26th October 2023
by

iLink Digital listed for the 3rd time in Puget Sound’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Company

iLink Digital Makes Puget Sound’s Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Company List for 3rd Year in a Row

Recognizing iLink’s Continued Growth & Innovation

Bothell, WA – October 27th, 2023 –

iLink Digital, a leading digital solutions provider, is proud to announce its latest recognition by the Puget Sound Business Journal in their esteemed list of Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Companies for 2023, securing the rank of 45th. This marks the third time iLink Digital has achieved this prestigious ranking, having previously been honored in 2020 and 2021. 

Such a distinction not only attests to iLink Digital’s consistent and sustainable growth trajectory but also signifies the company’s relentless commitment to excellence, innovation, and superior client service. 

“Our team’s dedication, perseverance, and sheer hard work have been the driving forces behind this incredible journey,” said Sree Balaji, Group CEO of iLink Digital. “Being recognized by the Puget Sound Business Journal for the third time is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch digital solutions and fostering lasting partnerships with our clients.” 

Since its inception, iLink Digital has continuously endeavored to set benchmarks in the realm of digital solutions. The company’s steadfast approach to innovation, combined with a keen understanding of evolving market dynamics, has consistently ensured its place as a preferred partner for businesses across the globe. 

“We are deeply humbled and excited about what the future holds,” Sree Balaji added. “This recognition further fuels our ambition to continue pushing boundaries, adopting emerging technologies, and offering unparalleled value to our clients.” 

About iLink Digital

iLink Digital is a digital transformation corporation that aids organizations in utilizing technology to enhance commercial outcomes. iLink Digital offers end-to-end solutions in cloud computing, enterprise mobility, data analytics, and artificial intelligence and has over 20 years of experience in the IT sector. As an ISO 9001 and CMMI L3 accredited company, iLink consistently delivers on the promise of technology and human innovation, successfully catering to clients with over 2000 consultants worldwide. 

Choosing right Cybersecurity Partner
23rd October 2023
by

Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Services Partner: Step-by-Step Guide

iLink Digital has always believed cybersecurity is not about protection but trust. This is why choosing the right security service partner is more than just a checkmark on your business to-do list. It’s about entrusting an entity with the responsibility to safeguard your organization, its reputation, and its future.

However, with an overwhelming array of security providers touting state-of-the-art services, how do you make an informed decision? In this blog, we’ll guide you through the crucial process of selecting the perfect cybersecurity ally. Know that your choice has a ripple effect that can mean the difference between resilience and vulnerability.

Why Cybersecurity Partners Matter? 

Please note that we are not talking about choosing the ‘Right’ security partner but understanding why having a cybersecurity partner is important in the first place for your business. Here are some key reasons: 

  • Expertise: Cybersecurity experts are well-versed in the ever-changing landscape of digital threats. They have the knowledge and tools to protect your organization from cyberattacks effectively. 
  • Focus on Core Business: Outsourcing cybersecurity services allows you to concentrate on your core business activities, knowing that your digital assets are in capable hands. 
  • Cost-Efficiency: Hiring an in-house cybersecurity services team can be expensive. A cybersecurity partner offers a more cost-effective solution. 
  • 24/7 Monitoring: There is no 9 to 5 for cyber dangers. A cybersecurity partner provides round-the-clock monitoring to detect and respond to threats promptly. 

Now that the importance of cybersecurity partners is highlighted let’s explore how to select the right one. 

Steps to Select the Right Cybersecurity Partner

# Step 1: Assess Your Needs 

The first step in choosing a cybersecurity partner is to assess your organization’s specific needs. Consider the following: 

  • Industry: Different industries face varying cybersecurity challenges. Ensure your partner understands your sector’s unique requirements. 
  • Size: Small businesses may have different needs than large enterprises. Find a partner to scale its services to match your organization’s size. 
  • Compliance: If your industry has specific compliance regulations (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR), ensure your partner is well-versed in them. 

