Do You Need Microsoft Security Copilot?

It can be challenging to keep up with the ever-evolving cyber threats. Companies need to process large amounts of data, as well as respond to incidents quickly and effectively.

Managing an organization's security posture is complex.

That's where Microsoft Security Copilot comes in. Microsoft Security Copilot is a generative AI-powered security solution. It provides tailored insights that empower your team to defend your network. It works with other Microsoft security products, and integrates with natural language to generate tailored guidance and insights.

In this article, we will explain what Microsoft Security Copilot is. We’ll explore its benefits and whether it's the right choice to enhance your digital defences.

What Is Microsoft Security Copilot?

Microsoft Security Copilot is a cutting-edge cybersecurity tool. It leverages the power of AI and machine learning for threat detection and response. Copilot aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of cybersecurity operations.

Microsoft Security Copilot helps security teams:

·       Respond to cyber threats

·       Process signals

·       Assess risk exposure at machine speed

It works with other Microsoft security products as well. A big benefit is that it integrates with natural language. This means you can ask questions plainly to generate tailored guidance and insights.

Security Copilot can help with end-to-end scenarios such as:

·       Incident response

·       Threat hunting

·       Intelligence gathering

·       Posture management

·       Executive summaries on security investigations

How Does Microsoft Security Copilot Work?

You can access Microsoft Security Copilot capabilities through a standalone experience. As well as embedded experiences available in other Microsoft security products.

Copilot integrates with several tools, including:

·       Microsoft Sentinel

·       Microsoft Defender XDR

·       Microsoft Intune

·       Microsoft Defender Threat Intelligence

·       Microsoft Entra

·       Microsoft Purview

·       Microsoft Defender External Attack Surface Management

·       Microsoft Defender for Cloud

You can use natural language prompts with Security Copilot. This makes it easy to ask for information or guidance on various security topics.

For example, you can ask:

·       What are the best practices for securing Azure workloads?

·       What is the impact of CVE-2024-23905 on my organization?

·       Generate a report on the latest attack campaign.

·       How do I remediate an incident involving TrickBot malware?

Image source: Microsoft

Should You Use Microsoft Security Copilot?

The Pros:

1. Advanced Threat Detection

Microsoft Security Copilot employs advanced algorithms. These detect and analyze threats that may go unnoticed by traditional security measures.

It has the ability to adapt to new threats in real time, which enhances the security posture for organizations.

2. Operational Efficiency

Copilot automates threat analysis. This allows security teams to focus on strategic decision-making. It also reduces the time and effort spent on manual data analysis. The tool streamlines workflows, enabling quicker responses to potential threats.

3. Integration with Microsoft Products

Microsoft Security Copilot seamlessly integrates with several Microsoft products. This creates a comprehensive cybersecurity ecosystem. The synergy between these tools enhances threat visibility as well as response capabilities.

4. Continuous Learning

The AI and machine learning components of Copilot continuously learn from new data. This improves their ability to identify and mitigate emerging threats over time. This adaptive learning approach ensures that the tool evolves, which is important to do alongside the ever-changing threats that loom.

5. Reduced False Positive

Copilot's advanced algorithms contribute to a more accurate threat detection process. This minimizes false positives that can overwhelm security teams. The result is a more focused and efficient response to genuine threats.

The Considerations:

1. Integration Challenges

Microsoft Security Copilot seamlessly integrates with Microsoft and other security products. But organizations using a diverse range of cybersecurity tools may face integration challenges. Consider the compatibility of Copilot with your existing cybersecurity infrastructure.

2. Resource Requirements

The deployment of advanced AI and machine learning technologies may demand extra resources. Companies should check if their existing infrastructure supports the requirements of the tool.

3. Training and Familiarization

Successfully leveraging the benefits of Copilot requires training, as well as familiarization with the tool's functionalities. Ensure that your security team is adequately trained. This will maximize the potential of this cybersecurity solution.

