nb-technology

What is Zero-Click Malware? How Do You Fight It?

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMT

In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity threats continue to evolve. They pose significant risks to individuals and organizations alike. One such threat gaining prominence is zero-click malware. This insidious form of malware requires no user interaction. It can silently compromise devices and networks.

One example of this type of attack happened due to a missed call. That’s right, the victim didn’t even have to answer. This infamous WhatsApp breach occurred in 2019, and a zero-day exploit enabled it. The missed call trigger ed a spyware injection into a resource in the device’s software.

A more recent threat is a new zero-click hack targeting iOS users. This attack initiates when the user receives a message via iMessage. They don’t even need to interact with the message of the malicious code to execute. That code allows a total device takeover.

Below, we will delve into what zero-click malware is. We’ll also explore effective strategies to combat this growing menace.

Understanding Zero-Click Malware

Zero-click malware refers to malicious software that can do a specific thing. It can exploit vulnerabilities in an app or system with no interaction from the user. It is unlike traditional malware that requires users to click on a link or download a file.

Zero-click malware operates in the background, often unbeknownst to the victim. It can infiltrate devices through various attack vectors. These include malicious websites, compromised networks, or even legitimate applications with security loopholes.

The Dangers of Zero-Click Malware

Zero-click malware presents a significant threat. This is due to its stealthy nature and ability to bypass security measures. Once it infects a device, it can execute a range of malicious activities.

These include:

Data theft
Remote control
Cryptocurrency mining
Spyware
Ransomware
Turning devices into botnets for launching attacks

This type of malware can affect individuals, businesses, and even critical infrastructure. Attacks can lead to financial losses, data breaches, and reputational damage.

Fighting Zero-Click Malware

To protect against zero-click malware, it is crucial to adopt two things.

A proactive and multi-layered approach to cybersecurity. Here are some essential strategies to consider:

Keep Software Up to Date

Regularly update software, including operating systems, applications, and security patches. This is vital in preventing zero-click malware attacks. Software updates often contain bug fixes and security enhancements.

These things address vulnerabilities targeted by malware developers. Enabling automatic updates can streamline this process and ensure devices remain protected.

Put in Place Robust Endpoint Protection

Deploying comprehensive endpoint protection solutions can help detect and block zero-click malware. Use advanced antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. They establish many layers of defense.

These solutions should be regularly updated. This ensures the latest threat intelligence to stay ahead of emerging malware variants.

Use Network Segmentation

Segment networks into distinct zones. Base these on user roles, device types, or sensitivity levels.

This adds an extra layer of protection against zero-click malware. Isolate critical systems and install strict access controls to limit the damage. These help to mitigate lateral movement of malware and its potential harm.

Educate Users

Human error remains a significant factor in successful malware attacks. A full 88% of data breaches are the result of human error.

Educate users about the risks of zero-click malware and promote good cybersecurity practices. This is crucial.

Encourage strong password management. As well as caution when opening email attachments or clicking on unfamiliar links. Support regular training on identifying phishing attempts.

Use Behavioral Analytics and AI

Leverage advanced technologies like behavioral analytics and artificial intelligence. These can help identify anomalous activities that may indicate zero-click malware. These solutions detect patterns, anomalies, and suspicious behavior. This allows for early detection and proactive mitigation..

Conduct Regular Vulnerability Assessments

Perform routine vulnerability assessments and penetration testing. This can help identify weaknesses in systems and applications. Weaknesses that enable an exploit by zero-click malware.

Address these vulnerabilities promptly through patching or other remediation measures. These actions can significantly reduce the attack surface.

Uninstall Unneeded Applications

The more applications on a device, the more vulnerabilities it has. Many users download apps then rarely use them. Yet they remain on their device, vulnerable to an attack. They are also more likely to lack updates.

Have employees or your IT team remove unneeded apps on all company devices. This will reduce the potential vulnerabilities to your network.

Only Download Apps from Official App Stores

Be careful where you download apps. You should only download from official app stores. Even when you do, check the reviews and comments. Malicious apps can sometimes slip through the security controls before they’re discovered.

Get the Technology Facts from a Trusted Pro

Zero-click malware continues to evolve and pose severe threats to individuals and organizations. It is crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to combat this menace. Need help with a layered security solution?

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity risk assessment and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

What Is App Fatigue & Why Is It a Security Issue?

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:00:01 GMT

The number of apps and web tools that employees use on a regular basis continues to increase. Most departments have about 40-60 different digital tools that they use. 71% of employees feel they use so many apps that it makes work more complex.

Many of the apps that we use every day have various alerts. We get a “ping” when someone mentions our name on a Teams channel. We get a notification popup that an update is available. We get an alert of errors or security issues.

App fatigue is a very real thing and it’s becoming a cybersecurity problem. The more people get overwhelmed by notifications, the more likely they are to ignore them.

Just think about the various digital alerts that you get. They come in:

Software apps on your computer
Web-based SaaS tools
Websites where you’ve allowed alerts
Mobile apps and tools
Email banners
Text messages
Team communication tools

Some employees are getting the same notification on two different devices. This just adds to the problem. This leads to many issues that impact productivity and cybersecurity.

Besides alert bombardment, every time the boss introduces a new app, that means a new password. Employees are already juggling about 191 passwords . They use at least 154 of them sometime during the month.

How Does App Fatigue Put Companies at Risk?

Below are 3 ways that app fatigue can put your security at risk.

Employees Begin Ignoring Updates

When digital alerts interrupt your work, you can feel like you’re always behind. This leads to ignoring small tasks seen as not time-sensitive. Tasks like clicking to install an app update.

Employees overwhelmed with too many app alerts, tend to ignore them. When updates come up, they may quickly click them away. They feel they can’t spare the time right now and aren’t sure how long it will take.

Ignoring app updates on a device is dangerous. Many of those updates include important security patches for found vulnerabilities. When they’re not installed, the device and its network are at a higher risk. It becomes easier to suffer a successful cyberattack.

Employees Reuse Passwords (and They’re Often Weak)

Another security casualty of app fatigue is password security. The more SaaS accounts someone must create, the more likely they are to reuse passwords. It’s estimated that passwords are typically reused 64% of the time.

Credential breach is a key driver of cloud data breaches. Hackers can easily crack weak passwords. The same password used several times leaves many accounts at risk.

Employees May Turn Off Alerts

Some alerts are okay to turn off. For example, do you really need to know every time someone responds to a group thread? Or just when they @name you? But, turning off important security alerts is not good.

There comes a breaking point when one more push notification can push someone over the edge. They may turn off all the alerts they can across all apps. The problem with this is that in the mix of alerts are important ones. Such as an anti-malware app warning about a newly found virus.

What’s the Answer to App Fatigue?

It’s not realistic to just go backward in time before all these apps were around. But you can put a strategy in place that puts people in charge of their tech, and not the other way around.

Streamline Your Business Applications

From both a productivity and security standpoint, fewer apps are better. The fewer apps you have, the less risk. Also, the fewer passwords to remember and notifications to address.

Look at the tools that you use to see where redundancies may be. Many companies are using two or more apps that can do the same function.

Consider using an umbrella platform like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These platforms include several work tools, but users only need a single login to access them.

Have Your IT Team Set up Notifications

It’s difficult for users to know what types of notifications are the most important. Set up their app notifications for them. This ensures they aren’t bombarded yet are still getting the important ones.

Automate Application Updates

A cybersecurity best practice is to automate device and software updates. This takes the process out of employees' hands. It enhances productivity by removing unnecessary updates from their view.

Automating device updates through a managed services solution improves security. It also mitigates the chance there will be a vulnerable app putting your network at risk.

Open a Two-Way Communication About Alerts

Employees may never turn off an alert because they’re afraid they might get in trouble. Managers may not even realize constant app alert interruptions are hurting productivity.

Communicate with employees and let them know they can communicate with you.

Discuss how to use alerts effectively. As well as the best ways to manage alerts for a better and more productive workday.

Need Help Taming Your Cloud App Environment?

Today, it’s easy for cloud tools to get out of hand. Get some help consolidating and optimizing your cloud app environment.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud app needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How to Use the New Virtual Appointments in Microsoft Teams

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Scheduling appointments is a common activity. Salespeople often set up virtual appointments to answer questions about a product. Software companies allow people to schedule live demos. Telehealth therapists allow clients to book video sessions.

Those are just a few examples of some groups that are going to love a new Microsoft Teams feature. Virtual Appointments was recently added to the platform. It adds a new meeting style tailored for engagements with customers.

Have you’ve been using Teams and a different online appointment app? This new feature will streamline the experience.

What Is Virtual Appointments in Teams?

Virtual Appointments gives you an all-in-one meeting platform for customer engagements. You can schedule, manage and conduct B2C meetings in Microsoft Teams.

This new feature brings together the scheduling component with the video conference interface. Anyone with the link can join the virtual appointment. They do not need a Teams account.

The power of Microsoft’s scheduling app, Bookings, connects to Teams. This makes the Virtual Appointments function as seamless as possible.

Some of the features below will be available with any Microsoft 365 plan. Some are available with a premium plan.

Teams Virtual Appointments Features

These are several of the Teams Virtual Appointment features.

Manage Scheduled Appointments

You can see your scheduled appointments in a single view. Manage cancellations and time changes easily.

Send Customized Confirmations & Reminders

You can send customers a customized message via SMS or email. This personalizes the experience for them. You can also use automation to give that personal touch without having to send each one manually. Automated appointment reminders are another time-saving function.

Customized Waiting Room

Add a personal touch to your virtual engagements. You can customize the Teams waiting room. You can use themes and logos to brand your business. You can also chat with attendees while in the lobby waiting room. This is helpful if your current appointment is running a little long. You can let them know you’ll be right with them.

Meeting Follow-ups

You can send meeting follow-ups after a virtual appointment. This helps you reduce the time it takes to send any promised follow-up information. You also keep all details in a single place. This makes your client communication trail easier to follow.

Organization & Department Analytics

How effective are your appointments? It’s hard to know if your demos are resulting in sales if you don’t have a good tracking system. It’s also important to have visibility into customer appointments across the organization.

You can do this with a premium analytics feature. It gives you helpful reporting. The reporting provides insights into B2C virtual appointments in all departments.

How to Use Virtual Appointments

To start using Virtual Appointments in Teams, admins must set up a few things. Note, they must be a Bookings admin to access these settings .

Create a Calendar

In the Virtual Appointments app choose to “Create a calendar.” You can find this option on the Home tab.

Larger organizations may wish to create different calendars for different departments.

Add Staff

Next, add staff members. You can add up to 100. You will also need to assign them a role.

Once you’ve added your staff, you can view their availability in both Teams and Outlook.

What's another nice thing about using an integrated platform like M365? It's the cross-app compatibility. Your calendar syncs across apps.

Create Appointment Types

You’ll next set up your appointment types. You can choose from these two options:

Scheduled: You schedule the day/time. The system adds this information to the email confirmation.
On-demand (Teams Premium): Customers can choose when to meet from your booking calendar.

Set Up SMS Notifications (If desired)

If you choose to use SMS notifications and have the right Teams plan, you can set this up next. This allows you to easily send appointment confirmations and reminders via text message.

Note: Attendees currently need a valid U.S., Canadian, or U.K. phone number to receive the SMS notifications.

Link Forms (If desired)

If you would like your attendees to fill out any forms, you can link them now. Virtual Appointments allows linking up to four cloud-based forms. These would be forms you have created in Microsoft Forms.

Publish Your Booking Page

If you want to give customers the ability to book on-demand appointments, take this next step. You will need to publish the booking page. You do this on the “Manage” tab of Virtual Appointments. Select “Booking page,” and turn on “Publish booking page.”

Get Help Using Your Microsoft 365 Tools More Effectively

Microsoft 365 is a platform with many possibilities. Often, companies aren’t using all the features they could. As a result, their team may be less effective. They could also be wasting money on apps they don’t need.

Are you interested in help supercharging your Microsoft 365 experience? Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your IT technology and services needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Windows 8.1 Just Lost All Support. Here's What You Need to Know

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Companies both large and small share this one cybersecurity problem. They have computers that are still running older operating systems. Staff might use these devices only occasionally. Or the company may be running customized software that won’t run on newer OS versions.

The problem is that when the OS becomes outdated, the system is open to cyberattacks.

When Microsoft or another developer retires an OS, it means that it is no longer supported. No more feature updates and no more security patches for newly found vulnerabilities.

The latest operating system to lose all support is Windows 8.1. Microsoft released the OS in 2013, and it was officially retired on January 10, 2023 . Microsoft issued the following warning for companies:

“Continuing to use Windows 8.1 after January 10, 2023 may increase an organization’s exposure to security risks or impact its ability to meet compliance obligations.”

Here are a few facts you should know about what this retirement of Windows 8.1 means.

The OS Will Still Technically Work

When an operating system reaches its end of life, it doesn’t just stop working. Thus, many companies go on using it without realizing the security risk. Technically, the OS will work as it did the day before retirement. But it’s a lot less safe due to the loss of support.

Your System Will No Longer Receive Security Patches

Software and OS vulnerabilities are sought out and exploited all the time. This is what hackers do for a living. The vulnerability cycle usually begins with hackers finding a software “loophole.” They then write code to exploit it that allows them some type of system access.

The software developer learns of this, usually once hackers start breaching systems. They write code to fix that vulnerability. Developers then send the fix to users via an update that they install. This protects the device from one or more hacker exploits.

When an OS reaches its end of life, these fixes are no longer made. The developer has moved on to focus on its newer products. So, the vulnerability remains. It leaves a device vulnerable to hacks for days, months, or years afterward.

Approximately 61% of security vulnerabilities in corporate networks are over five years old.

Options for Upgrading

If you have a computer that is still running Windows 8.1, you have two options for upgrading. You can opt for Windows 10 or Windows 11. If the computer is running such an old OS, there is a chance your system may not meet the requirements for one or both. In this case, you may need to buy a new device altogether.

Microsoft states that there is no free option to upgrade from 8.1 to Windows 10 or 11.

Some of the advantages you gain when upgrading include:

Better built-in security
Faster processing
Capability for more modern features (like facial recognition)
Improved accessibility features
Updated productivity tools (like snap layouts in Windows 11)

What Happens If I Don’t Upgrade?

These are 3 things that can happen if you don't upgrade.

Security & Compliance Issues

Your data security is at risk if you stay on Windows 8.1. Without any security updates, any vulnerabilities will stay unpatched. This leaves your system highly vulnerable to a breach. One hacked system on a network can also cause the breach or malware infection to spread to newer devices.

If you have to comply with a data privacy regulation, like HIPAA, you’ll also run into issues. Data privacy rules dictate making reasonable efforts to protect data. Using a device with an outdated OS jeopardizes meeting compliance.

Slowed Productivity

The older systems get, the slower they get. Staff that must work on outdated software often complain that it hurts productivity. 77% of surveyed employees were frustrated with outdated tech. Employees dealing with outmoded systems may also quit. They are 450% more likely to want to leave and work elsewhere.

An outdated operating system can hold your staff back. They miss out on modern time-saving features. They can also run into problems with bugs that will no longer get fixed.

Incompatibility With Newer Tools

Software and hardware developers aren’t looking back. Once Microsoft retires an OS, they aren’t prioritizing its compatibility. In fact, some may not want their product to be compatible with it because of the liability.

When you have issues using modern software and hardware it hurts your business. You become less competitive and begin to fall behind. Staying on an outmoded OS keeps you stuck in the past.

Get Help With Your Windows Upgrades

At NB Technology, we can help you upgrade smoothly from an older Windows OS to a new one.

If you need a new system for your North Carolina business, we can point you in the right direction for the best value. Contact us at 704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation about upgrades and where your security stands, as well as to discuss any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

How to Respond to 500% Increase in Mobile Malware?

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 12:00:02 GMT

Cybersecurity researchers uncovered an alarming mobile statistic. During the first few months of 2022, mobile malware attacks surged by 500% . This is alarming both in scale and because many people aren’t yet protecting smartphones.

For years, mobile phones have become more powerful. They now do many of the same functions as a computer – just with a much smaller screen. Yet, people tend to secure their computers better than they do their smartphones.

This is a behavior that needs to change. Over 60% of digital fraud now occurs through mobile devices. That makes them highly risky if proper safeguards aren’t followed.

Many of these are the same types of protections you have on your computer. It’s time to start thinking about your smartphone as a mini-computer and keeping it just as secure.

Tips to Improve the Security of Your Smartphone

Here are 7 ways to improve the security of your smartphones and safeguard your business from mobile malware attacks.

Use Mobile Anti-malware

Yes, your mobile phone needs antivirus/anti-malware too! Malware can and does infect smartphones and tablets. You need to ensure you have a reliable mobile anti-malware app installed.

And beware of those freebies. Freebies are great when you’re talking about food, but not security apps. Malware is often hidden inside free apps. These apps are ironically supposed to make you more secure.

Don’t Download Apps from Unknown Sources

Only download mobile apps from trusted sources. Do not download outside a main app store.

Trusted app stores include places like:

Apple App Store
Google Play
The Microsoft Store
Amazon Appstore

You also should research the app developer online. Make sure they have a good reputation. Once you download a dangerous app to your phone, it can infect it with malware. That malware can remain behind even if you delete the app later .

Don’t Assume Email is Safe

Many people prefer checking email on their phone rather than PC because it’s so handy. But they have a false sense of security about the safety of emails when viewed on a mobile device.

You can’t assume an email is safe just because you’re not on your computer. Be just as wary about unexpected emails and scam emails masquerading as legitimate.

It’s difficult to hover over a link without clicking when on a smartphone. If you see something questionable and want to check the link, open the email on your PC where you can do that.

Beware of SMS Phishing (aka “Smishing”)

In March of 2022, text spam outpaced robocalls. Unwanted text messages rose by 30% , ten percent higher than robocalls. Many of those spam texts are smishing.

Smishing is the text version of phishing. These texts usually contain malicious links. A hacker can potentially breach your device if you click them. The message may also ask you to text back personal information.

Be on the lookout for text messages that don’t quite make sense. For example, getting a shipping notification when you haven’t ordered anything. Also, beware of texts from unknown sources.

Phishing via text message is a growing concern. It’s also one that most people aren’t aware of yet, so they often get caught in its trap.

Remove Old Apps You No Longer Use

Approximately 2.6 million apps haven’t had an update in a year or more. Apps are often abandoned by the developer. This can leave security vulnerabilities on your device. Hackers seek out these types of vulnerabilities to exploit. If they aren’t addressed, then they remain a danger.

Go through your device and remove old applications that you are no longer using. There is no reason to keep them around, potentially leaving your device at risk.

Additionally, look at the time of the last update. If it’s over a year, then you may want to consider replacing that app with something more current. App updates often include security-related items. It’s not good when a year or more goes by without the developer making any type of update to the app.

Keep Your Device Updated

Speaking of updates, you also need to keep your device's operating system updated. Are you using the current version of Android or iOS? Not installing updates can mean your phone has vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities allow hackers to breach your data.

Automate updates as possible. If you have a company with several devices, then it’s a good idea to include your phones on a managed IT services plan.

Use a VPN When on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi is dangerous. Most people understand that, but many connect to it out of necessity anyhow. You may worry about going over your data plan allotment. Or your mobile carrier reception may be slow. Both cases are reasons people opt to connect to unsecured public hot spots.

You can connect to public Wi-fi with less risk if you use a VPN application. VPNs stand between your device and the internet. They route your data through a secure server. This keeps it away from prying eyes that may be lurking on that public Wi-Fi.

Mobile Security Solutions to Prevent a Data Breach

Don’t wait until your phone is infected with malware to secure it properly. We can help you with automated solutions that protect your device, accounts, and data. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your North Carolina business cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

What to Include in a Year-end Technology Infrastructure Review

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:00:05 GMT

When the year is coming to a close, it’s the perfect time to plan for the future. Most businesses begin the year with the hope of growing and improving operations. Much of how a business operates depends on technology. So, it makes sense to look to your IT for areas of optimization.

A year-end technology review provides an opportunity to look at several areas of your IT. The goal is to take time to focus on improvements you can make to boost your bottom line. As well as what tactics to take to reduce the risk of a costly cyberattack.

A recent study by Deloitte looked at digitally advanced small businesses. Small businesses that make smart use of technology are well ahead of their peers. Here are some of the ways they excel:

Earn 2x more revenue per employee
Experience year-over-year revenue growth nearly 4x as high
Had an average employee growth rate over 6x as high

The bottom line is that companies that use technology well, do better. They are also more secure. According to IBM, businesses that have an incident response plan reduce the costs of a data breach by 61% . Using security AI and automation can lower costs by 70%.

