What does CTS Companies do?

CTS Companies is a Michigan-based Managed IT Services Provider delivering managed IT, cybersecurity, cloud, and network infrastructure for SMBs.

Where does CTS provide services?

Primarily Southeast Michigan and the broader Michigan market, with projects across the Midwest.

Do you support Microsoft 365?

Yes. CTS deploys, migrates, and manages Microsoft 365, Azure AD identity, SharePoint, OneDrive, and compliance/backup policies.

Cybersecurity Services With Vulnerability Assessment And Penetration Testing

Technology changes rapidly. How we deliver IT services today looks very different from when CTS Companies began in 1980. However, our commitment remains exactly the same: we help you figure out which technology you need to solve business problems in a simple and reliable way.

One of the most pressing problems facing modern businesses is security. Threats are no longer just about annoying viruses; they are sophisticated attacks targeting your data, your finances, and your reputation. Navigating the complex world of defense can be overwhelming. This is why incorporating comprehensive cybersecurity services in Michigan is essential for maintaining a healthy business environment.

Two critical components of a strong defense strategy are Vulnerability Assessments and Penetration Testing. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they perform different functions. Understanding the distinction helps you make better decisions about protecting your infrastructure.

Understanding the Difference Between Assessments and Testing

To secure your network effectively, you must first understand where your weaknesses lie. This is where assessment and testing come into play. They act as a health check for your IT environment.

What is a Vulnerability Assessment?

A vulnerability assessment is an automated process designed to identify known weaknesses in your systems, such as outdated software, missing patches, or misconfigured firewalls. Think of this as walking around your office building to check if the windows and doors are locked. It provides a broad overview of potential entry points that a bad actor could exploit.

This process generates a list of vulnerabilities, ranked by severity. It allows your IT team or your managed service provider in Michigan to prioritize which issues need to be fixed first. It is a necessary maintenance step that should occur regularly to keep up with new threats.

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, often called a “pen test,” goes a step further. It involves a simulated cyberattack performed by ethical security professionals. Instead of just checking if the door is locked, the pen tester tries to pick the lock or pry the window open.

The goal is to exploit the vulnerabilities found during the assessment to see how far an attacker could get into your network. Can they access sensitive customer data? Can they install ransomware? This manual process tests the effectiveness of your current security measures and your team’s ability to detect an active threat.

The CTS Approach to Security Categories

While vulnerability assessment and penetration testing are vital tools, they are part of a larger picture. At CTS Companies, we do not view security as a single product you buy off a shelf. Instead, we look at security through the lens of six distinct categories. This structured approach ensures that we cover the bases without overcomplicating your operations.

1. Physical Security

Digital security means little if someone can simply walk into your server room and steal a hard drive. We evaluate the physical access controls to your critical infrastructure. This includes ensuring that IT infrastructure in Detroit and surrounding areas is housed in secure, access-controlled environments.

2. Password Policies & Procedures

Weak passwords remain one of the most common causes of data breaches. We help organizations implement robust password policies. This involves setting requirements for complexity, rotation, and multi-factor authentication (MFA). Proper procedures ensure that employees understand their role in keeping the network safe.

3. General Policies & Procedures

Technology serves people, and people need guidelines. We assist in defining clear policies regarding data handling, acceptable use of company devices, and incident response. If a breach occurs, your team needs to know exactly what to do to minimize damage.

4. Antimalware Defense

Viruses, ransomware, and spyware are constant threats. We deploy and manage advanced antimalware solutions that protect endpoints and servers. For businesses concerned about specific threats, we offer specialized ransomware protection in Michigan to prevent data from being held hostage.

5. Remote Access

With the rise of hybrid work, secure remote access is non-negotiable. Whether your team connects via VPN or other remote desktop tools, these connections must be encrypted and authenticated strictly. We ensure that flexibility for your workforce does not translate to vulnerability for your business.

6. Web Filtering

The internet is full of malicious sites. Web filtering prevents users from accidentally visiting dangerous websites that could download malware onto the network. It adds a layer of proactive defense, stopping threats before they reach the endpoint.

Why Regular Testing Matters for Your Business

Many business owners believe they are too small to be targeted. The reality is that automated attacks target vulnerabilities, not specific company names. If your network has an open door, an automated bot will find it.

Compliance and Insurance

Beyond protection from hackers, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing are often required for compliance with industry regulations (such as HIPAA or PCI-DSS). Furthermore, many cyber liability insurance policies now mandate these tests. Without proof of regular testing, your claims could be denied in the event of an incident.

Protecting Business Continuity

A successful attack results in downtime. Every minute your systems are down costs money and damages your reputation. By identifying weaknesses early through cybersecurity services in Detroit and other regions, you reduce the risk of catastrophic failure.

However, even the best defenses can sometimes fail. That is why we emphasize the importance of having a backup plan. CTS has specialized in business continuity since the late 90s. We offer robust data backup and recovery in Michigan, ensuring that if the worst happens, you can restore your data and get back to work quickly.

Integrating Security with Managed Services

Security should not exist in a silo. It needs to be integrated into your daily IT operations. This is where our role as a Managed Service Provider (MSP) brings value. We deliver across a spectrum, from one-off projects to acting as your full IT department.

Help Desk Support

When you implement stricter security measures, your staff may have questions. Our help desk in Michigan provides the support your team needs. Whether it is a password reset or a question about a suspicious email, we are there to help, offering both on-site members and reactive support options.

Cloud and Infrastructure

As you move workloads to the cloud, the security landscape changes. We manage CTS Cloud in Michigan, where the heavy lifting is done for you. We ensure that the underlying infrastructure is secure, so you receive a service that just works. Whether you are using on-premise servers or cloud services in Michigan, the security protocols must be consistent.

Secure Voice Communications

Voice traffic is often overlooked in security assessments. Modern phone systems, especially VoIP, travel over your data network. Securing these communications is part of a holistic strategy. We provide voice services in Michigan that offer modern functionality without compromising network integrity.

Taking the Next Step

Cybersecurity does not have to be complicated. It requires a clear understanding of your risks and a partner who can help you address them. At CTS Companies, we do not force you into a single type of partnership. We assess your specific needs and apply the right technology to solve your problems.

If you are unsure about the state of your network security, or if you need to schedule a vulnerability assessment and penetration test to satisfy insurance requirements, we are here to assist. We have been helping businesses in Michigan navigate the technology landscape for decades, and we are ready to help you protect what you have built.