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How to Effectively Manage and Lead Your IT Department

Setting up goals and targets

When you think about motivating and leading your IT department effectively, it is important to consider what kinds of results you want to achieve. You will need to set up goals and targets for your team – but it’s important to remember that not all goals are created equal. We like the “SMART” goal framework.

What is the SMART goal framework? This structure is meant to help you quickly and easily evaluate whether or not your goals are worth pursuing. SMART is an acronym that stands for…

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Attainable
  • Relevant
  • Time-bound

Let’s dive a little bit deeper into how you can use each of the “SMART” criteria to set better goals that will effectively motivate your team and benefit your organization as a whole.

#1: Set specific goals

Make sure that your goals are specific rather than broad. Setting a specific goal will allow you to more easily assess progress and measure your success. For instance, take a goal like, “Improve IT department efficiency.” While this is a great overall idea for your department, it’s not incredibly specific. How are you going to improve efficiency? In what areas?

Instead, you might set a goal like this one that is more specific: Improve IT department efficiency by reducing ticket-resolution times.

#2: Set measurable goals

A measurable is one that allows you to easily – and usually, numerically – quantify progress. Let’s stick with the goal from our previous example. If we are going to reduce ticket-resolution times, that is a measurable criteria. We can compare current ticket resolution times vs. ticket resolution times three or six months down the road.

However, we will also need to know when that goal is met. So we might add another phrase to the goal that defines measurable criteria for success. For instance, see this updated version of our goal: Improve IT department efficiency by reducing ticket-resolution times by 50%.

#3: Set attainable goals

Of course, we want to ensure our goals are realistic. If you set goals that are not attainable and your team continues to fail, that is not motivating. With repeat failure comes a failure mindset, so it is important to set your team up for success and encourage following through on said goals by making sure those goals are, in fact, realistic.

#4: Set relevant goals

This one sounds pretty obvious, but it is very important. You need to ensure that the goals you are setting are relevant – not only in the sense that they are related to IT, but also in the sense that they support the company’s larger goals. Then, make sure that you communicate to your team how their efforts in IT are contributing to the bigger picture.

#5: Set time-bound goals

When you set a goal, you do not want it to continue on indefinitely. You want to set a timeline for when you would like to achieve that goal – whether it is one year, five years, or shorter times like three to six months. With that in mind, see how the time-bound criteria plays out in our example: Improve IT department efficiency by reducing ticket-resolution times by 50% over the next six months.

Now, the criteria for success is clearly defined and your team knows what they are working for. Involving the team in creating and fulfilling these goals, while also connecting them to the larger picture of company success and ensuring that you mention the goal frequently (not just during performance review season) will help these goals become reality!

IT department performance metrics

Evaluating performance in your department as a whole is also important. When you define IT department performance metrics that are clearly stated and involve your team in generating these metrics, all you need to do is track your progress. Then, if you see one area falling behind, you can set a targeted SMART goal to address any issues.

Here are a few suggestions of IT department performance metrics to consider when you are figuring out how to manage IT department personnel:

  • Response-based metrics: mean time to respond, mean time to resolve, user satisfaction ratings, first call resolution rates
  • Performance-based metrics: infrastructure downtimes, frequency of planned and unplanned outages, mean time between failures, network capacity, online application performance, defect containment
  • Organization-based metrics: IT technician satisfaction ratings, workforce productivity, overtime hours
  • Cost-based metrics: capital and expense cost, cost per ticket, cost per unit asset, cost per user, cost per software platform

You will need a strong reporting system to accurately track your progress. That’s where tools like Atera can come into play and support you in effectively managing your IT department. Atera’s all-in-one RMM (remote monitoring and management) platform offers advanced reporting and analytics so that you can easily pull the stats you need with just a few clicks.

When you are analyzing cost-related metrics, it can be helpful to vet different products to see where you may be able to achieve savings. For instance, if you are struggling with increasing costs per endpoint as your company grows and scales, you may want to consider a platform with a different pricing model. At Atera, our one-of-a-kind pricing structure offers a pay-per-technician model that makes it easy to grow and scale while staying within your IT budgetwithout breaking the bank.

Conducting performance reviews

Everyone hates performance reviews, right? But what if they could be an opportunity for your employees to learn and grow instead of a dreaded season of the year. Studies have shown that conducting performance reviews more frequently reduces stress and anxiety around these events and makes it easier for employees to shine and emphasize their strengths.