# Step 2: Evaluate Expertise 

When it comes to cybersecurity, expertise is non-negotiable. Look for the following: 

  • Certifications: Check if the partner’s team holds relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISA, CISM). 
  • Experience: How long has the cyber security service partner been in operation? A successful track record is a good indicator of dependability. 
  • Case Studies: Review their past work and ask for case studies to understand how they’ve addressed similar challenges. 

# Step 3: Assess Security Offerings 

A comprehensive cybersecurity partner should offer a range of services, including: 

  • Risk evaluation: locating potential hazards and weak spots. 
  • Incident Response: Rapidly addressing security breaches. 
  • Security Awareness Training: Providing your employees with information on cybersecurity best practices. 
  • Security Audits and Testing: Regularly assess your system’s security posture. 

# Step 4: Check for 24/7 Monitoring and Support 

It’s imperative to emphasize the importance of 24/7 monitoring and support when selecting a cybersecurity partner. Cyber threats operate around the clock; your chosen partner should do the same. This continuous vigilance ensures the prompt detection and immediate response to threats at any hour, providing you with the peace of mind and protection your organization deserves. 

# Step 5: Review Client Feedback 

Client feedback and testimonials are indispensable in assessing a cybersecurity partner’s performance and reliability. Actively seek out reviews and testimonials from both current and past clients. These insights offer a window into their real-world track record. This thorough evaluation process will help you make an informed decision when selecting your cybersecurity partner. 

Why consider iLink Digital as Your Cybersecurity Partner?

Let iLink Digital be your guide when it comes to safeguarding your organization from destructive cyber breaches. Why? Read further! 

  • Proven Expertise: We have a team of cybersecurity experts with extensive experience and certifications. 
  • Comprehensive Services: They offer a wide range of services, including risk assessment, incident response, security audits, and more. 
  • 24/7 Monitoring: We provide round-the-clock monitoring and support to ensure your organization is always protected. 
  • Client Satisfaction: Their track record and testimonials speak volumes about their dedication to client satisfaction. 

Make a wise choice for lasting Security. Choose iLink Digital!

October, designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, offers the ideal opportunity to prioritize your business’s security. With iLink Digital, you can confidently align your choice with your organization’s requirements. Trust in our top-tier services and protection to safeguard your digital assets. 

Check out our services here!  

Thangaraj Petchiappan

Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at iLink Digital

Author

Thangaraj Petchiappan leads the company’s digital transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients. He focuses on enhancing infrastructure automation and integrating advanced bot solutions across various industries, including healthcare, oil & gas, manufacturing, telecom, retail, and NPO sectors. As the founder of the AI-Powered Cybersecurity iLab in Texas, he spearheads the development of innovative AI and ML solutions. Additionally, Thangaraj shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, cloud advocate, and coach, offering guidance on digital transformation and technology leadership.
The Value of Regular Security Audits: Safeguarding Your Digital Fortress
16th October 2023
by

The Value of Regular Security Audits: Safeguarding Your Digital Fortress  

Imagine your company’s digital infrastructure as a castle and its data as your most treasured possessions. To protect this fortress, you need more than just walls; you need guards, watchtowers, and routine inspections. Security audits serve as those inspections, fortifying your defenses against potential threats. 

This National Cyber Security Awareness Month, protect your castle and regulate security audits to ensure safety from cyber breaches that can be destructive to your business. This blog will help you understand the need for routine security audits and how they may guard against potential security breaches.

What are Security Audits?

A security audit systematically evaluates an organization’s information systems and the policies, processes, and technologies that protect them. These audits can be internal or external, focusing on various security aspects.  

Types of Security Audits:  

Below are three common types of security audits, each focusing on specific aspects of your digital security:  

  • Network Security Audits: These audits assess the security of your network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, and switches.  
  • Application Security Audits: Application security audits review the code and configurations of your software applications to identify vulnerabilities.  
  • Compliance Audits: These audits ensure that your organization complies with industry-specific regulations and standards, such as HIPAA or GDPR.  

How Routine Audits Can Shield Your Business?

