Category: Featured

Oct 21st

Why DevOps

DevOps is a combination of people, process, tools, vendors, and partners.

DevOps is AGILITY, RELIABILITY, SCALABILITY, SUSTAINABILITY, and REPRODUCIBILITY.  

It focuses on the following:

• Knowledge sharing
• Automation
• Collaborative culture
• Time to market & value

DevOps is also an organizational culture for application development and maintenance success.  It encompasses technology and process.  It encourages transparency and candid communication between software developers and IT operations and administration to increase the agility with which applications are delivered.

By automating, monitoring, and measuring the production of code through develop, release, test, and maintenance, the process becomes more sustainable, scalable, and repeatable.

Optimally, all manual tasks are eliminated reducing the potential for human error and making delivery and roll-back less error prone.

Why DevOps

Rapidly deliver reliable, scalable micro and macro services that are critical for the business time to market and value.

Brings teams together

Technical benefits include:

• Continuous delivery
• Reduction in component complexity
• Agility in problem resolution

Business benefits include:

• Agility in the delivery of business benefit
• Increased stability
• More focus on competitive advantage, rather than “keeping the lights on”.

Want to learn more about DevOps?

Join us for the upcoming complimentary webinar on DevOps Continuous Testing Foundation (CTF) Certification Overview.

Questions about DevOps?  Get in touch!

Oct 20th

Cybersecurity Best Practices – Passwords

Managing passwords is the easiest, most impactful thing you can do when it comes to IT security. (And it’s free!)

RESET EVERY 3 MONTHS

• Windows login
• Email/Office 365
• Routers and firewalls
• Other hardware
• Customer relationship management (CRM)
• Marketing automation

PASSWORD MUST-HAVES

• Uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers
• Symbols – i.e . !@#$%^&*()

Characteristics of a Strong Password

Long: The longer the password, the harder to crack. While your account may only require 6 to 9 characters, expanding to 12, 16 or more will give you a stronger password.
Passwords to avoid: Superman, Batman, Sunshine, Princess

Not in the dictionary: Avoid single words or common phrases that can be found in the dictionary or vernacular.
Passwords to avoid: 123456789, 111111, Abc123

Character substitutions: Substituting characters for letters is a good practice but think outside of the box. Don’t substitute zero for the letter O and assume you are safe. A better option would be using the ampersand (&) for O.
Passwords to avoid: Football, Baseball, [names of sports teams]

Illogical phrases: While you wouldn’t want to use a common phrase like “ThankYouVeryMuch,” you could string together completely random words like “ThankCheeseBoatsNetwork.”
Passwords to avoid: [personal information], [social media profile content], Iloveyou, welcome

Acronyms and abbreviations: Instead of spelling out words, abbreviate them or replace phrases with acronyms that you can remember. “ThankYouVeryMuch” could become “TkYVreM.” Then add more to it so it’s longer and has a variety of characters.
Passwords to avoid: Qwerty, Password, Password21, Admin

Next Steps for You

Interested in sharpening your Cybersecurity skills, either for upskilling or with the idea of starting a new career? Babbage Simmel’s Comprehensive NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF) Training & CompTIA CySA+ Cybersecurity Analyst Certification Cybersecurity training options will equip you with the skills needed to become an expert in the security field. You will learn comprehensive approaches to protecting your infrastructure, including securing data and information, running risk analysis and mitigation, architecting cloud-based security, achieving compliance and much much more.

Questions about Cybersecurity?  Get in touch!

Oct 19th

ITIL 4 Foundation

As a reminder, attend all classes from home with our
Virtual Classroom Live.

May 18th

What is Robotic Process Automation (RPA)?

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is the technology that allows anyone today to configure computer software, or a “robot” to emulate and integrate the actions of a human interacting within digital systems to execute a business process. RPA robots utilize the user interface to capture data and manipulate applications just like humans do. They interpret, trigger responses and communicate with other systems in order to perform on a vast variety of repetitive tasks. Only substantially better: an RPA software robot never sleeps and makes zero mistakes.

