Both large and small companies face a common cybersecurity challenge: outdated operating systems on their computers. This problem may arise because staff members use these devices only occasionally, or the company may be running customized software that doesn't work with newer operating system versions.
The issue with outdated operating systems is that they become vulnerable to cyberattacks. When a developer retires an operating system, it means that it is no longer supported, and there are no more feature updates or security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Recently, Windows 8.1 lost all support, and Microsoft warned companies that continuing to use it after the retirement date could increase their exposure to security risks or impact their ability to meet compliance obligations. Although an outdated operating system will technically still work, it is less safe due to the loss of support. Your system will no longer receive security patches, leaving it vulnerable to hackers. Options for upgrading include Windows 10 or 11, but if your computer is running such an old operating system, there is a chance it may not meet the requirements for one or both. In this case, you may need to buy a new device altogether. If you don't upgrade, your data security is at risk, and any vulnerabilities will remain unpatched. This leaves your system highly vulnerable to a breach, and one hacked system on a network can cause the breach or malware infection to spread to newer devices. You may also face compliance issues if you have to comply with a data privacy regulation. Using outdated technology can also hurt productivity, slow down systems, and cause frustration for employees. Staff dealing with outmoded systems may quit, and outdated operating systems can cause problems with bugs that will no longer get fixed. Incompatibility with newer software and hardware can also hurt your business and make you less competitive. If you need help upgrading to a new operating system, we can assist you in finding the best value for your needs. Give us a call today to schedule a chat about upgrades and your security. With approximately 345 million paid seats, Microsoft 365 is a highly sought-after cloud platform worldwide, and its popularity continues to soar. The suite of cloud tools included in the service is one of the driving factors behind its continued growth, boasting a range of over 20 different applications, including the core MS Office suite. Despite having so many apps available, it's not uncommon for some to remain unused, with some organizations not even realizing that they have access to other useful tools. However, Microsoft Forms, which is included for free with a Microsoft 365 subscription, is one of the most valuable apps available. Microsoft Forms is an online survey and form-building tool that is easy to use, thanks to its drag-and-drop form, quiz, and survey creator. Recipients can fill out your form online from any device, and once the survey is completed, the results come into the software instantly. The software collates the results and presents them in a chart, and they can be exported to Excel. Microsoft Forms is a handy tool for a range of uses, from sending year-end customer surveys to assessing change readiness. What Is Microsoft Forms? Microsoft Forms is an intuitive form, quiz, and survey creator that operates via drag-and-drop functionality. It's incredibly user-friendly and enables you to distribute surveys using a link, allowing recipients to complete the form from any device. The software instantaneously collates the responses as soon as the recipients fill out the survey, presenting the results in a chart format that's easy to read. Additionally, you have the option to export the results to Excel. How to Get Started in Forms:
3. OR you can choose to explore the built-in templates 4. Click “Add New” to add a new form field. You can choose from field types:
6. Once finished, click “Send” at the top. You can distribute the survey using the following options:
Using Microsoft Forms comes with several benefits, including its ease of use. With an intuitive interface, anyone can easily jump in and start using it, without needing extensive training. Here are some ways you can make the most out of Microsoft Forms:
If you want to get more out of Microsoft 365, there is a good chance that your company may be leaving some value on the table. Contact us today to learn more about our Microsoft 365 support services. The importance of data backup and protection has grown exponentially in recent years due to the rise of cyber threats and major disasters. Hard drive crashes and other data disasters are all too common in the United States, with about 140,000 hard drive crashes occurring every week. In addition, every five years, 20% of SMBs suffer data loss due to a major disaster. These factors have helped to drive a robust cloud backup market that continues to grow.