Here are some compelling reasons:  

Identifying Vulnerabilities

Security audits play a pivotal role in identifying vulnerabilities within your digital infrastructure. These audits actively seek out weaknesses that cybercriminals might exploit. By pinpointing these vulnerabilities early, you can take proactive steps to address them, effectively preventing potential security breaches and the associated risks, financial losses, and reputational damage.  

Staying Compliant: 

In today’s data-driven landscape, industries face rigorous data security regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Routine security audits ensure ongoing compliance by meticulously assessing adherence to these rules. These audits protect businesses from legal consequences, demonstrating unwavering commitment to data security and building stakeholder trust. 

Mitigating Risks: 

Security audits are a proactive strategy that empowers organizations to assess and effectively mitigate dynamic risks. By staying abreast of the latest threats, audits enable you to adapt and fortify your security measures. Audits serve as a crucial compass, helping you navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity terrain, minimize risks, and enhance your defense strategy. 

Enhancing Security Awareness: 

Security audits are a platform for educating and enlightening your workforce on the significance of cybersecurity. A vigilant and informed workforce becomes an integral element of your defense strategy, reducing the likelihood of insider threats and human errors that can lead to security incidents.  

Maintaining Customer Trust: 

Regular security audits serve as a tangible demonstration of your unwavering commitment to safeguarding customer data. By showcasing proactive efforts to protect sensitive information, these audits help preserve and bolster trust and credibility with your clients. Security audits act as a shield that reinforces your reputation as a trustworthy custodian of customer data, fortifying your business relationships. 

The Risk Associated with Neglecting Routine Security Audits. 

Skipping security audits means leaving unseen vulnerabilities in your digital defenses. The result?

  • Increased risk of cyberattacks 
  • Inability to identify security weaknesses 
  • Non-compliance with regulations 
  • Lack of preparedness for security threats 
  • Inability to establish a robust defense system 

So, security audits aren’t just a formality; they’re your proactive shield against threats, safeguarding your digital future. 

How often should you Audit your Security Infrastructure?

Timing is everything in the digital realm! Security audit frequency depends on factors like organization size and industry regulations. Typically, annual, critical systems may need more checks. Shockingly, just 52% perform regular security audits, and 19% never do, as per a Netwrix survey. This highlights the urgent need for companies to prioritize routine security audits regardless of frequency. 

Building the Fortress of Digital Security with iLink Digital  

Amid constant cyber threats, regular security audits are your best defense, identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance to safeguard your digital assets. In this Cybersecurity Awareness Month, prioritize security with iLink Digital’s comprehensive audit services. Prevention beats cure in digital security—invest in audits, partner with iLink Digital, and stay vigilant to protect your assets and trust.  

Check our service portfolio!   

Thangaraj Petchiappan

Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at iLink Digital

Author

Thangaraj Petchiappan leads the company’s digital transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients. He focuses on enhancing infrastructure automation and integrating advanced bot solutions across various industries, including healthcare, oil & gas, manufacturing, telecom, retail, and NPO sectors. As the founder of the AI-Powered Cybersecurity iLab in Texas, he spearheads the development of innovative AI and ML solutions. Additionally, Thangaraj shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, cloud advocate, and coach, offering guidance on digital transformation and technology leadership.
Cybersecurity Awareness Training
9th October 2023
by

Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Arm Your Team Against Digital Threats

While most organizations invest in state-of-the-art security solutions, there’s often an overlooked vulnerability that can be easily exploited – The Human Element. This weakest link in the cyber security chain is the root cause of 82% of data breaches, including social engineering attacks and errors or misuse.  

To address this inherent vulnerability and build a resilient security posture, businesses should prioritize employee training and awareness. In this blog, we’ll discuss why humans are often the Achilles’ heel of cybersecurity, and how training employees can help you mitigate risks to keep your organization and employees safe.  

Why do Employees often fall prey to Cyber-Attacks? 

Unlike machines programmed to follow specific protocols, human behavior is unpredictable and easily influenced. A lapse in judgment or a simple oversight can provide cybercriminals with the opening they need to infiltrate an entire network.  Below are some of the causes that may unwittingly lead employees to security downfall.  