The Bottom Line

Microsoft Security Copilot represents a leap forward in the realm of AI-driven cybersecurity. It has an advanced capacity for real-time threat detection and operational efficiency, as well as extensive integration capabilities. These factors make it a compelling choice. Especially for businesses seeking to fortify their defences.

Get Expert Microsoft Product Support Here!

Microsoft is a vast ecosystem of interconnected business tools. Security Copilot is one of the newest to help you secure your online landscape. If you need some help leveraging these tools for your company, let us know. We are experienced Microsoft service providers, so our team can help you make the most of these tools.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

The Power of Proximity: Why Having a Nearby IT Company is Crucial for Your Business

One morning this summer, a customer called us to report that their software and internet were not working. Upon checking their tech remotely, we found that their entire network was offline. We advised the client to turn on the server, but it did not come online. Fortunately, we were close by and were able to arrive on-site in less than 10 minutes. We discovered the power issue within 5 minutes and resolved the client's issue fully within 20 minutes from the time the ticket was submitted.

A prolonged power outage can have severe consequences for businesses. Productivity comes to a standstill, leading to missed deadlines and dissatisfied customers. Critical data may be at risk, making the business susceptible to data breaches and losses. Communication breakdowns harm the business's reputation and customer trust. If essential infrastructure is affected, health and safety risks emerge. Recovery expenses can soar, potentially leading some businesses to permanent closure.

For this reason, along with many others, it is crucial to have an IT support team for your business that is nearby, prioritizes you, and can solve problems fast.

Partnering with a local IT company can provide several benefits. Firstly, you can benefit from quick response times when you need help the most. A company that is located nearby can provide on-site support in a timely manner, which can minimize downtime and ensure that your systems are up and running as soon as possible. This can also save on travel costs.

Additionally, local companies tend to have a better understanding of the unique technology needs of your region. They can tailor their services to meet those needs and provide more effective solutions.

Improve your business health today by calling us at 604-210-9811 for a free quote for your company.

Request A Quote

Enhancing Security with Yubikey: For Businesses in Abbotsford, BC

What is Yubikey?

The Yubikey founded in Sweden with a mission to fortify the digital lives of internet users, is a game-changing security solution. Think of it as a digital "key" that, once plugged into your device, grants access to your emails, apps, other devices, and even physical spaces if you've integrated compatible apps.

The key features of Yubikey include:

• Enhanced Security: Yubikey is a powerful guardian of your data. It comes equipped with a fingerprint scanner, ensuring that even if your Yubikey falls into the wrong hands, your data remains safeguarded. Only you, with your Yubikey and your fingerprint, can access your information.

• Convenience: Yubikey is remarkably compact and doesn't require a battery, making it incredibly convenient for daily use.

• Reduced IT Costs: Yubikey has been proven to reduce support incidents by a staggering 92%, as stated on their website. This reduction in support requirements can lead to significant savings for your IT budget.

Does Your Business Need It?

As a small IT company based in Abbotsford, we offer this friendly advice: the best time to secure your data is now, not later. In the digital age, a security breach during the early stages of a business can have devastating consequences, potentially tarnishing your reputation and threatening your business's future. Even well-established companies in the Fraser Valley, with vast amounts of data to protect, can benefit from the security Yubikey offers.

Yubikey caters to a variety of client needs with six different models, ensuring there's a suitable option for your business. These keys are designed to withstand tampering and crushing, making them exceptionally durable, even for those working in challenging conditions. For individual users, Yubikey prices typically range from $55 to $90 USD, while for server-level security, prices may be higher, ranging from $650 to $950 USD (visit our online store for more details).

Setting up Yubikey is straightforward, and there are numerous tutorials available on platforms like YouTube. However, if you encounter any difficulties, our IT services and tech support are just a call away, ready to assist you in implementing this robust security solution.

Don't leave your business's security to chance.