This year-end, take some time to do a technology review with your IT team or managed IT provider. This will set you up for success and security in the coming year.

Considerations When Reviewing Your Technology at Year-End

The goal of a year-end technology review is to look at all areas of your IT infrastructure. Security, efficiency, and bottom-line considerations will be the key drivers for future initiatives.

Technology Policies

When technology policies get outdated, people stop following them. Review all your policies to see if any of them need updating to reflect new conditions. For example, if you now have some staff working from home, make sure your device use policy reflects this.

When you update policies, let your employees know. This gives them a refresher on important information. They may have forgotten certain things since onboarding.

Disaster Recovery Planning

When is the last time your company did an incident response drill? Is there a list of steps for employees to follow in the case of a natural disaster or cyberattack?

Take time to look at disaster recovery planning for the new year. You should also put dates in place for preparedness drills and training in the coming months.

IT Issues & Pain Points

You don’t want to go through a big IT upgrade without considering employee pain points. Otherwise, you might miss some golden opportunities to improve staff productivity and wellbeing.

Survey your employees on how they use technology. Ask questions about their favorite and least favorite apps. Ask what struggles they face. Let them tell you how they feel technology could improve to make their jobs better. This, in turn, benefits your business. It can also help you target the most impactful improvements.

Privileged Access & Orphaned Accounts

Do an audit of your privileged accounts as part of your year-end review.

Over time, permissions can be misappropriated. This leaves your network at a higher risk of a major attack.

You should ensure that only those that need them have admin-level permissions. The fewer privileged accounts you have in your business tools, the lower your risk. Compromised privileged accounts password open the door to major damage.

While going through your accounts, also look for orphaned accounts. You need to close these because they’re no longer used. Leaving them active poses a security risk.

IT Upgrade & Transformation Plans for the New Year

If you make IT upgrades and decisions “on the fly” it can come back to bite you. It’s best to plan out a strategy ahead of time, so you can upgrade in an organized way.

Have a vulnerability assessment performed. This gives you a list of potential problems your company should address. Eliminating vulnerabilities improves your cybersecurity. Planning ahead allows you to budget for your upgrades and avoid unplanned expenses.

Cloud Use & Shadow IT

Review your use of cloud applications. Are certain apps hardly used? Do you have redundancies in your cloud environment? A review can help you cut waste and save money.

Also, look for uses of shadow IT by employees. These are cloud applications that are being used for work but did not go through approval. Management may not even be aware of them. Remove this security risk by either closing the accounts or officially approving them.

Customer-Facing Technology

Don’t forget to look at the customer experience of your technology infrastructure. Go through your website and contact process as a customer would.

If you get frustrated by things like site navigation, then your customers and leads may be too. Include optimizations to your customer-facing technology in your new year plans.

Schedule a Technology & Security Assessment Today!

We can help you with a thorough review of your technology environment to give you a roadmap for tomorrow.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your technology and security needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Is That Text Really From Your CEO - Or Is It a Scam?

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:00:08 GMT

Imagine you’re going about your day when suddenly you receive a text from the CEO. The head of the company is asking for your help.

They’re out doing customer visits and someone else dropped the ball in providing gift cards. The CEO needs you to buy six $200 gift cards and text the information right away.

The message sender promises to reimburse you before the end of the day. Oh, and by the way, you won’t be able to reach them by phone for the next two hours because they’ll be in meetings. One last thing, this is a high priority. They need those gift cards urgently.

Would this kind of request make you pause and wonder? Or would you quickly pull out your credit card to do as the message asked?

A surprising number of employees fall for this gift card scam. There are also many variations. Such as your boss being stuck without gas or some other dire situation that only you can help with.

This scam can come by text message or via email. What happens is that the unsuspecting employee buys the gift cards. They then send the numbers back. They find out later that the real company CEO wasn’t the one that contacted them. It was a phishing scammer.

The employee is out the cash.

Without proper training, 32.4% of employees are prone to fall for a phishing scam.

Why Do Employees Fall for Phishing Scams?

Though the circumstances may be odd, many employees fall for this gift card scam. Hackers use social engineering tactics. They manipulate emotions to get the employee to follow through on the request.

Some of these social engineering tactics illicit the following:

The employee is afraid of not doing as asked by a superior
The employee jumps at the chance to save the day
The employee doesn’t want to let their company down
The employee may feel they can advance in their career by helping

The scam’s message is also crafted in a way to get the employee to act without thinking or checking. It includes a sense of urgency. The CEO needs the gift card details right away.

Also, the message notes that the CEO will be out of touch for the next few hours. This decreases the chance the employee will try to contact the real CEO to check the validity of the text.

SCAM EXAMPLE: Illinois Woman Scammed Out of More Than $6,000 from a Fake CEO EmaiL

Variations of this scam are prevalent and can lead to significant financial losses. A company isn’t responsible if an employee falls for a scam and purchases gift cards with their own money.

In one example , a woman from Palos Hills, Illinois lost over $6,000. This was after getting an email request from who she thought was her company’s CEO.

The woman received an email purporting to be from her boss and company CEO. It stated that her boss wanted to send gift cards to some selected staff that had gone above and beyond.

The email ended with “Can you help me purchase some gift cards today?” The boss had a reputation for being great to employees, so the email did not seem out of character.

The woman bought the requested gift cards from Target and Best Buy. Then she got another request asking to send a photo of the cards. Again, the wording in the message was very believable and non-threatening. It simply stated, “Can you take a picture, I’m putting this all on a spreadsheet.”

The woman ended up purchasing over $6,500 in gift cards that the scammer then stole. When she saw her boss a little while later, her boss knew nothing about the gift card request. The woman realized she was the victim of a scam.

Tips for Avoiding Costly Phishing Scams

Here are 3 important tips to avoid falling prey to a phishing scam:

Always Double Check Unusual Requests

Despite what a message might say about being unreachable, check in person or by phone anyhow. If you receive any unusual requests or one relating to money, verify it. Contact the person through other means to make sure it's legitimate.

Don’t React Emotionally

Scammers often try to get victims to act before they have time to think. Just a few minutes of sitting back and looking at a message objectively is often all that’s needed to realize it’s a scam. Don’t react emotionally, instead ask if this seems real or is it out of the ordinary.

Get a Second Opinion

Ask a colleague, or better yet, your company’s IT service provider, to take look at the message. Getting a second opinion keeps you from reacting right away. It can save you from making a costly judgment error.

Need Help with Employee Phishing Awareness Training?

Phishing keeps getting more sophisticated all the time. Make sure your employee awareness training is up to date. Give us a call today to schedule a training session to shore up your team’s defenses.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consul tation to discuss your cybersecurity needs, business cybersecurity awareness training needs, and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Cybersecurity Insurance: 4 of the Latest Trends

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 12:00:35 GMT

Cybersecurity insurance is still a pretty new concept for many SMBs. It was initially introduced in the 1990s to provide coverage for large enterprises. It covered things like data processing errors and online media.

Since that time, the policies for this type of liability coverage have changed. Today’s cyber insurance policies cover the typical costs of a data breach. Including remediating a malware infection or compromised account.

Cybersecurity insurance policies will cover the costs for things like:

Recovering compromised data
Repairing computer systems
Notifying customers about a data breach
Providing personal identity monitoring
IT forensics to investigate the breach
Legal expenses
Ransomware payments

Data breach volume and costs continue to rise. 2021 set a record for the most recorded data breaches on record. And in the first quarter of 2022, breaches were up 14% over the prior year.

No one is safe. Even small businesses find they are targets. They often have more to lose than larger enterprises as well. About 60% of small businesses close down within 6 months of a cyber incident.

The increase in online danger and rising costs of a breach have led to changes in this type of insurance. The cybersecurity insurance industry is ever evolving. Businesses need to keep up with these trends to ensure they can stay protected.

4 of the latest cyber insurance trends

Here are some of the cyber liability insurance trends you need to know about.

Demand is Going Up

The average cost of a data breach is currently $4.35 million (global average). In the U.S., it’s more than double that, at $9.44 million. As these costs continue to balloon, so does the demand for cybersecurity insurance.

Companies of all types are realizing that cyber insurance is critical. It’s as important as their business liability insurance. Without that protection, they can easily go under in the case of a single data breach.

With demand increasing, look for more availability of cybersecurity insurance. This also means more policy options, which is good for those seeking coverage.

Premiums are Increasing

With the increase in cyberattacks has come an increase in insurance payouts. Insurance companies are increasing premiums to keep up. In 2021, cyber insurance premiums rose by a staggering 74% .

The costs from lawsuits, ransomware payouts, and other remediation have driven this increase. Insurance carriers aren’t willing to lose money on cybersecurity policies. Thus, those policies are getting more expensive. This is at the same time as they are more necessary.

Certain Coverages are Being Dropped

Certain types of coverage are getting more difficult to find. For example, some insurance carriers are dropping coverage for “nation-state” attacks. These are attacks that come from a government.

Many governments have ties to known hacking groups. So, a ransomware attack that hits consumers and businesses can very well be in this category.

In 2021, 21% of nation-state attacks targeted consumers, and 79% targeted enterprises. So, if you see that an insurance policy excludes these types of attacks, be very wary.

Another type of attack payout that is being dropped from some policies is ransomware. Between Q1 and Q2 of 2022, ransomware attacks increased by 24% .

Insurance carriers are tired of unsecured clients relying on them to pay the ransom. So many are excluding ransomware payouts from policies. This puts a bigger burden on organizations. They need to ensure their backup and recovery strategy is well planned.

It’s Harder to Qualify

Just because you want cybersecurity insurance, doesn’t mean you’ll qualify for it. Qualifications are becoming stiffer. Insurance carriers aren’t willing to take chances.

Especially on companies with poor cyber hygiene.

Some of the factors that insurance carriers look at include:

Network security
Use of things like multi-factor authentication
BYOD and device security policies
Advanced threat protection
Automated security processes
Backup and recovery strategy
Administrative access to systems
Anti-phishing tactics
Employee security training

You’ll often need to fill out a lengthy questionnaire when applying for insurance. This includes several questions about your cybersecurity situation. It’s a good idea to have your IT provider help you with this.

This can seem like a lot of work that you have to do to qualify for cyber insurance. As you review the questions, your IT partner can identify security enhancements. Just like other forms of insurance, if you take steps to reduce risk, it can often reduce your premiums.

So, it pays to do a cybersecurity review before applying for cyber insurance. You can save yourself time and money. It can also fortify your defenses against cyberattacks.

Need Help Making Sense of Cybersecurity Policies?

Cybersecurity coverage and insurance applications can be complex. If you answer wrong on a question, it can mean paying hundreds more in premiums than you should.

If you’re considering cybersecurity insurance, don’t go it alone.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity policy in more detail and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Have You Had Data Exposed in One of These Recent Data Breaches

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:00:07 GMT

There’s a reason that browsers like Edge have added breached password notifications.

Data breaches are an unfortunate part of life. And they can have costly consequences for individuals. Hackers can steal identities and compromise bank accounts, just to name a few risks.

Cybercriminals breach about 4,800 websites every month with form jacking code. It has become all too common to hear of a large hotel chain or social media company exposing customer data.

Hackers can breach your personal information and passwords without you knowing it. And the time from breach to notification of the breach can be lengthy. One example is the data breach of CafePress. This is a popular online retailer that prints personalized items.

CafePress suffered a data breach in February 2019. That breach exposed millions of names and addresses, security questions, and more. Hackers also breached social security numbers that weren’t encrypted.

As mentioned, the breach happened in February. But many consumers weren’t notified until late summer. The FTC recently took action against the company. This was due to its careless security practices.

The point is that months or years can go by without you knowing about compromised data. Unless you happen to look at the right website, you may not even realize it. Those breached password features in browsers are helpful. But what if you have other information beyond a password compromised?

It’s best to protect yourself with some knowledge. We’ll help by listing several recent breaches. If you’ve interacted with any of these companies, you’ll want to take steps to protect yourself from the fallout.

Recent Breaches of Personal Information That May Impact You

Below are examples of 9 data breaches, to show how devastating and widespread they can be.

Microsoft Customer Data Breach

On October 19, 2022, Microsoft announced a breach that exposed customer data. A misconfigured server was to blame. The breach exposed certain business transaction data. It’s thought that this breach could have affected more than 65,000 entities worldwide.

2.5 Million Records Exposed in a Student Loan Breach

Did you get a student loan from EdFinancial and the Oklahoma Student Loan Authority (OSLA)? If so, you could be in trouble. The organizations notified impacted individuals by letter in July 2022.

The personal information at risk included:

Social security numbers:
Email addresses
Home addresses
Phone numbers.

The breach compromised the data of over 2.5 million loan recipients.

U-Haul Data Breach of 2.2 Million Individuals’ Data

Large rental firm U-Haul is a household name. It also just had a major data breach. It notified clients in August of 2022 of a compromise of some rental contracts. The contacts in question were between November 5, 2021, and April 5, 2022.

The breach exposed names, driver’s license numbers, and state identification numbers. It affected over 2.2 million individuals that rented vehicles from the company.

Neopets Breach May Have Compromised 69 Million Accounts

You wouldn’t suspect a cute site like Neopets to be a cybersecurity risk. But users of the platform got a rude awakening due to a breach of the service. An estimated 69 million accounts may have had emails and passwords leaked.

The full stolen Neopet database and copy of the source code were being offered for sale for about $94,500.

One Employee Computer Causes a Marriott Breach

Hotel giant Marriott suffered another breach in July 2022. It blamed a single unsecured employee computer. About 300-400 individuals had data leaked. This data included credit card numbers and other confidential information.

Unfortunately, the company shows a pattern of poor cybersecurity . Within the last four years, it has suffered three separate breaches. That’s enough to want to pay in cash or use a pre-paid card if you stay there.

Shield Health Care Group Exposes Up to 2 Million Records

In March of 2022, Shield Health Care Group detected a breach. This Massachusetts-based company found that hackers breached up to 2 million customer records. This includes medical records, social security numbers, and other sensitive personal data.

Flagstar Bank Takes 6 Months to Identify Individuals Affected in a Breach

In December of 2021, Flagstar Bank suffered a breach. It wasn’t until 6 months later that it identified the individuals affected. And the impact was large. It included exposed social security numbers. The hack impacted about 1.5 million customers.

8.2 million Current and Former Customers of Block Compromised

Block was formerly known as Square, a popular payment processing platform. It announced in April of 2022 that it was breached the previous December. A former employee accessed customer names and brokerage account numbers. Some accounts also had other stock trading information accessed.

About 8.2 million current and former customers had their data exposed.

Crypto.com Breach Nets Hackers Over $30 Million

Cryptocurrency may be hot at the moment, but it’s very susceptible to cyberattacks. In January 2022, over 483 users had their Crypto.com wallets breached.

The criminals made it past two-factor authentication, which is usually quite effective. They stole about $18 million in bitcoin and $15 million in Ethereum and other cryptocurrencies.

How Secure Are Your Passwords?

There are many solutions that can help you better manage and secure your passwords.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss protecting your personal data from a breach and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

These Google Search Tips Will Save You Tons of Time

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 12:00:06 GMT

Over 2.4 million searches happen every minute on Google. It’s often the first stop people make when they go online.

We search daily for both personal and work needs, and often searching for the right information can take a lot of time if you have to sift through several irrelevant results.

One study by consulting firm, McKinsey, found that employees spend an average of 1.8 hours daily , or 9.3 hours each week, searching and gathering information. This can be a productivity sinkhole as more web results keep getting added to the internet every day.

One way you can save time on your personal and work-related searches is to learn some “secret” Google search tips. These help you narrow down your search results and improve productivity by helping you find the information you need faster.

SEARCH A SPECIFIC WEBSITE USING “SITE:”

Sometimes you need to find information on a specific website. For example, you might need to locate a government statistic that you know is out there but can’t seem to bring up on a general search.

You can use Google to search keywords on a specific website by using the “site” function.

In the search bar use the following: site:(site url) (keyword)

This will bring up search results only for that one specific URL.

FIND FLIGHT INFORMATION WITHOUT LEAVING GOOGLE

When you need to access flight information, you’re often on the go. Either getting ready to head to the airport or waiting for someone to arrive. Having to load multiple site pages in your browser can take valuable time. Instead, get your flight results directly from Google.

Just type in the flight number and the name of the airlines, and you’ll get a listing of flight information without having to click to another page. You can even tab to choose flight info for that same flight on different days.

LOOK FOR DOCUMENT TYPES USING “FILETYPE:”

If you’ve just been tasked with coming up with a presentation on sustainable energy, it can be helpful to see what other people have done on the same subject.

Searching websites can give you a lot of details to sift through but searching for another PowerPoint presentation can provide you with even more insight into how others have distilled that information down into a presentation.

Google has a search function that allows you to search on a file type, so instead of webpages showing up in your results, files of the file type you searched will appear.

To use this function, type in the following: filetype:(type) (keyword)

In the case of wanting to find a PowerPoint on sustainable energy, you could use the following in the search bar: filetype:ppt sustainable energy.

All the results will be PPT presentations.

You can also use this function for other file types, such as:

DOC
PDF
XLS or XLSX
SVG
and more

NARROW DOWN TIMEFRAME USING THE “TOOLS” LINK

One frustration is when you’re looking up something like a population or cybersecurity statistic and you end up with results that are too old to be relevant. You can spend valuable time paging through the search results, or you can tell Google what time frame you’d like to search.

To narrow your search results by a specific timeframe, do the following:

Enter your keyword and click to search.
Under the search bar, click the “Tools” link.
Click the “Any time” link.
Choose your timeframe.

You can choose from preset timeframes, like past hour or past year, or you can set a custom date range for your results.

LOCATE SIMILAR SITES USING “RELATED:”

When you’re researching a topic online, it’s often helpful to find similar websites to the one you are viewing. Seeing related sites can also be used if you’re trying to find a specific product or service online and want to do some comparison shopping.

Google can provide you with a list of related websites when you use the “related” function.

In your search bar, type the following: related:https://website.com

One more way that you can leverage this search tip is to look for competitors by entering your own website URL in the search.

GET RID OF RESULTS YOU DON’T WANT USING “-(KEYWORD)”

Non-relevant results are one of the main timewasters of online searching. You have to page through results that have nothing to do with what you really want to find, just because they use a related keyword.

For example, say you were searching the Ruby Slipper Cafe in New Orleans. But in your search results, you keep getting pages related to the movie the Wizard of Oz. You could eliminate those irrelevant results by using the negative keyword function.

Just type: (keyword) -(keyword)

Basically, you are just putting a minus sign in front of a keyword that you want to exclude from your search. In the example above, you would type: ruby slippers -oz.

LOOKING FOR MORE WAYS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY & SAVE TIME?

IT consultants aren’t just for large projects, we can also help you boost productivity in your everyday workflow to make your life easier.

To find out more about our managed IT and other services, contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help your Charlotte or Gastonia business be more productive and streamlined and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

7 Cool Windows 11 Features That May Make You Love This OS

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 12:00:04 GMT

Microsoft released the Windows 11 operating system (OS) over a year ago. It was largely well-received as stable and user-friendly. The OS is not a large departure from the Windows 10 experience. But it does offer a lot of enhancements over the older environment.

Yet with several improvements and a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, it still lags in adoption. As of November 2022, Windows 10 still owns the lion’s share of Windows PCs. It has a 69.75 percent usage share as compared to 16.13 percent for Windows 11.

People are slowly upgrading to the newer OS. But it’s natural for some to take a wait-and-see stance. They want to make sure it’s worth the time to upgrade. Additionally, no one wants to have to relearn their computer desktop.

The good news is that Windows 11 has a similar workspace feel to its predecessor. But it packs a lot of great productivity and security benefits that Windows 10 lacks.

7 of the top Windows 11 features

Here are some of the coolest features in this current Windows OS. After taking a look, you may choose to go ahead and take the plunge into the Windows 11 universe.

Snap Layouts

Most people are working with more than one app open at a time. It’s not unusual to need to reference two different windows while doing side-by-side work. Switching back and forth between apps can be tedious. It’s also time-consuming.

Approximately 68% of app users say that switching between apps costs them at least 30 minutes per day. Trying to size two windows next to each other can also be frustrating.

You lose the scroll bar or can’t get to the menu items unless you resize. Enter snap layouts. This nifty feature in Windows 11 solves the multi-app problem. Simply hover over the maximize icon at the top of any window to get access to a snap layout.

Choose the area you want for the active app, and it will snap into place and allow you to choose apps for the other slots.

Master Search

Need to find a document, website, image, or app quickly? Use the Windows 11 master search. Just click the search icon on your desktop. You’ll get a search bar that will populate results from the entered keyword.

