Information Technology Latest News and Events Philippines

CT Link Visits the Greenery for its Team Building Activity!

June 2, 2023June 8, 2023 Arby News and Events

On May 19th, 2023, the employees of CT Link took a break from work and participated in a team-building activity to strengthen their relationships with each other. This event was organized as part of the company’s 25th anniversary celebrations, aiming not only to create a memorable and enjoyable experience but also to realign everyone with CT Link’s core values. The activity involved all CT Link employees forming teams based on its five core values:

• Excellence
• Accountability
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Innovation.

To facilitate the event, CT Link sought the assistance of Jef Menguin and his team from Business Innovation Talent Development. Their main objective was to ensure that every employee understood and internalized the significance of these core values within the company. Sir Jef designed a series of activities that appeared simple and fun, but each held a deeper meaning. After each activity, the underlying messages were discussed, encouraging participants to reflect on their experiences.

After wrapping up the team building activity, the employees of CT Link carried valuable insights and newfound understanding back home. These takeaways will guide them in reinvigorating their work approach, by consciously embracing each of CT Link’s core values once they’re back in the office.

CT Link extends its gratitude to Sir Jef and his team for their valuable contribution in creating a memorable and impactful learning experience for everyone in the company.

RSA SecurID vs RSA ID Plus: Which Solution is Right for You?

May 26, 2023May 26, 2023 Arby News and Events RSA security

RSA Security is one of the world’s leading providers of cybersecurity solutions, offering a wide range of products and services to help organizations protect their valuable assets. Two of the company’s most popular solutions are RSA SecurID and RSA ID Plus. While both products are designed to enhance security and streamline authentication processes, there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at RSA SecurID vs RSA ID Plus to help you decide which solution is right for your organization.

RSA SecurID

RSA SecurID is a multifactor authentication (MFA) solution that uses a combination of something a user knows (such as a password) and something they have (such as a hardware or software token) to verify their identity. RSA SecurID offers a range of authentication methods, including push notifications, SMS messages, biometrics, and more. The solution is designed to be flexible and easy to use, and it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications and platforms.

RSA ID Plus

RSA ID Plus is a cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) solution that provides a wide range of security features to protect users and resources. The solution offers single sign-on (SSO) capabilities, as well as multifactor authentication and self-service password reset tools. RSA ID Plus is designed to be easy to deploy and manage, and it integrates seamlessly with a wide range of applications and platforms.

Which Solution is Right for You?

Both RSA SecurID and RSA ID Plus offer robust security features and are designed to be flexible and easy to use. However, there are some key differences between the two solutions that may influence your decision. Here are some of the main factors to consider:

Deployment

RSA SecurID can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the option that best suits their needs. RSA ID Plus, on the other hand, is a cloud-based solution, which may be more appealing to organizations that prefer the convenience and scalability of a cloud-based solution.

Authentication Methods

RSA SecurID primarily relies on two-factor authentication (2FA). It combines something the user knows (like a PIN or password) with something the user has (like a hardware token or a software-based token on a mobile device) to verify their identity. It typically utilizes a hardware token or a software token on a mobile device as the second factor for authentication. The tokens generate one-time passcodes that are synchronized with the authentication server.

In contrast, RSA ID Plus incorporates multi-factor authentication (MFA) by combining multiple factors, such as something the user knows, something the user has, and potentially something the user is (like biometric data), to strengthen the authentication process. Depending on the implementation, there can be a various way of authentication factors applied that can move the company into a passwordless authentication process.

Integration

Both RSA SecurID and RSA ID Plus are designed to integrate with a wide range of systems and applications. RSA SecurID integrates seamlessly with a variety of popular applications, including Microsoft Office 365 and Salesforce, while RSA ID Plus is designed to integrate with any application that supports the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) standard.

Security

Both RSA ID Plus and RSA SecurID are designed with security in mind. They incorporate strong encryption algorithms and secure protocols to protect authentication data. However, RSA ID Plus may offer additional security features, such as biometric authentication or adaptive authentication mechanisms, to provide a higher level of security and adaptability to evolving threats.