Call us at 604-210-9811 to explore which Yubikey model is the right fit for your business. For more tech-related articles and insights, visit our blog to discover how you can fortify your business's digital defence.

Why You Should Outsource Your IT Services

The use of business technology is growing. And the need is growing exponentially.

Of course, how much you should spend on technology and IT services as a business owner greatly depends on your individual business. How much technology do you need? What technology do you need? The range is huge! Computers, POS systems, accounting software, data back-ups, CAD design machines and software, data storage, phones, online meeting software… the list is endless. And, the list is different for each industry and each company.

Different industries rely more heavily on different areas of tech. For example, financial institutions are going to spend more on data security. (In fact, banks generally spend more on their IT budgets than most other industries.) Whereas, a retail store may concentrate more on POS technology and inventory tracking. One may need 20 computers & an integrated phone system for a call centre. Another may just use the 1 computer for accounting only.

Tech Budget vs Support Budget

When considering your IT budget, though, it is important to also take 2 different aspects into consideration: the technology itself… and the support of that technology. Far too often, companies will concentrate on just the one side, leaving the other starved. An oversight they may regret later.

When carving out your IT budget, a big consideration should be the IT Support side. It is vital. Having the right support in place can save your company thousands of dollars in the long run… whether that is protecting yourself against the next ransomware attack or minimizing downtime (& lost revenue) when an issue with hardware arises. Good IT Support will also help you purchase the right tech for the business, covering the other side of the coin too.

Staff vs External Support

The traditional model for companies that needed tech support, was to have someone on staff to do the job. However, this can be a costly practice for a small business and makes you very reliant on one individual to keep up with all the latest updates, technology, and trends. (And this changes DAILY!) The more efficient route, these days, is to hire a reliable Tech Support Company (or Managed Service Provider) in your area.

Pros to Outsourcing

The pros of outsourcing to an IT Support company include:

• Using an external Tech Support Team means at least 1 less employee to find, hire, pay & provide benefits for. You only need to call when you need help, saving you both money and time!

• You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on training someone (including ongoing training since the technology business changes so much), who may leave the company at any point, leaving you to start over.

• You do not have to worry about the 1 tech going on vacation, leaving your business uncovered for 3-4 weeks of the year.

• You will actually have access to a whole team of IT Support Technicians & Consultants. Multiple heads means way more experience & skill diversity in more areas, and with more technologies. (Certainly way more than 1 single person could ever have!) So, you will have the solution to your problem faster.

• These companies usually have a greater buying power because they are purchasing more often for other companies like you. (Potentially saving you $$!)

• Managed IT Support Providers are well experienced in planning, and working with, all levels of IT budgets. They can determine what you need to work better, and help you work out a budget to fit.

• Keeping up-to-date with the latest security concerns and threats is so important, but also very complicated & time-consuming. Managed Service Providers are used to dealing with these threats every day. They will know what measures are best for your company and set-up. Another headache off your plate!

• Running a business is a lot of work. You are already juggling many balls! Hiring a dedicated IT Support Company means 1 less department to worry about, meaning you can concentrate better on your work and customers.

READY to Hire An MSP?

Having the right IT Support Team behind your business can make such a difference its success. If you are overwhelmed by your tech needs, consider hiring a dedicated Managed Service Provider.

Oh yes… and if you happen to be in the BC Fraser Valley region, contact us!  We provide these computer & technology support services to businesses all over the Lower Mainland.3

Access Tools for Remote Employees | Abbotsford Business Tech Support

Many businesses that we serve in Abbotsford and beyond have remote employees.

It’s become even more common since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are our favourite remote access tools, and some information about each.

VPN & Remote Desktop (Microsoft)

Good for:

• people who have a desktop (NON LAPTOP) computer at the office

• people who use server applications such as SAGE or QUICKBOOKS that are installed at the office

Requires:

• VPN Firewall/ Gateway at the office

• Windows 10 Professional at the office computer

• Configuration

How it works:

• You will use your own home computer or laptop, to remotely connect to the computer at your office desk.

