Ending the Year Strong
Cybersecurity does not take holidays, so neither do we. To close out 2024, ITGuys performed our second penetration test and hardening cycle of the year. It is one of the most important behind-the-scenes projects we run, and it ensures that every system we manage enters the new year secure, stable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Why We Do It
Penetration testing and hardening is our way of stress-testing systems before attackers do. By running these tests twice a year, we:
- Find vulnerabilities early.
- Apply fixes before issues cause downtime or breaches.
- Strengthen defenses without disrupting customers.
If we did not do this work, customers would be left open to risks like account takeovers, ransomware, and data leaks.
How It Works
Here is the process:
- We partner with a third-party service for unbiased penetration testing.
- We run Nessus scans to identify vulnerabilities across supported environments.
- Each customer’s setup is tested individually, whether that means firewalls, servers, or cloud applications.
- We then harden systems by applying patches, adjusting configurations, and tightening security controls.
All of this happens gradually, so customers keep their systems easy to use while we keep them locked down.
What We Found
As usual, no environment is identical. Some customers had near-perfect setups. Others had minor gaps such as:
- Outdated configurations that needed patching.
- Accounts missing advanced authentication.
- Email environments without DMARC enabled.
Nothing critical was left unresolved, and all customers passed the big checks.
What We Did About It
- Patched and hardened environments based on scan results.
- Applied updates across supported systems.
- Recommended best practices like enabling DMARC for stronger email protection.
- Worked with customers who approved upgrades to make those changes right away.
And as always, we ratcheted up protections gradually to avoid abrupt changes.
The Results
By the end of December, every ITGuys-supported environment had passed penetration testing and been hardened against current threats.
The results:
- Stronger defenses across the board.
- Cleaner environments with fewer potential attack vectors.
- Peace of mind for customers heading into the new year.
Why It Matters for You
This work is invisible until it is not. You may never see the issues we find and fix, but you definitely benefit from them. Regular testing and hardening means:
- Your data stays protected.
- Your business avoids disruptions.
- You can focus on growth instead of worrying about threats.
Looking Ahead
2025 will bring new challenges, new technologies, and new attacks. ITGuys will keep running these tests, hardening systems, and raising the bar. Security is never done—it is a cycle, and we are committed to running it for you.
Final Word
December’s penetration testing and hardening closed out a year of continuous improvement. From software audits to emergency backup testing, spillover internet to industry-standard reviews, 2024 was packed with projects that made our customers safer, stronger, and more efficient.
This final project was about ending the year on the same note we started it: proactive protection. Your systems are ready for 2025, and so are we.
Looking for an expert team to recycle your hardware and wipe your data? The ITGuys Team has proudly served Colorado since 2009!
ITGuys IT Support and Cybersecurity
1738 Wynkoop St. Suite 303 Denver, CO. 80202 – (303) 578-6256
IT Support – Electronics Recycling – Computer Repair – Managed Service Provider – Network Cabling
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