Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Invests in Advanced Cybersecurity Tools

ANN ARBOR, MI – September 29, 2022 - UTEC, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), has increased their investments in an advanced cybersecurity technology to create additional layers of protection for their customers. UTEC is deploying a SaaS (Software-as-a- Service) alert technology to help its customers monitor, protect and manage their employees access on widely-used business applications like G Suite, Salesforce, Slack, Dropbox, Office 365 and Box. UTEC’s new SaaS alert technology monitors upwards of 35 different types of applications and gives SMBs real-time alerts and reporting capacities. Additionally, it automatically responds to issues which require attention before the customer has initiated any action.

“We’re excited to deploy this technology because it empowers our customers to immediately be notified of any issues so that they can be rectified, immediately,” said Les Harris, Dir of Sales for Advanced Technology & Services of UTEC. We’ve all heard about the acceleration of ransomware attacks in the news lately, the real problem behind any breach, is not knowing the extent of the breach for a long period of time. With this technology, our customers will know instantaneously if a breach has been attempted as we thwart attacks on their behalf.”

While technologies like G Suite, Salesforce, Slack, Dropbox, Office 365 or Box have become ubiquitous in the modern workplace, they unfortunately expose networks to certain vulnerabilities which can be prevented. While UTEC’s particular technology monitors and alerts SMBs on up to 35 different types of cyberattack methods, many businesses are undereducated as to the 6 most common attacks.

1. Brute Force Attacks - this is when cybercriminals use automation and scripts to guess passwords. Typical brute force attacks make a few hundred guesses every second which take advantage of simple passwords which use common expressions like 'user123' or ‘password1,’ and can be cracked in minutes.

2. Logins From Unauthorized Countries - these types of breaches can be spotted through various indicators such as: a VPN connection from an unknown device or anonymous proxy, an abnormal amount of data uploaded during a VPN session, an increase of company-related data files accessed, multi-factor authentication (MFA) from a new device, or too many failed VPN logins.

3. Outdated File Shares From OneDrive/Google Drive/Dropbox/Etc. (Orphaned Links) - these occur when attackers overtake expired, stale, and invalid external links on credible websites, portals, or applications so that they can repurpose them for fraudulent activities.

4. Data Exfiltration - this is when any malicious actor targets, copies, and transfers sensitive data outside out of a company’s network, which can often be used to extract a ransom or be offered to a competitor for a bribe.

5. Confidential Files Viewed - when businesses are

immediately notified as to which users are accessing confidential. A telltale sign that a cyber attacker is poking around in a network that they shouldn’t be meddling in, is when confidential files are being viewed frequently.

6. Security Group and Policy Changes - this is often a means to make it easier for a hacker to break in and cause a deeper extent of damage to a business or organization, yet SaaS alert technology can be configured to send off an alert to ensure that the company is in control of any changes being made to the security group.

“While there are many more types of attacks which can be rectified with various levels of complexity, these SaaS alerts can add a much-needed layer of security for any organization,” added Mr. Harris. “However, as cybercriminals continue to innovate, so must the technology that we leverage to protect our customers.”

ABOUT UTEC

UTEC was established in 1975 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. UTEC is a growing company recognized as a leader in office and information technology solutions and services. They offer state-of- the-art products and unwavering customer service that has helped grow and expand their operations throughout Michigan. UTEC employs a staff of over 30 people and provides the following products and services: a variety of IT solutions, including managed network capabilities, multi-function printers & copiers, managed print services, VoIP phone systems, digital and interactive displays, document management solutions, thermal imaging kiosks, postage meters, and mailing solutions. They can attribute much of their growth over the past several years by

specializing in customized IT and Smart Office Solutions.

UTEC's focus extends beyond the products and services they offer. They are dedicated to supporting the local communities they operate, including many non- profit organizations, Chambers of Commerce, high school and collegiate academics, and athletics.

For more information on UTEC's business products and services, contact UTEC, 1995 Highland Drive, Suite. C, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.