• You will click a VPN icon to make the secure connection

• You will then click the RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) icon to start a remote control session of your desktop computer at the office.

• It works as if you are sat at your computer

VPN only

Good for:

• people who have a laptop computer and need to access files at the office

Not good for:

• people who use server applications such as SAGE or QUICKBOOKS that are installed at the office

Requires:

• VPN Firewall/Gateway at the office

• Configuration

How it works:

• You will use your laptop, to remotely connect to the office network

• You will click a VPN icon to make the secure connection

• It works as if you are sat at your computer

Chrome Remote Desktop

Good for:

• people who have a laptop computer and need to access files at the office

• people who use server applications such as SAGE or QUICKBOOKS that are installed at the office

Requires:

• Chrome account

• Chrome installed at both the home location and the office location

• Configuration

How it works:

• You will use your home computer with your Chrome account

• You will connect to your Office computer

• It works as if you are sat at your computer

If you don’t have a VPN capable firewall, Chrome Desktop may be your best bet to get connectivity remotely.

Team Viewer may also an option, but we haven’t gone into too much depth here; partly due to personal preference, but also because to use it in a company you need to buy a license to meet their terms and conditions. 

If your company is in the Lower Mainland, you can always give us a call at 604-210-9811 or email support@wildfrogsystems.com for help.

Point-of-Sale Technologies | Abbotsford IT Services

We live in a consumer-based society. People spend money on goods and services every day. It makes sense, then, that the systems retailers use in order to process payments must meet stringent requirements - requirements that are often convoluted and difficult to understand. Furthermore, they can often use outdated technology that is inefficient, unreliable, and difficult to work with.

Thanks to innovations in the technology industry, point-of-sale (POS) systems have evolved from traditional cash registers to high-tech terminals capable of streamlining operations and improving accuracy.

We’ve installed plenty of POS systems for businesses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and the surrounding Fraser Valley area. Here are some things we suggest considering when installing or upgrading your POS…

DATA PROTECTION

Any systems that are used for storing credentials or accepting payments need to be optimized for security and compliance with various privacy regulations designed to protect the identities of consumers.

Many people are now switching to cloud-based POS technology. These are larger companies, withe greater budgets to invest in security, so can provide a much greater level of data encryption, and also take the responsibility away from the retailer.

EASE OF USE

For cutting down on valuable time wasted with training, particularly in retail where staff can be seasonal, an easy-to-learn POS system is essential. It is also a bonus for lowering staff frustration and therefore aiding a happier, more-productive work environment for everyone!

DOWNTIME PREVENTION

Unlike traditional cash registers, POS terminals need to be maintained by skilled technicians & support resources, who understand their intricacies. A reliable POS systems, kept in tip-top shape, reduces the probability of wasteful downtime. Look at what support comes with your POS system, and how much that support will cost you. (Also, as we say many times, it never hurts to plan a back-up situation).

TRACKING

Traditional POS systems, like the cash register, are often prone to user error due to entering in wrong prices or mishandling cash. While these threats still exist with computerized payment systems, they aren’t nearly as difficult to handle for the average user. Many POS systems have been streamlined to buttons for individual items, and can print out profit reports at the end of the day to ensure profitability. Some are also better than others for tracking inventory, and can give staff real-time data on current inventory stocks.

INTEGRATIONS

Does your POS need to talk to any other software? You may want to look at how your POS can cut work replication by seeing if it can integrate with your business accounting software, an eCommerce side of your business, appointment scheduling, or for your marketing efforts like targeted email campaigns for upcoming special offers.

WildFrog can help set up your local business for success.

Your business doesn’t have to struggle with managing your point-of-sale technology. WildFrog Systems can equip your organization with streamlined and functional terminals that are designed to maximize efficiency and improve the user experience. For more information, contact the team at 604-210-9811.