Modernized Operations through Cloud Migration

Decrease costs and increase business nimbleness by migrating to the cloud. Moving to the cloud eliminates unnecessary computer infrastructure costs and management.

UX

Measuring customer behavior and preferences – and then customizing your business based on that information – is more important now than ever. These days, it’s just as vital to make customers feel good about your company (ie. user experience – or UX) as it is to deliver high-quality products.

Mobile Options

In a post-COVID era, remote work has become a preference for employees. To stay competitive, as well as attract and retain top talent, every business must consider how to incorporate this on-the-go culture into their business strategy. Morrison-Maierle Systems works with clients to keep company data safe, while giving guidance on mobile options that allow flexibility for remote work.

Automation

Benefit from technological advancements by incorporating automation into your business workflow. Whether you start incorporating Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software – or simply utilize an automated reporting system – embracing the tech tools at your fingertips will save your organization both time and money.

Data Analytics

Use understandings gathered from data to make informed, data-driven business decisions. Track your customers’ behaviors and needs; understand historical trends to make predictions; and derive conclusions from data – all through utilizing data analytics.

Machine Learning

What exactly is machine learning? It’s a form of artificial intelligence, in which machines learn from data and then respond accordingly. It can help companies decipher enormous amounts of information in a short amount of time. Even monitoring customer chatter about your industry or business itself through social listening is a form of machine learning – and it’s something every business should explore.

Information technology increases business efficiencies – and competitive advantages – when used the right way. Create powerful strategies to build your competitive strengths and optimize your organization for future growth. The experts at Morrision-Maierle Systems are here to help you learn more about these possibilities – and launch – when you are ready.

As a result, a more sophisticated verification is becoming the norm: two-factor authentication.

What is 2FA?

Two-factor authentication [2FA] is a security feature that requires a user to provide additional information when accessing an account or completing a transaction. It is a form of multi-factor authentication [MFA]. Typically, the authentication process relies on one of the following:

• something you KNOW (a password, such as the name of your first pet)
• something you HAVE (a security key, such as a 1-time code sent via text)
• something you ARE (biometrics, such as your fingerprint)

Have you ever logged into an account with your username and password – only to be redirected to provide a PIN sent to your email address or phone? Or perhaps your device requires your unique facial ID or your fingerprint. This is 2FA, an extra barrier to help verify your access and secure your information.

Insurance Requirements

The first recorded instance of a cybercriminal implementing ransomware was in 1989. In 2020, the average cost of a data breach in the United States was $8.64 million. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, insurance companies are increasingly expecting businesses to become responsible stewards of their own information.

Today, many insurance companies require businesses to have enhanced security protocols in place. Some may offer lower deductible incentives for enhanced security.

One such security protocol is 2FA, which is particularly effective in protecting remote access. According to Microsoft, implementing MFA can prevent more than 99.9% of account compromise attacks. This is a big deal – and saves organizations both time and money.

Multi-factor authentication strengthens the security of organizational systems and data, as well as employee and customer information.

Morrison-Maierle Systems specializes in security protocols, including 2FA. Our experts can also help ensure you are in compliance with your insurance carrier’s requirements – or help you become compliant.

In 2020, it took companies an average of 280 days to identify and contain a data breach. The average ransomware attack cost is $1.85 million today – which has increased twofold since 2020. What’s more, only 8% of companies that paid ransom had their data returned. There’s no doubt that cybersecurity is your company’s biggest risk.

Mitigate your cybersecurity risk by taking these steps.

1. Initiate Cybersecurity awareness training for all employees. Go beyond protecting your network with technology by training your employees to be aware of common ways criminals try to gain access to your data – such as phishing. Some businesses see lower cyber insurance rates with proof of cyber awareness training, and for an increasing number of insurance providers, cyber awareness training is a prerequisite to obtaining cyber insurance.

2. Use complex passwords. You can create passwords that are easy for you to remember – yet hard for criminals. Use a passphrase, such as LastBestPlace2021 or MaybeIWillRememberThis1!. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long, and include numbers, symbols, capital letters and lower-case letters. Do this with every device and system for which you need a password: devices, Wi-Fi networks, email accounts, portals, etc.

3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication [2FA]. You’ve probably experienced two-factor authentication with your bank, credit card company or other online account provider. You login – then receive a text message with a 1-time security code you can use to confirm access. 2FA is a security feature that requires a user to provide additional information when accessing an account or completing a transaction. Typically, the authentication process relies on one of the following:

• something you KNOW (a password, such as the name of your first pet)
• something you HAVE (a security key, such as a 1-time code sent via text)
• something you ARE (biometrics, such as your fingerprint)

4. Check for updates – and install them regularly. Operating system and software updates are issued when a security hole is discovered – and their purpose is to patch that hole. Avoid disrupting your workflow and schedule them outside of your normal business hours.

5. Use an advanced anti-virus software. Not all security software is equal. Advanced Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) isolates the network, mitigates threats automatically, protects the endpoints against newly discovered threats and provides forensic data. Our expert team can assist you with this.
6. Invest in quality back-ups. Your backup system is the most important maintenance investment you can make. If your company becomes a cyberattack victim and you lose access to your important information – your last resort is a secure backup. At Morrison-Maierle Systems, our fully managed backup solution is secure, scalable, and routinely tested.

7. Perform a risk assessment. A network assessment is a comprehensive review of all the devices (computers, printers, servers) connected to your network. The review will show performance, capacity, and security status, and bring any issues to light. Morrison-Maierle Systems offers FREE network health and security assessments. Our experienced IT professionals will explain in understandable terms what the report details and give you a roadmap to address the issues most efficiently.