  1. Lack of Awareness:  

Lack of awareness can inadvertently lead to security breaches, as individuals may unknowingly engage in actions that compromise the organization’s digital defenses. Approximately 88% of all data breaches are triggered by an employee’s lack of awareness, and users are responsible for 9 out of 10 data breaches. 

  1. Social Engineering:  

Cybercriminals exploit human psychology, using tactics like phishing and social engineering to manipulate employees into aiding data breaches. 

  1. Weak Passwords:  

It is not uncommon for employees to utilize weak passwords, or worse, share them with colleagues. These lax practices create vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Weak passwords are the root cause of 81% of all data breaches 

  1. Insider Threats:  

Internal threats, often underestimated, come from employees with insider knowledge. They’re a moderate concern for 74% of organizations. These insiders can misuse their access, jeopardizing data, and security. 

Tips to train your employees against cyber threats.  

While implementing tech solutions for security is a formidable line of defense, ultimately it is your employees who use these techs that can either uphold or compromise the integrity of your business. This is why employee training should not be an afterthought but an integral part of your comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.  

Awareness Programs:  

Comprehensive cybersecurity awareness programs are a cornerstone of modern organizational security. Notably, companies that invest in cybersecurity training for their employees enjoy a substantial advantage, being 70% less likely to suffer the damaging consequences of a data breach. In an ever-changing digital landscape, these programs are essential for organizations seeking to proactively defend against a broad spectrum of cyber threats and vulnerabilities. 

Phishing Awareness:  

Cyber security awareness training for employees helps them learn to identify phishing emails and social engineering attempts, reducing the likelihood of falling for scams. This training equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to mitigate risks and minimize the impact of security threats. It fosters a culture of preparedness and rapid response, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to a secure digital environment. 

Password Security:  

‘The training program’ places a strong emphasis on the critical aspect of cultivating and maintaining unique passwords within the organization’s cybersecurity framework. Employees also learn best practices for securely storing and updating passwords, strengthening the organization’s defense against security breaches.  

Incident Response:  

Employees receive thorough training in incident response protocols, enabling them to act swiftly and effectively in case of a security breach. Businesses that have well-trained employees and incident response strategy in place is predicted to benefit from the $10.5 trillion annual cost of cybercrime. 

Ethical Behaviour:  

Employee training goes beyond technical skills, instilling a sense of responsibility and ethical behavior. Through interactive modules, employees learn about the consequences of unethical actions, promoting a collective commitment to safeguarding the organization’s assets. Furthermore, this training equips employees with a deep understanding of the ethical aspects of cybersecurity decisions, enhancing their role in protecting sensitive data and the organization’s reputation. 

Don’t Gamble with Cybersecurity, Build a vigilant workforce! 

As October marks Cyber Security Awareness Month, it offers organizations a valuable occasion to underscore the significance of cyber safety and commit to strengthening the cybersecurity awareness of their workforce.  

By taking proactive steps to address these vulnerabilities, companies can not only bolster their security measures but also foster a vigilant and informed employee base. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity education is vital to minimize human error-related risks and promote cyber resilience within the organization.  

Check out our services!  


Thangaraj Petchiappan

Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at iLink Digital

Author

Thangaraj Petchiappan leads the company’s digital transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients. He focuses on enhancing infrastructure automation and integrating advanced bot solutions across various industries, including healthcare, oil & gas, manufacturing, telecom, retail, and NPO sectors. As the founder of the AI-Powered Cybersecurity iLab in Texas, he spearheads the development of innovative AI and ML solutions. Additionally, Thangaraj shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, cloud advocate, and coach, offering guidance on digital transformation and technology leadership.

9th October 2023
by

iLink Digital Secures Minority Investment Partnership with True North

iLink Digital

Secures Minority Investment Partnership with True North

Bothell, WA – October 06, 2023 —

iLink Digital, a leading provider of digital transformation solutions, has secured an investment of USD 75 Mn from mid-sized private equity firm, True North. This significant investment underscores the confidence and trust in the foundation established by our co-founders, Sree Balaji and Sridhar Mahadevan – both first-generation entrepreneurs who embarked on this journey over two decades ago in Seattle, USA.