When you conduct performance reviews, it is a good time to talk through the aforementioned IT department metrics and SMART goals that you have set with your department. We also suggest prompting your IT technicians to complete a self-review beforehand. This will give them the opportunity to reflect on their own accomplishments and places they want to improve, too.

Creating a culture of ongoing feedback is an important piece of effective IT management. You want to build a team in which it’s okay to make a mistake – as long as you are willing to learn and grow from it. In your performance reviews, we suggest emphasizing educational opportunities in IT and chances for employees to continue building their skill sets.

Training and personal development

Sometimes training and personal development is fun and engaging… and other times, it’s boring and monotonous. But here’s the truth: When employees are distracted or bored during training, they’re not getting much out of it. So instead of having your employees read through dry, old training manuals or zone out during record training sessions, try to mix it up.

In the IT space, Atera’s new Apollo IT game is a fun, AI-powered adventure that challenges seasoned IT pros and rookie team members alike as they strive to resolve a series of increasingly difficult puzzles by interacting with the game’s AI chat bot. It is a great way to promote education in a way that still feels fun and interactive.

There are many different ways to make training and personal development engaging and enjoyable, but no matter how you do it, make sure to make these educational opportunities accessible and frequent. Access to educational resources will empower your team to continue working on their skills and becoming even better at their jobs.

Tools to support IT department management

As you look for effective IT management and leadership skills, equipping yourself with the right tools is a surefire way to make progress. Programs that enhance efficiency, like Atera’s AI-powered IT innovations, can help your team achieve their goals faster, expand their knowledge and capabilities, and drive efficiency for the whole company.

With Atera in your back pocket, you will be able to leverage your IT resources to the max – including human resources. Let’s kick off your journey to better leadership together. Get in touch with our sales team to try a demo of Atera’s tools today. 

Try Atera for free

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About Atera
Small and medium IT operators are the heroes behind the scenes supporting companies around the world. They care a lot for their clients (external or internal) and often work virtually 24/7. However, small and medium IT service providers have always been underserved.
Atera was built for exactly that. With the vision to simplify and streamline the work of Managed Service Providers and IT professionals. To create something that saves them time, energy, and money. To free them from needing to constantly put out fires.
That vision created the remote-first IT management software – enabling IT professionals to shift from reactive task takers to proactive problem solvers.
Now operating from our beautiful offices on Rothchild in Tel Aviv, Atera is currently used by thousands and thousands of IT professionals all over the world (105+ countries).
As we rapidly grow, our goal remains the same: to transform the IT industry with revolutionary technology, while creating one of the happiest and healthiest work environments in the world.

Adding layers of security with password pepper

When it comes to password security, the more layers of protection your personal or business security system has, the better. There is no such thing as a bullet-proof online service; you never know which malicious tactic hackers may employ to access your accounts. Password pepper is yet another additional security layer protecting against brute force attacks, dictionary attacks, and rainbow tables. Read on to find out what a password pepper is, how it works, and how it can improve your cybersecurity.

Contents: 

What is a password pepper?

The password pepper or peppering—as it’s also called—is strictly connected to the password hashing process. Websites don’t store users’ passwords in plain text because it would allow anyone with access to see them. In most cases, users’ passwords are hashed: Encryption algorithms convert them into complicated strings of characters. This way, even if a site’s database gets breached, hackers must decrypt hashes to get hold of users’ credentials.

A pepper is a secret value—a random string of characters—added to a password before hashing. Unlike salt, another cryptographic way of adding an extra layer of security to your password, pepper doesn’t change. Like a chef’s secret ingredient, it stays the same across all dishes: user’s online accounts or — if part of the source code— across users’ databases.

How does password peppering work?

The password pepper changes the value that’s being hashed, resulting in a modified and more secure password hash. The pepper can be hard-coded into the website’s source code or added manually by the private or business user.

In the first scenario, the online platform’s owner chooses the pepper, taking responsibility for the code’s strength and security. The same pepper is used throughout the site’s database: There are no individual password peppers for users. Following a data breach, hard-coded pepper might be more trouble than it’s worth. If cybercriminals gain access to the source code, they could quickly discover the pepper, and it could compromise the hashed passwords. Also, in this setup, changing the breached pepper requires modifying the source code and redeploying the application, which is rather cumbersome.

For the above reasons, we’ll focus on the second scenario: Peppering passwords by hand. It requires setting up a strong, random code — you can use our password generator for it — and keeping it safe, separately from your login credentials. Adding a pepper to your login credentials means that even if you use a robust password manager like NordPass, you’ll still have to memorize your secret code or keep it in another safe place.

