Kinetic Business by Windstream Marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Urges Prudence

Small and midsize businesses increasingly targets; planning begins with asset inventory

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Windstream, a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions, is marking National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) this October by encouraging business clients — and businesses nationally — to implement a strategy to strengthen security and mitigate disaster.

“At Kinetic Business by Windstream, we’ve seen national trend data and heard anecdotal reports that suggest pretty sophisticated cyberattacks are targeting small and midsize businesses, the kind that comprise the overwhelming majority of our customers,” said Jeff Small, president of the company’s small and midsize business segment. “We counsel a multi-step analysis and action plan that doesn’t ask for drastic changes or investment, but exponentially strengthens business defenses against attacks.”

The plan is one encouraged by the Department of Homeland Security and adopted by many industry groups, and it begins with identifying what rewards spur digital larceny. Often these are customers’ personal data or your own. Protect your business, your employees and your clients by setting high-strength passwords and implementing multi-factor authentication and being suspicious about unsolicited requests and communication. If something appears suspicious, don’t assume it’s innocent. Afterward, share the information with staff, coworkers or your IT security team.

Finally, seek out more information from trusted sources like DHS’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, and service providers likeKinetic Business by Windstream.

All month long, Kinetic Business by Windstream will be encouraging businesses across the nation to be mindful of cybersecurity risks by examining online habits and investing in cybersecurity software, such as a Kinetic Shield package or with Kinetic Business Internet Security or Managed Network Security, providing crucial multilayered protection for your business. The company is also sharing best practices over blog posts and social media, and, of course, advising business clients and customers on the importance of secure connections and communications alongside traditional network security solutions.

To get a cybersecurity plan, visit a Windstream retail location today to speak with a representative. For online tips on how to protect your home or business from cybercrime, visit blog.windstream.com. To learn more about cybersecurity risks threatening small and midsize businesses, visit businessblog.windstream.com or go to kineticbusiness.com/security to start protecting your business from cybercrime today.

Kinetic by Windstream provides services to residential and business customers in 18 states. The Kinetic suite of services includes high-speed Internet, entertainment, phone and security products for homes and businesses.

About Windstream

Windstream Holdings, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions. Windstream provides data networking, core transport, security, unified communications and managed services to mid-market, enterprise and wholesale customers across the U.S. The company also offers broadband, entertainment and security services for consumers and small and midsize businesses primarily in rural areas in 18 states. Services are delivered over multiple network platforms including a nationwide IP network, our proprietary cloud core architecture and on a local and long-haul fiber network spanning approximately 150,000 miles. Additional information is available at kineticbusiness.com, windstream.com or windstreamenterprise.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.comor follow us on Twitter at @Windstream.