This collaboration amplifies our shared vision to build on iLink Digital’s foundational success while preserving the core cultural values that make our firm unique. The commitment, professionalism, and expertise of our management have always kept us ahead in the digital tech arena.

This investment has been facilitated through True North’s Fund VI, marking the fund’s third investment in the Technology Services sector. It further underlines True North’s optimism about the prospects of the IT services industry and its drive to build the next generation of globally respected IT service companies.

Spanning across 18 offices in 8 countries, our diverse and talented team of 2,500 members has driven digital innovation across numerous Fortune 1000 companies. Based in regions like the USA, India, Mexico, Portugal, Canada, UAE, Malaysia, and Singapore, we harness modern technologies to address the ever-evolving business landscapes.

Our esteemed partnerships with technology giants like Microsoft, Salesforce, AWS, UiPath, Outsystems, Databricks, and Confluent, built over many years, have not only recognized us as a top-tier partner but have also brought numerous accolades our way, including the prestigious Microsoft Partner of the Year award.

The investment proceeds will fuel our M&A ambitions, fortifying our technological and domain prowess. We also plan to channel funds to bolster iLink Digital’s key growth drivers: our valued employees and cherished clients.

Prasad Thrikutam, Partner at True North, says, “iLink Digital perfectly reflects our fundamental approach to investing in digital product engineering companies. We want to invest in fast-growing, highly differentiated, innovation-led, globally present, and platform-focused digital engineering companies. We believe that the 2020s will breed a new set of challenges and future leaders in the IT tech services landscape; ones who will challenge scale with speed, and incumbency with innovation. iLink, from its inception, has built deep technology expertise by carefully curating and nurturing deep partnerships with leading tech platforms, delivering exceptional value to its global clients.”

Sree Balaji, Group CEO of iLink Digital, added, “Today we take our first step towards the next and the most exciting phase of our growth journey, along with True North. We are thrilled about this partnership and, with our combined resources, we are uniquely positioned to help our clients tackle their most difficult challenges and to enable them to change their competitive position using technology. We arrived at this decision to partner with True North after a careful evaluation process involving multiple parties and we believe that True North is ideally positioned to help us in the next phase of our journey. Their deep knowledge of the technology sector, efforts to assist companies with M&A, and their ability to help us with our long-term objective of launching a successful IPO in the Indian public markets in the coming years were decisive factors in our decision. Most importantly, True North’s ethos resonates with our values and culture.”

About True North

Founded in 1999, True North is one of India’s most respected home-grown private equity firms with a focus on investing in and transforming mid-sized profitable businesses into large, well-established businesses that are valuable, enduring, and socially responsible. In Private Equity, True North has successfully launched six separate investment funds with a combined corpus of ~ USD 3 billion, including co-investments. True North’s deep insights and understanding of India have added value to more than 50 businesses over the last 24 years across sectors such as consumer, financial services, healthcare, and technology.

For more details, visit: True North

About iLink Digital

Founded in 2002, iLink Digital is a digital transformation service company that aids organizations in utilizing technology to enhance commercial outcomes. iLink Digital offers end-to-end solutions spanning Product Engineering, Data Engineering and Analytics, Cloud Operations and services, Business Applications consulting, and RPA consulting. With over 20 years of experience in the IT sector, iLink Digital caters to various high-growth opportunities throughout its Innovate-Build-Manage lifecycle.

For more details, visit: iLink Digital

Media contacts:

Chirag Mistry | chiragm@truenorth.co.in

Nitanshi Sharma | nitanshi.sharma@pitchforkpartners.com

Viveka Sarkale | viveka.sarkale@ilink-systems.com

Ivy Karlinsky | ivyk@ilink-systems.com

How Technology can help to Bolster Employee Engagement and Happiness

Cost of Cyber Security
2nd October 2023
by

The Financial Impact of Cyber Breaches on Businesses: Direct & Hidden Expenses  

The financial repercussions of cyber security breaches can be devastating, often extending far beyond the initial incident. As per the IBM report, the global average cost of a data breach reached $4.35 million in 2022, while the number is more than double in the U.S., averaging $9.44 million.  