 

Using password peppering to improve your online security

Password peppering can protect your accounts in case your passwords get compromised. The rising numbers of cybercrime—the most lucrative criminal activity nowadays—show that you can never be too careful or introduce too many layers of protection. No online service provider may be completely bullet-proof breach-wise, which is what LastPass learned the hard way at the end of 2022.

Adding a pepper to your passwords has to be done manually, which extends the time needed to access your accounts. It can be annoying, especially if you are used to the seamless login experience, but it will definitely improve your online security.

People are creatures of habit and convenience and tend to ditch the security practices that are too demanding. Hence, we do not recommend peppering all your passwords — pepper the most important ones. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Create a strong and complex pepper you’ll be able to remember.

    You can think of a pepper as a password: the longer and more complex it is, the better. Make it random and use different kinds of symbols. However, don’t go overboard; the best way to keep your pepper safe is to memorize it!

  2. Create your “base password” and store it in your password manager.

    Use a password generator to create a complex string of characters: Let’s call it “your base password.” Now, save it in your password manager’s encrypted vault.

  3. Add password pepper and update passwords to your most important accounts.

    Once you’ve created your base password, add the pepper and that will be your actual new password. Update your most important accounts using it. Now, when logging in, you’ll have to add the pepper every time to access the account.

    Note: You can include the pepper anywhere in the string of characters constituting your base password. However, to avoid overcomplicating it, add it at the beginning or end of your base password.

  4. Don’t store your pepper in the password manager vault.

    The idea behind peppering your passwords is not to keep all your eggs in one basket. Hence, keeping your secret code in your password manager vault doesn’t make sense. If your passwords leak, the pepper leaks as well. To make password peppering work, keep your pepper safe somewhere else, preferably your head.

Password peppering from a business perspective

From a business perspective, password peppering can cause more trouble than it’s worth. It may interrupt the teams’ cooperation and information sharing, extend the time spent on tasks that could easily be automated, and mess up the results of compliance and password security audits.

Let’s look at other security measures more suited to the business environment. Unlike password peppering, they promote transparency and allow immediate response to cyber threats.

  • Password policy

The password policy is a set of rules and guidelines for creating and managing passwords in the organization. It informs employees how long their passwords should be, what kinds of characters they need to include, and how often they should change them. When enforced automatically by the company’s password manager, password policies give business network administrators control over every password used in their company.

  • Password health

Password health metrics track your company’s vulnerable passwords. The NordPass Password Health feature provides insight into the weak, older than 90 days, and reused passwords employees rely on. It allows omitting the risk of data breaches connected with weak passwords instead of mitigating the results of hacker attacks.

  • Data Breach Scanner

Data Breach Scanner notifies you in real time about all data leaks related to your company emails and domains. It can be a real game-changer since, according to IBM’s 2023 data security report, companies take 277 days on average to identify and contain a breach. If you respond to the security incident at once, chances are cybercriminals won’t have enough time to use the information against your company.

Trends in password security

These are pivotal years for password security. We’re witnessing a shift towards a more user-friendly and secure authentication method: passkeys. Passkeys allow access to your online accounts the same way you unlock your smartphone—via fingerprint or face ID. This new technology combines biometric verification with cryptographic keys, reducing the risks of phishing, brute-force attacks, and other cyber threats.

Some of the largest tech giants—including Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta—have already joined the FIDO Alliance, an industry association created to “solve the world’s password problem.” NordPass is also a part of FIDO and, along with other members, actively promotes passkeys and makes them accessible to users. That’s why our password manager provides you a way to securely store, access, and share passkeys.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

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

Understanding the Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and Its Importance

These days, cybercrime is rampant. It’s no longer a matter of “if” you’re going to suffer an attack but “when” it will happen. All companies want to be ready for any crisis – that’s where a business continuity plan comes into play. 

Setting up a strategy helps understand the next steps during and following a potential cyber incident. So what is a business continuity plan, exactly? What does it encompass? And what makes it so important to organizations? Today, we’re exploring all these questions in-depth.

Contents:

What is a business continuity plan?

A business continuity plan (BCP) is a document that sets guidelines for how an organization should continue its operations in the event of a disruption, such as fires, floods, other natural disasters, or cybersecurity incidents. A BCP aims to help organizations resume operations without significant downtime.

Despite their utility for business security, BPCs are not as commonplace as expected. According to ZipDo, 43% of businesses across the globe don’t have a business continuity plan in place.

Business continuity vs disaster recovery plan: What’s the difference?