As an added touch, Microsoft populates fun topics into the search bar daily. Learn more about James Webb Space Telescope, Coffee Day, or other fun subjects.

Once you enter your keyword, you can further refine your search. Refine it according to the type of search result you want. (apps, documents, web, etc.).

Clipchamp Video Editor

In the latest Windows 11 update, Microsoft gifted users with a free video editor. The new Clipchamp app makes it easy to edit videos. You don't need to download any extra software.

Clipchamp has a lot of the features you’d expect to have to pay for. These include templates, effects, video resizing, green screen, and more.

MS Teams Video, Audio & Text Messaging

Video calls have become the norm since the pandemic. But not all video software is easy to use. Most of us have had to wait on someone late to a call because they were struggling with the app.

Windows 11 comes with Microsoft Teams pre-installed. This gives you a simple click-to-call experience. You can easily invite someone to a video or audio call. The person does not need to have a Microsoft account to connect with you. This makes things easy on both sides.

Another great feature of the Teams app in this OS is the fact that you can use it for SMS messaging. Instead of having to drag out your phone, just text someone from your desktop .

Accessibility Features

Windows 11 has some great accessibility features. They're designed to help ensure everyone can use their computer as they want. Those with disabilities can enjoy these features. As well as those that like the extra flexibility they offer.

Four of the newest accessibility features in the OS include:

System-wide live captions
Focus sessions
Voice access
More natural voices for Narrator, Windows’ built-in screen reader

Collections in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser for Windows. It’s worth checking out if you haven’t yet. Especially because of a feature called “collections.”

If your bookmarked favorites are becoming a mess, you’ll love this Edge capability. If you click the “plus” icon at the top of an Edge browser window, you’ll get the collections panel. Add a collection subject and click to add webpages.

You can see a preview of what you’ve added, and everything is nicely organized. Collections are easy to access and easy to delete when you’re finished with them.

Microsoft Defender SmartScreen

Phishing remains the biggest online security threat. It’s used to enable many forms of cyberattacks, from ransomware to credential theft. A significant number of phishing messages send users to malicious websites. You often don’t know until it’s too late that you’ve landed on a malware-laden site.

Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender SmartScreen . This app helps protect you from those dangerous phishing sites. The app checks URLs in real time against a dynamic list of reported phishing sites. It will warn you if a site is potentially dangerous.

Want an Expert to Help with Your Windows 11 Upgrade?

It can be intimidating to upgrade your system’s operating system. Why not get a pro to help?

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your Windows upgrade, OS needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

4 Ways to Mitigate the Costs of a Data Breach

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 12:00:08 GMT

No business wants to suffer a data breach. But unfortunately, in today’s environment, it’s difficult to completely avoid them.

Approximately 83% of organizations have experienced more than one data breach (IBM Security 2022 Cost of a Data Breach Report ).

These breaches hurt businesses in many ways. First, there is the immediate cost of remediating the breach. Then, there are the lost productivity costs. You can add lost business on top of that, and lost customer trust. A business could also have extensive legal costs associated with a breach.

According to IBM Security’s report, the cost of a data breach climbed again in 2022. The global cost of one breach is now $4.35 million, up 2.6% from last year. If your business is in the U.S., the cost rises to $9.44 million. In Canada, the average data breach costs companies $5.64 million.

Costs for smaller companies tend to be a little lower. But breaches are often more devastating to SMBs. They don’t have the same resources that larger companies do to offset all those costs.

It’s estimated that 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of a cybersecurity breach.

Companies don’t need to resign themselves to the impending doom of a data breach. There are some proven tactics they can take to mitigate the costs. These cybersecurity practices can limit the damage of a cyberattack.

All these findings come from the IBM Security report. They include hard facts on the benefits of bolstering your cybersecurity strategy.

Cybersecurity Tactics to Reduce the Impact of a Breach

Here are 4 tactics to help reduce the costs associated with a data breach at your Gastonia, Belmont or North Carolina business.

Use a Hybrid Cloud Approach

Most organizations use the cloud for data storage and business processes. Researchers found that 45% of all data breaches happen in the cloud. But all cloud strategies are not created equally.

Breaches in the public cloud cost significantly more than those in a hybrid cloud. What is a hybrid cloud? It means that some data and processes are in a public cloud, and some are in a private cloud environment.

What some may find surprising is that using a hybrid cloud approach was also better than a private cloud.

Put in Place an Incident Response Plan & Practice It

You don’t need to be a large enterprise to create an incident response (IR) plan. The IR plan is simply a set of instructions. It's for employees to follow should any number of cybersecurity incidents occur.

Here is an example. In the case of ransomware, the first step should be disconnecting the infected device. IR plans improve the speed and effectiveness of a response in the face of a security crisis.

Having a practiced incident response plan reduces the cost of a data breach. It lowers it by an average of $2.66 million per incident.

Adopt a Zero Trust Security Approach

Zero trust is a collection of security protocols that work together to fortify a network.

An example of a few of these are:

Multi-factor authentication
Application safelisting
Contextual user authentication

Approximately 79% of critical infrastructure organizations haven’t adopted zero trust. Doing so can significantly reduce data breach costs. Organizations that don’t deploy zero trust tactics pay about $1 million more per data breach.

Use Tools with Security AI & Automation

Using the right security tools can make a big difference in the cost incurred during a data breach. Using tools that deploy security AI and automation brought the biggest cost savings.

Data breach expense lowered by 65.2% thanks to security AI and automation solutions.

These types of solutions include tools like advanced threat protection (ATP). They can also include applications that hunt out threats and automate the response.

How to Get Started Improving Your Cyber Resilience

Many of these ways to lower data breach costs are simply best practices. You can get started by taking them one at a time and rolling out upgrades to your cybersecurity strategy.

Working with a trusted IT provider, put together a roadmap. Address the “low-hanging fruit” first. Then, move on to longer-term projects.

As an example, “low-hanging fruit” would be putting multi-factor authentication in place. It’s low-cost and easy to put in place. It also significantly reduces the risk of a cloud breach.

A longer-term project might be creating an incident response plan. Then, you would set up a schedule to have your team drill on the plan regularly. During those drills, you could work out any kinks.

Need Help Improving Your Security & Reducing Risk?

Working with a trusted IT partner takes a lot of the security burden off your shoulders.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss a cybersecurity roadmap for your business and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How OneNote Can Streamline Team Collaboration (and 4 tips to make the most of this program)

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 12:00:07 GMT

OneNote is a digital note-taking tool that comes with plenty of benefits for users. But what you may not have realized yet is how powerful this app can be for enhancing team collaboration.

Note-taking.

This is an essential part of day-to-day operations for many business owners, managers, and teams. After all, people can’t rely on their memory alone to recall everything that gets talked about each day. Especially when it concerns important matters.

When it comes to note-taking, traditional methods such as pen and paper are effective but take too long. But modern-day businesses need something that allows them to work faster. That’s why they opt for digital solutions like OneNote.

OneNote is a productivity tool that leverages cloud and Microsoft technologies to make information capturing, storage, and sharing a breeze.

Think of OneNote as a hub for all notes that allows you to organize them in many ways. It even allows pinning multimedia documents next to simple text.

So, if you’re looking for a robust digital note-taking tool, OneNote may be the solution for you.

Keep reading to discover the numerous ways in which this tool can be helpful for you and your business.

Why Should You Rely on OneNote?

OneNote is not just a powerful tool for note-taking. It’s also a useful tool that allows you to perform various functions for easy information processing.

Some of its main benefits include:

BENEFIT #1. PROMOTING REAL-TIME COLLABORATION

OneNote is part of Microsoft’s fully-cloud based Office 365 suite. This means OneNote users can share files with other team members or clients in real-time. Multiple people can view and edit their notes simultaneously, allowing for a seamless collaboration anytime.

A great thing about real-time editing is that you can track all changes to the file. You can even restore the previous version of a document in case of accidents.

Businesses that run in multiple locations can benefit from this feature as well. It’s because people located across the country can work on the same project without affecting team collaboration.

Simply put, there’s no need to trade emails and waste time waiting for responses – managers can have an easy time collaborating with their team instantly without ever leaving the office.

BENEFIT #2. SECURING SENSITIVE INFORMATION

Doing business online and sharing sensitive data comes with security risks. This is especially true for notebook software. Fortunately, OneNote comes with a set of security features that protect your data from being exposed to third parties.

For example, you can lock specific sections with passwords while having all your information secured with 3DES encryption at all times. And if your password-protected documents remain inactive for a long time, the software will automatically lock them to prevent data leaks.

BENEFIT #3. INTEGRATION WITH OTHER SOFTWARE

Like other Office 365 suite apps, OneNote has great integration abilities. You can sync your OneNote with Outlook to send email information directly to the app and vice versa.

What’s more, you can integrate this software with non-Microsoft apps as well. Some notable plugins include Zapier, Slack, Trello, Evernote, Dropbox, Salesforce, and many others. And all your essential apps will be synchronized, allowing your team to be more productive each day.

BENEFIT #4. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

OneNote has dozens of uses for general business. However, it’s especially suitable for project management.

Project managers often deal with issues such as team member misunderstandings, communication delays, or project bottlenecks. But thanks to Microsoft’s note-taking tool, many of these issues are quickly alleviated.

Project management can become more straightforward. It’s because OneNote makes it easy for the manager to track each team member’s achievements. They can update timelines, check off completed tasks, or assign new ones with ease.

TAKE ONENOTE TO THE NEXT LEVEL

If you have never used OneNote before, you may be interested to learn about some tips to help you get the most out of the software.

TIP #1. CREATING QUICK NOTES

Quick Note is a great feature that lets you write down a thought when you’re out having lunch or away from the office.

Imagine being in the store and remembering you haven’t responded to an important email. You can take your phone, open the One Note app, and create a Quick Note reminding you of this task.

The next time you open OneNote on your computer, you’ll see the message there.

This feature is similar to Sticky Notes, as it lets you jot down any idea or thought in a matter of seconds. All your notes will be saved in the “Unfiled Notes” section of your “Quick Notes” notebook, a place where all your notes are saved by default.

TIP #2. SEARCHING ACROSS ALL NOTES

Searching for notes becomes more challenging as time passes. If you’re an active user, you can find yourself storing hundreds of notes in a matter of months. But don’t worry, as there are tons of options to organize your notes as well as search for it.

OneNote has a built-in search option to make note finding easier.

All you need to do is click on the magnifying glass or hit “Ctrl” (or “Command” for Mac) + “F” on your keyboard and look for a phrase or word. The software will go over all your typed, handwritten, and even picture notes.

You can further narrow the search by selecting the drop-down arrow and choosing the desired option. You’ll see all matching results highlighted in your notes.

As you find the note you needed, you can close the search by pressing “X” on the right-hand corner.

TIP #3. USING PRE-MADE TEMPLATES

OneNote is designed to have a blank canvas for each new note. And it’s what gives users a whole lot of flexibility. However, you can find this approach to be too basic sometimes.

So, why not add some style, structure, and color to the app?

Thankfully, there are tons of pre-made templates to choose from. You can download a template with decorative backgrounds, to-do lists, planners, and more.

Note that you can use the templates only on new OneNote files. The ones that already contain text won’t work since most designs require content to appear in a specific place on the page.

If you need to add a template to your existing note, simply create a new one, then copy the existing text over.

TIP #4. SCANNING DOCUMENTS FROM YOUR SMARTPHONE

Do you need to take notes from a scanned document? That’s not an issue for OneNote.

You can use the Microsoft Lens: PDF Scanner App (available for Android and iOS) to take high-quality scans of multiple documents using your phone and upload them to OneNote.

BECOME THE MASTER OF NOTE-TAKING

Digital note-taking tools have helped thousands of workers and managers become more productive. OneNote is one such software that seems to have it all – abundant features, flexibility, and ease of use.

Whether you’re a business owner who wants to boost your team’s performance or a project manager that needs better tracking of the project timeline, OneNote has something in store for everyone.

If you’d like to learn more about how this powerful tool can help you make your North Carolina business better, contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

4 Interesting Cloud Storage Trends

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:00:38 GMT

One area of cloud computing that is used widely, but often isn’t as flashy as the software side is cloud storage.

Storing files in the cloud to make them easily accessible and shareable from anywhere was one of the very first uses of the cloud that was adopted widely by many users.

As advances like automation and AI come to other types of cloud services, like team communications and business apps, cloud storage is not being left behind. The industry also continues to evolve to make storing data in the cloud less complex, more reliable and better secured.

It’s estimated that in 2021, 50% of all company data was stored in the cloud. This is an increase of 15% from just five years earlier. With today’s hybrid teams that may be working from home and be hundreds or thousands of miles away from co-workers, it’s important to centrally locate files in cloud systems that can be accessed by everyone.

What can you expect to see in the cloud storage market this year? Here are some of the most interesting trends to keep an eye on.

1. BUILT-IN RANSOMWARE DEFENSES

Ransomware can impact data no matter where it is stored. Whether on a computer, server or in a cloud storage platform, this malware can encrypt the information and make it unreadable to the business that owns it.

In 2021, the average ransomware payment increased by 82% and ransomware incidents rose 64% during the first half of the year. A survey of CISOs found that in 1 8 months of 2021-2022, 98% of organizations suffered a cloud data breach.

To combat ransomware, you’ll begin seeing cloud storage services offering ransomware recovery protection. This involves sophisticated systems that can help prevent files from being encrypted by code as well as those that take a copy of files and store it securely away, so files can be restored at the click of a button.

With ransomware showing no sign of stopping, this is a welcome addition in the cloud storage arena.

2. “THE EDGE” BECOMES MORE KEY IN CLOUD STORAGE

One of the new buzzwords of the last few years has been “Edge” or “Edge computing.” This means bringing data applications and storage resources geographically closer to the user that needs to connect to them.

As reliance on cloud storage and other cloud applications has increased, so has the need to improve response times from user to server. When data must travel across large distances, it becomes more difficult to quickly and economically deliver the best user experience. Thus, cloud service providers have been moving to an Edge computing model.

What this means for you is better reliability and faster response when accessing or searching on files because your provider is going to work to provide your service from one of the company’s cloud servers that is geographically closer to your location.

For companies with offices spread out around a country or throughout the world, this means that you’ll want to keep service location in mind when signing up for cloud storage and have a discussion with the provider about distance and how Edge computing factors in.

3. EXPECT MORE HELP FROM AI AND MACHINE LEARNING

AI and machine learning are making just about every area of technology smarter.

Microsoft Word and text message apps now predict what you might type to help you fill in the blanks and type faster. Programs like Photoshop can crop around a person in an image in seconds using AI.

AI is also going to become more prevalent in cloud storage this year. You can expect help with automatic organization of your files based on your cloud storage patterns.

Look for features designed to eliminate manual or repetitive tasks to free up more time. This includes AI helping to automate things like provisioning, obtaining and importing data (known as “ingesting”), managing data retention, and more.

4. LEGACY VENDORS BEGIN OFFERING MORE CLOUD OPTIONS

2024 is going to bring more cloud storage options coming from legacy technology providers.

For example, Hewlett-Packard Enterprise recently introduced a new Data Services Cloud Console , and Dell Technologies just announced a new APEX multi-cloud design that it is working on to improve the cloud ecosystem.

More cloud storage options mean you may need more help deciding which model will work best for you, as pricing will vary widely. You don’t want to end up with more storage than you need or be paying a lot for a smaller amount of space.

It pays to keep on top of new offerings and understand that every new cloud storage option might not be a fit for your organization’s specific data storage needs.

GET HELP OPTIMIZING YOUR CLOUD STORAGE & BACKUP ENVIRONMENT

Your business data is what runs your company, and it needs to be stored securely and in a way that’s accessible.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss how to optimize your cloud storage and improve cost efficiency - and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Smart Tips to Keep Money from Being Stolen Through Online Banking

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:00:01 GMT

There are a lot of things that have changed since the invention of the internet. One of these is how we bank and access our accounts. You used to have to go into a local bank branch to make deposits and withdrawals. Now, you can take a picture of a check and deposit it from your phone.

Approximately 73% of people around the world use some form of online banking at least once a month. People have never had such convenient account access. But that convenience can come at a cost.

In 2021, account takeover fraud increased by 90%. New account fraud jumped a whopping 109%. As the ease of online banking has increased, so has banking-related cybercrime.

If someone breaches your Facebook account, it can be a real pain. But, if a hacker breaches your bank account, it can be devastating. It can mean significant losses. Losses that you may not be able to recoup from your financial institution.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the mistakes people make that leave their accounts at risk. Then, we’ll go over some important tips on how to keep your bank account better protected.

Mistakes That Allow Criminals to Access Your Account

Not Enabling Two-factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a simple process that packs a big punch. When you enable this setting in an online account, it requires an extra step to gain access. That step usually consists of receiving a one-time passcode (OTP) by SMS and entering that at login.

Many people make the mistake of leaving this disabled. They either don’t know it’s there or they think it’s too inconvenient. But leaving this setting off makes it much easier for a bad actor to breach your account.

Falling for a Phishing Scam

There are several types of phishing scams that target online banking. Cyber criminals send emails that look like they come from your bank. They’ll even promise incredibly low rates on credit cards.

Other scams can involve warning you of unauthorized account activity. But when you click the link to log in, you’re actually on a fake page. One designed to look just like your normal bank website.

These are just a few ways that scammers can get your online banking login details. Once they have them, they’ll act immediately to get whatever they can.

Using Easy-to-Guess Passwords

If your account password is easy to remember, it’s also often easy to guess. Using weak passwords is a common mistake that enables many cyber criminals.

Some best practices for passwords include:

Make them at least 10 characters long
Include at least one number
Include at least one symbol
Include at least one upper-case letter
Don’t make them personal (e.g., don’t use your birthdate, etc.)

Downloading Unsafe Mobile Apps

Banking trojans are often hidden in malicious mobile apps. These apps can look like something as innocent as a task manager. But, once installed, banking trojans seek out any details they can find. They are looking for banking and wallet apps.

Logging Into Online Banking While on Public Wi-Fi

One surefire way to give away your online banking password is to log in while on public Wi-Fi. Hackers hang out on public hot spots and spy on the activity of others. You should never type in a password or other sensitive details when connected to public Wi-Fi.

Tips for Improving Online Banking Security

Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication in your online banking account. This is also known as multi-factor authentication or two-step verification. According to Microsoft, it can block 99.9% of fraudulent account login attempts.

Set Up Banking Alerts

Time is of the essence when an intruder breaches your account. The faster you can notify your bank of the breach, the better. You could reduce the impact on you by having your account locked down immediately.

Set up banking alerts through your online banking. These can include things like low-balance alerts and login alerts.

Install an Antivirus & DNS Filtering On Your PC & Mobile Device

It’s important to have reliable antivirus software on your PC and mobile device. Many people don’t think about protecting their phones in this way. Yet, they shop online and bank via mobile devices.

It’s also good to use a DNS filter. This is a filter that protects you from going to dangerous phishing sites by blocking them.

Take Phishing Training Classes

Do you know how to identify phishing? Are you up on all the newest scams? You can make yourself less vulnerable by taking some phishing awareness classes. There are many of these for free online. You can also contact us for more personalized training options.

Knowing how to spot phishing via text, email, and phone can help you avoid becoming a scam victim.

Get Help Protecting Your Family from Scams

There are some key digital solutions we can put in place to keep your family safer from online threats.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your online security needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

What Are the Advantages of Implementing Conditional Access

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 12:00:11 GMT

It seems that nearly as long as passwords have been around, they’ve been a major source of security concern. Eighty-one percent of security incidents happen due to stolen or weak passwords. Additionally, employees continue to neglect the basics of good cyber hygiene.

For example, 61% of workers use the same password for multiple platforms. And 43% have shared their passwords with others. These factors are why compromised credentials are the main cause of data breaches.

Access and identity management have become a priority for many organizations. This is largely due to the rise of the cloud. As well as the practice of people needing to only enter a username and password to access systems.

Once a cybercriminal gets a hold of an employee’s login, they can access the account and any data that it contains. This is especially problematic when it’s an account like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. These accounts can access things like cloud storage and user email.

Below, we’ll explain what conditional access is. As well as how it works with multi-factor authentication (MFA). We’ll also review the advantages of moving to a conditional access process.

What Is Conditional Access?

Conditional access is also known as contextual access. It is a method of controlling user access. You can think of it as several “if/then” statements, meaning “if” this thing is present, “then” do this.

For example, conditional access allows you to set a rule that would state the following. “If a user is logging in from outside the country, require a one-time-passcode.”

