Running an independent vulnerability assessment is fundamental for any organization where technology is present.  Your organization may have full confidence in the internal IT staff or IT vendor, but the simple reality is that we're all human.  We make mistakes, we get distracted, and we must accept that nobody can be aware or know everything about every application, vulnerability, virus, malware, operating system, service, configuration, user account, file share, system device, firewall, protocol, etc, etc.  A good independent vulnerability assessment is essential in knowing what you don't know.  Networks are a dynamic entity, they evolve and change constantly.  A vulnerability assessment should be performed periodically and consistently within the organization's risk tolerances. 

Lasco has invested in software designed to evaluate and make your IT staff or vendor aware of areas of your network that may be introducing risk and need strengthening. If you are considering making your network more secure, Lasco is here to help. The last thing you want for your business is to leave the "door open" when you aren't around, so make sure you have all of your "doors" secured so that you aren't increasing your liability. 

This can result in your business losing a lot of money or going out of business.

There are a couple steps you can take to significantly limit your risk.

1. Use a single purpose computer for online banking: This may sound like a waste of money to limit the use of a whole computer to one task. However, this is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk.
2. Run as a limited User: Running as a limited/standard user means you may be prompted for the administrator password when the computer needs to run system impacting changes. However, those limitations are imposed on any malware that you would get infected with.
3. Ensure security updates are occurring for Windows, antivirus, third party applications such as Java/Flash. Even better, if you don't need them, uninstall third party applications.
4. Use strong authentication where available: When given the choice take the extra step to setup multifactor authentication. This can be accomplished in many different methods. Most systems have you register your cell phone by which you will receive a one time code when you login each time.

Did you know almost all computers that run a Windows operating system (such as Windows 7 or Windows Server) have a function that can take a snapshot picture of what is on your screen? This can be extremely useful if you need technical support for a problem that comes and goes or can't be kept on the screen.

If you get an error message on your screen or if you see a problem in a program you're using, take a screenshot of it by pressing the "Print Screen" button on your keyboard. On most keyboards, this button is located just to the left of the "Scroll Lock" key. When you press the button, don't worry if nothing happens on-screen; pressing this button will create the image of your screen in a temporary invisible storage location called the "clipboard".

After you've pressed the print screen button, you can see the image and send it to technical support (if required) by opening a new email message and pasting the image in the body of the message. (Be sure to include info about the problem you're reporting too.) To paste the image: press and hold the CTRL (Control) key and press the 'V' key on your keyboard or right click and select "paste". You can also paste the image into any other location that supports pasting such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Paint.