However, simply backing up data is no longer enough to protect it from today’s growing cyber threats. Data backup has now evolved into data protection, which requires additional cybersecurity measures to ensure the safety of data backups. Online backup services offer many benefits, such as convenience, accessibility, and effectiveness, but there is a need for certain security considerations to ensure the safety of stored data. Companies must take data protection into consideration when planning a backup and recovery strategy. The tools and solutions used must protect against the growing number of cyber threats, including data center outages, sleeper ransomware, supply chain attacks, and misconfiguration of security settings. As such, it is important to choose a data protection backup system that provides adequate protection against these threats. One important feature to look for in a backup solution is ransomware prevention. Ransomware is a growing threat that can infect any data within a network, including computers, servers, mobile devices, and cloud platforms syncing with those devices. In fact, 95% of ransomware attacks try to infect data backup systems. A backup solution that includes ransomware protection will restrict automated file changes that could potentially infect documents. Continuous data protection is another important feature to look for in a backup solution. This feature ensures that the system captures the latest file changes, mitigating data loss that can occur if a system crashes before the next scheduled backup. With the speed of data generation today, losing even a day’s worth of data can be very costly. Threat identification is another important feature to consider. This tool proactively protects files by identifying and preventing malware from infecting new and existing backups. It helps to stop sleeper ransomware and other malware from infecting all backups. Zero-trust tactics are another critical aspect of data protection. This approach promotes ongoing authentication for all users and applications, including measures such as multi-factor authentication and application safe listing. Some of the zero-trust features to look for include multi-factor authentication, distinct file and folder permissions, contextual authentication, and verification of permissions for file changes. Backup redundancy is also essential. If you back up to a USB drive or CD, you only have one copy of those files. If something happens to that copy, you could experience data loss. Cloud backup providers should have backup redundancy in place, which means that the server holding your data mirrors that data to another server. This prevents data loss in the case of a server crash, natural disaster, or cyberattack. For highly sensitive data, air gapping is an additional feature to consider. Air gapping is a system that keeps a copy of your data offline or separated in another way. This entails making a second backup copy of your data and putting it on another server that is disconnected from external sources. This helps to ensure that you have at least one other copy of your backup that is walled off from common internet-based attacks. In conclusion, data backup and protection have become critical aspects of today’s business operations. Cyber threats and major disasters can strike at any time, and businesses need to be prepared with the right backup and data protection solutions to keep their data safe. When considering a backup solution, look for features such as ransomware prevention, continuous data protection, threat identification, zero-trust tactics, backup redundancy, and air gapping for highly sensitive data. With the right data protection solutions in place, businesses can rest assured that their data and businesses are safe. Feel you are lacking proper protection? We can help contact us for an evaluation! In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of any business. Regardless of the product or service that a company sells, they require some form of technology to operate. This includes software, payment systems, computers, Wi-Fi networks, mobile devices, and more. In addition, companies must protect their devices and networks as any IT downtime can significantly impact their business.
According to a survey, 98% of organizations stated that just one hour of IT downtime costs more than $100,000. With such high stakes, every company must consider itself a technology company to survive in today's market. One of the reasons technology has become a backbone of businesses is due to its critical role in operations. Even farmers use tech to check commodity prices, sell livestock, and keep their books. Most companies rely on their software and databases filled with crucial information. Any IT downtime can cause significant disruptions, leading to closures. For instance, the global meat producer JBS and Colonial pipeline had to halt operations due to ransomware attacks, leading to losses and damages. Moreover, customers expect an excellent digital experience from companies. A survey found that 46% of respondents rated customer experience as a top business priority for the next five years. Customers expect a smooth digital flow when navigating websites, checking out, scheduling appointments, receiving shipping notifications, chatting online, receiving support, and contacting companies via social media. Therefore, companies must keep up with evolving consumer expectations by using technology. Employees also need devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones to drive productivity. These devices help staff stay connected to customer data, enabling communication and efficient work. Companies that do not provide the right devices for their employees risk productivity loss, ultimately affecting their business. AI and automation are vital technologies that help companies stay competitive in today's market. AI can personalize consumer shopping experiences, while automation can help sales teams close more deals and improve conversions. To remain competitive, companies need to integrate technology tools with AI and automation capabilities and know the best ways to use them. Companies generate information digitally at a rapid pace. Imagine having to go back to using paper files to keep track of customer records, files, and documents. This would require a separate building to store all the filing cabinets. Technology skills are crucial to keep track of this information and make it searchable. Suppliers and vendors are also leaving legacy systems behind, and it's becoming increasingly challenging to interact with them offline. Most businesses require digital means to interact with their vendors and suppliers. Furthermore, it is challenging to grow a business without tech innovation. Computers and technology have exponentially increased processing power and reduced manual work. The cloud has helped level the playing field for small businesses by allowing them to leverage technology affordably. Companies need to review their technology infrastructure and look at innovations on the horizon to continue growing their business. Business continuity is another critical factor in today's market. A natural disaster could severely impact a building and everything in it. However, if a company stores its data in the cloud and uses cloud software, they can still operate. Companies that aren't employing backup systems are at significant risk. Tech solutions create the ability to continue operating from anywhere, increasing business resiliency. In conclusion, using technology securely and to its fullest can be a full-time job. Companies should consider seeking professional help to take that burden off their shoulders. With technology playing a critical role in today's businesses, it's essential to have a robust innovation roadmap to ensure the success and continuity of your business. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their ability to provide comprehensive IT solutions to businesses. Compared to traditional computer companies, MSPs offer several advantages that can help businesses save time and money while improving their overall IT infrastructure. In this article, we will explore the advantages of MSPs over traditional computer companies.