Sometimes, people use the terms disaster recovery plan (DRP) and business continuity plan (BCP) interchangeably. However, these are two separate types of plans. A business continuity plan helps organizations stay prepared to deal with a potential crisis and, hence, usually encompasses a disaster recovery plan. Although the two overlap and are often set into motion to optimize procedures during crisis events, their purposes differ.

The key difference between BCPs and DRPs is their goal. Business continuity plans aim to reduce downtime during the incident to a minimum. Disaster recovery plans focus on reducing any faults or abnormalities in the system caused by the event and returning things back to normal. They also tend to be more extensive, including additional steps like containing, examining, and restoring operations and covering employee safety measures.

In terms of functionality, a disaster recovery plan focuses on operational steps to restore data access to business as usual following an incident. On the other hand, a business recovery plan is set in place while the incident is still ongoing, ensuring that the operations proceed despite the circumstances.

Benefits of business continuity planning

The number of news headlines announcing data breaches has numbed us to the fact that cybercrime is very real and frequent and poses an existential risk to companies of all sizes and industries.

According to the 2023 Data Breach Investigations report, ransomware is present in 24% of all breaches and is among the top four most common types of cyberattacks. In fact, 24% of breaches involved ransomware, with damages costing businesses an average of $4.82 million.

Most cyberattacks are financially motivated, as the global cost of cybercrime exceeded $8 trillion in 2022 and is expected to exceed $13 trillion by 2028. The picture is quite clear — cybercrime is a lucrative venture for bad actors and potentially disastrous for those on the receiving end.

The importance of business continuity plans cannot be understated, as to thrive in these unpredictable times, organizations go beyond conventional security measures. Many companies develop a BCP parallel to secure infrastructure and consider it a critical part of the security ecosystem. The purpose of a business continuity plan is to significantly reduce the downtime in an emergency and, in turn, reduce the potential reputational damage and — of course — revenue losses.

Business continuity plan template

Business Continuity Plan Example

[Company Name]

[Date]

I. Introduction

  • Purpose of the Plan

  • Scope of the Plan

  • Budget

  • Timeline

The initial stage of developing a business continuity plan starts with a statement of the plan’s purpose. It explains the main objective of the plan, such as ensuring the organization’s ability to continue its operations during and after a disruptive event.

The Scope of the Plan outlines the areas or functions that the plan will cover, including business processes, personnel, equipment, and technology.

The Budget specifies the estimated financial resources required to implement and maintain the BCP. This includes costs related to technology, personnel, equipment, training, and other necessary expenses.

The Timeline provides a detailed schedule for developing, implementing, testing, and updating the BCP.

II. Risk Assessment

  • Identification of Risks

  • Prioritization of Risks

  • Mitigation Strategies

The Risk Assessment section is an essential part of the business continuity plan that identifies potential risks that can disrupt an organization’s critical functions.

The Identification of Risks involves identifying potential threats to the organization, such as cybersecurity breaches, supply chain disruptions, or power outages. This step is critical to understand the risks and their potential impact on the organization.

Once the risks have been identified, the Prioritization of Risks follows, which helps determine which risks require the most attention and resources.

The final step in the Risk Assessment section is developing Mitigation Strategies to minimize the impact of identified risks. Mitigation strategies may include preventative measures, such as system redundancies, data backups, and cybersecurity measures, as well as response and recovery measures, such as emergency protocols and employee training.

III. Emergency Response

  • Emergency Response Team

  • Communication Plan

  • Emergency Procedures

This section of the plan focuses on immediate actions that should be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of employees and minimize the event’s impact on the organization’s operations.

The Emergency Response Team manages the response to an emergency or disaster situation. This team should be composed of individuals trained in emergency response procedures who can act quickly and decisively during an emergency. The team should also include a designated leader coordinating the emergency response efforts.

The Communication Plan outlines how information will be disseminated during an emergency situation. It includes contact information for employees, stakeholders, and emergency response personnel, as well as protocols for communicating with these individuals.

The Emergency Procedures detail the steps during an emergency or disaster situation. They should be developed based on the potential risks identified in the Risk Assessment section. The procedures should be tested regularly to ensure their effectiveness.

IV. Business Impact Analysis

The Business Impact Analysis (BIA) section of a business continuity plan is a critical step in identifying the potential impact of a disruption to an organization’s critical operations.

The BIA is typically conducted by a team of individuals who understand the organization’s critical functions and can assess the potential impact of a disruption. The team may include representatives from various departments, including finance, operations, IT, and human resources.

