We saw first-hand what could happen during a massive tech disaster during the CrowdStrike Crisis and Microsoft Azure outage in July 2024. Seemingly unrelated, the two created a perfect storm of damage to tech devices and business productivity around the world. Thankfully, for our well-protected clients, it was just another Friday. Not coincidentally, upcoming Microsoft security updates are planned to protect users’ valuable data.
We’ve discussed at length the prevalence and sophistication of cyber threats in today’s digital world. The need for businesses and organizations – big and small – to stay ahead of the curve is more critical than ever.
Microsoft, to its credit, has recognized this urgency and recently announced these security updates. Among them, Microsoft will implement mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all Azure sign-ins this October as part of its ongoing commitment to safeguarding user accounts and sensitive data.
What You Need to Know About Microsoft’s Security Updates
Acme Business cares deeply about tech stability for all businesses and organizations – not just our clients. We’ve broken down what you need to know into an easy-to-understand guide here:
The Deadline Is Fast Approaching
Beginning in October 2024, Microsoft will REQUIRE all Azure users to utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) when signing in. This part of the upcoming Microsoft security updates will make it much more challenging for unauthorized users to gain access to your accounts, even if they manage to obtain your password.
Why MFA Matters
We understand many people – some of our clients included – believe MFA is a pain. We get it. It’s another step. It often requires another device. But the greater pain is what could happen when (not if) a cyber attack or data breach occurs because you DON’T have it. We would recommend Multi-Factor Authentication even if Microsoft weren’t mandating it.
Multi-Factor Authentication, also known as 2-Factor Authentication (2FA), is a crucial step in modern cybersecurity. It requires a second form of verification when logging in, such as a code sent to your phone or an email identification. Microsoft’s research shows that MFA can block over 99.2% of account compromise attacks, making it one of the most effective tools in protecting sensitive data and assets.
Out with the Old, In with the New
Microsoft is also phasing out older, less-secure login methods that no longer meet today’s stringent security standards. While prior logins may have been sufficient in the past, they’re no match for the increasingly crafty cyber threats we face today. For example, some phishing scams that try to steal login information are being augmented by artificial intelligence (AI) to be EVEN MORE dangerous.
How Acme Business Can Help Prepare for Microsoft’s Security Updates
Ensuring your systems are up-to-date with the latest security protocols is not just recommended — it’s essential. That goes regardless of if you use Microsoft devices and software or any others.
Acme Business is a full-scale tech company headquartered in Olean, NY. We serve businesses and organizations in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania with managed IT and cybersecurity services. We’re here to guide you through these Microsoft security updates smoothly. Whether you’ve already implemented MFA or need assistance getting started, our team of experts is ready to help
The CrowdStrike Crisis & Microsoft Azure Outage: A Stark Reminder of the Importance of Strong Business Tech
Up above, we mentioned how the CrowdStrike crisis and Microsoft Azure outage dominated tech-business headlines in July. So many industries were affected – leaving airports paralyzed, financial institutions compromised and supply chains at a halt.
These incidents underscore the importance of strong business technology, regular data backups and robust cybersecurity measures. As the old adage goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Had those affected by these tech crises been under the protection of Acme Business, their experience would have been vastly different. As we’ve continued saying, for our clients, it would have been “just another Friday.”
How Acme Business Prevents IT Disasters & Cybersecurity Breaches
Our approach to cybersecurity is proactive, not reactive. Here’s how Acme Business ensures that our clients remain safe, even when the rest of the world is in chaos:
- Proactive Monitoring & Rapid Response: We don’t wait for problems to arise. We anticipate them. In the case of cyber threats, we actively hunt for them. Our 24/7 monitoring services detect potential issues before they escalate, ensuring that our clients’ systems remain operational and secure.
- Custom Configuration Management: One size does not fit all in professional office tech. Acme Business tailors our tech solutions to fit the unique needs of each client, reducing the risk of incompatibility and system failures.
- Disaster Recovery Protocols: We have robust disaster recovery plans in place, including regular backups, failover systems and rapid deployment of fixes. If a problem does occur, our clients experience minimal downtime, if any.
Prepare for Microsoft Security Changes with the Right IT Provider
As a tech giant, Microsoft has a public obligation to enact these security updates to ensure massive outages don’t ever happen again due to cyber attacks and carelessness. The deadline for Microsoft’s security updates is fast approaching, so there’s no better time to ensure that your business is protected. Implementing
Multi-Factor Authentication and updating your systems to comply with the latest security standards is crucial. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone.
At Acme Business, we’re committed to keeping businesses and organizations of all sizes safe and secure. We partner with SentinelOne, a far superior cybersecurity platform. Our team of experts is here to help you transition smoothly to Microsoft’s new security protocols and ensure that your systems are fully protected. With over 60 years of experience, we’ve seen the landscape of technology evolve, and we’ve always been at the forefront, ensuring our clients are ahead of the curve.
Don’t let your business fall victim to the next IT crisis. Call Acme Business at (716) 372-1325 and connect with us on LinkedIn.
Recent Comments