Pricing

RSA SecurID and RSA ID Plus have different pricing structures. RSA SecurID is priced based on the number of users and the level of support required, while RSA ID Plus is priced based on the number of authentications required per year. The pricing for RSA ID Plus can be found on their website.

Ultimately, the choice between RSA SecurID and RSA ID Plus will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the business in question. Businesses that require a more flexible and customizable authentication solution may prefer RSA ID Plus, while those that prioritize ease of use and integration with popular applications may prefer RSA SecurID.

If you are still undecided on RSA SecurID vs RSA ID Plus, you may contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to set up a meeting with us today!

SD-WAN vs MPLS: Which One is Better for Your Business?

May 17, 2023June 18, 2024 Arby News and Events SD-WAN

In the world of modern networking, there are two technologies that are always looked at in the Philippines: Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) and Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS). Both technologies offer benefits that can help businesses improve their network performance and reduce costs. However, they differ in terms of functionality, cost, and ease of use. In this article, we will explore the differences between SD-WAN vs MPLS and help you decide which one is best for your business.

What is SD-WAN?

SD-WAN is a software-defined networking technology that allows organizations to build a secure, intelligent, and scalable WAN using a combination of public and private connectivity. With it, organizations can use multiple Internet connections, including broadband, LTE, and MPLS, to connect their branch offices, data centers, and cloud resources.

It enables centralized network management and control, which simplifies network operations and improves agility. It uses software to dynamically route traffic across multiple links based on business policies, network conditions, and application requirements. SD-WAN also provides advanced security features such as encrypted tunnels, firewalls, and intrusion prevention.

What is MPLS?

MPLS is a networking technology that uses labels to forward packets instead of traditional IP routing. It creates a virtual circuit or tunnel between two endpoints, allowing data to be transmitted faster and more securely. It is often used in large enterprises that require a high level of network reliability and performance.

MPLS is a managed service, which means that service providers are responsible for managing and maintaining the network. MPLS provides QoS (Quality of Service) guarantees, which means that applications can be prioritized, and bandwidth can be reserved for critical applications. MPLS is also a private network, which provides a higher level of security than the public Internet.

SD-WAN vs MPLS Comparison

Cost Comparison

SD-WAN is typically less expensive than MPLS because it uses broadband and LTE connections instead of private circuits. SD-WAN also allows organizations to prioritize traffic and allocate bandwidth based on application requirements, which can further reduce costs. MPLS is a managed service, which means that service providers are responsible for managing and maintaining the network, but this can also add to the cost.

Performance Comparison

SD-WAN typically provides lower latency and higher bandwidth than MPLS because it uses multiple Internet connections. SD-WAN can dynamically route traffic across multiple links based on business policies and network conditions, which can improve performance. MPLS provides QoS guarantees, which means that applications can be prioritized, and bandwidth can be reserved for critical applications.

Security Comparison

SD-WAN provides advanced security features such as encrypted tunnels, firewalls, and intrusion prevention, which can help protect against cyber threats. MPLS provides a higher level of security than the public Internet because it is a private network.

Ease of Use Comparison

SD-WAN provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies network operations and improves agility. SD-WAN allows organizations to prioritize traffic and allocate bandwidth based on application requirements, which can reduce complexity. MPLS is a managed service, which requires less configuration, but can also limit flexibility and scalability.

Benefits and Uses of SD-WAN and MPLS

So how do businesses know when to use one or the other? This all depends on the situation and unique challenges businesses need to solve. Below are a few benefits that SD-WAN can provide businesses:

Lower cost due to use of broadband and LTE connections.
Higher performance due to use of multiple Internet connections.
Advanced security features, including encrypted tunnels, firewalls, and intrusion prevention.
User-friendly interface that simplifies network operations and improves agility.
Highly scalable, easy to add new sites and applications.

Some use cases in which SD-WAN are a good choice are:

Have multiple locations and need to connect them.
Need to improve network performance and reduce latency.
Want to reduce network costs by using broadband and LTE connections.
Need to prioritize traffic and allocate bandwidth based on application requirements.
Want to simplify network operations and improve agility.

Alternatively, MPLS benefits would be:

Higher level of security due to use of private network.
QoS guarantees, which means that applications can be prioritized, and bandwidth can be reserved for critical applications.
Managed service requires less configuration, which can reduce complexity.
Provides a reliable and stable network for mission-critical applications.
Offers end-to-end network performance monitoring and reporting.