Conditional access allows you to add many conditions to the process of user access to a system. It is typically used with MFA. This is to improve access security without unnecessarily inconveniencing users.

Some of the most common contextual factors used include:

IP address
Geographic location
Time of day
The device used
Role or group the user belongs to

Conditional access can be set up in Azure Active Directory . It can also be set up in another identity and access management tool. It’s helpful to get the assistance of your IT partner. We can help with setup and the conditions that would make the most sense for your business.

The Benefits of Implementing Conditional Access for Identity Management

Improves Security

Using conditional access improves security. It allows you more flexibility in challenging user legitimacy. It doesn't just grant access to anyone with a username and password. Instead, the user needs to meet certain requirements.

Contextual access could block any login attempts from countries where no employees are. It could also present an extra verification question when employees use an unrecognized device.

Automates the Access Management Process

Once the if/then statements are set up, the system takes over. It automates the monitoring for contextual factors and takes the appropriate actions. This reduces the burden on administrative IT teams. It also ensures that no one is falling between the cracks.

Automated processes are more accurate and reliable than manual processes. Automation removes the human error component. This helps ensure that each condition is being verified for every single login.

Allows Restriction of Certain Activities

Conditional access isn’t only for keeping unauthorized users out of your accounts. You can use it in other ways. One of these is to restrict the activities that legitimate users can do.

For example, you could restrict access to data or settings based on a user’s role in the system. You can also use conditions in combination. Such as, lowering permissions to view-only. You could trigger this if a user holds a certain role and is logging in from an unknown device.

Improves the User Login Experience

Studies show that as many as 67% of businesses don’t use multi-factor authentication. This is despite the fact that it’s one of the most effective methods to stop credential breaches.

One of the biggest reasons it is not used is because of the inconvenience factor for employees. They may complain that it interferes with productivity. Or say that it makes it harder for them to use their business applications.

Using conditional access with MFA can improve the user experience. For example, you can require MFA only if users are off the premises. You can put in place extra challenge questions on a role or context-based basis. This keeps all users from being inconvenienced.

Enforces the Rule of Least Privilege

Using the rule of least privilege is a security best practice. It means only granting the lowest level of access in a system as necessary for a user to do their work. Once you have roles set up in your identity management system, you can base access on those roles.

Conditional access simplifies the process of restricting access to data or functions. You can base this on job needs. It streamlines identity management. This is because it contains all functions in the same system for access and MFA rules. Everything stays together, making management simpler.

Get Help Implementing Conditional Access Today!

Once conditional access is set up, the automated system takes over. It improves your security and reduces the risk of an account breach.

Contact us at ( 704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss enhancing your cybersecurity and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop can Alleviate Your IT Challenges

Tue, 28 May 2024 12:00:08 GMT

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) can help your business alleviate a myriad of IT challenges - from high costs associated with IT hardware and server maintenance, to offering more robust data security.

AVD is a cloud-based virtual desktop service that lets your staff access their applications and data from anywhere in the world, on any device - as long as they have an internet connection. Azure is therefore a convenient and cost-saving tool to help businesses scale and manage remote or hybrid teams.

And because it’s powered by Microsoft, it allows users to benefit from a seamless integration with Microsoft suite of applications - helping to increase productivity and unified communications .

How Azure Virtual Desktop can solve your IT problems

AVD is a powerful solution for any business that wants to support remote staff, reduce costs, and ensure optimal security.

It’s easy to deploy and can be used in conjunction with a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, which can help you save on IT maintenance and hardware costs.

Cloud-based virtual workstations are changing the way we work , and the way we think about IT infrastructure. Compared with a traditional IT setup in an office where every user is allocated a powerful computer, where there’s a dedicated server, and where software updates need to be manually installed on an ongoing basis - cloud-based computing is changing all of that.

With a virtual workstation, servers can be virtual and all data is backed up and stored in the cloud on a remote server. Users no longer require powerful desktops or laptops - they can use almost any device that has internet connectivity to connect to their virtual desktop. And staff no longer need to be in a specific location to use their desktops - they can be anywhere in the world.

That also means that you don’t need such a large in-house IT team to maintain your servers, run software updates or fix hardware problems. You can operate with a leaner team and rely on your virtual desktop provider to maintain your virtual desktops and software updates. This simplified IT management and saves costs.

Below are several of the benefits of using AVD and how it can help to alleviate and solve your IT problems.

1. Simplifies your IT hardware requirements

Keeping up with the latest IT hardware can be costly and time-intensive for organizations. But when you switch to using a virtual desktop, you can use any tablet, laptop, or mobile device to access your files and conduct your business. That can simplify your IT hardware requirements, even allowing you to adopt a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy.

2. Strengthens your IT security

Most organizations are interested in finding ways to strengthen their IT, given the ubiquitous nature of cyberattacks and the financial and business continuity implications of such attacks.

Using virtual desktops means you rely on cloud storage and backups, so your data isn’t stored on-site. And by relying on large organizations like Microsoft that spend millions in security measures, means you're able to leverage the latest in security innovations and defenses.

Being able to secure your data and applications within AVD and taking advantage of their added security features like Azure Security Center , Sentinel, and Microsoft Defender ATP gives organizations peace of mind. And Azure’s secure login and permissions settings allows companies to control access and manage permissions from a centralized control panel.

For certain sectors that require specific levels of legal compliance with data storage and handling, Azure Virtual Desktop also ticks many boxes - holding certifications for HIPAA, PCI and more.

3. Assists organizations transition to remote work models

Oftentimes organizations are interested in having staff work remotely or in a hybrid model, but don’t have the tools to enable this. AVD allows businesses to get set up for remote work, because all they need is an internet connection to login into their desktops and start working.

4. Seamless integration with other Microsoft tools

Another large benefit of using Azure Virtual Desktop is that, as a Microsoft product, it can be used seamlessly with other Microsoft products. That includes products like Microsoft 365, Microsoft Team, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Edge and SharePoint.

Having unified communications and integrations when it comes to using different IT products, helps to increase efficiency and productivity which can help save costs and drive increased revenues for businesses.

That's because your staff no longer need to use one application for collaborating, another for making a call, and another for saving their files - instead, all applications work seamlessly together.

5. Helps businesses save on IT costs

Whether your organization is a small start-up, a medium-sized corporate, or a large enterprise - there are significant cost savings of switching to a cloud-based virtual desktop system like Azure.

Firstly, you no longer need to invest large amounts into IT hardware, and you no longer need to host your own on-site servers which take up lots of space and require lots of maintenance and power to run.

In addition, you can switch your IT costs to being an operational cost (OPEX) because AVD is a monthly subscription - which can help with cash flow and allows companies to scale up or down as needed.

6. Helps businesses to be greener

If your organization wants to decrease your carbon footprint and be greener, then switching to a cloud-based virtual desktop can also help to achieve that goal.

Cloud computing saves significant amounts of energy associated with climate change, making Azure a greener choice for eco-conscious consumers.

How to get started with Azure Virtual Desktop if you’re not an IT expert

There are many convincing reasons to upgrade to cloud-PCs. That includes cost savings, strengthening your IT security, simplifying your IT hardware requirements and boosting productivity.

If you’re interested in switching over to a cloud-based solution like Azure Virtual Desktop, you don’t need expert IT skills to do that, because at NB Technology our experts can help you achieve any of your IT goals.

Simply give us a call to discuss your needs and we can create a customized plan for your business where we help with setting up your entire team with Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop and any other tools and applications you may need.

Our highly skilled and friendly staff are here to provide you with the advice and answers you need to set up a custom cloud solution that suits your particular needs and budget.

We’re based in Belmont, North Carolina, and provide a suite of IT services and solutions including bespoke and managed cloud services . Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your virtual desktop needs and any inquiries you may have.

7 Things to Consider When Getting a New Computer to Avoid Buyer's Remorse

Tue, 21 May 2024 12:00:07 GMT

Have you ever bought a new computer and then had buyer’s remorse a few months later? Maybe you didn’t pay attention to the storage capacity and ran out of space. Or you may have glossed over memory and experienced constant freeze-ups.

An investment in a new PC isn’t something you want to do lightly.

Doing your research ahead of time and consulting with a trusted friend or IT shop can help. It will keep you from making major mistakes that could come back to haunt you later.

Here are several things to consider before you put down your hard-earned money on a new computer.

The Amount of Memory (RAM)

One of the big mistakes that people make when looking for a new computer is to ignore the RAM. Random access memory may be called RAM on the specification or “memory.” If your system has low memory, you run into all sorts of problems.

These issues can include:

Browser freezing up when you have too many tabs open
Issues watching videos
Some software not working properly
Sluggish behavior
Inability to open multiple applications
Constant freezes

Memory is the “thought process” of the PC. If there isn’t enough, it can’t take on another task until it completes the current processing tasks. This can cause frustration and ruin your productivity.

People often go for those low-priced computer deals when looking for a new device. But these can include only 4GB of RAM. That’s not a lot if you do much more than staying in a single application or just a few browser tabs.

The higher the RAM, the more responsive the system performance. So, look for PCs with at least 8GB of RAM. Or higher if you do any graphics/video or other processing-intensive activities.

User Reviews for Longevity

Buying a new computer is an investment. So, it’s natural to want that investment to last as long as possible. You don’t want to spend $700 on a new computer, only to begin experiencing problems when it’s just two years old.

Take your time to research user reviews on the specific models you’re considering. You’ll begin to see patterns emerging. Steer clear of models that have consistent complaints about breakdowns sooner than expected.

You may have to pay a little more for a system that has a better track record of performance. But it will save you in the long run when you have more years of usable life before that device needs replacement.

Whether the PC is for Personal or Business Use

If you have a small business or are a freelancer, you may try to save money by buying a consumer PC. But this could end up costing you more in the long run.

Consumer PCs aren’t designed for continuous “9-to-5” use. They also often lack certain types of firmware security present in business-use models. The price gap has also shortened between good consumer computers and business versions. If you’re not looking at the cheap systems, you’ll find that it’s not that much more to get a business-grade device.

The Processor Used

It can be confusing to read through the processor specifications on a computer. How do you know if Intel Core i7 or i3 is best for your needs? What’s the performance difference between AMD and Intel processors?

If you don’t want to do the research yourself, you could call up your local IT shop. We will be happy to steer you in the right direction. We’ll explain in layman’s terms the differences. As well as which processor makes the most sense for your intended use.

For Laptops: The Case Type

If you’re looking for a laptop computer, it’s important that it is durable. Laptops have some unique characteristics that differ from desktops. For example, the screen is often folded down one or more times per day. Additionally, the keyboard is part of the case and is not easily replaced by the user.

If you get a laptop with a cheap plastic case, it’s bound to break during normal use. Keys could also easily pop off the keyboard, requiring a trip to a computer repair shop.

You want to consider the materials used for the case. Paying an extra $20-$30 upcharge for a better casing is definitely worth it. It can help you avoid unneeded headaches.

Storage Capacity

Storage capacity can be a pain point that you experience after the fact. If you buy a computer without paying attention to hard drive space, you could regret it. You may not be able to transfer over all your “stuff” from the old system.

But storage capacity can also be an area where you can save some money. If you store most of your files in the cloud, then you may not need a lot of hard drive space. The less space you need, the lower the price.

Hard Drive Type

If you can get a computer with a solid-state drive (SSD) rather than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) you should. SSDs are faster and less likely to have read/write issues. They have no moving parts; thus they are quieter as well.

Solid-state drives have come down in price quite a bit recently. There are many affordable options, and you’ll also find some PCs with both a hard drive and SSD.

Come to Us Before You Spend Money on a New Computer

Don’t blindly invest in a new computer without some expert guidance.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your PC and workspace needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

9 Email Security Best Practices for Small Businesses

Tue, 14 May 2024 12:00:02 GMT

Cyberattacks on company emails can have devastating consequences for business. From phishing scams, malware, and impersonating people you know to get you to make a careless error - email attacks can cost businesses financially, and in terms of their reputations.

In fact, the vast majority of cyberattacks start off with an email. Deloitte estimates that 91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email and that 80% of all breaches involve the use of weak or stolen passwords.

And by breaching email accounts, hackers can access your network and data, which can cause considerable damage and loss.

It’s therefore vital that organizations learn to adopt email security best practices to protect against business email risks . That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 9 email security best practices to follow, to help keep your small business protected and operational.

9 Email Security Best Practices

1. Develop a business email policy

Developing a formal policy for your staff about what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to email use, can be instrumental in keeping your data safe.

Email policies also set out what each employee is responsible for and is a way of ensuring they agree to your terms. You can then hold staff accountable for their breach of your policies.

Most corporate email policies provide guidelines about personal use of email at work, about what types of content is not allowed, and about how to handle sensitive and confidential information.

In addition to communicating your email policy, you should also actively enforce it. That involves monitoring email use and having procedures for how to deal with breaches of the policy.

2. Use email encryption

Another core aspect of email security best practice is using email encryption. By encrypting your emails you can help to protect your data, because encryption makes it harder for cybercriminals to access and read your messages.

Given the huge rise in malware attacks, encryption can help protect email data that’s sent from being intercepted.

3. Use strong pass words

Businesses should also ensure that all staff use strong passwords for their email accounts. That includes using a unique password that’s not used for any other accounts, not using commonly used passwords like 123456, and following email security best practices for password creation by using a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, plus numbers and symbols.

By ensuring unique passwords for all your different accounts, you can prevent a phishing attack that targets multiple accounts at the same time.

Business password management solutions can help businesses manage their employee’s passwords better - for example, by giving admins the authority to see who isn’t using strong passwords. And they can also help staff to generate and store passwords for various accounts in an encrypted vault so they don’t have to remember them all.

4. Train your employees about email security and phishing scams

Training your staff about how to identify and respond to email security risks such as phishing scams, can also help to better protect your data. Regular cybersecurity awareness training can help staff understand the latest scams and risks, and empower them to help protect your organization’s data.

Phishing scams are one of the most pervasive email threats that organization’s face. These scams include impersonation scams, tricks to get employees to click on links that contain malware, or tricks that get your staff to communicate their personal information, banking details, or login credentials which can then be used to commit theft or fraud.

Some organizations also choose to conduct phishing attack simulations, to see whether the staff training has been successful or not, and to get staff used to being able to identify scams.

5. Use multi-factor authentication

Another means of safeguarding your online credentials and data is to establish multi-factor authentication for all email users.

This means that after logging in to their email accounts, staff will also need to provide a security code that gets sent to their phones, to verify them before they can start using email. This added security layer helps prevent hackers from gaining access to staff email accounts.

6. Watch out for suspicious emails

Keeping an eye out for suspicious emails is always good nowadays, when there are multiple types of email threats. Don’t just automatically open email attachments - always check that you know who it’s from and that the file name isn’t suspicious.

Keep aware about the latest phishing scams, so you know how to identify and avoid them. For example, look out for spoof emails that look like they’re actually from someone you know and may appear to be from a friend or colleague’s email address.

7. Update your antivirus and other software regularly

If you haven’t updated your antivirus software and other apps or software you use, then hackers may be able to use vulnerabilities to hack your system.

You can enable automatic updates for your operating system and your antivirus software, and you can schedule your antivirus software to run scans regularly (such as daily) to make sure you’re protected.

Enterprise endpoint protection solutions can also help businesses to monitor the devices on their networks and run scans which helps to identify threats before they become a problem.

8. Use a virtual private network (VPN)

By getting all your employees to use a virtual private network (VPN), you can enhance your network security.

This is particularly the case for businesses that have employees working from home or on unsecured networks. It’s important to choose a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider that follows strict data privacy rules.

It’s also best to avoid accessing your emails on a public Wi-Fi network, as those are more susceptible to hackers.

9. Create regular backups

Creating regular backups of your emails is important so that if you lose any data, you can restore it and continue doing business without interruption.

Any lost or deleted emails may need to be able to be restored quickly and effectively. That’s why a reliable and regular email backup system is vital to protect business continuity.

How secure are your emails?

Have you been wondering how secure your emails are? Do all of your employees already follow the 9 email security best practices outlined above?

If not, then given that most cyberattacks start with an email - you may want to seriously consider beefing up your email security.

At NB Technology, we offer a range of IT consulting and managed IT services within the Gastonia and Charlotte (North Carolina) area businesses. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your email security and cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Simple Setup Checklist for Microsoft Teams

Tue, 07 May 2024 12:00:03 GMT

Microsoft Teams is a lot of things. It’s a video conferencing tool, a team messaging channel, and a tool for in-app co-authoring, just to name a few. During the pandemic, the popularity of Teams skyrocketed.

User numbers for MS Teams jumped from 20 million in November 2019 to 75 million in April 2020. As of this year, Microsoft reports a user count of 270 million for the platform. This makes it the most popular business tool for team communications.

But one of the things that makes the app popular is also one that can make the setup complex. Microsoft Teams has many moving parts, but to use them effectively they need to be well organized. Additionally, users need to have a chance to learn the system and train on best practices.

What Can Microsoft Teams Do?

First, let’s look at the different areas of Microsoft Teams and what it can do. Then, we’ll give you a simple setup checklist to help your team get up and running productively.

You can think of Teams as a virtual office in the cloud. It’s a centralized hub where teams can communicate, collaborate, and manage tasks. There is also an external communication component to Teams. You can use the app to video conference with anyone. You can also invite guests to a chat channel.

Here are some of the features of MS Teams:

Siloed chat channels
Security for team communications
Integration with Office apps
Integration with 3rd party apps
File sharing
Video and audio conferencing
VoIP phone system (with an extra add-on)
Keep all team resources in a single place

Microsoft Teams Versions

Some good news for small businesses is that there is a free version of Microsoft Teams . If you sign up for a Microsoft 365 business plan, you get the app included, but with a few more features.

Microsoft has also been pushing MS Teams for personal use. So, you can use it to keep your departments better coordinated at work. Or to manage family video calls or PTA meeting collaboration. It’s a versatile and scalable virtual office platform.

Easy Checklist for Setting Up Microsoft Teams

1. Set Up Your Teams/Departments

One of the advantages of Teams is that it allows you to set up specific areas for your groups to collaborate. You do not want everyone to set these teams up on their own, or you could end up with an unorganized mess.

Some ideas for setting these up:

Set up teams by department (accounting, marketing, etc.)
Add a company-wide team (where everyone can collaborate)
Set up teams by role (office managers, executives, etc.)

Typically, if you mirror the hierarchy of your organization, that’s a good place to start. Team areas are secured so only those users invited can see or access any of the content in that team.

2. Add Team Members

For each team, add the members allowed to take part in that team. These would be people that can see the resources posted in that team area. It would normally be the members of the department or group that the team is designed for.

3. Set Up Team Channels

The next level beneath the Team is the Channels. These team channels help organize conversations. For example, within a team set up for your marketing department, you may decide to add three channels.

This keeps conversations more focused and makes it easier to find things.

For instance, you could have channels for:

Website Management
Social Media
Offline Advertising

Team channels are another area that you want to control. Don’t let everyone set up channels without a plan, otherwise, things get messy fast.

4. Set Up Team Labs

Tabs are a great way to foster productivity. Say that employees on your accounting team need to access a tax reporting website. Inevitably, there can be time wasted asking for that link or a login. This is especially true if someone is filling in for a co-worker.

You can add that website link and info to the Tabs area at the top of the team channels. Just click the plus sign to add a new resource and consolidate things for your team members.

5. Schedule MS Teams Training

One of the reasons that company initiatives fail is that users weren’t properly enabled. If users aren’t trained on using MS Teams, then they’ll revert to using whatever they used before. This negates the benefits of moving to Teams when not everyone is onboard.

Work with a Microsoft professional to train your teams. We can provide tips on the most productive features. As well as short-cut their learning curve quite a bit! Make sure to have a realistic timeframe. You should also survey users on whether they feel they need more training.

Need Some Help Implementing Teams in Your Organization?

We can help you over many of the roadblocks that organizations face when starting with Teams.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss enhancing your collaboration and productivity with Microsoft Teams and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

The 8 Advantages of Switching to a VoIP Phone System

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:00:03 GMT

There are many advantages of switching to a VoIP phone system. Cloud-based VoIP phone systems are superior to traditional landlines in many respects, which is why so many companies are making the move over to VoIP.

Below we look at 8 advantages of using VoIP, which include cost savings, mobility, flexibility, and increased staff productivity.

After reading all these benefits, you can contact NB Technology for advice on how to make the switch and which service provider to use. We’re experts in cloud-based VoIP phone systems and business internet services and we’d be happy to help with your migration.

Are VoIP phone systems better than traditional landline phones?

A hosted VoIP phone system works differently from a traditional landline phone system . VoIP uses an internet connection to transmit digital data which is stored in the cloud.