1. Proactive Monitoring and Maintenance MSPs take a proactive approach to IT management. They monitor and maintain IT infrastructure on a regular basis to prevent issues before they occur. This reduces the likelihood of downtime and other IT-related problems that can impact business operations. Traditional computer companies, on the other hand, tend to be reactive in their approach, waiting for issues to occur before addressing them. 2. Predictable Costs MSPs typically offer flat-rate pricing, which means that businesses pay a predictable monthly fee for IT services. This helps businesses budget for IT expenses and avoid unexpected costs associated with IT issues. Traditional computer companies often charge hourly rates for their services, which can lead to unpredictable and expensive bills. 3. Scalability MSPs can easily scale IT services up or down based on a business's needs. This is especially important for businesses that experience growth or seasonal fluctuations in demand. Traditional computer companies may not have the resources to quickly scale up or down to meet a business's changing needs. 4. Access to the Latest Technology MSPs are focused on providing the latest technology to their clients. They invest in the latest hardware and software to ensure that their clients have access to the most up-to-date IT solutions. Traditional computer companies may not have the resources to keep up with the latest technology trends. 5. Expertise and Support MSPs have IT experts who are trained to provide comprehensive IT solutions. They offer support to address IT issues quickly and efficiently. Traditional computer companies may not have the same level of expertise or support, which can lead to longer response times and increased downtime. 6. Focus on Business Goals MSPs work closely with their clients to understand their business goals and align their IT solutions accordingly. This helps businesses achieve their goals and improve their overall efficiency. Traditional computer companies may not have the same level of focus on business goals, which can lead to IT solutions that do not align with a business's overall objectives. In conclusion, MSPs offer several advantages over traditional computer companies. They provide proactive monitoring and maintenance, predictable costs, scalability, access to the latest technology, expertise, and support, and a focus on business goals. By partnering with an MSP, businesses can improve their IT infrastructure, save time and money, and focus on their core business operations. In today's digital age, cybersecurity threats are on the rise, and it has become imperative for organizations to safeguard their networks against potential breaches. One of the most effective ways to protect your network is by installing a firewall. A firewall is a security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of a firewall to protect your network and how it can prevent cybersecurity threats.
1. Protection Against Cyber Attacks One of the most significant benefits of a firewall is protection against cyber attacks. Cyber attackers use various methods to gain unauthorized access to a network, such as malware, viruses, phishing, and ransomware. A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the internet and prevents malicious traffic from entering the network. It analyzes incoming and outgoing traffic and blocks any suspicious or unauthorized traffic, preventing hackers from accessing your network. 2. Improved Network Security A firewall is an essential component of network security. It provides an additional layer of security to your network, making it more difficult for hackers to breach your network. A firewall monitors all network traffic, including email, web browsing, and file transfers, and blocks any traffic that does not meet the predetermined security policies. It can also alert you to potential security breaches, allowing you to take action to protect your network. 3. Access Control A firewall allows you to control who has access to your network. You can set rules to restrict access to certain websites or block specific IP addresses from accessing your network. You can also control the level of access that users have to your network, ensuring that only authorized users have access to sensitive information. 4. Regulatory Compliance Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, have strict regulatory compliance requirements. These requirements often include implementing security measures such as firewalls to protect sensitive information. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. By installing a firewall, you can ensure that your network meets these regulatory requirements and avoid costly penalties. 5. Network Monitoring Firewalls can monitor all network traffic and provide detailed reports on network activity. This allows you to identify potential security threats, such as suspicious traffic or unauthorized access attempts. You can also use these reports to identify areas of your network that require additional security measures. 6. Improved Performance A firewall can improve network performance by optimizing network traffic. It can prioritize critical network traffic, such as email and web browsing, and allocate more bandwidth to these activities. This ensures that your network runs smoothly and efficiently, even during peak usage periods. 7. Cost-Effective A firewall is a cost-effective way to protect your network from cyber threats. The cost of a firewall varies depending on the size and complexity of your network, but it is significantly less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of a cyber attack. The cost of data breaches can be astronomical, and the damage to your organization's reputation can be irreparable. By installing a firewall, you can protect your network from cyber attacks and save your organization from potentially devastating consequences. 8. Remote Access In today's digital age, many organizations allow employees to work remotely. While remote work has many benefits, it also poses significant security risks. A firewall can provide secure remote access to your network, allowing employees to access network resources from any location while maintaining network security. This ensures that your organization can take advantage of the benefits of remote work without compromising network security. In conclusion, a firewall is a critical component of network security. It provides an additional layer of protection against cyber threats, improves network performance, and allows you to control who has access to your network. It can also help you comply with regulatory requirements and monitor network activity. Installing a firewall is a cost-effective way to protect your organization from cyber threats and ensure the security of your network. With cyber threats on the rise it is important to add this layer of security. |
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May 2024
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