V. Recovery and Restoration

  • Procedures for Recovery and Restoration of Critical Processes

  • Prioritization of Recovery Efforts

  • Establishment of Recovery Time Objectives

     

The Recovery and Restoration section of a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) outlines the procedures for recovering and restoring critical processes and functions following a disruption.

The Procedures for Recovery and Restoration of Critical Processes describe the steps required to restore critical processes and functions following a disruption. This may include steps such as relocating to alternate facilities, restoring data and systems, and re-establishing key business relationships.

The Prioritization of Recovery Efforts section identifies the order in which critical processes will be restored based on their importance to the organization’s operations and the overall mission.

Recovery time objectives (RTOs) define the maximum amount of time that critical processes and functions can be unavailable following a disruption. Establishing RTOs ensures that recovery efforts are focused on restoring critical functions within a specific timeframe.

VI. Plan Activation

  • Plan Activation Procedures

The Plan Activation section is critical in ensuring that an organization can quickly and effectively activate the plan and respond to a potential emergency.

The Plan Activation Procedures describe the steps required to activate the BCP in response to a disruption. The procedures should be clear and concise, with specific instructions for each step to ensure a prompt and effective response.

VII. Testing and Maintenance

  • Testing Procedures

  • Maintenance Procedures

  • Review and Update Procedures

This section of the plan is critical to ensure that an organization can effectively respond to disruptions and quickly resume its essential functions.

Testing Procedures may include scenarios such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, and other potential risks. Clear objectives, testing scenarios, roles and responsibilities, and evaluation criteria to assess the plan’s effectiveness are also part of the procedural structure.

The Maintenance Procedures detail the steps necessary to keep the BCP up-to-date and relevant.

The Review and Update Procedures describe how the BCP will be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its continued effectiveness. This may involve reviewing the plan regularly or after significant changes to the organization’s operations or threats.

What should a business continuity plan checklist include?

Organizations looking to develop a BCP have a lot to consider. Variables such as the organization’s size, its IT infrastructure, personnel, and resources all play a significant role in developing a continuity plan. Remember, each crisis is different, and each organization will have its own view on handling it according to all the variables in play. However, all business continuity plans include a few fundamental elements.

  • Clearly defined areas of responsibility

    A BCP should define specific roles and responsibilities for emergencies. You must detail who’s responsible for what tasks and clarify what course of action a person in a specific position should take. Clearly defined roles and responsibilities in an emergency event allow you to act quickly and decisively and minimize potential damage.

  • Crisis communication plan

    In an emergency, communication is vital. It is the determining factor in crisis handling. Establishing clear and effective communication pipelines is critical. Alternative communication channels should not be overlooked either. Make sure to outline them in your business continuity plan.

  • Recovery teams

    A recovery team is a collective of professionals who ensure that business operations are restored as soon as possible after the organization confronts a crisis.

  • Alternative site of operations

    Today, when we think of an incident in a business environment, we usually think of a cybersecurity-related event. However, as discussed earlier, a BCP covers many possible incidents. In a natural disaster, determine potential alternate sites where the company could continue to operate.

  • Backup power and data backups

    Whether a cyber event or a real-life physical incident, ensuring that you have access to a power source is crucial to continue operations. A BCP often contains lists of alternative power sources like generators, locations of such tools, and who should oversee them. The same applies to data – regularly scheduled backups can significantly reduce potential losses incurred by a crisis event.

  • Recovery guidelines

    If a crisis is significant, a comprehensive business continuity plan usually includes detailed guidelines on how the recovery process will be carried out.

Business continuity planning steps

business continuity plan steps

Here are some general guidelines that an organization looking to develop a BCP should consider:

Analysis

A business continuity plan should include an in-depth analysis of everything that could negatively affect organizational infrastructure and operations. The analysis phase should also include assessing different levels of risk.

Design and development

Once you have a clear overview of potential risks your company could face, start developing a plan. Create a draft and reassess it to see if it accounts for even the smallest of details.

Implementation

It’s critical to get everyone on the same page regarding crisis management. Implement the BCP within the organization by providing training sessions for the staff to familiarize themselves with the plan.

Testing

Make sure to test the plan rigorously. Run through a variety of scenarios in training sessions to assess its overall effectiveness. By doing so, everyone on the team will be closely familiar with the business continuity plan’s guidelines.

Maintenance and updating

The threat landscape constantly changes and evolves, which means you should regularly reassess your BCP and take steps to update it. By tuning your continuity plan to recent developments, you can stay one step ahead of a crisis.