In 2023, the global annual cost of cybercrime is forecasted to reach $8 trillion with resulting damages climbing to $10.5 trillion. However, the financial implications of cyber breaches extend beyond just direct and quantifiable expenses.  

It also includes hidden costs such as reputational damage and loss of intellectual property which can have long-lasting ramifications. This Cyber Security Awareness Month, we aim to dissect both direct and hidden costs associated with cyber breaches and explore how they can impact businesses.  

Direct Cost of Cyber Breach 

Direct costs refer to immediate and readily measurable financial expenses incurred when responding to and recovering from a cyberattack. This can include the cost of investigating the breach, recovery measures, etc. It also covers any immediate loss of revenue if operations are halted. 

  • Data Recovery and Investigation: When a Cyber breach occurs, one of the first expenses a company faces is the cost of investigating the incident and recovering lost data. Cybersecurity experts, forensic analysis, and data restoration services all come with a price tag. The cost of cybersecurity breaches includes immediate financial losses, regulatory fines, legal fees, reputation damage, IP theft, etc. 
  • Notification and Legal Compliance: Depending on your location and the nature of the breach, you may be legally required to notify affected parties. Complying with data breach notification laws, legal counsel, and regulatory fines can drain your financial resources. 
  • Customer Trust and Reputation Damage: The loss of customer trust following a breach can have direct financial consequences. Customers may take their business elsewhere, leading to revenue and market share drop. 
  • Business Interruption: Cyber breaches can disrupt business operations. Downtime, loss of productivity, and recovery efforts can all lead to financial losses. 

Hidden Costs of Cyber Breach 

Hidden costs of cyber-attacks refer to less obvious consequences that go beyond visible expenses. These costs include loss of customer trust, damage to brand reputation, insurance premiums, etc.  Though they are hard to quantify, these costs can be more damaging in the long run, declining in competitive advantage.  

  • Loss of Intellectual Property: If your business relies on proprietary technology or processes, a cyber breach can result in the theft of valuable intellectual property. This could harm your competitive advantage and long-term profitability. 
  • Insurance Premiums: After a breach, your insurance premiums may increase significantly. Cyber insurance is becoming more crucial, but it can also be costly. Cyber liability insurance typically costs $145 monthly, or $1,740 annually which can be a big spending for any business. 
  • Legal Action: Breach victims or regulatory bodies may pursue legal action against your company. Legal battles can be costly, not only in terms of legal fees but also in potential settlements or fines. In 2023, the average cost of a data breach worldwide was USD 4.45 million, an increase of 15% over the previous three years. 

While both direct and hidden costs may impact a business in distinct ways they both contribute to the total financial burden of a cyber breach on a business.  

Act for Secure Tomorrow with iLink Digital 

No organization can afford to neglect cybersecurity. Investing in cybersecurity is not just a line item on an expense sheet; it’s a crucial investment in the future of your business. Only proactive measures can mitigate both the direct and hidden costs associated with cyber breaches.  

October, recognized as Cyber Security Awareness Month, makes it the perfect time to take a hard look at your organization’s security posture. iLink Digital helps you to navigate this journey offering state-of-the-art security solutions tailored to your specific needs. Your security is our priority! 

Check our service portfolio! 

Thangaraj Petchiappan

Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at iLink Digital

Author

Thangaraj Petchiappan leads the company’s digital transformation initiatives for Fortune 500 clients. He focuses on enhancing infrastructure automation and integrating advanced bot solutions across various industries, including healthcare, oil & gas, manufacturing, telecom, retail, and NPO sectors. As the founder of the AI-Powered Cybersecurity iLab in Texas, he spearheads the development of innovative AI and ML solutions. Additionally, Thangaraj shares his expertise as a keynote speaker, cloud advocate, and coach, offering guidance on digital transformation and technology leadership.
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