UiPath Enterprise RPA Platform – AI Powered Automation
Babbage Simmel partners with UiPath. Built for both business and IT, UiPath is the leading platform for Enterprise Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The UiPath platform simplifies digital transformation by rapidly automating processes. Organizations across the world work with UiPath to streamline millions of tasks — improving productivity, customer experience, and job satisfaction.

To learn more about RPA – click HERE.

Get in touch with us!
Questions about Robotic Process Automation?  Let’s talk (614) 481-4345 or e-mail info@babsim.com.

ALSO SEE: LEARN AWS BUSINESS & TECHNICAL ESSENTIALS – ON US!

May 15th

Master These 5 Skills with CySA+ Training

CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) is an IT workforce certification that applies behavioral analytics to networks and devices to prevent, detect and combat cybersecurity threats through continuous security monitoring. CySA+ is the only intermediate high-stakes cybersecurity analyst certification with performance-based questions that covers core security analyst skills while emphasizing software and application security, automation, threat hunting, and IT regulatory compliance.

Protect and defend your systems with CySA+!

According to CompTIA, you will master the following skills with the Cybersecurity+ training:

#1 Threat and Vulnerabilty Management

Analyze and apply proactive threat intelligence to support organizational security and perform vulnerability management activities.

#2 Software and Systems Security

Apply security solutions for infrastructure management and explain software & hardware assurance best practices.

#3 Compliance and Assessment

Apply security concepts in support of organizational risk mitigation and understand the importance of frameworks, policies, procedures, and controls.

#4 Security Operations and Monitoring

Analyze data as part of continuous security monitoring activities and implement configuration changes to existing controls to improve security.

#5 Incident Response

Analyze and apply the appropriate incident response procedure, analyze potential
indicators of compromise, and utilize basic digital forensics techniques.

Join us for our next CompTIA Cybersecurity+ Analyst Certification training starting on June 1st. CompTIA Security+ Certification Support Skills training is available starting June 8th. And CompTIA Network+ Certification Support Skills training is available.

For more information about CompTIA certification or any other training please call (614) 481-4345 or e-mail info@babsim.com.

May 11th

Free Workshop on AWS Technical Essentials

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

Part 1 on May 26th at 2:00pm or May 27th at 11:00am
Part 2 on May 27th at 2:00pm or May 28th at 11:00am
Eastern Time (2 hours each)

Babbage Simmel, in partnership with TLG Learning, is conducting a Free AWS Technical Essentials workshop virtually!

This virtual workshop is divided into two separate two hour sessions. Please select and register for the workshop you will be able to attend that best fits your schedule.

If you are interested in learning how to get started with AWS, or if you are a SysOps Administrator, Solutions Architect, or Developer interested in using the AWS services, then you should not miss out on this workshop!

AWS certified instructor John Kacmarynski will be conducting this workshop divided into two sessions where the first workshop will cover the following:

• Recognize terminology and concepts as they relate to the AWS platform and navigate the AWS Management Console.
• Understand the foundational services, including Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (VPC), Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), and Amazon Elastic Block Store (EBS).
• Understand the security measures AWS provides and key concepts of AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM).

Having access to Labs post-event on:

• Introduction to Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)
• Introduction to AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM)

While the second workshop on AWS Tech Essentials will cover the following topics:

• Understand AWS database services, including Amazon DynamoDB and Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS).
• Understand AWS management tools, including Auto Scaling, Amazon CloudWatch, Elastic Load Balancing (ELB), and AWS Trusted Advisor.

Having access to Labs post-event on:

• Introduction to Amazon DynamoDB
• Introduction to AWS Key Management Service
• Introduction to AWS Lambda

Do not miss this incredible opportunity to learn about AWS Technical Essentials. Please register today as seating is very limited and no recordings will be provided for this workshop.

Interested in AWS Business Essentials? Click HERE.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn with us. E-mail info@babsim.com or call (614) 481-4345 to with your questions or to learn more.

