Mark Titus stands as a distinguished leader in the telecommunications and IT sector, serving as Vice President of Sales at Telesys Voice & Data. With a career spanning over 35 years, Mark has not only mastered the intricacies of IT infrastructure and cybersecurity but has also become a pivotal figure in several prestigious organizations. He holds the position of Secretary for the Cowtown Executives Association and is the Chairman Elect of the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau, supporting a vast network of 17,000 businesses across Texas. His journey from starting as a phone systems equipment vendor to becoming an authorized dealer for major brands like Samsung and Toshiba exemplifies his adaptability and foresight in a rapidly evolving industry. Mark's commitment to fostering trust and building relationships, coupled with his strategic insights, makes him an invaluable asset to any business endeavor.

Building Trust and Relationships:

• Mark emphasizes the foundational importance of trust and relationships, stating, "If I trust you, I want to do business with you." This philosophy has underpinned his successful career, particularly in the rapidly evolving IT landscape.

Career Path and Expertise:

• Beginning in a garage with a focus on phone systems, Mark's career evolved alongside technology. As Telesys became a recognized dealer for Samsung, Toshiba, ESI, and Avaya, Mark spearheaded the shift to integrated networks, offering comprehensive IT services, including cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

Cybersecurity Focus: 

• • Protecting Small Businesses: Mark highlights the alarming trend of cyberattacks targeting small businesses, urging vigilance and proactive measures. He shares compelling stories of real-world ransomware incidents, emphasizing the critical need for effective backup solutions and employee training.

Industry Challenge: 

• The Reality of Cyber Threats: Mark outlines the sophisticated structure of cybercriminal organizations, emphasizing that they function like legitimate businesses. He stresses the importance of maintaining robust security measures to avoid being an easy target.

The Critical Need for Cybersecurity: 

Real Stories from the Field:

• In the realm of cybersecurity, Mark shares compelling narratives that underscore the urgent need for robust protection. One story recounts a Fortune 500 company that suffered a devastating cyberattack. The attackers infiltrated the network and lingered undetected for over six months, eventually discovering and deleting all backups. They even accessed the company’s cyber insurance policy, demanding an exact ransom amount covered by the policy. When the company finally received a decryption code, it didn’t work, leaving them scrambling to negotiate with the cyber attackers.

• Another incident involved a CEO whose computer was compromised, leading to an encrypted server. Thanks to having Telesys's services beforehand, the company had image backups, allowing them to restore operations with minimal data loss. This story highlights the importance of having a reliable backup strategy.

• Moreover, a Fort Worth lawyer's firm was targeted when an accounts receivable employee was phished. The attackers accessed the firm’s client financials, sending fraudulent emails that resulted in significant financial losses. This breach was identified only after clients reported suspicious payment requests, illustrating the critical need for vigilance and advanced security measures.

Cybersecurity Best Practices:

• Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Maintain Regular Backups

• Conduct Ongoing Employee Training

• Review and Update Cyber Policies Regularly

Mark advocates for a layered security approach, ensuring businesses are not only protected but also agile in responding to emerging threats.

Final Thoughts:

Mark Titus's expertise in telecommunications and cybersecurity, combined with his commitment to trust and relationship-building, positions him as a valuable leader in protecting and advancing small to medium-sized businesses. Please reach out to Mark Titus to have him help with your cybersecurity needs.

Mark Titus - Telesys Voice and Data
6840 Blvd 26, Fort Worth, TX 76180
www.telesysonline.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
(b): (817) 616-0104 (c):(817) 637-3105

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