Business continuity planning standards

Business continuity plans don’t just appear out of thin air. They must strictly adhere to industry standards, including ISO and regional standards, to ensure that business is sufficiently prepared for a crisis scenario.

Following a standard is advantageous to businesses as the relevant information and the requirements are continuously being updated. This ensures that the implemented strategies don’t fall behind the security requirements. The ISO 223XX standard series, in particular, aims to provide a clear and internationally recognized framework for continuity planning.

ISO 22301

ISO 22301, or the Security and Resilience Standard, provides organizations with a framework to plan, operate, improve, and otherwise maintain response and recovery strategies. The business continuity plan acts as the documented management system (known as a business continuity management system, or BCMS) that aims to prevent disruptive incidents and, if they occur, ensure a full recovery. It goes hand in hand with ISO 22313.

ISO 22313

This business continuity plan standard provides guidance on implementing the ISO 22301 requirements. It details the precise steps on how the business continuity management system should be implemented in an organization.

ISO 27001

ISO 27001 provides a framework for managing information security. This standard ensures that an organization implements the right risk assessment and controls to upkeep the development, improvement, and protection of information management systems (ISMS). The NordPass ISMS is certified according to ISO 27001.

ISO/IEC 27031

These guidelines cover the principles of how ready an organization’s information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure should be for business continuity. It covers all potential events and incidents that may impact the infrastructure, leading to the implementation of a BCP.

ISO 31000

ISO 31000, or the Risk Management Standard, exists to help all organizations handle potential risks. Its main purpose is to allow organizations to compare their internal risk management practices to the global standards. However, ISO 31000 can’t be used for certification purposes.

Level up your company’s security with NordPass Business

A comprehensive business continuity plan is vital for the entire organization’s security posture. However, in a perfect world, you wouldn’t have to use it. That’s is where NordPass Business can help.

Weak, reused, or compromised passwords are often cited among the top contributing factors in data breaches – unsurprising, considering that an average user has around 170 passwords. Password fatigue is real and significantly affects how people treat their credentials. NordPass Business counters these issues.

With NordPass Business, your team will have a single secure place to store all work-related passwords, credit cards, and other sensitive information. Accessing all the data stored in NordPass is quick and easy, which allows your employees not to be distracted by the task of finding the correct passwords for the correct account.

NordPass Enterprise helps keep your corporate credentials secure at all times. Everything stored in the NordPass vault is secured with advanced xChaCha20 encryption, which would take hundreds of years to brute force.

If you’are interested in learning more about NordPass Business and how it can help fortify corporate security, do not hesitate to book a demo with our representative.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

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

NordLayer features in review: Active Session Timeout

Logging into your organization’s network is one of the first things employees go through daily. Each successful authentication also opens up a direct route into your company’s resources, creating a session between the two systems. 

However, trust shouldn’t be without limits—indefinitely keeping the session open can be detrimental to your security. This is something that a hacker could exploit when looking for ways to hijack your employees’ connections. Therefore, NordLayer unveils a new security feature designed to prevent this risk—Active Session Timeout.

Active Session Timeout using NordLayer

The new NordLayer feature allows you to choose a user’s session duration. When the time expires, the user is logged out from the Control Panel or NordLayer application and required to re-authenticate. This makes the action window during which the hacker could decrypt the connection shorter, making it much harder to hijack. This can be very beneficial if your users are handling sensitive data.

How does NordLayer’s Active Session Timeout feature work?

This feature automatically logs users out of the NordLayer application or Control Panel after the set period. It affects all users regardless of whether they were connected to the gateway during that time.

The setting is enforced automatically, and the session length can be adjusted by the admin in the Control Panel for the entire organization. The minimum duration length in the Control Panel and application can be set up to 1 day. Meanwhile, NordLayer’s default—and maximum—session duration time is 30 days. It adds a safeguard that is sure to be appreciated by a company’s IT personnel.

How is NordLayer’s Active Session Timeout different?

Unlike typical session management, NordLayer’s feature offers more flexibility and control. It not only addresses the typical use cases but also adds an extra layer of security, which is especially useful in remote working scenarios:

  • The feature will have a setting allowing you to select a preferred session duration period.

  • Session control has a predefined optimal default time of 30 days if there’s no preference for session duration time.

  • The functionality is applicable for both Control Panel and NordLayer application, so gives more control to manage admins’ and users’ reauthentication.