Some use cases for MPLS are:

Have a high level of network security requirements.
Need to guarantee QoS for critical applications.
Have a need for a stable and reliable network for mission-critical applications.
Have a need for end-to-end network performance monitoring and reporting.
Require a managed service that requires less configuration.

FAQs

Can SD-WAN be used in conjunction with MPLS?

Yes, SD-WAN can be used to augment or replace MPLS in certain scenarios, such as adding redundancy or reducing costs.

Is MPLS still relevant in today’s networks?

Yes, MPLS is still widely used in large enterprises and service provider networks due to its reliability, security, and QoS guarantees.

Can SD-WAN be deployed on a global scale?

Yes, SD-WAN can be deployed globally, but organizations should consider factors such as Internet connectivity, local regulations, and data sovereignty.

What are some common use cases for SD-WAN?

Common use cases for SD-WAN include branch office connectivity, cloud connectivity, and mobile workforce connectivity.

How can I determine which technology is best for my organization?

Organizations should evaluate their specific requirements and needs, including performance, security, cost, and scalability, to determine which technology is best for their network. Consulting with a network expert can also help in making an informed decision.

To learn more about SD-WAN vs MPLS, you may contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph so that we can better consult you on what is better for your business!

RSA Token: Securing Access Control with SecurID

May 12, 2023May 12, 2023 Arby News and Events RSA security

In today’s world, security is a top priority, especially when it comes to sensitive information. The rise of cyberattacks and data breaches has made it imperative for businesses to enhance their security measures to protect their sensitive data. One solution that has been able to help businesses solve this issue is RSA token solution, SecurID. It is an authentication solution that provides an extra layer of protection to the login process through user verification. These technologies have grown in popularity in recent times due to many security risks that companies have experienced even before the pandemic happened.

What is RSA SecurID?

RSA SecurID is an authentication solution that provides secure access control to systems and applications. It uses a two-factor authentication mechanism that requires users to provide two pieces of evidence to prove their identity – something they know (such as a password) and something they have (such as an RSA Token).

RSA Token – Improving Secure Access Control

An RSA Token is a small electronic device that generates a one-time password (OTP) every 60 seconds. It’s used as the second factor of authentication in the RSA SecurID system. RSA Tokens come in different types and models, including hardware, software, and mobile versions.

RSA Tokens provide an extra layer of protection to the login process, making it more difficult for unauthorized users to access sensitive information. The device generates a unique OTP every 60 seconds, which can only be used once. This means that even if an attacker manages to steal the OTP, it will be useless as it expires in 60 seconds.

Features and Benefits of RSA Tokens

RSA SecurID offers a range of features and benefits that make it a good fit for business looking into improving their secure access control. Some of these include:

Two-factor authentication

A key feature for RSA SecurID has would be its two-factor authentication mechanism that requires users to provide two pieces of evidence to prove their identity. This makes it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Customizable policies

Businesses can set up customizable policies for access control when using RSA SecurID. You can define which users have access to which resources and set up rules for password complexity and expiration.

Multiple form factors

RSA SecurID supports a variety of form factors, including hardware tokens, software tokens, and mobile tokens. This makes it more versatile and flexible for businesses of all sizes.

Compliance with regulatory requirements

Another key feature for SecurID for businesses is its ability to help them comply with regulatory requirements such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and SOX. It provides an extra layer of protection to sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

RSA SecurID FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about RSA SecurID:

What is the difference between a hardware token and a software token?

A hardware token is a physical device that generates an OTP. A software token is a software application that runs on a computer or mobile device and generates an OTP.

Can I use an RSA Token on multiple devices?

No, an RSA Token is tied to a specific device and cannot be used on multiple devices. However, some RSA Tokens allow for multiple accounts to be associated with a single device, making it more versatile.

How long does an RSA Token last?

An RSA Token typically lasts for three to five years, depending on the model and usage. After that time, the device will need to be replaced.

To learn more about RSA SecurID and its token solution, you may contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to learn more!

