Software used to be such an adventure. Your company would buy a new program and then essentially be on your own to install it and learn how to use it. It might work out great, or it might be a frustrating fiasco. You bought it—it’s your problem now. Wisely, software companies have largely switched to a software-as-a-service model in which customers pay a recurring fee for use of software that is maintained and supported with customer service. Hardware is undergoing a similar transition with desktop-as-a-service, also known as device-as-a-service, or DaaS. Desktop-as-a-service shifts technology hardware from a capital expense to an operating cost. Rather than buying new computers and other technology in one large, up-front expense and then burdening your IT department with the massive task of setting them all up and maintaining them, a technology partner or managed service provider (MSP) will manage the assets for the entire lifespan.

From Hurricane Irene in 2011 to the “blizzard of 2013” that dumped two feet of snow across much of the state, Connecticut has seen its fair share of extreme weather. Not only do these natural disasters disrupt people’s daily lives and prevent them from coming into work, they also disable or damage critical business infrastructure and utilities such as power, electricity, and heating.

With news of another cyber attack in the headlines every other week, it’s hardly surprising that businesses of all sizes and industries are growing more and more concerned. 68 percent of organizations believe that they are “very vulnerable” or “extremely vulnerable” to a data breach.

What are Network Support Services? Network support services focus on the maintenance of an existing business network.

In many ways, Connecticut is a state in search of an identity. Could we become known as the Cybersecurity state? In Europe, some already know us that way. After a very enlightening conversation with Art House, Chief Cybersecurity Risk Officer for the State of Connecticut toward the end of last year, he was gracious enough to come back to the Kelser offices this fall for a follow up interview to give us the latest on the global cybersecurity landscape and how Connecticut fits in.

A well-known Connecticut business recently hired Kelser to hack them with a simulated phishing attack. Here’s how we did it. Over the past year, we’ve been working with Hoffman Auto Group, one of Connecticut’s largest auto dealers, to strengthen their cybersecurity posture and make sure their customer data is as safe as possible. After putting all the latest technology in place, it came time to address employee awareness since most cyber-attacks involve human error.

Managed security services are network security services that have been outsourced to a service provider. This provider will administer outsourced monitoring and management of security devices and systems.

What Does a Managed Security Service Provider do? A managed security service provider (MSSP) provides outsourced monitoring and management of security devices and systems.