Rent Manager Users Conference 2024
Palm Desert
Rent Manager Users Conference 2024: Key Takeaways on IT Security Posture in Small and Medium Businesses
The Rent Manager Users Conference 2024 in Palm Desert gathered a few hundred professionals from diverse companies to explore the latest advancements in property management and IT security. Throughout the four-day event, I engaged in insightful discussions on technology practices, IT security, and digital infrastructure with industry peers.
One of the most eye-opening observations came from my examination of domain security among attendees. During the conference, I tested over 200 domains for SPF, DMARC, and DKIM records—crucial standards for email authentication and security. Surprisingly, only two companies had their email systems configured correctly. This widespread gap in proper email setup is a major concern, as it leaves most small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) vulnerable to phishing, spoofing, and other email-based threats, despite requirements set by platforms like Google and Yahoo.
Adding to this issue, very few companies had effective mail filters in place to capture and quarantine modern phishing emails. In today’s digital landscape, robust email filtering is essential for blocking phishing attempts that have grown increasingly sophisticated. Without these filters, many SMBs are exposed to higher risks of malicious email content making it to employee inboxes.
Further conversations with attendees revealed that many companies also lacked a comprehensive IT security posture. When asked about their IT security infrastructure, most representatives struggled to provide specifics or referenced outdated antivirus solutions like Norton and McAfee. While these tools once served as standards, they no longer provide the defense capabilities required in today’s EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) environment, where advanced, proactive threat detection is crucial.
Key Takeaways and Where Network Thinking Solutions Can Help
1. Proper Setup of SPF, DKIM, and DMARC in DNS for Email
Many companies lack the proper configuration of essential email authentication protocols. NTS can help ensure these are correctly set up in DNS, significantly improving email security and reducing vulnerability to phishing and spoofing attacks.
2. Modern EDR Solutions Are Not Widely Used
Many SMBs rely on outdated antivirus products, leaving systems vulnerable to sophisticated threats. NTS offers advanced EDR solutions that provide proactive endpoint protection, enhancing threat detection and response capabilities.
3. Lack of Mail Spam and Phishing Protection
With few companies implementing effective spam and phishing filters, many are unprepared for modern email threats. NTS can deploy and configure robust mail filters that catch and quarantine suspicious emails, protecting employees from phishing attempts.
4. Zero Trust and DNS Filtering as Key to Endpoint Management
Tools like Zero Trust architecture and DNS filtering are vital for secure endpoint management. NTS can help organizations adopt these strategies, limiting unauthorized access and adding critical security layers to prevent external threats.
5. SIEM Tools for Security Logging and Alerts
Many companies lack centralized logging and alerting solutions for endpoint, email, and cloud services like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. NTS provides SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) solutions that enable real-time monitoring, alerting, and analysis of security events, enhancing an organization’s ability to respond to threats.
These insights from the conference underline a significant need for SMBs to prioritize and enhance their IT security frameworks. By adopting robust security practices, businesses can safeguard their operations against evolving threats. Network Thinking Solutions remains dedicated to equipping the manufactured housing, RV, and real estate industries with comprehensive security solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of each business.
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