Security and Compliance

man setting up security features on a mac with unlocked symbol on screen

Introduction to IT Security: It’s More Than Just Firewalls and Hackers

When most people think of securing their IT infrastructure, terms like “firewalls,” “hackers,” and “dark web” might come to mind. However, effective security goes much deeper than that—and it’s not as complicated as you might think. At Virtua Computers, we simplify the complexities of IT security, ensuring that:

  1. Your company and its data are safe from potential threats.
  2. Your business continuity is not at risk when issues arise.

And while many IT companies use fearmongering to drive up their monthly fees, we work closely with our clients to determine the exact level of protection you need, avoid unnecessary services and complexities that drive up cost without added value.

The Big 3

Conversations around IT security tend to include a lot of buzzwords, acronyms and industry speak. But in reality, there are three basic tenants:

  1. Security: Protects Data
    Security is all about safeguarding your data—whether it’s company records or personal information. This includes keeping sensitive data out of the hands of bad actors, rogue employees, or anyone with malicious intent.
  2. Privacy: Protects People
    Privacy focuses on protecting individuals. This involves setting rules that ensure personal information, like social security numbers or medical records, is kept confidential and secure.
  3. Compliance: Protects Organizations
    Compliance is the foundation for protecting your business by ensuring that proper procedures and policies are in place. Think HIPAA for healthcare providers or SOC-2 for companies dealing with sensitive client data. Compliance is critical in maintaining organizational integrity and avoiding costly breaches.

If we could offer one piece of advice to all of our clients, it’s to remember that security is not just about software.

While many companies look for the latest digital security tools, it’s crucial to remember that People and Process are equally important parts of the equation. Your staff are your first line of defense. Do they recognize phishing emails or suspicious links? Do they have the tools and knowledge to report security threats and prevent breaches? Training your employees is just as important as the tools you deploy.

The Virtua Computers Holistic Approach to Securing Your Business:
Processes and Tools Working Together

Security is not just about locking down devices—it’s about creating a cohesive strategy that integrates people, processes, and technology. At Virtua Computers, we believe in a holistic approach to security that covers all bases, ensuring that every part of your business is protected.

  1. Team Training – Your staff are your first line of defense. We don’t just provide tools; we train your team on how to use them effectively, and make sure they are equipped to identify and handle security threats. From identifying phishing emails to following the correct protocols when handling sensitive data, proper training is crucial for minimizing risk.
  2. Policy Development –Tools are only effective when backed by robust processes. We help your business develop security policies and procedures that are both practical and scalable for your organization. Whether it’s creating incident response plans, setting access control policies, or implementing regular security audits, our goal is to build processes that adapt to your company’s needs.
  3. Security Tools – We believe in using the right tools for the job. Whether it’s leveraging advanced endpoint detection tools like Microsoft Defender or cloud-based monitoring solutions, our toolset ensures that threats are identified and neutralized before they cause harm. For businesses looking for deeper protection, we also offer managed detection and response (MDR) and security operations center (SOC) services, giving you 24/7 monitoring and rapid response capabilities.

Integration: A key part of our holistic approach is integrating all these components into a seamless security framework. For instance, our monitoring tools can be integrated with your existing ticketing system to ensure swift action when vulnerabilities or issues are detected. We also offer solutions for continuous compliance monitoring, helping you stay aligned with industry standards like HIPAA and SOC-2 without manual effort.

Data Protection Beyond the Office: Many businesses now operate with remote or hybrid workforces. We ensure your security extends beyond the office walls by implementing secure access methods for remote workers, monitoring their devices, and ensuring their connections to company networks are secure via VPNs or other encrypted channels.

By combining these elements, we create a layered security strategy that addresses not just the technical aspects of cybersecurity, but also the human and procedural factors that often go overlooked. The result? A secure, efficient, and resilient IT infrastructure that protects your business from evolving threats.

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What can be protected

The Power of NIST Assessments and mSCP for Mac Security

Why do we recommend NIST assessments? NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) helps establish security baselines for your computers and networks. We also use the macOS Security Compliance Project (mSCP), an initiative that works alongside NIST to create a security standard for Apple devices. These assessments help ensure your organization’s computers are secure, from something as simple as configuring AirDrop settings to more complex network security protocols.

Developing and Maintaining Security Policies: Incident Response Plans and More

Every business needs an Incident Response Plan (IRP). In the event of a security breach, the IRP outlines the steps your organization should take to mitigate the damage. Whether you need to release a public statement or follow regulations for niche industries, having a well-thought-out plan is critical to business survival.

Hardening Devices and Protecting Data Across the Board

At Virtua Computers, we take a comprehensive approach to hardening your devices and protecting your data. Hardening means configuring your systems and devices in a way that reduces vulnerabilities and makes it much harder for unauthorized users to gain access. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach—every organization has unique needs, and our goal is to align your security settings with your business operations.

What do we harden?

  • Device Configurations: We assess device settings like AirDrop, Bluetooth, and screen sharing to ensure they meet your company’s security policies. For example, is AirDrop set to ‘Contacts Only,’ or can anyone nearby share files? Small configurations like this can make a big difference in limiting exposure to attacks.
  • Application Permissions: We lock down permissions on software applications and system settings to prevent unauthorized access. Whether it’s preventing certain apps from accessing sensitive data or ensuring that only approved applications are installed, we make sure your business has full control over what’s running on each device.
  • Encryption: We enforce encryption across all devices to ensure that data at rest is protected. This includes ensuring FileVault is turned on for all Macs, and sensitive files are encrypted both locally and in the cloud.
  • Network Security: Securing the network layer is just as important. We help you implement firewalls, VPNs, and secure Wi-Fi settings. For remote workers, we enforce policies that protect the integrity of connections, ensuring they’re using trusted networks and VPNs.

Compliance Monitoring: Once devices are hardened, we don’t stop there. We use tools like Addigy and Fleet to monitor compliance continuously. These tools check hourly to ensure that devices remain within your company’s security baseline, alerting you of any deviations or potential risks.

What about mobile devices?

We also apply the same rigorous standards to mobile devices. Whether your staff are using iPads or iPhones, we ensure that security settings like biometric authentication, encryption, and access controls are enforced to prevent unauthorized access or data leakage.

Beyond the device: Protecting your ecosystem

Device hardening is just one part of the equation. We also protect your communication and data-sharing tools. This includes configuring email security settings (SPF/DKIM/DMARC) to prevent phishing attacks, implementing anti-malware solutions across your network, and safeguarding cloud-based file shares with regular backups and encryption.