What is Gigamon Used for: Gigamon Case Studies

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023 Arby News and Events

In today’s fast-paced and interconnected IT landscape, network visibility and analytics are critical for organizations to optimize their network infrastructure and ensure secure and reliable operations. Let’s explore the power of Gigamon, a leading platform for network visibility and analytics, and how it can help organizations stay ahead of the game.

Network Visibility and Analytics in Modern IT Environments

Modern IT environments are characterized by a complex network of devices, applications, and services that generate vast amounts of data. To effectively manage this complexity, organizations need a comprehensive view of their network infrastructure, including real-time insights into traffic flows, application performance, and security threats. Network visibility and analytics enable organizations to gain this comprehensive view by collecting, processing, and analyzing network data from multiple sources.

Exploring the Uses of Gigamon

Gigamon is a platform that enables organizations to achieve comprehensive network visibility and analytics at scale. It provides a centralized platform for collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources, including physical, virtual, and cloud-based environments. With its advanced analytics capabilities, Gigamon enables organizations to detect and prevent security threats, optimize network performance, and monitor application performance in real-time.

To get a better image of what Gigamon is used for, below are a few key use cases that may apply to your business:

Security

Gigamon provides comprehensive visibility into network traffic, enabling organizations to detect and prevent security threats. It can detect and block malicious traffic, including malware and ransomware, in real-time. It also enables organizations to investigate security incidents and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

Network Performance

Gigamon enables organizations to optimize their network performance by providing real-time insights into traffic flows. It helps organizations identify bottlenecks and optimize traffic routing to improve network performance. It also enables organizations to identify and troubleshoot issues in real-time.

Cloud Migration

Gigamon can help organizations migrate their applications to the cloud by providing visibility into their network traffic. It enables organizations to understand their application dependencies and optimize their network infrastructure for the cloud. It also provides real-time visibility into network traffic in the cloud, enabling organizations to monitor and secure their cloud environments.

Application Performance

Gigamon enables organizations to monitor the performance of their applications by providing real-time visibility into network traffic. It helps organizations identify issues with application performance, including latency and throughput. It also enables organizations to optimize their network infrastructure to improve application performance.

In summary, Gigamon is a powerful platform that can help organizations monitor and analyze their network traffic. It provides real-time visibility into network traffic and enables organizations to detect and prevent security threats, optimize network performance, migrate applications to the cloud, and monitor application performance. With its scalability, analytics, and integration capabilities, Gigamon is an essential tool for any organization looking to optimize its network infrastructure.

If you would like to learn more about the Gigamon Solution, you may contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to schedule a meeting with us today!

iBoss awards CT Link as its Rising Star Partner of the Year for 2022!

May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 Arby News and Events iboss

On April 25, 2023, iBoss held its Partner’s kickoff to celebrate each of their partners in the Philippines. This was the first ever partner’s kickoff held in the Philippines where iBoss recognized the efforts of all its partners throughout its stay in the Philippines.

We at CT Link Systems, Inc. were honored to receive the Rising Star Partner of the Year Award for 2022 for our efforts during 2022. The award was given to CT Link for achieving the following:

Helping a financial institute in the Philippines replace their legacy VPN with the iBoss solution.
Recognition for our team’s capability to do the following with little to no help from the iBoss team:
o Customer Presentations
o Customer Demo
o Creating PoC plans and Implementing a PoC
o Providing best practices/Security policies for the SFI Industry

For context, our customer consulted with us with regards to their current situation and what we thought would be the best way to solve it. Firstly, due to the pandemic, remote work has becoming more common. To enable this, our customer published their hosted on-premise web applications publicly so that that users could access the resources through VPN. This allowed users to access their resources from remote locations but also had serious security risks as well.

Firstly, they were unable to control what users were able to access, meaning they could access resources which were confidential and unneeded for their job. They were also unable to verify users working remotely if they were really their employees or hackers who have taken their credentials.

With iBoss, our customer’s users were able to connect to the web applications without the need to publish it publicly. They were able to use the iBoss’ solution to act as a gateway in which users accessed through the VPN to act as the security layer for their connection. iBoss’ applies each security policy for each connection, to ensure that they are only able to access resources that they are allowed to. Another feature that our customer was able to apply with iBoss was device posture checking. This allowed them to ensure that each device used to access the network was compliant with all security policies such as updated software for their malware agents or applications before connecting to the network.