There are a range of different third party VoIP phone system providers, each of which offer different rates, VoIP packages, integrations and features. These service providers are responsible for implementing and maintaining your VoIP system and for general security measures. VoIP providers can also process any requests for upgrades and take care of any software updates and security patches.

With VoIP phone systems , you typically pay a monthly subscription based on the number of users you have. That means you only pay for what you actually need, and you can easily change, add or delete users and scale your business as needed. Many VoIP providers have mobile apps, so that their systems can be used and accessed from any device no matter where you are.

Another key difference is the wide range of features and integrations that are possible with VoIP such as voicemail to email, caller ID, call recording, etc.

VoIP is also more flexible than traditional landlines because you can use it anywhere, from any device and you can also easily adjust the number of users you pay for, depending on how many staff you have each month.

And because VoIP uses an internet connection to transmit data, you can save large amounts on long-distance and overseas calls.

8 advantages of using a VoIP phone system

Below are 8 advantages of using a VoIP phone system:

1. Easy phone system management

Compared with traditional phone systems, where you may have to wait a few days for a technician to come out and fix your problem, cloud-based VoIP phone systems can be managed remotely and online. You don’t necessarily need a headset - you can use softphones, your laptop or even your mobile phone.

Depending on the service provider you choose, you will also get customer support and you won’t need any in-house technicians to troubleshoot problems. You can also easily manage users via a central dashboard - adding or deleting users so that you only pay for what you actually need.

2. Cost savings and subscription model

VoIP contracts are typically on a subscription basis, where you pay per user each month. Some VoIP providers also get you to sign a service level agreement (SLA) with a longer contract period.

Because you only pay for the users you need, you can save costs - and you may not even need any extra phones or headsets. In addition, you can save costs on long distance or international calls, and you can save money by not having to purchase any expensive hardware.

3. Mobility

Depending on which service provider you choose, you may be able to use your mobile phone or other devices to make and receive VoIP calls via an app. This enables a mobile workforce and is perfectly suited to remote work and where employees need to travel for their jobs.

4. Flexibility

VoIP allows for flexibility in terms of where you use your phone (all you need is an internet connection), and also in terms of adding or removing users from your subscription which can be done in just a few minutes from your admin portal.

This allows your business to remain agile and flexible to changes in staff, which also helps you scale your phone needs as your staff numbers change.

5. Provides advanced customer service for your clients

VoIP provides many advanced features and functions that can help you improve your customer service and impress your clients and customers. This includes call forwarding and automated attendants who can answer calls and direct them to the correct department.

This can save you lots of money on call centre agents, and can allow you to provide 24/7 customer service. Interactive voice recognition (IVR) for example, provides a user-friendly menu of options to direct customer enquiries so that they can be dealt with more effectively and efficiently.

6. Rich features

There are a huge number of different features you can opt for with VoiP, depending on your business needs. This includes things like having your voicemails transcribed and emailed to you, the ability to use video chats to liaise with colleagues and clients, and the ability to set up caller ID or call forwarding.

7. Integrations

There’s a big move by businesses towards unified communications, to streamline communications and make staff more productive by using tools, apps and software to enable better integrations. VoIP phone providers offer a range of integrations with popular business tools like Microsoft Teams, Hubspot, SugarCRM or Zoho.

This helps businesses to integrate their CRM software, accounting software, communications software and other types of software so that they can all be used seamlessly together.

8. Enhanced productivity

Because of the many features and integrations that VoIP offers, together with the fact that it can be used remotely and from anywhere on any device (as long as you have an internet connection), it means that staff can be more productive.

Staff will no longer miss calls, or have to wait for information to reach them, as is typically the case with traditional phones.

VoIP for business: which industries benefit most

VoIP can benefit companies and businesses of any size. For small businesses , VoIP can help them to save costs and scale, while remaining agile and taking advantage of features like auto attendants.

For medium-sized businesses , VoIP can also help to unify communications and enhance productivity, while also saving on costs. And for large enterprises , VoIP featu res like auto-attendant and IVR can significantly help to enhance the customer experience, while saving costs and enhancing productivity.

Certain VoIP providers also offer HIPAA compliant VoIP , so even industries like the healthcare sector can find benefits of switching to VoIP and being able to comply with data regulations and laws.

Making the switch: How NB Technology can help

It can be daunting to think of changing your phone system, especially if you’ve had it for a long time and you don’t know what to expect from VoIP. And there are many factors that are important to consider before you switch to VoIP .

Speak to one of our VoIP experts at NB Technology we can explain the entire process and the costs involved, and can manage your switch from an analogue to a digital phone system.

We can also help you assess your needs and requirements to provide you with the right services and hardware.

Get started with your digital transformation journey and contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your phone system needs and any inquiries you may have.

12 Tips for Overcoming Barriers to a Smooth BYOD Program

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:00:04 GMT

Bring your own device (BYOD) is a concept that took hold after the invention of the smartphone. When phones got smarter, software developers began creating apps for those phones. Over time, mobile device use has overtaken desktop use at work.

According to Microsoft, mobile devices make up about 60% of the endpoints in a company network. They also handle about 80% of the workload. But they’re often neglected when it comes to strong cybersecurity measures.

This is especially true with employee-owned mobile devices. BYOD differs from corporate-owned mobile use programs. Instead of using company tools, employees are using their personal devices for work. Many businesses find this the most economical way to keep their teams productive.

Purchasing phones and wireless plans for staff is often out of reach financially. It can also be a pain for employees to carry around two different devices, personal and work.

It’s estimated that 83% of companies have some type of BYOD policy.

You can run BYOD securely if you have some best practices in place. Too often, business owners don’t even know all the devices that are connecting to business data. Or which ones may have data stored on them.

Here are some tips to overcome the security and challenges of BYOD. These should help you enjoy a win-win situation for employees and the business.

Define Your BYOD Policy

If there are no defined rules for BYOD, then you can’t expect the process to be secure. Employees may leave business data unprotected.

Or they may connect to public Wi-Fi and then enter their business email password, exposing it.

If you allow employees to access business data from personal devices, you need a policy. This policy protects the company from unnecessary risk. It can also lay out specifics that reduce potential problems. For example, detailing the compensation for employees that use personal devices for work.

Keep Your Policy “Evergreen”

As soon as a policy gets outdated, it becomes less relevant to employees. Someone may look at your BYOD policy and note that one directive is old. Because of that, they may think they should ignore the entire policy.

Make sure that you keep your BYOD policy “evergreen.” This means updating it regularly if any changes impact those policies.

Use VoIP Apps for Business Calls

Before the pandemic, 65% of employees gave their personal phone numbers to customers. This often happens due to the need to connect with a client when away from an office phone. Clients also may save a personal number for a staff member. For example, when the employee calls the customer from their own device.

Customers having employees’ personal numbers is a problem for everyone. Employees may leave the company, and no longer answer those calls. The customer may not realize why.

You can avoid the issue by using a business VoIP phone system. These services have mobile apps that employees can use. VoIP mobile apps allow employees to make and receive calls through a business number.

Create Restrictions on Saved Company Data

Remote work has exasperated the security issue with BYOD. While BYOD may have meant mobile devices in the past, it now means computers too. Remote employees often will use their own PCs when working outside the office.

No matter what the type of device, you should maintain control of business data. It’s a good idea to restrict the types of data that staff can store on personal devices. You should also ensure that it’s backed up from those devices.

Require Device Updates

When employee devices are not updated or patched, they invite a data breach. Any endpoint connected to your network can enable a breach. This includes those owned by employees.

It can be tricky to ensure that a device owned by an employee is kept updated. Therefore, many businesses turn to endpoint management solutions. An endpoint device manager can push through automated updates. It also allows you to protect business data without intruding on employee privacy.

The monitoring and management capabilities of these tools improve security. This includes the ability to safelist devices. Safelisting can block devices not added to the endpoint manager.

Include BYOD in Your Offboarding Process

If an employee leaves your company, you need to clean their digital trail. Is the employee still receiving work email on their phone? Do they have access to company data through persistent logins? Are any saved company passwords on their device?

These are all questions to ask when offboarding a former staff member. You should also make sure to copy and remove any company files on their personal device. Additionally, ensure that you deauthorize their device(s) from your network.

Let Us Help You Explore Endpoint Security Solutions

We can help you explore solutions to secure a BYOD program. We’ll look at how your company uses personal devices at your business and recommend the best tools.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultati on to discuss your Belmont, Gastonia or North Carolina business IT needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

6 Hidden Benefits of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:00:03 GMT

While there are obvious risks associated with a lack of cyber defenses, there are also many hidden benefits of cybersecurity for small businesses.

Together, these provide compelling reasons for businesses of all sizes to invest in integrated and advanced cybersecurity solutions as a way of avoiding the devastation that often follows a hack, ransomware attack, phishing scam or data breach.

And while many large organizations invest heavily in their cyber defenses, small businesses often overlook the critical importance of cybersecurity to their business success and survival.

No matter how small your budget, it’s important to compare the devastating financial implications of a cyber breach , with the cost of ongoing IT security for your business. It’s generally much cheaper in the long run to invest into advanced cybersecurity solutions than to leave your business open to cyber risks.

Below we look at why cybersecurity is so critical for small businesses and at 6 ways in which it can benefit small organizations like yours.

Why cybersecurity is essential for small businesses

Small businesses are increasingly at risk from cyber hackers, ransomware attacks and data breaches. And because so many small businesses don’t have integrated and advanced cyber security they are often specifically targeted by cybercriminals.

That’s potentially why 43% of all cyberattacks target small to medium sized businesses . Mastercard’s research shows that attacks on small businesses increased by 424% in 2020 and cybercrime is expected to keep rising.

And because of how financially devastating these attacks can be, a large percentage (60%) of these companies go out of business within the 6 months following the breach or attack.

6 hidden benefits of cybersecurity

There are many obvious benefits to having advanced cybersecurity defenses like being able to stop cyber attacks, remain resilient in the face of data losses, and being able to respond effectively to threats.

But there are also a number of less obvious, or hidden benefits of cybersecurity. These may be factors that you haven’t considered and when combined with all the obvious ones - it becomes increasingly apparent why all small businesses should make cybersecurity one of the top priorities.

1. Less downtime

If your business doesn’t have many (or any) cybersecurity measures in place, then it’s almost like an invitation to cybercriminals to target your company. Cybercrime is rampant around the world , and can have far reaching and devastating impacts.

One of the implications of cybercrime is downtime, which can also happen as the result of hardware failures, human error or insider attacks.

A large number of organizations experience downtime each year. Downtime may last a few minutes, hours, days or even longer. And when your systems are down, your employees can’t work. That means your staff can’t be productive, your customers will experience delays in the products or services you provide, and your business may suffer reputational damage.

Ultimately, downtime can cost your business large sums of money in lost revenue - especially if the downtime persists for long periods of time or is a recurring problem.

So small businesses that implement advanced cybersecurity solutions are able to minimize the amount of downtime they experience. That helps them to maintain productivity and efficiency, to provide a great customer experience and to build their brand’s reputation.

2. Improves productivity

When your small business is able to minimize cyber attacks and downtime, you’re more likely to retain your customers and boost productivity of your staff. That means that instead of wasting time and capacity on responding to threats and breaches, you can focus on your core business and growing sales and the impact that you want to achieve.

Your staff will also be less stressed if they’re not always having to respond to cybersecurity breaches because you have the right cyber defenses in place. That can help to boost staff morale and can reduce the a mount of stress that staff ar e under. And that in turn helps businesses to retain their staff.

3. Saves many types of costs

Businesses can save on a range of costs when they invest in advanced cybersecurity systems. Cyber breaches can be costly and if you don’t have the right defenses, there’s more chance of your security being at risk.

There are a range of costs that are associated with data breaches. That includes possible ransom payments, the cost of fines and legal penalties, and legal costs.

There are also a range of more indirect costs that can affect your business continuity. That includes loss of productivity, reduced customer satisfaction, loss of brand reputation, loss of clients or customers, decreased sales, increased insurance premiums, and loss of capacity because of needing to respond to multiple lawsuits.

It’s usually far less expensive to invest in proper cybersecurity than it is to risk the myriad of negative consequences related to a cyber breach - many of which can lead to the end of your small business.

4. Enhances reputation

Having the latest cybersecurity in place can also help you to enhance your businesses’ reputation. Consumers are increasingly aware of cyber risks and take their digital identities and personal information seriously.

When consumers find organizations that are taking all the relevant measures to protect their data, this can help them to trust that organization. And if that trust is maintained, your business can reap the benefits of a boosted reputation.

Having enhanced cyber defenses may also help your business create a unique selling point which puts you above your competitors in your customers’ eyes.

5. Improves customer service

If your business experiences a cyber attack or breach, then there’s usually some kind of business interruption. That disruption to normal business then also results in slowed communication, responses and services to customers.

That can be very frustrating for customers - especially if the business is locked out of their entire system for some time and can’t communicate with customers to explain what’s happening and why there are delays.

By implementing cybersecurity measures, your business can optimize the customer experience, minimize downtime and interruptions and improve overall customer service. This can have positive impacts on sales and brand reputation.

6. Ensures compliance

Businesses are subject to many different laws regarding how they handle data and digital privacy. To maintain compliance, businesses are often expected to have certain cybersecurity mechanisms in place. Failure to do so may result in non-compliance and serious penalties and fines.

It’s typically far more cost effective to invest in cybersecurity services than it is to risk legal non-compliance.

How to start implementing cybersecurity for your business

If your business wants to succeed in the digital age, you’ll need the most secure, comprehensive and integrated cyber defenses.

Cybersecurity helps to avoid beaches, minimize downtime, safeguard your businesses’ reputation, and helps to create a unique advantage compared with competitors.

There are many ways to boost your cybersecurity. That includes conducting regular cybersecurity awareness training for staff, using multi-factor authentication, adopting zero-trust policy, implementing a robust data backup and restoration strategy, testing your cyber defenses on a regular basis and monitoring your IT systems 24/7.

If you need help implementing a custom cybersecurity solution for your small business, then NB Technology can help. Our team of cybersecurity experts can provide the latest cybersecurity solutions that can be customized to your requirements and budget.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Making Your Mobile Devices Safe From Cyberattacks: 9 Best Practices

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The reality is, mobile devices are less safe than desktop computers. Boosting security on such devices is essential if you use them in business.

Technological breakthroughs have streamlined your operations in several ways. Primarily, you can now use mobile devices to make your communication and data sharing more convenient.

But this technological advancement also means that information on your team members' mobile devices is no longer limited to just phone numbers and contacts. They now contain much more significant data, such as emails, passwords, and other account details.

That’s why keeping those mobile devices secure is key to shielding your reputation and minimising the risk of losing money.

Unfortunately, the protection of tablets and smartphones against cyberattacks isn't as robust as that of desktops and laptops. Anti-malware applications may be present, but they’re not as powerful as their computer counterparts. In addition, many devices don't support certain measures and applications that companies develop to enhance business security.

Fortunately, you can still implement robust safety measures to protect your smartphones and tablets.

This article will cover the nine best practices in improving cybersecurity on mobile devices.

THE NINE PRACTICES

PRACTICE #1 - ESTABLISH A SOUND SECURITY POLICY

Before issuing tablets or smartphones to your teams, create an effective usage policy. Define rules about acceptable use and determine the penalties for violating them.

Your employees must be aware of the security risks and measures that can help them reduce the risks. They should know that they are the first line of defense against cybercrime.

Furthermore, be sure to develop a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy if you permit your team to use a personal device for business. Your company policy can include the following:

Requirements for the installation and remote software wiping on any personal device that stores or accesses company data
Employee training and education on safeguarding company information when using wireless networks on their mobile devices
Data protection methods that include automatic locking or other security measures applicable after long inactivity periods
Protocols for lost and stolen devices
The use of security software and antivirus platforms
Backup requirements

PRACTICE #2 - ENSURE THE OPERATING SYSTEM IS UP TO DATE

Updating Android and iOS operating systems improve overall user experience, but their most significant role is in addressing security vulnerabilities.

Therefore, install updates as soon as the developer rolls them out to reduce exposure to cybersecurity threats. Delaying it may give criminals enough time to attack your weaknesses and take advantage of outdated operating systems.

PRACTICE #3 - ENABLE PASSWORD PROTECTION

A complex password or PIN can help prevent cybercriminals from accessing mobile devices. Besides using alphanumeric combinations, you can also use facial or fingerprint recognition, depending on what suits your employees.

If you opt for digits and letters, don't share the combination with people outside your company. On top of that, be sure that your staff doesn't store them on their phones. Unmarked folders and physical wallets are a much safer option.

PRACTICE #4 - INSTALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS ONLY

Lenient download policies can allow your team members to install non-business apps. Downloading such apps might seem harmless, but they are also infamous for their harmful advertising codes and many other threats.

To mitigate this risk, tell your employees they can only download and use apps necessary for their roles.

PRACTICE #5 - AVOID PUBLIC WI-FI CONNECTIONS

Your team may need to use public Wi-Fi networks in emergencies to send crucial emails or schedule a meeting. However, connecting to such networks can expose confidential company information to cybercriminals using the same network.

The easiest way to minimise this risk is to provide a high-quality internet plan that features roaming services for your remote workers.

But if there's no way to avoid public Wi-Fi connections, a reputable virtual private network (VPN) or secure global network (SGN) may do the trick. It can help shield your data by creating direct, secure links from your location to the intended website.

PRACTICE #6 - LEVERAGE PHONE TRACKING

Losing company-issued mobile devices is unfortunate, but it's not the end of the world. Enabling Android Phone Tracker, Find My Phone on iOS, or other device-tracking software can help locate your lost smartphones. Some programs also enable you to remove data on your stolen devices remotely.

Installing these apps takes a couple of minutes and gives you much-needed peace of mind. With it, even if your staff loses their mobile device, cybercriminals are less likely to get their hands on the content.

PRACTICE #7 - INCORPORATE MDM (MOBILE DEVICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE)

For even more security, you may want to integrate with reliable MDM. It's an excellent way to separate personal and business information while allowing your team members to set up robust security measures on their devices.

In most cases, cloud-based software is the most affordable, flexible, and manageable type of MDM. Many platforms let you check out device information, update and manage apps, configure your devices, create usage restrictions, and remove content remotely.

If possible, implement MDM software that enforces security measures across all devices.

As previously mentioned, this can include data encryption, strong passwords, and setting up containers to separate personal information from enterprise data.

PRACTICE #8 - SCREEN MESSAGES CAREFULLY

Cybercriminals frequently employ SMS phishing to trick your team into clicking dangerous links. They pose as someone credible, asking your staff to share confidential information.

If your employees encounter such messages, they should delete them or alert the IT department. Another great idea is to avoid opening the SMS and block the sender.

PRACTICE #9 - BLOCKING AND WHITELISTING

Many threats can compromise your company due to employee errors. For example, a team member may not realize they're downloading a malicious app that allows thieves to steal data from their mobile devices.

Blocking and whitelisting can enable you to protect your employees from these risks by determining which sites and apps are safe.

On one hand, blocking certain applications can give your IT department peace of mind and alert them when someone tries to access those applications.

On the other hand, whitelists can work great for highlighting the tools your team should prioritize over social media and games.

DON'T DROP YOUR GUARD

Securing your desktop computers and laptops only is a disaster waiting to happen.

Your employees may still use their mobile devices to send emails and share sensitive information. That's why shielding them from cybercriminals should be your top priority.

So, develop a strict usage policy and follow other recommended practices to make your team’s smartphones and tablets virtually impervious to data theft.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have for your North Carolina business.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Simple Guide to Follow for Better Endpoint Protection

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Endpoints make up much of a company’s network and IT infrastructure. This is a collection of computers, mobile devices, servers, and smart gadgets. As well as other IoT devices that all connect to the company network.

The number of endpoints a company has will vary by business size. Companies with less than 50 employees have about 22 endpoints .

Small businesses with 50-100 employees have roughly 114. Enterprise organizations with 1,000+ employees average 1,920 endpoints.

Each of those devices is a chance for a hacker to penetrate a company’s defenses. They could plant malware or gain access to sensitive company data. An endpoint security strategy addresses endpoint risk and puts focused tactics in place.

64% of organizations have experienced one or more compromising endpoint attacks.

In this guide, we’ll provide you with straightforward solutions. Solutions focused on protection of endpoint devices.

Address Password Vulnerabilities

Passwords are one of the biggest vulnerabilities when it comes to endpoints. The news reports large data breaches all the time related to leaked passwords.

For example, there is the RockYou2021 breach. It exposed the largest number of passwords ever – 3.2 billion .

Poor password security and breaches make credential theft one of the biggest dangers to cybersecurity.