 

Benefits of Active Session Timeout

Stricter session management is recommended by various organizations like The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). It can significantly contribute to your organization’s cybersecurity hygiene.

The benefits of Active Session Timeout controls include better security adherence in the organization, more efficient users and internal policy management, and increased overall network and data protection.

  • Enhanced security: shorter session durations minimize the window of opportunity for unauthorized access.

  • Compliance alignment: the feature allows organizations to align with security protocols, thus reducing vulnerabilities.

  • Risk mitigation: in scenarios like device theft, the exposure period is significantly reduced, leaving a smaller time window for bad actors to exploit.

  • Integrates with Single sign-on authentication schemes. This feature enables network administrators to control access to work resources more precisely and align them with their internal policies.

This functionality has benefits to all organization units, from the end user to the manager:

Benefits of the Active Session Timeout by NordLayer

Overall the feature automates and optimizes processes for all organization units, adding an additional functionality to network and data security.

Entering NordLayer’s Active Session Timeout

To adjust your currently used session duration:

  1. Head to the Control Panel and click Settings

  2. Select Security configurations and find the Active Session Timeout section

This allows you to change session duration times for your users in applications and the Control Panel. You can choose the desired time from 1 day to 30 from the dropdown menu.

The user will be shown a dialog box just before the session ends, asking to reauthenticate to start a new session running.

How to set session duration in the NordLayer Control Panel

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

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

Expanding MSPs and MSSPs with cybersecurity solutions

The landscape for Managed Service Providers (MSPs) and Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) is on the brink of significant transformation. As businesses increasingly depend on digital technologies, the role of MSPs and MSSPs is expanding beyond traditional IT services to more complex and integrated solutions, particularly in cybersecurity. 

Key takeaways

  • Market growth and investment in security: Gartner’s projection that security service spending will reach $90 billion in 2024 highlights a growing demand for comprehensive cybersecurity services.

  • Cybersecurity as a central focus: with 42% of security and risk management spending geared towards security services, MSPs and MSSPs must prioritize enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities to grow and expand customer relationships.

  • The critical role of SSE in cybersecurity: the integration of Secure Service Edge (SSE) frameworks, including technologies like ZTNA, FWaaS, CASB, and SWG, is essential for MSPs and MSSPs to protect client data and ensure robust network security efficiently.

  • Expanding service offerings: with cloud security, data protection, and identity and access management, an MSP business can differentiate itself, attract more clients, and enter new markets.

  • Enhancing client retention and trust: effective data protection and robust IAM practices not only retain clients but also build trust, positioning MSPs and MSSPs as reliable partners in cybersecurity.

  • Scalability and compliance: offering scalable solutions and staying ahead of compliance help MSPs and MSSPs meet the evolving needs of their clients and adhere to regulatory requirements.

MSPs predictions and trends

According to Gartner, spending on security services, which includes consulting, IT outsourcing, implementation, and hardware support, is anticipated to reach $90 billion in 2024. This impressive figure highlights how businesses increasingly prioritize fortifying their digital defenses.

Moreover, the global market for managed security services is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.66% over the next five years, with a projected market size of $36,129 million by 2024. This rapid growth underscores an expanding opportunity for MSPs and MSSPs to offer comprehensive cybersecurity services.

The emphasis on cybersecurity is more pronounced than ever, with 42% of security and risk management spending expected to be directed towards security services. This trend indicates a shift from traditional IT support to more specialized security-focused offerings.

For MSPs and MSSPs, this move means that enhancing their cybersecurity capabilities is not just an option but a necessity. As cyber threats evolve and multiply, providing robust security solutions will be a critical factor in maintaining and expanding new customer relationships.

Cybersecurity solutions for MSPs’ and MSSPs’ growth

MSPs and MSSPs are pivotal in safeguarding client data and ensuring robust network security for companies that need external security and technological support. But what solutions best aid MSPs and MSSPs in this task?

The Security Service Edge (SSE) framework is an agile and flexible solution that is easy to customize based on business needs. SSE through Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) combines access controls, FWaaS helps with network segmentation by managing the traffic flow, Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) enhances cloud security, while Secure Web Gateway (SWG) prevents unsecured traffic from entering the network.

By strategically adopting SSE frameworks, MSP and MSSP providers can leverage advanced cybersecurity solutions like cloud security, data protection, and Identity and Access Management (IAM) to drive business growth and enhance client safety.

Cloud security

At the heart of SSE, cloud security is fundamental for MSPs and MSSPs aiming to protect clients’ cloud-based systems and data. This solution includes encrypting data both at rest and in transit, deploying security configurations that automatically update to counter new threats, and implementing strict access controls.