May 11th

Free Webinar on AWS Business Essentials

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

May 26th at 11:00 am or May 29th at 1:00 pm Eastern Time (90 Minutes)

Are you interested in learning the advantages of cloud computing for your business? Are you confused about how to migrate to the AWS cloud? Then we are here to help!

Sign up for our FREE Webinar on AWS Business Essentials and join our expert instructor to explore the advantages of cloud computing for your business and the fundamentals of AWS, including financial benefits.

In this webinar, you will learn how to:

• Identify the value and advantages of the AWS Cloud
• Recognize the valuable ways that the AWS platform can be used
• Understand the robust security capabilities, controls, and assurances in place to maintain data and network security
• Articulate the financial impact the AWS Cloud can have on an organization’s cost management while minimizing the risks associated with consumption-based pricing models

During this webinar you will also have the opportunity to interact with AWS certified trainer, John Kacmarynski, and ask your queries in the live Q&A session. Limited seats are available so we strongly recommend you register beforehand as a recording of this webinar WILL NOT be available after the session so don’t miss out.

Interested in AWS Technical Essentials? Click HERE.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn with us. E-mail info@babsim.com or call (614) 481-4345 to with your questions or to learn more.

May 10th

Complimentary AWS Virtual Workshop Series

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! We are offering another round of complementary live AWS instructor-led online workshops to get you started on your AWS Cloud journey.

Upcoming Complimentary AWS Learning Opportunities:
• Webinar – AWS Business Essentials
• Online Workshop – AWS Technical Essentials Part 1 and Part 2

Next Steps

• AWS Essentials
  • AWS Business Essentials 5/18, 6/5, 6/19
  • AWS Technical Essentials 5/15, 5/18, 5/21, 5/26, 6/2, 6/5, 6/9, 6/12, 6/15, 6/19, 6/22, 6/23, 6/26, 6/29
  • AWS Cloud Practitioner Essentials 5/22, 5/26, 6/5, 6/8, 6/19, 6/26
  • AWS Security Essentials 7/17, 8/31
• AWS Architecture
  • Architecting on AWS 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/1, 6/3, 6/8, 6/10, 6/16, 6/23, 6/29
  • Architecting on AWS – Accelerator 5/18, 6/1, 6/15, 6/22
  • Migrating to AWS 6/1, 6/8, 7/7, 8/10
  • Planning and Designing Databases on AWS 5/27, 6/16, 7/14
• AWS Big Data
  • Big Data on AWS 5/26, 6/2, 6/23, 7/7, 7/21
  • Data Warehousing on AWS 6/3, 6/9, 7/7, 8/4
• AWS Development
  • Developing on AWS 5/18, 5/27, 6/3, 6/9, 6/17, 6/24, 6/29
  • Advanced Developing on AWS 5/27, 6/16, 6/29, 7/21
• AWS Security
  • Security Engineering on AWS 5/18, 5/26, 6/3, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23, 6/29
• AWS System Operations
  • Systems Operations on AWS 5/18, 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/15, 6/23, 6/29
  • DevOps Engineering on AWS 5/27, 6/9, 6/29, 7/14, 7/22

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn with us. E-mail info@babsim.com or call (614) 481-4345 to with your questions or to learn more.

Feb 17th

A Beginner’s Guide to Cloud Computing

What is Cloud Computing?

Simply put, cloud computing is the delivery of computing services—including servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence—over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale. You typically pay only for cloud services you use, helping you lower your operating costs, run your infrastructure more efficiently, and scale as your business needs change.

MICROSOFT AZURE FUNDAMENTALS

Benefits of Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is a big shift from the traditional way businesses think about IT resources. Here are seven common reasons organizations are turning to cloud computing services:

DEVELOPING SOLUTIONS FOR MICROSOFT AZURE

Types of Cloud Computing

Not all clouds are the same and not one type of cloud computing is right for everyone. Several different models, types, and services have evolved to help offer the right solution for your needs.

First, you need to determine the type of cloud deployment, or cloud computing architecture, that your cloud services will be implemented on. There are three different ways to deploy cloud services: on a public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud.