Address password vulnerabilities in your endpoints by:

Training employees on proper password creation and handling
Looking for passwordless solutions, like biometrics
Installing multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts

Stop Malware Infection Before OS Boot

USB drives (also known as flash drives) are a popular giveaway item at trade shows. But an innocent-looking USB can actually cause a breach. One trick that hackers use to gain access to a computer is to boot it from a USB device containing malicious code.

There are certain precautions you can take to prevent this from happening. One of these is ensuring you’re using firmware protection that covers two areas. These include Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Security.

TPM is resistant to physical tampering and tampering via malware. It looks at whether the boot process is occurring properly. It also monitors for the presence of anomalous behavior. Additionally, seek devices and security solutions that allow you to disable USB boots.

Update All Endpoint Security Solutions

You should regularly update your endpoint security solutions. It’s best to automate software updates if possible so they aren’t left to chance.

Firmware updates are often forgotten about. One reason is that they don’t usually pop up the same types of warnings as software updates. But they are just as important for ensuring your devices remain secure and protected.

It’s best to have an IT professional managing all your endpoint updates. They'll make sure updates happen in a timely fashion. They will also ensure that devices and software update smoothly.

Use Modern Device & User Authentication

How are you authenticating users to access your network, business apps, and data? If you are using only a username and password, then your company is at high risk of a breach.

Use two modern methods for authentication:

Contextual authentication
Zero Trust approach

Contextual authentication takes MFA a step further. It looks at context-based cues for authentication and security policies. These include several things. Such as, what time of day someone is logging in, their geographic location, and the device they are using.

Zero Trust is an approach that continuously monitors your network. It ensures every entity in a network belongs there. Safelisting of devices is an example of this approach.

You approve all devices for access to your network and block all others by default.

Apply Security Policies Throughout the Device Lifecycle

From the time a device is first purchased to the time it retires, you need to have security protocols in place. Tools like Microsoft AutoPilot and SEMM allow companies to automate. They deploy healthy security practices across each lifecycle phase. This ensures a company doesn't miss any critical steps.

Examples of device lifecycle security include when a device is first issued to a user. This is when you should remove unnecessary privileges.

When a device moves from one user to another, it needs to be properly cleaned of old data. And reconfigured for the new user.

When you retire a device, it should be properly scrubbed. This means deleting all information and disconnecting it from any accounts.

Prepare for Device Loss or Theft

Unfortunately, mobile devices and laptops get lost or stolen. When that happens, you should have a sequence of events that can take place immediately. This prevents company risk of data and exposed business accounts.

Prepare in advance for potential device loss through backup solutions. Also, you should use endpoint security that allows remote lock and wipe for devices.

Reduce Your Endpoint Risk Today!

Get help putting robust endpoint security in place, step by step.

We can help! Contact us today for a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help secure your Charlotte, Gastonia, Belmont or North Carolina business and help keep you protected from cybersecurity risks.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Why Cybersecurity is Essential for Business Growth

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Cybersecurity is essential for business growth and survival. Making cybersecurity a business priority is now seen as a critical aspect of managing any business and to ensure business continuity.

The ability of the business sector to continue operating is severely threatened by cyber risks - which is why cybersecurity is seen as a solution to minimize business risks.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report of 2021 identifies cybersecurity failure as a significant business risk - resulting in economic disruption, financial loss, etc.

As many businesses are prioritizing digital transformation to help provide a competitive edge, many also realize the essential nature of cyber defenses for business success. After all, if your business is not protected, you may experience frequent or large-scale disruptions which may affect your ability to operate, causing loss of productivity and financial losses. Some cyber attacks are so devastating that businesses cannot survive the extreme loss of data , ransom amounts owed, or legal fees associated with non-compliance.

Luckily, for small businesses that may not have an IT department or a dedicated cybersecurity expert, hiring an MSP to handle your cybersecurity can work out as an affordable and necessary investment in protecting and boosting your business.

Below we look at how businesses can (and have been) affected by cybersecurity threats like hacks and phishing scams , and at how enhanced cybersecurity can help your business to actually grow and thrive.

How business operations can be affected by cybersecurity risks

There are countless examples of how business operations have been affected by cybersecurity attacks and breaches. Some of the most well-known high-profile cases include the Anthem Inc. phishing attack in 2015, the TK Maxx LAN security hack in 2005, and the Epsilon hack in 2011.

Anthem Inc. was targeted by hackers in 2015, as this health insurance company in the USA stored millions of personal records. Personal data of 80 million people was leaked when hackers targeted their cloud storage records. It’s believed the source of the hack was from a phishing email sent to several employees. The company suffered over $100 million in costs.

UK retailer TK Maxx was also the subject of a security hack in 2005 and 2006 when their wireless local area network (LAN) was targeted because it used a weak form of security. Hackers stole millions of credit card details, and the company paid over $118 million in damages and costs.

In 2011, Epsilon was attacked by hackers who stole thousands of their marketing clients’ details and information. They had to pay compliance fees and costs to clients which cumulatively resulted in over $4 billion - one of the most expensive hacks in history.

How cybersecurity can protect business growth

If companies are constantly disrupted by loss of data, ransomware attacks , and other cybersecurity threats - then business as usual won’t continue.

Your staff may not be able to access their data or laptops, your customers may not be able to receive their products or services, and all business operations may have to cease.

These business risks and impacts can be avoided or minimized by implementing cybersecurity solutions.

Below are 6 ways that cybersecurity can protect business growth:

1. Cybersecurity protects against downtime and business disruptions

According to Statistica, the average duration of downtime after a ransomware attack was 22 days in 2021. Downtime creates a lack of productivity as employees are often not able to work at all. That affects customer service, business deliverables, and staff morale.

Many business models rely heavily on the amount of uptime they have, and disruptions can be costly. Recent reports estimate the average cost of downtime to be $9000 per minute - another factor to consider when deciding on your cybersecurity strategy.

2. Cybersecurity can boost productivity

In business, productivity can result in better business performance and overall profit. So by making sure that your IT systems are robust and secure, you can help to maintain and boost levels of productivity without interruptions.

If you’re considering skimping on cybersecurity services - then it’s important to consider the effects of IT disruptions on productivity and the cost of lost productivity on your business profits.

3. Cybersecurity can lower your business insurance costs

Many companies are turning to cyber insurance as a safeguard against the exorbitant costs associated with data breaches, and cyberattacks. Cyber insurance can be significant, especially for some industries that store a lot of sensitive and personally identifiable data.

To help keep your insurance costs low, you can invest in advanced cybersecurity solutions , and minimize your businesses’ cyber risks.

4. Cybersecurity helps to protect your intellectual property and trade secrets

Business success and growth may depend on your ability to safeguard trade secrets, intellectual property rights or other sensitive data. This helps you maintain a competitive edge and innovate.

But, if that data were to be breached, leaked, or destroyed through a cyber attack - imagine the damage that would be done. This is yet another reason to take steps to improve your cyber defenses.

5. Cybersecurity fosters a better relationship with customers and clients

Customers are increasingly aware of how companies use and store their data, and many people will only buy from companies that take adequate steps to protect client data.

That means that to be successful in business, companies need to establish advanced cybersecurity and communicate their security standards to customers. That helps to establish a sense of trust and loyalty.

6. Cybersecurity can help you avoid large-scale financial costs

Having the correct defenses in place to protect your data and minimize the risk of a cyber attack, can help ensure that you’re compliant with legislation and regulations. Showing how you have maintained compliance can go a long way in preventing extensive legal battles and fines related to the breach of confidential information.

Ready to get serious about business growth?

Being proactive about cyber risks helps companies to avoid data loss and breaches, rather than just responding to them when they happen. That can help your business not just to survive - but also to grow and continue to succeed in future.

Part of taking a proactive stance towards risk management is implementing all necessary cybersecurity defenses in line with a comprehensive business-wide cybersecurity policy.

If your organization needs assistance in establishing a cybersecurity policy, assessing your vulnerabilities, and implementing solutions to minimize your cyber risks - then NB Technology should be your partner of choice. Our highly specialized and experienced cybersecurity experts are here to help create a customized business solution for you.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Insider Threats are Getting More Dangerous! Here's How to Stop Them

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

One of the most difficult types of attacks to detect are those performed by insiders. An “insider” would be anyone that has legitimate access to your company network and data. This would be via a login or other authorized connection.

Because insiders have authorized system access, they bypass certain security defenses. Such as those designed to keep intruders out. Since a logged-in user isn’t seen as an intruder, those security protections aren’t triggered.

There are three troubling statistics from a recent report by Ponemon Institute. They illustrate the importance of addressing this threat. Insider attacks are getting worse, taking longer to detect and becoming more extensive.

The report found that over the last two years:

Insider attacks have increased by 44%.
It takes organizations 85 days to contain an insider threat, compared to 77 days in 2020.
The average cost of addressing insider threats has risen by 34%.

It’s important for companies to understand what makes up an insider threat. That’s the first step towards mitigation.

4 Types of Insider Threats

One reason that insider threats can be hard to detect is that there is not just one kind. Employees, vendors, and hackers can all perpetrate insider security breaches. To further complicate detection, some may be malicious and others accidental.

Here are the four main types of insider threats faced by company networks.

Malicious/Disgruntled Employee

A sales employee that is leaving the company may decide to take all their contacts with them. This is a malicious theft of company data.

Another example of this type of insider attack is a disgruntled employee. They may be upset with their manager who just fired them and decide to do the business harm. They could plant ransomware or make a deal with a hacker to give over their login credentials for cash.

Careless/Negligent Employee

Some insider threats are due to lazy or untrained employees. They don’t mean to cause a data breach. But may accidentally share classified data on a non secure platform. Or they may use a friend’s computer to access their business apps. Being completely unaware of the security consequences.

3rd Party with Access to Your Systems

Outsiders with access to your network are also a very real concern. Contractors, freelancers, and vendors can all constitute an insider breach risk.

You need to ensure that these third parties are fully reviewed. Do this before you give them system access. You should also allow your IT partner to review them for any data security concerns.

Hacker That Compromises a Password

Compromised login credentials are one of the most dangerous types of insider threats. This has now become the #1 driver of data breaches around the world.

When a cybercriminal can access an employee’s login, that criminal becomes an “insider.” Your computer system reads them as the legitimate user.

Ways to Mitigate Insider Threats

Insider threats can be difficult to detect after the fact. But if you put mitigation measures in place you can stop them in their tracks. Being proactive keeps you from suffering a costly incident. One that you may not know about for months.

Here are some of the best tactics for reducing insider threat risk.

Thorough Background Checks

When hiring new employees make sure you do a thorough background check. Malicious insiders will typically have red flags in their work history. You want to do the same with any vendors or contractors that will have access to your systems.

Endpoint Device Solutions

Mobile devices now make up about 60% of the endpoints in a company. But many businesses aren’t using a solution to manage device access to resources.

Put an endpoint management solution in place to monitor device access. You can also use this to safelist devices and block unauthorized devices by default.

Multi-factor Authentication & Password Security

One of the best ways to fight credential theft is through multi-factor authentication. Hackers have a hard time getting past the 2nd factor. They rarely have access to a person’s mobile device or FIDO security key.

Couple this with password security. This includes things like:

Requiring strong passwords in your cloud apps
Using a business password manager
Requiring unique passwords for all logins

Employee Data Security Training

Training can help you mitigate the risk of a breach through carelessness. Train employees on proper data handling and security policies governing sensitive information.

Network Monitoring

Once someone has user access to your system, how can you catch them doing something wrong? You do this through intelligent network monitoring.

Use AI-enabled threat monitoring. This allows you to detect strange behaviors as soon as they happen. For example, someone downloading a large number of files. Or someone logging in from outside the country.

Need Help Putting a Stop to Insider Attacks?

A layered security solution can help you mitigate all four types of insider threats.

We can help you with a robust yet affordable solution. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss ways we can help enhance the cybersecurity of your North Carolina business and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Upgrade Your Phone System and Improve Your Customer Service

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:00:00 GMT

By joining thousands of companies around the world in switching to VoIP , you can harness a competitive edge by providing better customer service - as well as saving on costs, and improving productivity.

The importance of VoIP for enhancing customer service experience can’t be underestimated.

As it’s more costly to acquire new customers, making sure that your existing ones have a great experience when dealing with your company is vital.

The many advanced features and integrations that are available with VoIP makes it an indispensable tool to leverage for keeping your customers satisfied and for making sure you keep up with your competitors.

Reasons to improve your customer service

There are several convincing reasons why it's important to improve your customer service as an organization.

Firstly, it’s cheaper to retain the customers that you have than to try and find new ones through extensive marketing and sourcing of leads. Existing customers are oftentimes repeat customers, and only if your service is poor or your products are not up to scratch will they venture off and find a new supplier.

Some sources indicate that as much as 60-70% of your business sales will be generated from existing customers . There are a range of customer retention metrics you can use to figure out the cost of retaining customers vs losing them to sub-par service.

Furthermore, many customers will pay even higher rates just to be a customer of companies with incredible customer service. In fact, the vast majority of customers in one study showed willingness to pay more for a better customer experience .

And, importantly, customer service can actually affect your bottom line. The better your customer service, the more your business may be able to profit financially as it is able to outperform competitors.

One way to improve your customer service and overall customer experience is to have a VoIP phone system. That way you won’t miss any customer calls or messages, and your staff will be able to collaborate and stay in touch no matter where they are.

How VoIP technology can help you improve your customer service

Here are just some of the many ways in which VoIP can help enhance your customer service and drive business success for your organization, while you retain your greatest assets - your loyal customers.

1. VoIP phones can direct customers to the right person

VoIP phone features often include auto attendants or IVRs which can use advanced AI to direct your customers to the correct department or person.

This provides a better customer experience as it can be effective and efficient and reduce call waiting times.

Auto attendants can also provide information about business operating hours and can even give answers to some questions.

2. VoIP phones can solve customer queries

Not only can auto attendants and IVRs direct customers to the right person, but they can also answer customer queries, and provide announcements and information.

And because your auto attendant can be deployed 24/7, there’s always someone to answer your phone lines which gives your customers a sense of access and availability.

3. VoiP provides another way for customers to make contact

Your business can have various different contact numbers, some of which may have local dialing codes or even international ones to give your organization a global presence. This provides many options for customers to contact you, no matter where they are based.

VoIP also provides various mediums that customers can contact you - via the phone, video or instant message. You can even integrate a chat bot or call through your website.

This variability means your customer can choose the communication method they prefer, and it can also help to reduce waiting times compared to having just one phone number.

4. VoIP speed up customer response times

Multi-channel support, together with auto attendants and call recording means that businesses can better handle high call volumes and respond faster to enquiries.

Features like group hunting allow a call to be routed to a team of people so that whoever is free can answer - which helps reduce waiting times. And on-hold music or informational announcements also helps to make waiting in line more pleasant.

That means that customer queries can be dealt with and resolved faster, which provides a better customer experience.

5. Voicemail to email means you can follow up and not miss out

Most of the time if you miss a call, that person won’t call back. So if you’re able to record messages from missed calls and have them sent to email, your team can then quickly respond to them.

6. CRM integration provides seamless communication

Because VoIP phone systems allow for integration with your CRM software (depending on which VoIP provider you opt for), your staff are then able to speak to someone and have information about their previous calls or interactions with the company.

This automated CRM integration helps to make data available quickly and seamlessly so that when your staff speak to clients, they are fully informed. This helps provide customers with a more professional and coordinated experience. It also helps to make following up easier, which can help to further drive sales.

How to start impressing your customers by upgrading to VoIP

It can be difficult to think of switching to VoIP when you’ve been using a different telephone system for a long time, despite all the benefits of switching.

If you need help upgrading your phone system, and you need advice on which service provider to use, which features you should be looking for, or how to implement VoiP for your business - then reach out to one of our VoIP experts.

At NB Technology, we offer cloud based VoIP phone systems and business internet solutions. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your phone system needs and any inquiries you may have.

3 Tips for Running Cybersecurity Audits

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

You need more than the latest antivirus software to ensure your company’s network is secure. A cybersecurity audit helps you create a complete picture of your security strategy.

Cybercrime has grown into one of the epidemics of modern times.

In 2018 alone, we saw 812.67 million instances of malware infection. Meanwhile, 2020 brought with it a 600% increase in cybercrime. And estimates state that ransomware attacks will cost companies over $6 trillion per year by 2021.

If you don’t prioritize cybersecurity, you place yourself and your company at risk of attack.

Now, it’s likely that you already have some strategies in place to combat hackers and other malicious cyber forces. However, you also need to feel sure that the measures you have in place are sufficient.

That’s where cybersecurity audits become important.

In this article, we examine what cybersecurity audits are and share some crucial tips for running one in your company.

WHAT IS A CYBERSECURITY AUDIT?

Think of an audit as a comprehensive examination of every cybersecurity strategy you’ve put in place. You have two goals with the audit:

Identify any gaps in your system so you can fill them.
Create an in-depth report that you can use to demonstrate your readiness to defend against cyber threats.

A typical audit contains three phases:

Assessment
Assignment
Audit

In the assessment phase, you examine the existing system.

This involves checking your company’s computers, servers, software, and databases. You’ll also review how you assign access rights and examine any hardware or software you currently have in place to defend against attacks.

The assessment phase will likely highlight some security gaps that you need to act upon. And once that’s done, you move into the assignment.

Here, you assign appropriate solutions to the issues identified. This may also involve assigning internal professionals to the task of implementing those solutions. However, you may also find that you need to bring external contractors on board to help with implementation.

Finally, you conclude with an audit.

This takes place after you’ve implemented your proposed solution and is intended as a final check of your new system before you release it back into the company. This audit will primarily focus on ensuring that all installations, upgrades, and patches operate as expected.

THE THREE TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CYBERSECURITY AUDIT

Now that you understand the phases of a cybersecurity audit, you need to know how to run an audit effectively such that it provides the information you need. After all, a poorly conducted audit may miss crucial security gaps, leaving your systems vulnerable to attack.

These three tips will help you conduct an effective cybersecurity audit in your company.

TIP #1 – ALWAYS CHECK FOR THE AGE OF EXISTING SECURITY SYSTEMS

There is no such thing as an evergreen security solution.

Cyber threats evolve constantly, with hackers and the like continually coming up with new ways to breach existing security protocols. Any system you’ve already implemented has an expiration date. Eventually, it will become ineffective against the new wave of cyber threats.

This means you always need to check the age of your company’s existing cybersecurity solutions.

Make sure to update your company’s systems whenever the manufacturer releases an update. But if the manufacturer no longer supports the software you’re using, this is a sign that you need to make a change.

TIP #2 – IDENTIFY YOUR THREATS

As you conduct your company’s cybersecurity audit, continuously ask yourself where you’re likely to experience the most significant threat.

For example, when auditing a system that contains a lot of customer information, data privacy is a crucial concern. In this situation, threats arise from weak passwords, phishing attacks, and malware.

More threats can come internally, be they from malicious employees or through the mistaken provision of access rights to employees who shouldn’t be able to see specific data.

And sometimes, employees can leak data unknowingly.

For example, allowing employees to connect their own devices to your company network creates risk because you have no control over the security of those external devices.

The point is that you need to understand the potential threats you face before you can focus on implementing any solutions.

TIP #3 – CONSIDER HOW YOU WILL EDUCATE EMPLOYEES

You’ve identified the threats and have created plans to respond.

However, those plans mean little if employees do not know how to implement them.

If you face an emergency, such as a data breach, and your employees don’t know how to respond, the cybersecurity audit is essentially useless.

To avoid this situation, you need to educate your employees on what to look out for and how to respond to cybersecurity threats. This often involves the creation of a plan that incorporates the following details:

The various threat types you’ve identified and how to look out for them
Where the employee can go to access additional information about a threat
Who the employee should contact if they identify a threat
How long it should take to rectify the threat
Any rules you have in place about using external devices or accessing data stored on secure servers.

Remember, cybersecurity is not the IT department’s domain alone. It’s an ongoing concern that everybody within an organization must remain vigilant of.

By educating employees about the threats present, and how to respond to them, you create a more robust defense against future attacks.

Audits Improve Security

Cybersecurity audits offer you a chance to evaluate your security protocols.

They help you to identify issues and ensure that you’re up-to-date in regards to the latest cybersecurity threats. And without them, a business runs the risk of using outdated software to protect itself against ever-evolving attacks.

The need to stay up-to-date highlights the importance of cybersecurity audits.

However, your security solutions are not one-and-done. They require regular updating and re-examination to ensure they’re still fit for the purposes you’re using them for. As soon as they’re not, there will be vulnerabilities to your business that others can exploit.