Lastly, they were able to apply MFA into their system with iBoss. This allowed them to ensure that whoever connected to the network were verified. Allowing them to ensure that their remote workers were not hackers with stolen credentials.

Thank you iBoss for your recognition and we look forward to many more years of successful partnership. Let’s make 2023 and the future years more fruitful than the last!

About iBoss

iBoss is a cloud-based cybersecurity and web filtering platform designed to protect organizations from advanced threats and inappropriate content. The platform is designed to provide advanced threat defense, data loss prevention, and web filtering for organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large enterprises.

The iBoss platform is built on a cloud-native architecture that provides seamless scalability, ensuring that it can accommodate growing organizations with ease. This architecture also allows the platform to be easily integrated with existing security systems and applications, making it a versatile solution for organizations looking to enhance their overall security posture.

About CT Link

CT Link Systems, Inc. is a premier IT Solutions provider based in the Philippines. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. Our goal is to be your “Link to Cloud Technology” for businesses looking to improve their digital capabilities. Our solutions include multilevel security, hybrid cloud, and workspace solutions. Established in 1998, CT Link has built a reputation as a reliable partner for companies seeking a competitive advantage.

We work with leading international vendors to offer the latest and most cost-effective solutions. Our engineers are highly skilled and trained, providing expert planning, implementation, and support services. At CT Link Systems, Inc., we understand the importance of technology and the role it plays in driving business success.

SD-WAN Case Studies: A Quick Guide to SD-WAN

April 28, 2023April 28, 2023 Arby News and Events

For many years, businesses have relied on traditional Wide Area Networks (WANs) to connect their remote branches. However, these legacy WANs can be expensive, difficult to manage, and lack the agility and flexibility that businesses need in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. This has led to many organizations seeking a new approach to networking that can provide improved performance, security, and scalability, while reducing costs and complexity.

This is where Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) comes in. SD-WAN is a solution that allows businesses to use software to manage their WANs, instead of relying on hardware-based appliances. SD-WAN uses virtualization and software-defined networking (SDN) principles to abstract the network from the underlying hardware and provide centralized management and policy control.

There are several SD-WAN case studies that show case the benefits for businesses. Some examples are improved application performance, cost savings, enhanced security, simplified network management, and scalability. These benefits are achieved through features such as Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical applications, the ability to use multiple types of connections (such as broadband and MPLS) to reduce costs, advanced security features such as end-to-end encryption and micro-segmentation, a centralized management console for simplified management, and the ability to quickly scale the network to accommodate growth.

We can talk about each feature in more technical detail, however, this won’t give you a clear picture of how it can help your business. This is why we have listed below a few SD-WAN case studies which shows how different industries can leverage SD-WAN to better their processes and security.

Manufacturing: Improved application performance

Some manufacturing companies rely on cloud-based inventory management systems to track supplies and shipments across multiple locations. With SD-WAN, businesses in manufacturing can use Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize this application’s traffic, ensuring that it always has sufficient bandwidth and low latency. This can improve the system’s performance, reduce errors, and enhance overall efficiency. The company may also be able to use SD-WAN to automatically reroute traffic to different connections if one is experiencing congestion or other issues.

Banking and Financial Services: Cost savings

Businesses in the financial industry like banks usually have a large branch network that requires them all to have connectivity. This can become costly as time goes by and requirements and more locations increase. However, if you set up a hybrid WAN using SD-WAN, businesses can drastically reduce costs of the connectivity when compared to using only expensive MPLS connections. By using broadband connections for non-critical traffic and reserving MPLS connections for mission-critical traffic, the businesses in the financial industry can save money while still maintaining the required level of performance and security. SD-WAN can also provide real-time visibility into network usage and costs, allowing the company to optimize its network usage and reduce expenses further.

Healthcare: Enhanced security

Healthcare organizations like hospitals, must deal with strict regulatory requirements with regards to data privacy and security. This is in line with confidentiality that patients are provided with regards to how their sensitive information is handled. SD-WAN can provide several advanced security features to protect sensitive patient data. For example, end-to-end encryption can ensure that data is secure in transit, while micro-segmentation can help prevent lateral movement of threats within the network. SD-WAN can also provide real-time threat detection and mitigation, allowing the organization to respond quickly to potential security incidents.