Public Cloud

Public clouds are owned and operated by a third-party cloud service providers, which deliver their computing resources, like servers and storage, over the Internet. Microsoft Azure is an example of a public cloud. With a public cloud, all hardware, software, and other supporting infrastructure is owned and managed by the cloud provider. You access these services and manage your account using a web browser.

Private Cloud

A private cloud refers to cloud computing resources used exclusively by a single business or organization. A private cloud can be physically located on the company’s on-site datacenter. Some companies also pay third-party service providers to host their private cloud. A private cloud is one in which the services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network.

Hybrid Cloud

Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, bound together by technology that allows data and applications to be shared between them. By allowing data and applications to move between private and public clouds, a hybrid cloud gives your business greater flexibility, more deployment options, and helps optimize your existing infrastructure, security, and compliance.

MICROSOFT AZURE ADMINISTRATOR

Get in touch with us!
Questions about Azure or any other training?  Call (614) 481-4345 or e-mail info@babsim.com.

Oct 23rd

10 Common Cybersecurity Misconceptions

COMMON CYBERSECURITY MISCONCEPTIONS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ORGANIZATIONS

Misconception #1: My data (or the data I have access to) isn’t valuable.

All data is valuable

Take Action: Do an assessment of the data you create, collect, store, access, transmit and then classify all the data by level of sensitivity so you can take steps to protect it appropriately.

Misconception #2: Cybersecurity is a technology issue.

Cybersecurity is best approached with a mix of employee training; clear, accepted policies and procedures and implementation of current technologies.

Take Action: Educate every employee on their responsibility for protecting sensitive information.

Misconception #3: Cybersecurity requires a huge financial investment.

Many efforts to protect your data require little or no financial investment.

Take Action: Create and institute cybersecurity policies and procedures, restrict administrative and access privileges, enable multi-factor authentication and train employees to spot malicious emails.

Misconception #4: Outsourcing to a vendor washes your hands of liability during a cyber incident.

You have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect sensitive data.

Take Action: Put data sharing agreements in place with vendors and have a trusted lawyer review.

Misconception #5: Cyber breaches are covered by general liability insurance.

Many standard insurance policies do not cover cyber incidents or data breaches.

Take Action: Speak with your insurance representative to understand your coverage
and what type of policy would best fit your organization’s needs.

Misconception #6: Cyberattacks always come from external actors.

Succinctly put, cyberattacks do not always come from external actors.

Take Action: Identify potential cybersecurity incidents that can come from within the
organization and develop strategies to minimize those threats.

Misconception #7: Younger people are better at cybersecurity than others.

Age is not directly correlated to better cybersecurity practices.

Take Action: Before giving someone responsibility to manage your social media, website and network, etc., train them on your expectations of use and cybersecurity best practices.

Misconception #8: Compliance with industry standards is sufficient for a security strategy.

Simply complying with industry standards does not equate to a robust cybersecurity strategy for an organization.

Take Action: Use a robust framework, such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, to
manage cybersecurity risk.

Misconception #9: Digital and physical security are separate things altogether.

Do not discount the importance of physical security.

Take Action: Develop strategies and policies to prevent unauthorized physical access to sensitive information and assets (e.g., control who can access certain areas of the office.)

Misconception #10: New software and devices are secure when I buy them.

Just because something is new, does not mean it is secure.

Take Action: Ensure devices are operating with the most current software, change the manufacturer’s default password to a unique, secure passphrase and configure privacy settings prior to use.

Next Steps For You

Now that you’re more aware of common cybersecurity misconceptions, the next step is to sharpen your security skills, either for upskilling or with the idea of starting a new career. Babbage Simmel’s Comprehensive NIST Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF) Training & CompTIA CySA+ Cybersecurity Analyst Certification Cybersecurity training options will equip you with the skills needed to become an expert in the security field. You will learn comprehensive approaches to protecting your infrastructure, including securing data and information, running risk analysis and mitigation, architecting cloud-based security, achieving compliance and much much more.

Questions about Cybersecurity?  Get in touch!

Source: staysafeonline.org/cybersecure-business