By offering comprehensive cloud services, MSPs and MSSPs can assure clients of their ability to protect sensitive information against emerging threats, thus strengthening client trust and satisfaction. It’s crucial for establishing new customers and expanding on MSP growth.

Data protection

Data is the lifeline of modern businesses, making its protection critical to expanding for sustained growth and compliance. Under SSE, data protection strategies encompass various technologies like backup solutions, encryption, and intrusion detection systems.

These tools help MSPs and MSSPs prevent data breaches and ensure quick recovery from incidents, minimizing downtime and financial loss. Effective data protection not only helps retain existing clients but also positions MSPs and MSSPs as reliable guardians of data security that are attractive to prospective clients.

Identity and access management (IAM)

IAM is crucial for controlling who can access what within a network. This includes multi-factor authentication, single sign-on services, and user access reviews., All of these are aligned with SSE principles to ensure that only authorized users gain entry to sensitive systems and data.

By implementing robust IAM practices, MSPs and MSSPs can offer tailored access solutions that bolster security while improving the user experience. This supports client operations in a secure, efficient manner.

SSE solutions benefits for MSPs and MSSPs

  • Expanding service offerings: By adding cutting-edge SSE solutions in cybersecurity offerings, MSPs and MSSPs can differentiate themselves from competitors, appeal to a broader client base, and enter new markets.

  • Enhancing client retention: by providing dependable, state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures, MSPs and MSSPs can improve client satisfaction and loyalty while increasing their revenue. Clients who feel their data is secure are more likely to renew their contracts.

  • Building trust through compliance: demonstrating compliance with data protection regulations makes MSPs and MSSPs providers partners of choice in industries where data security is paramount.

  • Offering scalable solutions: SSE enables the provision of scalable cybersecurity solutions that grow with clients’ businesses. This flexibility is attractive to clients at all growth stages, ensuring that MSPs and MSSPs can meet evolving security needs.

By focusing on primary challenges to counter modern cyber threats and offering tailored advanced security solutions, MSPs and MSSPs can position themselves as strategic partners in their clients’ digital transformation journeys. These solutions are not complex, resource-intense, and complex

Cloud services allow managed service providers to expand their scope and revenue with little costs for clients, making it a win-win situation for all parties.

Expand MSPs and MSSPs with NordLayer

To capitalize on growth opportunities, MSPs and MSSPs must focus on expanding their service offerings. Opting to collaborate with a strong partner ensures a firm background for future client relationships.

While MSPs and MSSPs operate as consulting services that help businesses understand and implement the right security strategies for their specific needs, NordLayer stands strong as a network access security tool provider that offers solutions in different setups:

Secure Remote Access

Scenario: With a dispersed workforce, companies need to ensure secure access to corporate resources from anywhere in the world.

NordLayer solution: Provides secure and scalable remote access solutions that MSPs can manage for their clients, ensuring employees can access what they need securely and efficiently.

Enhanced network security

Scenario: Businesses face increasing threats from cyber attacks but often lack the internal expertise to effectively counter these risks.

NordLayer solution: Offers advanced network security features, including threat protection and data encryption, enabling MSPs to bolster their clients’ defenses against cyber threats.

Simplified compliance

Scenario: Companies operating in regulated industries require robust compliance measures to protect sensitive data and avoid penalties.

NordLayer solution: Helps MSPs ensure their clients meet compliance standards by providing tools for data protection, secure access, and audit trails.

Streamlined IT infrastructure

Scenario: Businesses seek to minimize IT complexity while ensuring their teams have the necessary tools and access.

NordLayer solution: Enables MSPs to offer streamlined, cloud-based security solutions, reducing the need for multiple vendors and simplifying the IT landscape for their clients.

Cybersecurity without internal experts

Scenario: Many SMBs cannot afford or find the cybersecurity talent needed to protect their operations.

NordLayer solution: MSPs can step in to fill this gap, using NordLayer’s intuitive platform to provide top-notch cybersecurity services without the need for in-house experts.

Scalable security solutions

Scenario: Growing businesses need security solutions that can expand with them without requiring constant reinvestment or reconfiguration.

NordLayer solution: Offers scalable security services that MSPs can easily adjust to fit the changing needs of their clients, supporting growth without compromising security.

About Version 2
Version 2 is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company develops and distributes IT products for Internet and IP-based networks, including communication systems, Internet software, security, network, and media products. Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

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

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