Retail: Simplified network management

Retail chains can have hundreds of stores across multiple regions, each with its own network infrastructure. SD-WAN can provide a centralized management console that allows the company to monitor and manage all of its network infrastructure from a single location. This can include visibility into network performance, security, and usage, as well as the ability to configure and manage network devices remotely. With SD-WAN, the company can reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and ensure consistent network policies across all its locations.

Technology: Scalability

Businesses in the technology industry have been experiencing rapid growth and may need to quickly add new offices and employees. SD-WAN can help the company easily scale its network to accommodate rapid growth. This can include adding new offices and employees, as well as supporting new applications and services. With SD-WAN, the company can quickly provision new connections and devices, configure network policies, and monitor network performance. This can help the company remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving market.

If you would like to learn more about SD-WAN case studies or the technology, you may contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to set your consultation with us today!

RSA ID Plus: The Modern Solution for Secure Identity Management

April 21, 2023June 7, 2023 Arby News and Events MFA, RSA security

RSA ID Plus Modern Solution for Businesses

In today’s digital landscape, securing organizational data and resources has become increasingly more important to businesses. Traditional identity and access management (IAM) solutions are no longer enough to address the complex and dynamic nature of modern business environments. In response to this, RSA has adapted a new solution to address it with RSA ID Plus. Its new modern solution for secure identity management for today’s business requirements.

What is RSA ID Plus?

RSA ID Plus is a hybrid IAM solution that combines the best of both on-premise and cloud-based IAM solutions to provide a flexible, scalable, and secure identity management system. With it, organizations can manage identities across multiple systems, applications, and environments while ensuring the highest level of security.
Below are a few benefits that businesses can expect when implementing the it:

Enhanced Security

It provides enhanced security through a multi-layered approach that combines the security features of on-premise IAM solutions such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and role-based access control with the security features of cloud-based solutions such as encryption, tokenization, and multi-factor authentication.

Flexibility and Scalability

With RSA ID Plus, organizations are able to choose the best IAM solution for each use case through its flexibility and scalability. For instance, organizations can use an on-premise solution for applications that require higher security levels while using a cloud-based solution for less critical applications. Additionally, RSA ID Plus is highly scalable, allowing organizations to easily add or remove users, applications, and systems.

Seamless User Experience

Another key feature is a seamless user experience by allowing users to access resources from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. It simplifies the authentication process by providing a single sign-on (SSO) solution for all applications, reducing the need for multiple usernames and passwords.

Cost-Effective

RSA ID Plus is a cost-effective solution for organizations, as it allows them to choose the most suitable IAM solution for each use case, reducing the need for costly infrastructure investments. Additionally, it provides a pay-as-you-go model for cloud-based solutions, enabling organizations to scale up or down based on their needs.

RSA ID Plus is the modern solution for secure identity management in today’s digital age that businesses should consider implementing. It provides organizations with the flexibility, scalability, security, and cost-effectiveness they need to manage identities across multiple systems, applications, and environments. By implementing it, organizations can ensure the highest level of security for their data and resources while providing a seamless user experience for their employees and customers.

To learn more about RSA solutions, please contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to set up a meeting with us today!

Enhancing Deep Observability with Gigamon

April 14, 2023April 14, 2023 Arby News and Events

Deep observability is a critical aspect of any modern IT infrastructure. It allows for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data across an entire network, providing IT teams with unprecedented visibility into the performance and security of their systems. However, is that all there is to deep observability?

What is Deep Observability?

At its most basic level, deep observability is the practice of collecting and analyzing data across an entire IT infrastructure, from servers and network devices to applications and user endpoints. This allows IT teams to gain a comprehensive view of their systems, including how they are performing, where bottlenecks and performance issues may be occurring, and where potential security risks may exist.

Deep observability comprises of multiple monitoring tools and technologies that work together to collect and analyze data in real-time. These tools may include network traffic analysis (NTA) platforms, log management tools, security information and event management (SIEM) platforms, and application performance monitoring (APM) solutions. By integrating these tools into a cohesive deep observability solution, IT teams can gain a more complete understanding of their systems and respond to issues more quickly and effectively.

