Securing Your Business: The Importance of Remote Monitoring and Management Services

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is not just a concern for IT departments—it’s a critical aspect of every business operation. At Remote App Hosting, we prioritize layered security, offering our clients peace of mind with robust protection. However, we have noticed a significant gap in how businesses manage their security: the devices they use daily, such as desktops and laptops, are often neglected.

This year, as we reviewed our security incidents, one fact became glaringly obvious: all security breaches originated from client devices that were unmanaged and not up-to-date with patching. This is a concerning trend, especially given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.

The Overlooked Weak Link: Client Devices

Why would you secure your server with the best protection available, yet leave your desktops and laptops vulnerable? It’s akin to locking your front door but leaving the back door wide open. Your server may be fortified, but if your endpoint devices are exposed, your entire network is at risk.

The reality is that many businesses do not give their desktops and laptops the same level of attention as their servers. This oversight can be catastrophic. Unpatched systems are a favorite target for cybercriminals, who exploit these vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

The Alarming State of Patch Management

Consider this: in 2023 alone, there were 18,358 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) issued, with 2,015 of them rated as critical. These numbers are more than just statistics—they represent potential entry points for cyber attackers. Despite these alarming figures, approximately 60% of businesses do not regularly apply security patches to their systems.

Why is this the case? For many companies, patching has become an unmanageable liability. Two-thirds of organizations report struggling with prioritizing and keeping up with updates. The reasons are varied—lack of resources, the complexity of patch management, and the fear of downtime or system disruptions. Yet, the cost of falling behind is far greater. According to the Ponemon Institute, the average cost of a data breach in 2018 was $3 million, and the figure has only risen since then.

The Cost of Neglect

When businesses fail to patch their systems, they are essentially leaving the door open for cybercriminals. Unpatched software is like an unlocked door—it doesn’t take much for a determined intruder to get in. A staggering 57% of data breaches could have been prevented if an available patch had been applied. This means that more than half of the breaches that occur could have been avoided with a simple, yet often neglected, action.

The consequences of a cyber attack go beyond the immediate financial loss. There’s the damage to your reputation, the loss of customer trust, and the potential for legal repercussions. Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable, as they often lack the resources to recover from a major breach.

The Solution: Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) Services

So, how can you protect your business from becoming the next statistic? The answer lies in proactive management. At Remote App Hosting, we offer Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) services designed to keep your systems secure, up-to-date, and running smoothly. Here’s how we can help:

  1. Managed Patching:
    Patching can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but it is essential for maintaining security. With our managed patching services, you no longer have to worry about manual updates. We take care of it for you, ensuring that your software is always up-to-date with the latest security patches. This not only strengthens your defenses but also frees up your time to focus on your core business activities.
  2. Proactive Monitoring:
    One of the key benefits of RMM services is the ability to spot and address issues before they become full-blown problems. Our proactive monitoring includes regular scans to identify vulnerabilities in your systems. By catching these issues early, we can address them before they are exploited by cybercriminals. This proactive approach is crucial in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, where threats are constantly evolving.
  3.  Managed Cyber Security:
    Cyber threats are a grave concern for businesses of all sizes. Our comprehensive cybersecurity solution provides multi-layered protection, safeguarding your sensitive data and ensuring business continuity. With managed cybersecurity, you can rest easy knowing that your systems are being monitored and protected 24/7. This is particularly important for small businesses, which may not have the resources to maintain a dedicated cybersecurity team.
  4. BONUS: Managed Backups
    In addition to patching and security monitoring, we also offer managed backup services for your desktops and laptops. Regular backups are a critical component of any disaster recovery plan. In the event of a cyber attack or system failure, having a recent backup ensures that you can quickly restore your systems and minimize downtime. Our managed backup services provide an additional layer of protection, giving you peace of mind knowing that your data is safe.

The Risks of Inaction

The decision to invest in RMM services should not be taken lightly. The cost of inaction can be devastating. Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, and the number of vulnerabilities continues to rise. By failing to patch your systems and monitor your devices, you are leaving your business exposed to these threats.

Furthermore, regulatory requirements around data protection are becoming increasingly stringent. Many industries are subject to regulations that mandate the regular application of security patches and the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal penalties, in addition to the damage caused by a breach.

The Path Forward

Your business’s security goes beyond just securing your server. Every device connected to your network is a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Don’t let unpatched software put your business at risk. Your laptops and desktops need the same rigorous defense as your server to protect against the next cyber threat.

At Remote App Hosting, we are committed to helping businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Our RMM services provide a comprehensive solution that includes managed patching, proactive monitoring, managed cybersecurity, and managed backups. With our help, you can lock down every entry point and ensure that your business is protected.

Take Action Today

Don’t wait until it’s too late. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and the cost of a breach can be catastrophic. By investing in RMM services, you can take a proactive approach to cybersecurity and protect your business from the growing threat of cyber attacks. Schedule a time to learn more here.

We invite you to schedule a quick call with us to learn more about how we can help. Let us be your partner in securing your business. With Remote App Hosting by your side, you can rest easy knowing that your systems are safe, secure, and up-to-date.