Audits improve cybersecurity.

And improved cybersecurity means you and your customers can feel more confident.

If you’d like to conduct a cybersecurity audit but you’re unsure about whether you have the skills required to do so correctly, we can help.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your Charlotte or Gastonia business systems and how we may be able to help you to improve them - and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

6 Reasons Why Cloud PCs Can Help Small Businesses to Thrive

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

There are many obvious benefits of cloud PCs for large corporations. There’s also increasing recognition of how cloud PCs can help small businesses thrive and transform by assisting with growth, agility, flexibility, and enhancing productivity while also saving on capital expenses.

Has your business been considering cloud PCs (also known as virtual desktops , virtual workstations or cloud computers)?

Perhaps once you read all about the benefits of cloud PCs you’ll be like many small businesses and make the switch.

And if you’re busy launching a startup or you only have a few staff members and are thinking of scaling, you’re in a perfect position to transition to virtual desktops before you invest money into expensive on-premise IT infrastructure.

Below we look at 6 of the top reasons why cloud PCs (compared with traditional PCs) can help small businesses to thrive, in terms of cost-savings, flexibility, mobility, scalability, productivity and control - ultimately providing a competitive advantage and resilience in the face of business continuity and disaster recovery risks.

Cloud PCs: an overview

Cloud PCs provide users with access to managed IT infrastructure that is stored in the cloud. Virtual desktop providers manage the installation and deployment of your virtual workstations and generally take care of all updates, maintenance and cybersecurity .

Cloud PCs can be customized so that your users have access to software and tools they need to do their jobs. You can also control access and permissions easily through a centralized control panel and you only pay for the services you use.

Cloud PCs make it easy to access data and software from any device, and from anywhere in the world, as everything is stored on a server rather than on the device.

6 reasons why cloud PCs are essential for small businesses

Cloud PCs are fast becoming indispensable tools for businesses of all sizes, because of the myriad of benefits they provide. For small businesses in particular, the cost savings, flexibility, mobility, enhanced security and productivity they offer makes cloud PCs a very attractive IT choice.

Below are 6 of the top reasons why small businesses can benefit from using cloud PCs.

1. Cost savings, reduced costs and ability to scale

When you pay for virtual desktops, you no longer need powerful and expensive computers and servers. Eliminating these types of IT infrastructure from your budget can help to greatly reduce your capital expenditures. You also get to save on the costs associated with managing that infrastructure, insuring it, and intensively managing all the software upgrades and maintenance.

Cloud PCs also allow small businesses to save costs on rent or mortgages for equipment and large storage spaces for servers and other instructure which you may not need if you migrate to the cloud. You can also save on energy bills, and if you are able to become fully remote with a 100% mobile workforce, you can also save on all costs related to having a physical premises.

Another financial benefit of using virtual desktops is that paying for them can help small businesses to improve their cash flow, which may already be quite tight. This is done by paying on a subscription basis - only paying for services that you actually use and need, and avoiding large capital outlays.

The financial benefits of cloud PCs help small businesses (and big businesses too) to remain agile and able to quickly transition as market trends change. This flexibility and agility can really help small businesses to grow and scale as needed.

2. Flexibility and mobility

When your employees work on cloud PCs, they can access a wide range of applications and data from anywhere, using any device. That makes it very easy to onboard and offboard staff, and customize permissions and access. It also makes it easier for staff to work from home, work remotely or even share and collaborate on information while traveling.

It’s this ability to work from anywhere on any device that provides a huge amount of flexibility, and enables a more mobile workforce which is particularly attractive for businesses that want to operate remotely or using a hybrid model.

For small businesses, it can be quite attractive to employ people on a 100% remote basis, as it can help save on the costs of renting or buying office space, and it means you can attract the top talent from anywhere in the world. Virtual computers allow businesses to do this, while protecting their security and optimizing uptime, efficiency, and productivity.

3. Security

Cybersecurity attacks, data breaches and loss of data are risks that can jeopardize the continuity of any businesses. That’s why it’s imperative to have the most advanced security measures in place, particularly as a small business.

Virtual desktops can help small businesses to stay protected in a cloud environment, by taking responsibility for protecting against cyber attacks and constantly monitoring for breaches or suspicious activity. Cloud hosts also ensure that updates are managed and that antivirus software and checks are done regularly. And they can turn on or off permissions at the touch of a button.

So from a security perspective, cloud PCs can help small businesses operate while having 24-hour cybersecurity and regular, automatic backups.

4. Productivity

Small businesses need to ensure productivity and efficiency to help them remain competitive and as a pathway to grow and scale. Cloud PCs can help to boost productivity as many offer a wide range of integrations that can save time and make collaboration and communication more efficient and effective.

Cloud PCs also enable staff to work from any device, so if one is broken, they can just switch to another machine without needing to stop work. This can save time and money and you generally also get 24/7 support so that you can fix problems as soon as they arise (which may be faster than if you managed all your own IT infrastructure and had to rely on the availability of in-house staff).

5. Control

There is often a higher level of control when it comes to cloud PCs compared with traditional desktops because the business can access and administer all IT functions from a central location. That includes allocating or deactivating access and permissions, and storing all data in a central location that makes it easier to save and share information.

6. Competitive edge (and sustainability)

Cloud computing can give your small business a competitive edge, allowing it to remain agile and to scale. That’s because having access to a system that allows you to more effectively and productively work and collaborate, means you can provide better and more efficient services and your staff can get more work done without the IT hassles related to traditional desktops.

And as small businesses try to carve out a niche and competitive edge, many also turn to boosting their sustainability credentials by going green. Cloud computing can help companies to minimize their environmental and energy footprints, especially if cloud data centers run on renewable energy. Their shared model also helps to reduce the need for on-site hardware and often exorbitant energy bills which can also reduce your environmental impacts.

Final thoughts on the benefits of cloud computing for small businesses

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) is changing the way businesses are able to operate. Cloud desktops make it easier for businesses to employ staff that work remotely, to more safely adopt a bring your own device (policy), and to save costs on expensive hardware and onsite servers.

Using cloud PCs, small businesses can remain agile, productive and more resilient to cybersecurity-related risks. Small businesses can also scale more easily, and many are happy to pay for their IT as a subscription cost rather than a capital expense as it helps with lowering costs and ensuring you only pay for what you need.

By customizing your business’s cloud PCs and installing the applications and software you need, you can maintain centralized control of your IT and take advantage of advanced security measures - making it easier to manage your business IT needs.

Whether you opt for desktop as a Service (DaaS), hosted virtual desktops (HVD) or Workspace as a Service (WaaS), you’re likely to need help in navigating the complexities of the choice between service providers and in assessing your actual needs and requirements.

At NB Technology we’re experienced in helping our clients to find tailored cloud solutions and in managing the entire process on our client’s behalf.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your network and cloud services needs and any inquiries you may have.

5 Mistakes Companies are Making in the Digital Workspace

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

The pandemic has been a reality that companies around the world have shared. It required major changes in how they operate. No longer, did the status quo of having everyone work in the office make sense for everyone. Many organizations had to quickly evolve to working through remote means.

During the worst of the pandemic, it’s estimated that 70% of full-time workers were working from home. Even now that the pandemic has hit a new waning phase, remote work is still very much a reality. 92% of surveyed employees expect to still work from home at least 1 or more days per week.

This transformation has forced companies to rethink the tools and policies they use. Many have also needed to completely revamp how they work. They've had to switch to a cloud-based digital workspace to enable a hybrid team.

This transition has brought newfound benefits, such as:

Lower costs for employees and employers
Better employee work/life balance
Higher morale
The same or improved productivity
More flexibility in serving clients

But, the transition to a digital workplace has also brought challenges and risks. These include:

Vulnerable networks and endpoints
Employees feeling disconnected
Communication problems
Difficulty tracking productivity and accountability
Increased risk of data breaches

20% of organizations experienced a breach during the pandemic due to a remote worker.

Overcoming the challenges and reaping the benefits takes time and effort. It also often takes the help of a trained IT professional, so you avoid costly mistakes.

Below are some of the biggest company mistakes when building a digital workplace. For the statistics, we referenced IGLOO’s State of the Digital Workplace report.

1. Poor Cloud File Organization

When companies go virtual for their workflows, files live in a cloud-accessible environment. If those cloud storage environments aren’t well organized, it's a problem. It can be difficult for employees to find the files they need.

About 51% of employees have avoided sharing a document with a colleague for this reason. They either couldn’t find it or thought it would be too hard to find. It’s notable that this is the highest percentage recorded for this stat in the IGLOO report. Meaning that this problem is getting worse.

Some tips for making shared cloud storage files easier to locate are:

Keep file structure flat (2-3 folders deep)
Create a consistent hierarchy and naming structure
Don’t create a file for fewer than 10 documents
Archive and delete older files monthly to reduce clutter

2. Leaving Remote Workers Out of the Conversation

No one likes to hear people start talking about something at a meeting and realize they're lost. They missed an important piece of an earlier conversation. Many companies haven’t yet overcome in-person vs remote communication challenges.

In fact, nearly 60% of remote workers say they miss out on important information. This is because colleagues first communicated it in person. Efficiency suffers when in-office workers make decisions without regard for remote colleagues.

Managers and bosses must lead the way in changing this culture. While old habits do take a while to change, mindset can transition to be more inclusive of the hybrid world.

3. Not Addressing Unauthorized Cloud App use

Unauthorized cloud app use (also known as Shadow IT) was already a problem before the pandemic. That problem escalated once people began working from home. Which is often using their personal devices.

Over half (57%) of employees use at least one unauthorized app in their workflow. When this happens, organizations can suffer in many ways.

Some of the risks of shadow IT include:

Data leakage from non-secured apps
Date privacy compliance violations
Redundancies in app use that increase costs
Unprotected company data due to a lack of visibility
The employee leaves and no one can access the data in the unauthorized app

4. Not Realizing Remote Doesn’t Always Mean From Home

Remote employees aren’t always working from home, connected to their home Wi-Fi. They may also be working from airports, hotels, a family member’s home, or local coffee shops.

Companies that don’t properly protect company data used by remote employees, can be at risk of a breach. Public networks are notorious for enabling “man-in-the-middle” attacks. This is where a hacker connects to the same public network. Then, using software, can access data transmissions from others on that network.

It's advisable to use a business VPN for all remote work situations. VPNs are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. The employee simply enables the app on their device. The app then reroutes their data through secure, encrypted servers.

5. Using Communication Tools That Frustrate Everyone

Are virtual meetings giving your team problems? As many as 85% of remote workers say that they’ve had 1-2 meetings interrupted by technology. It’s getting so you can hardly have a virtual meeting without someone having a technical issue.

Communication is the oil that makes the engine of a digital workplace run. Effective cloud-based video calls, audio calls, and chats depend on the right technology. This facilitates a smooth experience.

Don’t rush to use just any communication tools. Take your time and test them out. Get help optimizing settings to improve your virtual meetings. Additionally, ensure your remote team has tools to foster smooth communications. This includes headsets, VoIP desk sets, webcams, etc.

Boost the Productivity of Your Hybrid Office

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your digital workspace needs and any inquiries you may have.

We can help you improve the efficiency and productivity of your digital workplace.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

8 Reasons your Business Needs Managed Backup & Disaster Recovery Services

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Cybercrime and data loss are ubiquitous. Both can cause devastating impacts for businesses. That’s why it’s imperative in our digital age, to take all necessary precautions and to use the latest advances in technology to keep your data and systems protected.

Managed backup and disaster recovery services are one of the key tools to help businesses to protect their data, and to minimize business continuity risks.

Below we look at 8 reasons why choosing a managed service provider (MSP) is a good idea for businesses looking to safeguard their business data and continuity plans.

What are managed backup and disaster recovery services?

Managed backups and disaster recovery services are two distinct services, which are complementary and can both be managed by an external third party service provider, or managed service provider (MSP).

Managed backup solutions can be on-premise or cloud-based and aim to help you ensure that your data is safe and secure. Most MSP provide cloud-based backup and storage, along with dedicating resources to ensure that additional backup copies are made, following the 3-2-1 data backup best practice rule.

Disaster recovery services rely on having a detailed plan for how to deal with a disaster like when an employee accidentally deletes files, if your hardware gets corrupted, or if you’re subject to a hack or malware attack.

Disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) is a solution provided by third party MSPs to help you detect disasters, and respond to them efficiently and effectively - while also providing a plan of how to manage disasters (and which may include training your staff).

Why is it better for businesses to outsource backup and recovery solutions?

While you can take care of all your own digital backups and disaster recovery planning and implementation, there are a range of benefits to having a dedicated and experienced managed service provider (MSP) take care of these solutions for you.

Below we explore 8 of the top reasons why every business needs backup and disaster recovery services . This includes the ability to lower your costs, to be better able to respond quickly and effectively to threats, to ensure legal compliance with regulations around data storage and security, and to maintain business continuity and your reputation.

If you’re looking for a reliable and professional MSP to assist you with your business backups and disaster recovery planning, NB Technology has a team of dedicated experts ready to assist you.

8 reasons you need managed backup and recovery services

Here are 8 top reasons that all businesses need managed backup and recovery services.

1. Lower your costs of backup and recovery

If you try to manage your own backup system in-house, that can take you a considerable amount of time and effort. In contrast, if you opt to use a professional MSP to manage your backups and recovery services on your behalf, you can save time and money and draw on their professional expertise.

Outsourcing these services also helps businesses remain lean and agile, as you don’t need to have as many in-house IT staff which can further help to reduce your business operating costs.

And by outsourcing these services to backup and recovery specialists, your in-house IT staff are also able to focus on other strategic IT issues that help accelerate your core business and boost efficiency and productivity.

2. Access expert knowledge about secure backups and disaster recovery

MSPs can be highly experienced and qualified to keep your data safe and secure. Their experience also helps make them experts on working with different systems which means they can provide advice on how to improve your overall IT systems and infrastructure too.

MSPs usually have a range of professional staff with highly trained experts which may have more experience and knowledge than your in-house staff who may be generalists.

3. Ensure you're compliant with regulations

There may be a host of different compliance regulations that you need to abide by to avoid legal penalties and fines. If you don’t have the expertise to know which laws to comply with and how to technically manage that, you’re leaving your business open to considerable risk.

It can be far more costly to deal with a data breach and consequent fines and penalties than to hire an MSP to ensure you maintain compliance. When it comes to certain industries like healthcare, compliance can be even more rigorous - for example complying with HIPAA regulations.

4. Respond faster to disasters

Time is of the essence when it comes to responding to any IT disaster. The longer it takes to identify the problem or breach, and to fix it, the more your data and business continuity may be at risk.

Data loss and breaches can significantly disrupt your ability to continue conducting business, can cause reputational damage, loss of customers, and result in heavy fines.

If you have a robust and well-planned disaster recovery strategy in place, you’ll be better prepared to resolve the problem effectively and efficiently.

Having an outsourced team who can assist you with disaster recovery, providing their skills and expertise can help support your internal IT team so that they can also focus on maintaining other key IT systems and processes.

5. Maintain your businesses’ reputation

If you aren’t backing up your data, and you aren’t equipped to deal with downtime, data loss and data threats, then your customers may start noticing and losing confidence in you. That can negatively impact your reputation and bottom line.

If you experience a significant data breach or loss, that reputational damage together with the legal costs could be crippling for your company. That’s why data backup and recovery solutions are an essential part of digital transformation and business continuity plans.

6. Provides you with peace of mind that disaster will be avoided or mitigated

Being able to minimize your business risks through a solid backup and recovery solution can help to give you the peace of mind that you need to focus on your core business strategy.

Managed backup and disaster recovery services can take a load off of company owners and managers, who can then spend their energy on working to grow the business and increase sales.

7. Free up time and resources to focus on your core business

Another key reason to invest in managed backup and disaster recovery services is that it can help you to free up time and resources of your staff, so you can focus on your core business.

Don’t underestimate the amount of time, energy and effort it takes to host your own server and data backups on-site. That’s in addition to the cost of having extra space to host the infrastructure, and the costs associated with energy bills related to keeping your servers and backup centers cool.

8. Set your expectations and enhance your business continuity

When you use the services of an MSP, you’ll sign a service level agreement (SLA) which will help to manage expectations around the service (and quality of service) they will provide. Most SLAs will detail the percentage of uptime that they can guarantee, and will also establish recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) related to disaster recovery.

SLAs can also detail how often maintenance and monitoring will be conducted and you can add on additional services like antivirus software and ongoing cybersecurity services.

How to choose a managed service provider?

It’s clear that there are numerous benefits to hiring a managed service provider, but it can be challenging to choose an MSP.

At NB Technology we assist companies with a range of managed IT services including disaster recovery and backup solutions, to help guard against threats associated with data loss and downtime. Our friendly team can help provide bespoke solutions to suit your needs and budget.

NB Technology, based in Belmont (North Carolina) assists businesses in monitoring threats 24/7 and implementing responses aimed at disaster recovery and data retrieval.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your backup and disaster recovery needs and any inquiries you may have.

Small Businesses Are Attacked By Hackers 3x More Than Larger Ones

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Have you felt more secure from cyberattacks because you have a smaller business? Maybe you thought that you couldn’t possibly have anything that a hacker could want? Didn’t think they even knew about your small business.

Well, a new report by cybersecurity firm Barracuda Networks debunks this myth. Their report analyzed millions of emails across thousands of organizations. It found that small companies have a lot to worry about when it comes to their IT security.

Barracuda Networks found something alarming. Employees at small companies saw 350% more social engineering attacks than those at larger ones. It defines a small company as one with less than 100 employees. This puts small businesses at a higher risk of falling victim to a cyberattack. We’ll explore why below.

Why Are Smaller Companies Targeted More?

There are many reasons why hackers see small businesses as low-hanging fruit. And why they are becoming larger targets of hackers out to score a quick illicit buck.

Small Companies Tend to Spend Less on Cybersecurity

When you’re running a small business, it’s often a juggling act of where to prioritize your cash. You may know cybersecurity is important, but it may not be at the top of your list. So, at the end of the month, cash runs out, and it’s moved to the “next month” wish list of expenditures.

Small business leaders often don’t spend as much as they should on their IT security. They may buy an antivirus program and think that’s enough to cover them. But with the expansion of technology to the cloud, that’s just one small layer. You need several more for adequate security.

Hackers know all this and see small businesses as an easier target. They can do much less work to get a payout than they would trying to hack into an enterprise corporation.

Every Business Has “Hack-Worthy” Resources

Every business, even a 1-person shop, has data that’s worth scoring for a hacker. Credit card numbers, SSNs, tax ID numbers, and email addresses are all valuable.

Cybercriminals can sell these on the Dark Web. From there, other criminals use them for identity theft.

Here are some of the data that hackers will go after:

Customer records
Employee records
Bank account information
Emails and passwords
Payment card details

Small Businesses Can Provide Entry Into Larger Ones

If a hacker can breach the network of a small business, they can often make a larger score. Many smaller companies provide services to larger companies. This can include digital marketing, website management, accounting, and more.

Vendors are often digitally connected to certain client systems. This type of relationship can enable a multi-company breach. While hackers don’t need that connection to hack you, it is a nice bonus. They can get two companies for the work of one.

Small Business Owners Are Often Unprepared for Ransomware

Ransomware has been one of the fastest-growing cyberattacks of the last decade. So far in 2022, over 71% of surveyed organizations experienced ransomware attacks.

The percentage of victims that pay the ransom to attackers has also been increasing.

Now, an average of 63% of companies pay the attacker money in hopes of getting a key to decrypt the ransomware.

Even if a hacker can’t get as much ransom from a small business as they can from a larger organization, it’s worth it. They often can breach more small companies than they can larger ones.

When companies pay the ransom, it feeds the beast and more cyber criminals join in. And those newer to ransomware attacks will often go after smaller, easier-to-breach companies.

Employees at Smaller Companies Usually Aren’t Trained in Cybersecurity

Another thing is not usually high on the list of priorities for a small business owner. We're talking about ongoing employee cybersecurity training. They may be doing all they can just to keep good staff. Plus, priorities are often sales and operations.

Training employees on how to spot phishing and password best practices often isn’t done. This leaves networks vulnerable to one of the biggest dangers, human error.

In most cyberattacks, the hacker needs help from a user. It’s like the vampire needing the unsuspecting victim to invite them inside. Phishing emails are the device used to get that unsuspecting cooperation.

Phishing causes over 80% of data breaches.

A phishing email sitting in an inbox can’t usually do anything. It needs the user to either open a file attachment or click a link that will take them to a malicious site. This then launches the attack.

Teaching employees how to spot these ploys can significantly increase your cybersecurity. Security awareness training is as important as having a strong firewall or antivirus.

