February 2024 Volume 6

OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

SAVE THE DATE!

Application allowlisting is a security layer with a twist – rather than blocking from the outside, it only allows access to applications that are explicitly permitted (allowlisted) to run on your network. This helps prevent any malicious access to the network through an unrecognized program, installer, malware, or ransomware. Advanced Threat Detection and Response – These tools use broad based threat intelligence to analyze your security ecosystem in real time, 24/7/365. Monitoring systems look for known, unknown, and highly evasive threats that could compromise your network. From there, both automated and people-driven mitigation efforts work to neutralize or prevent attacks before they create vulnerabilities. These tools employ sophisticated data analysis requiring highly specialized staff. Plan and Implement Changes There’s no “one size fits all” solution when it comes to cybersecurity technology, and it’s an ever-evolving process. Regularly evaluate your company’s needs, note where there are gaps, and take a look at options. Choose what will serve your customers and company most efficiently and cost-effectively. If you need a place to start, consider these three steps: • Make deploying MFA a priority. Most hacks start with an email compromise and MFA helps keep bad actors out of your email accounts. • Patch your computers regularly. Increasingly, bad actors are exploiting known bugs in operating systems. Patch your computers several times per month and only run supported versions of software. Remember to update your phone, too. • Always backup with a focus on the ability to successfully restore. Backups that cannot be confidently restored are not helpful. Overall, each well-planned action you take to improve cybersecurity technology is money and effort well-spent on behalf of your customers, your people, and the ongoing success of your company.

North America’s Largest Forging Industry Trade Show will return to Cleveland, Ohio May 6-8, 2025

Jim Kerr is President of CRU Solutions, a leading Cleveland-based managed IT services firm he founded in 1982. CRU Solutions has been serving the team at FIA for over 10 years. www.crusolutions.com Email: jim.kerr@crusolutions.com

For more information on Forge Fair 2025 please contact Angela Gibian, FIA Deputy Chief Executive at angela@forging.org or call +1-216-781-6260 www.ForgeFair.com | www.forging.org

FIA MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2024 55