5/31/2022
Just Because Technology is WORKING, Does Not Mean it’s Safe, Reliable or Secure.
In life, there are many occasions that we know there is a right way to do something, however sometimes we do not follow through due to lack of knowledge, cost, procrastination or sometimes, just getting sidetracked. When things are not done the right way, it can lead to problems.
Let’s think on these scenarios…
A homeowner can install a light switch, and it works. The light may come on, but it does not mean it was installed according to standards to avoid power surges, fires, voltage issues etc. To many times first responders will discover that the fire was caused by faulty wiring completed by the owner of the home. (i.e. it’s not safe)
The oil in a car is changed, but the amount and correct type oil was not used. The car may start and drive home and to work, but how long will it stay running? How long before you can’t get to work or drive your daughter to her championship game? How long will you go without a car to resolve the issue, or more importantly, what if the issues can’t be solved, and it’s now prone to regular breakdowns? (i.e. it’s not reliable)
A vault is installed in your home or office, upon completion the installer provides the generic combination that every similar vault has, which he’s left available in case you ever need to get into it and have forgotten the combination. To avoid forgetting, you left your unique combination taped on the wall next to the safe (and before you say you’d never do that, ask yourself if you or someone you know has ever hid their password under the mousepad or in the top drawer). In both of those cases, a “bad guy” could get into the very things you’re trying to keep people out of. (i.e. it’s not secure)
These tendencies compound and could prove to be incredibly problematic, especially in a business scenario.
Let’s relate Safe, Reliable and Secure to typical technology scenarios…
1. Businesses can install a firewall (because everyone should have at least one) to increase online safety, but it is not configured correctly (as we see the required restrictions and filters turned off for ease of use too many times), this compromises protection efforts. And worse, businesses believe they are protected, but realistically, the misconfigured device may offer little to no protection. Therefore, money has been spent on software and/or hardware that is adding little to no value and not completing the intended job. (i.e. business technology is not safe)
It is HIGHLY recommended for businesses to purchase a PAID Enterprise Grade hardware firewall and have it professionally installed, monitored, and regularly updated. If a business has information to safeguard, whether it be personal data, daily employees work, client information, financials and so on, it requires a firewall to assist in keeping it secure. The most important part of installing the firewall is that it needs to be configured properly to keep bad actors out and your data from leaving. When configured properly, the firewall blocks many direct attacks and viruses from entering the network. If not configured properly – the firewall offers little to no benefit. Read our Blog for more info. No matter how much you paid for it, if it’s not implemented by skilled professionals, it’s not offering the protection you need and expect.
2. Technology may be purchased, installed, and seem to be “working”. The technology functions as it needs to, but no one is checking to make certain it’s updated with the latest patches, versions and service packs. The technology will work until it starts to feel slow, “lock up” or generally misbehave. Once that happens printing, emailing, and getting online becomes inconsistent. Does this slow, problematic technology stop employees from completing tasks, communicating, and getting the most productivity out of every day? (i.e. business technology is not reliable)
Proactive management is by far the best for keeping business technology safe with systems up and running. This also provides a safeguard against malware, as viruses penetrate old, out-of-date, unpatched software. The benefits of CONSISTENTLY WORKING TECHNOLOGY offer fewer issues (i.e. “tickets”), less reactive time, increased work time, efficiency for your team, and less stress. Time is spent working instead of hours wasted on the frustrations of technology problems. Read our Blog for more info.
3. Medical practices may send non-encrypted patient confidential information. The protected information will arrive as expected. However, due to HIPAA laws patient information must be encrypted to protect it while it’s in transit (and at rest as it turns out, so basically, personal information needs to be encrypted no matter what). The consequences of leaking patients’ personal confidential information and the potential legal ramifications, prove that it is not worth sending information without encryption. (i.e. it’s not secure)
HIPAA compliance is the law for the healthcare community, there is no choice. If rules aren’t adhered to, those that do not conform could face hefty fines and legal ramifications. The public relations impact is likely far worse. In either case, these protocols are so important to implement and maintain. Protect yourself, business, and patient’s information at all times. Read our Blog for more info.
There is RISK in not doing things the right way. Just because something works, does not always mean it is safe, reliable, or secure. Too many times businesses do not weigh these risks and find they created problems that are more costly than they ever needed to be. Do things right the first time and keep business moving in the direction it needs to go, AHEAD!
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