into overdrive, taking advantage of the unprecedented levels of stress, fear, and uncertainty that we have all experienced.

A big target for these COVID-19 cybersecurity scams? Remote workers.

Working from home has introduced many Americans to a new sense of detachment and vulnerability due to the mixing of work and social environments. These environments provide a perfect space in which cybercriminals can plot attacks on workers’ most important information.

If you ask us, the numbers speak for themselves. Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular COVID-19 cybersecurity scams that we’ve seen.

Brand Exploitation Phishing

In this scam, phishers pose as trusted brands to scam users into giving them an open gateway through which they can penetrate sensitive information and install malware on their devices. In this particular example, we see scammers posing as trusted agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

Healthcare Phishing

Unfortunately, even those on the front lines of the pandemic aren’t safe from the cybersecurity threats that COVID-19 has inspired. Scammers posing as trusted organizations like the CDC and the WHO have taken advantage of the chaos that the coronavirus has caused by phishing for healthcare credentials through the use of fake surveys and seminars. Some have even attempted to go after the agencies themselves.

Phone Scams

In addition to malware, scammers have also used convincing audio to scam vulnerable people into providing personal health or financial information. How do they do it? By “offering testing kits, scaring you into getting your air conditioning ducts cleaned, posing as charity organizations raising money, and even pretending to be from the World Health Organization!” say our partners at KnowBe4.

Stimulus Check Scams

Scammers also have attempted to target the primary source of relief for many Americans during the pandemic: the economic stimulus checks provided by the government. In another effort to take advantage of the urgency surrounding COVID-19, scammers have sent unsolicited fraudulent emails that require the receiver to enter personal information for the false promise of receiving their check.

Fear Tactics

Another way that scammers have attempted to attack innocent people is by sending phishing emails that exploit the fear that their sensitive information may have been compromised. Some emails suggest that the receiver may be infected with the virus and that they should click on a malicious link to receive further information. Others use compromising information to falsely hold users hostage until they comply with the scammer’s demands, which usually come in the form of payment.

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These are some of the most common COVID-19 cybersecurity scams that we have seen circulating and this trend is not a new one. As long as there is a crisis, you can expect cybercriminals to take full advantage of it to exploit the people that are most affected by it.

Thankfully, as long as threats exist, there is an effective way to ward them off. Cybersecurity awareness training helps your employees identify these types of threatening web content, giving them the tools they need to become your organization’s human firewall.

Click here to keep your business’s information safe from these and other potential threats that may arise.

Blue Layer Service Spotlight: Business Services

The way that businesses conduct work and handle information is different from one organization to the next so why should we assume that IT services that work perfectly for one will be the same for the other?

At Blue Layer, it’s up to us to provide you with the business services that will help you take the next step and raise the bar on your technology solutions. Here’s what this might look like.

Server Installation and Set-Up

Hardware can be a hassle. Instead of going solo, trust our technicians to handle it for you. We are certified to administer the setup and maintenance of your most valuable and essential pieces of equipment. Features of our server installation and set-up services include:

• Consulting
• Installation & Configuration
• Proactive Planning & Best Practices
• Virtualization
• Cost-Conscious Equipment and Optimation

Networking/SD-WAN

SD-WAN (software-defined WAN) is a fresh approach to network connectivity that minimizes network operational costs and improves resource utilization for multi-location businesses. Blue Layer can help you implement and monitor these networks, improving your wide area and local area network efficiency. These services include:

• Adaptive Security Hardware
• Two-Factor Authentication
• Intrusion Detection & Prevention

Unified Communications

Empower your business to communicate like never before by integrating phone, video, meetings, and messaging into one reliable, user-friendly solution. Unified communications allows multiple channels of business communication to work together under a controlled platform for increased efficiency. Features that fall under this category include:

• Seamless Connectivity for Multiple Locations
• Quick Set-Up
• BYOD Mobile App
• Call Recording
• Integrated Conference Calling

Click here to learn about the full scope of Blue Layer’s unified communications services.

Cloud Solutions

The cloud allows you new efficiencies, productivity, and connectivity throughout your entire organization. Features include cloud storage for your documents and enhanced email and document encryption, classification, and compliance.

Regulatory Compliance

Is your business responsible for protecting sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII), protected health information (PHI), or private financial details? Then there are regulations by which you must abide. Blue Layer’s compliance services ensure your company, processes, and staff are compliant with the multitude of government regulations, including PCI, HIPAA, and HITECH. Features include:

• Assessments
• Remediation
• Documentation
• Consultation
• Administrative, Operational and Technical Guidance

Click here for a full scope of the regulatory compliance solutions that business IT services include.

At the end of the day, businesses need a partner in IT that understands what their current technology situation looks like and what it will take to guide it to the next level. Never trust a business IT services provider that cannot deliver on the promises that they make. Instead, turn to Blue Layer. We ensure that our clients operate efficiently and securely while staying safe from imminent cybersecurity threats.

Click here to empower your business.