For businesses interested in looking for a vendor with a powerful platform to empower your deep observability capabilities, Gigamon has the solution.

Deep Observability with Gigamon

Gigamon’s deep observability solution provides IT teams with a powerful platform for gaining deep insights into their IT infrastructure. It is designed to enhance the observability of network infrastructure by providing a comprehensive view of network traffic. With deep observability tools, like the ones stated above, the platform can analyze network traffic and extract valuable insights into network behavior, performance, and security.

The Gigamon platform works by tapping into network traffic and aggregating it into a centralized location for analysis. The platform can then provide various tools to analyze this traffic, such as packet capture, flow analysis, and metadata extraction. With these tools, the platform can identify and classify network traffic, detect anomalies and threats, and optimize network performance.

To learn more about how you can better maximize your deep observability tools with Gigamon, you can contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to learn more!

Ransomware in 2023 and Beyond is Not Going Anywhere

April 5, 2023April 5, 2023 Arby News and Events

Ransomware in 2023 and years before it have steadily becoming a staple, with high-profile incidents hitting companies of all sizes and across all industries. These attacks involve hackers encrypting a victim’s data and demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key, and they can cause severe financial and reputational damage. Some may wonder if ransomware attacks are a passing fad, but the truth is that they are here to stay. There are many reasons why ransomware attacks are not likely to slow down in the future, but rather ramp up. Below are a few of the reasons why most cyber security experts agree that ransomware is here to stay in the foreseeable future:

Profitable for Attackers: One reason ransomware attacks aren’t going anywhere is that they are incredibly profitable for attackers. With the introduction of cryptocurrencies, it’s become much easier for hackers to receive payments anonymously. Ransomware attacks can yield significant profits for attackers, and as long as there are organizations willing to pay ransoms, there will be hackers willing to carry out these attacks.

Easy to Deploy: Ransomware attacks are relatively easy to deploy, making it easy to attack as many companies as possible. Many hackers use off-the-shelf malware that can be easily modified to carry out a ransomware attack. Additionally, some attackers use phishing emails to deliver the malware, which can be a straightforward and effective way to gain access to a victim’s network.

Increasingly Sophisticated: Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with attackers using advanced techniques to evade detection and maximize their impact. For example, some attackers use “double extortion” tactics, where they not only encrypt a victim’s data but also threaten to release sensitive information publicly unless the ransom is paid.

Lack of Preparation: Finally, another reason ransomware attacks are unlikely to pass, is that many organizations are still unprepared to deal with them. Many companies lack robust backup and disaster recovery plans, making it more likely that they will pay a ransom to regain access to their data. There are even some organizations that do not prioritize cybersecurity, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

protecting your business from ransomware

So now that we know why ransomware is going to be a persistent threat, what can businesses do to reduce the risk of being hit? There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling victim to ransomware in 2023. Below are a few guidelines that businesses can follow to help safeguard their data and minimize the impact of any potential attack:

Backup Your Data: One of the best ways to protect yourself from ransomware attacks is to backup your data regularly. By keeping a copy of your data offsite, you can restore your systems quickly in the event of an attack.

Train Your Employees: Another important step in protecting yourself from ransomware attacks is to train your employees. Make sure they understand the risks of phishing emails and how to identify and report suspicious activity.

Keep Your Systems Updated: Keeping your systems and software up to date is critical in preventing ransomware attacks. Many attackers exploit known vulnerabilities in software to gain access to a victim’s network, so it’s essential to patch any vulnerabilities as soon as possible.

Have a Response Plan: Lastly, it’s crucial to have a response plan in place in the event of a ransomware attack. This plan should include steps for isolating infected systems, restoring backups, and contacting law enforcement.

Ransomware in 2023 or in the future can have devastating effects on businesses. By understanding the types of attacks and taking preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of falling victim to a ransomware attack. Having an incident response plan in place can also help mitigate the damage caused by an attack. Remember, prevention is the best defense against ransomware attacks.

To learn more about Ransomware and how to better protect your business from it, contact us at marketing@ctlink.com.ph to consult with us today!