Need Affordable IT Security Services for Your Small Business?

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your IT security needs and any inquiries you may have.

We offer affordable options for small companies in any area of North Carolina or further afield. This includes many ways to keep you protected from cyber threats.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop Boosts Remote Work Productivity

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:00:01 GMT

Cloud-based virtual desktop solutions like Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) are increasingly popular - in part because of their ability to enable scalable and secure remote working solutions for business.

Another key benefit for organizations using AVD is that it can also help to boost productivity, which can help save organizations time and money.

Virtual desktop solutions like AVD allow businesses to remain flexible, agile and to easily scale their teams, and also make managing remote teams more secure and simple.

Productivity boosts can help businesses to remain competitive, and agile as well as save on costs.

Below we take a deeper look at what Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is, how it works, and how it can benefit business productivity.

Essentially, productivity can be boosted with AVD through to its ability seamlessly integrate with other Microsoft 365 apps, by having an easy way to control access and set permissions for all users, through its advanced security features which protects against downtime, by helping to simplify and speed up the onboarding process, and by facilitating multitasking.

What is Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (and how does it work)?

Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop (which was previously known as Windows Virtual Desktop) is a cloud technology solution that provides users with a customizable desktop experience, no matter where they are based.

This cloud-based virtual PC can be deployed for all or any of your employees, customized in terms of apps and permissions, and you can remotely manage user profiles. It is highly scalable and can be quickly deployed with no need for additional infrastructure.

That allows users to work seamlessly from any device using an internet connection, to work remotely, and to access data and files while they’re traveling or on-the-go.

Businesses can choose to either use AVD as a single service, or use it with a number of other integrated services.

How can Microsoft Azure boost business productivity

Seamlessly integrates with other Microsoft apps

For businesses using Azure Virtual Desktop, the ease at which it can be used in combination with other Microsoft 365 apps helps to streamline communications and workflow, which enhances productivity.

And because it’s a cloud-based solution and can be accessed anywhere, employees don’t have to wait until they’re back in the office to continue their work - they can login from anywhere which enhances collaboration and productivity.

Admins can provide access to a range of apps at the click of a button

Setting up an Azure Virtual Desktop for any new employee is a quick and simple process, which saves a lot of time and enhances productivity significantly. Compared with on-premise systems that require each new user to have a personally configured desktop with new apps individually installed - setting up a new user with AVD can be done at the touch of a button and deployed virtually.

Administrators can allow access to customized apps that different users may need and can set permissions, as needed.

As users only need to be assigned the apps they need for work, their workspaces will be less cluttered with unnecessary apps which can also advance productivity.

Advanced security protects against downtime

Microsoft invests heavily in advanced security, which makes AVD a leading choice of virtual desktop service in terms of cybersecurity.

AVD allows users to store their data on Microsoft’s secure cloud servers, which can help enhance your overall security and protect your data from a breach, or from your hardware malfunctioning or being damaged.

AVD’s advanced security and cloud storage also helps businesses to avoid downtime, which also helps to ensure optimal productivity. And centralized control, together with conditional access gives businesses the tools to better protect their data.

Enables fast recovery after disasters or downtime

If your organization experiences any downtime, then you may be able to get up and operate again more quickly using a solution like AVD, which can help you recover more easily and stay productive.

Helps speed up the onboarding process

When businesses onboard new employees, it can take a significant amount of time, resources and capacity to get to the point where your new employee can start working productivity.

Being able to speed up the onboarding process and make it as simple as possible can therefore significantly boost productivity and save costs. It also bodes for making a great impression and retaining staff.

As AVD can be deployed rapidly, whether your staff are in-office or remote, it is a powerful onboarding tool.

AVD also allows administrators to quickly set up new user profiles, assign apps and permissions to them, and is supported by powerful Microsoft security features.

Snap layouts simplifying multitasking

Everyone has a different way of working, but many people like to multitask and have various apps and windows open at the same time. AVD allows users to group these, so that your screen appears more organized, which can further help to keep staff feeling organized and therefore productive.

These snap layouts are easy to use and help avoid the scenario of having multiple tabs open and having to scroll through them endlessly to find what you need.

Using AVD’s Snap Layouts is easy. By hovering your mouse over a window’s ‘maximize’ button, you can then select a layout and ‘snap’ that window into place.

How to get started using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Whether you’re interested to learn more about how Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop works, how it could be suited to your particular business, or you need help in setting it up for your new employees, our friendly and expert staff are here to help.

We are happy to discuss the many benefits of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop and help you to assess whether migrating to Azure Virtual Desktop would be suitable for your organization. As there are many issues to consider when moving to a virtual desktop solution, it’s important to get professional expertise before making the decision.

It’s also vital to have an IT strategy in place to help guide your decisions so that they are properly informed, which is something else we can assist you with.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your network and cloud services needs and any inquiries you may have.

7 Pro Tips for Microsoft 365

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Microsoft 365 is the most popular of all major office productivity software. It has 48.8% of the global market share, just edging out Google’s apps, by a couple of percentage points.

It’s used by individuals, small and mid-sized businesses, and larger enterprise organizations. It does everything a modern office needs. Including from word processing and spreadsheet work to cloud storage and video conferencing.

Because Microsoft 365 is such a vast platform, with over 20 apps in total, it can be easy to miss helpful features. People tend to stick with what’s familiar. But this often causes them to miss out on time and money-saving bonuses in M365, beyond the core apps.

Some of the many apps you get, depending on your subscription plan, include:

Excel
Word
PowerPoint
Outlook
To Do
OneDrive
Teams
Forms
Defender
SharePoint
Yammer
Lists
Access
Bookings
Intune
Planner
Visio
And more

Want to get more value from your subscription? We’ll go through some of the most helpful apps and features in Microsoft 365 that you may now know about.

Get More Out of M365 With These Tips

1. Skip the Menu Bar by Using Search to Find Functions

We’ve all been there at one time or another. You know there is a way to do something in an app, but you can’t find it in the menu. For example, trying to change your margins in Microsoft Word to give you more space on the page.

You can stop wasting time clicking through one tab after another, and instead, use the search box at the top. It’s not just for searching for help topics. You can use a search to quickly jump to settings like margins, page orientation, and many more.

2. Leverage the Free Stock Images, Icons & Videos

Most businesses need to have nice-looking images from time to time. They’re used on websites, brochures, and presentations. But finding good business images can be expensive.

You can’t just do a Google search to find them because they may be copyrighted. You need to have images that you can use commercially without any problems.

Inside the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint you have a treasure trove of images. These are free to use in your marketing. You also have videos, icons, and even 3D models, all there for the picking.

Find them by going to Insert > Pictures > Stock Images

Use the tab at the top to tab between the different media. Then, click to insert it directly into your document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

3. Save Time by Using Data Types in Excel

Researching things like the population of a city or the nutrition value of a new menu can take days. Did you know that inside Excel you have access to several databases?

You can leverage facts and figures stored inside Excel’s “data types." They include topics on everything from chemistry to yoga poses. Use data types to populate tons of data in seconds for various topics.

Start by adding your list (e.g., a list of menu items).
Highlight your list.
Then, click the Data tab.
In the Data Types window, choose the type of data it is (e.g., Food, Plant, etc.).
Next, click the small database icon that appears at the top of the list.
Choose the type of data you want.
The details will populate into the next open column on the right for each list item.

4. Save Time on Customer Surveys with Microsoft Forms

Microsoft Forms is one of the best-kept secrets of M365. This cloud-based survey and form builder makes it simple to send out surveys to people. You get the results back as soon as they click “submit” on the cloud-based form.

You can even download the results directly to Excel. Using them for graphing or uploading them into a software template.

5. Use PPT’s Presenter Coach to Improve Your Skills

Do you worry when it comes time to give a presentation to clients or your own team? Not everyone feels comfortable about public speaking, even if it’s virtual.

PowerPoint can help with a handy AI-powered feature called Presenter Coach. Turn this coach on when practicing your presentation. It will give you tips on your pacing, use of filler words (e.g., umm), repetitive language, and much more!

Look for the “Rehearse with Coach” option on the Slide Show menu.

6. Save Recurring Email Text in Outlook’s Quick Parts

Do you have certain emails you send to customers that have the same paragraphs of text in them? For example, it might be directions to your building or how to contact support.

Stop retyping the same info every time. Outlook has a feature called Quick Parts that saves and then inserts blocks of text into emails.

Create a Quick Part by highlighting the text to save in an email.
On the Insert menu, click Quick Parts.
Save Quick Part.

When ready to insert that text into another email, just use the same menu. Then click to insert the Quick Part.

7. Create a Keyboard Shortcut to Paste as Unformatted Text

Keyboard shortcuts are great for saving time. But there’s not always one there when you need it. One handy keyboard shortcut to add for MS Word is to paste as text only. This method removes any formatting that copied text might have had so your document isn’t messed up.

Here’s how to make a keyboard shortcut for this:

In Word, click File > Options.
Click Customize Ribbon.
At the bottom of the panel, next to Keyboard shortcuts, click Customize.
Scroll in the left pane to All Commands.
Look for “PasteTextOnly”.
Type your keyboard command, then click Assign.

Need Help Optimizing Microsoft 365?

Microsoft 365 has many security-enhancing, time-saving, and dollar-saving features.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your Microsoft 365 needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

8 Costs Implications of a Cybersecurity Breach

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT

There’s a worrying increase in the number and severity of cybersecurity breaches, which can have serious cost implications for any business. Whether the loss of data is due to intentional, malicious or accidental causes - a data breach can threaten business continuity, result in large penalties and fines, and may even result in loss of brand reputation.

One thing is for sure - the costs associated with cybersecurity breaches are far greater than the cost of preventing them. In fact, you could save millions of dollars (depending on the size of the company and type of breach) by implementing effective cybersecurity defenses and monitoring of threats.

According to a 2021 Cybersecurity Ventures report, the cost of cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion each year by 2025 .

Does your business have a cybersecurity strategy and do you have the most cybersecurity technology and systems in place to keep you protected? If not, NB Technology is specialized in helping businesses of all sizes to create robust cybersecurity solutions.

8 financial costs associated with a cybersecurity breach

There are a variety of different financial cost implications of any cybersecurity breach. Of course, the actual amounts will vary depending on the size of the breach, size of the organizations, the type of data that is lost or leaked and the industry you work in.

Below are 8 different types of costs associated with cybersecurity breaches that you may not be aware of. Once you start visualizing and contemplating all of these possible costs, it becomes increasingly clear that preventative action is worth the investment and far less expensive than most breaches.

1. Data loss

Many businesses are specifically targeted by cyber criminals because of the data they store. That data can be stolen, leaked, or held for ransom. And your data may be lost or erased permanently.

Some of your company data could contain intellectual property and company patents or secrets. Your data could also hold information about persons that identify individuals.

Losing these types of data can jeopardize your company’s long-term growth, and if deleted, could even lead to the termination of the business altogether. If you don’t take enough steps to protect certain types of data, you can also be legally liable which could bankrupt your business in legal fees and penalties.

2. Cost of business disruptions

If your data is lost, destroyed, or held ransom, your business may not be able to operate effectively or at all. Depending on how much time it takes to fix the breach and recover any lost data, there could be serious financial losses associated with the inability to conduct business.

Even the costs to repair and patch security breaches, equipment or infrastructure could be very costly and could take a significant amount of time which may further disrupt business as usual.

Depending on the precise nature of your business, there can be a myriad of connected business costs associated with decreased operational abilities. For example, if you sell products and are not able to deliver them - or if you provide a service but are no longer able to communicate with all your customers - you may be liable for late delivery or your lack of service provision.

3. Cost of responding and conducting data recovery

It can take a considerable amount of time, expertise and resources to pinpoint and respond to a data breach, and to then implement data recovery and restoration.

You might need to hire specialists and this can cost a lot of money. And if you aren’t able to figure out the source of the data breach effectively, you may be liable to have it happen repeatedly.

If your business doesn’t have a disaster response and recovery strategy in place, then it can take even longer and be even more complex to quickly respond to any breach - driving up costs further and extending downtime.

4. Loss of customers and reputational damage

If you experience a serious cybersecurity breach, your customers may get annoyed by your lack of service. And even worse, if their personal data is compromised, your business may also experience a lack of trust and loss of reputation. It may be difficult to recover from this type of damage.

5. Loss of cash due to ransom payments

Many cyberattacks come in the form of ransomware, where your data is held for ransom and cybercriminals demand huge amounts of money to give you back your data (which may or may not happen once you pay).

If your company decides to pay the ransom amount, it may cost significant amounts of money which is typically demanded in digital cash.

6. Cost of legal penalties and fines

Depending on the type of data that was involved in your breach, your industry and how quickly you were able to respond to the breach - your organization may be liable for significant legal penalties and fines. Not only that, but the cost of your attorney fees could be devastatingly large.

This is particularly relevant for organizations that store large amounts of personally identifiable data and in certain industries like the healthcare and financial sectors. And if it’s found that you breached compliance, then there could be other penalties like the revocation of licenses and the inability to trade.

To illustrate how massive these costs can be - consider that Uber was made to pay $148 million in fines in 2016 following a cyber breach. And if you are tempted to try and hide a breach without disclosing it - be aware that that can result in even larger fines. Equifax for example was ordered to pay $575 million after failing to inform its customers of a breach.

7. Increased insurance premiums

Given the rise in cyber threats and risks , many businesses are taking out cyber insurance in an attempt to mitigate their risks.

However, if your business experiences a cyber attack, then your insurance premiums may go up - which can also result in your monthly business operating costs increasing.

8. Loss of intellectual property

If a hack or cyber breach results in your businesses’ intellectual property being exposed or stolen. That could include patents, secret recipes, copyrights, or your business strategy.

If that information is made public, then the competitiveness of your business may be at risk and others may use your trade secrets to replicate your business offerings. That can result in a loss of customers, business partners and investors.

How to minimize the risk of a data breach and associated financial loss

It’s clear that the financial costs and implications of a data breach can far exceed the costs of taking action to minimize and avoid a cybersecurity attack or data breach.

These are some of the many actions your business can take to minimize the risk of a data breach:

Adopt a zero trust strategy across your business
Implement conditional access
Keep software updated
Create a cybersecurity policy and strategy , as well as a backup and disaster recovery plan
Train your staff regularly on how to avoid cyber security breaches, scams and attacks
Use multi-factor authentication
Secure all endpoints
Use data encryption
Have a password policy
Use reputable antivirus software
Active monitor for cyber threats
Ensure compliance with any relevant laws and re gulations

Want to enhance your cybersecurity defenses?

There’s no time to waste when it comes to protecting and securing your data. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to see how we can help you assess and enhance your cybersecurity defenses - and any other enquiries you may have.

At NB Technology, our team of cybersecurity experts are here to help you and can provide you with services to detect cyber threats and risks, maintain regulatory compliance, and arrange staff cybersecurity awareness training, amongst other things.

The Biggest Vulnerabilities that Hackers are Feasting on Right Now

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Software vulnerabilities are an unfortunate part of working with technology. A developer puts out a software release with millions of lines of code. Then, hackers look for loopholes that allow them to breach a system through that code.

The developer issues a patch to fix the vulnerability. But it’s not long before a new feature update causes more. It’s like a game of “whack-a-mole” to keep your systems secure.

Keeping up with new vulnerabilities is one of the top priorities of IT management firms.

It’s important to know which software and operating systems are being attacked.

Without ongoing patch and update management, company networks are vulnerable. And these attacks are completely avoidable. 82% of U.S. cyberattacks in Q1 of 2022 were due to exploiting patchable vulnerabilities. This is a global problem.

What new vulnerabilities are lurking in products from Microsoft, Google, Adobe, and others? We’ll go through several. These were recently noted in a warning by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Make Sure to Patch Any of These Vulnerabilities in Your Systems

Microsoft Vulnerabilities

Microsoft vulnerabilities include those in three of its products. Internet Explorer (IE) is one of them. Microsoft discontinued IE in June of 2022. You should remove this from any computers that still have it installed.

You’ll see the acronym “CVE” used in the vulnerability names. This is an industry-standard naming structure. It stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures.

Here is a rundown of these vulnerabilities and what a hacker can do:

CVE-2012-4969: This Internet Explorer vulnerability allows the remote execution of code. This is a “critical” vulnerability because of the damage it enables. Hackers can release this via a website. Thus, formerly safe sites can become phishing sites when hackers exploit this loophole.
CVE-2013-1331: This is a flaw in the code for Microsoft Office 2003 and Office 2011 for Mac. It enables hackers to launch remote attacks. It exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft’s buffer overflow function. This allows hackers to execute dangerous code remotely.
CVE-2012-0151: This issue impacts the Authenticode Signature Verification function of Windows. It allows user-assisted attackers to execute remote code on a system. “User-assisted” means that they need the user to assist in the attack. Such as by opening a malicious file attachment in a phishing email.

Google Vulnerabilities

Google Chrome and applications built using Google’s Chromium V8 Engine are also on the list. These applications are targets of the following vulnerabilities.

CVE-2016-1646 & CVE-2016-518: These both allow attackers to conduct denial of service attacks. They do this against websites through remote control. This means they can flood a site with so much traffic that it crashes.

Those aren’t the only two code flaws that allow hackers to crash sites this way. Two others, CVE-2018-17463 and CVE-2017-5070 both do the same thing. And like all these others, have patches already issued that users can install to fix these holes.

Adobe Vulnerabilities

People use Adobe Acrobat Reader widely to share documents. It makes it easy to share them across different platforms and operating systems. But it’s also a tool that’s on this list of popular vulnerabilities.

CVE-2009-4324: This is a flaw in Acrobat Reader that allows hackers to execute remote code via a PDF file. This is why you can’t trust that a PDF attachment is going to be safer than other file types. Remember this when receiving unfamiliar emails.

CVE-2010-1297: This memory corruption vulnerability. It allows remote execution and denial of service attacks through Adobe Flash Player. Like IE, the developer retired Flash Player. It no longer receives support or security updates. You should uninstall this from all PCs and websites.

Netgear Vulnerability

Netgear is a popular brand of wireless router. The company also sells other internet-connected devices. These are also vulnerable, due to the following flaws.

CVE-2017-6862: This flaw allows a hacker to execute code remotely. It also enables bypassing any needed password authentication. It's present in many different Netgear products.

Cisco Vulnerability

CVE-2019-15271: This is a vulnerability in the buffer overflow process of Cisco RV series routers. It gives a hacker “root” privileges. This means they can basically do anything with your device and execute any code they like.

Patch & Update Regularly!

These are a few of the security vulnerabilities listed on the CISA list. You can see all 36 that were added here .

How do you keep your network safe from these and other vulnerabilities? You should patch and update regularly. Work with a trusted IT professional to manage your device and software updates. This ensures you don’t have a breach waiting to happen lurking in your network.

Automate Your Cybersecurity Today

Patch and update management is just one way that we can automate your cybersecurity.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have for your Belmont, Gastonia or North Carolina business.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

7 Benefits of VoIP Telephone Systems

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT

If you’re deciding whether to switch to new communication tools for your business, you may be interested in finding out more about the many benefits of VoIP telephone systems .

Businesses that are looking for cost effective and reliable modern telecom systems are increasingly turning to VoIP phone systems. That’s because of the many benefits compared with traditional phone line systems or expensive PBX systems.

These benefits include reduced costs, portability and mobility, enhanced phone features, scalability, security and enhanced productivity.

Below we look at what VoIP phone systems are all about, and take a deeper look at 7 of the top advantages of having a VoIP business phone solution.

An introduction to VoIP phone systems

Many people question “what is a VoIP phone system and how does it work”?

VoIP phone systems are a modern alternative to traditional fixed line phone systems, which use internet protocol to send and receive digital data electronically. That means that if you want to use VoIP phones, you’ll need to ensure you have access to the internet.

These cloud based VoIP phone system s use your business internet to make calls, rather than traditional copper wire fixed lines. That means you don’t need any fixed lines or a big and costly installation process to get started with using VoIP. But you can use your existing PBX system and convert it to a VoIP system using SIP trunking, which means you may not have to spend anything on new hardware to make the switch.

7 benefits of VoIP phone systems

There are a large number of benefits and advantages to having a VoIP phone system for your office.

Below we’ve summarized 7 of the top benefits, which include reduced costs, the ability to have a mobile and remote workforce, a wide range of advanced VoIP phone features, the ability to scale your business quickly and easily while remaining lean and agile, enhanced security and the advantage of boosting productivity.

1. Lower calling rates and fewer monthly costs

Because VoIP phones use the internet to make calls, this lowers the cost of communicating - particularly over long distances.

Using a VoIP phone means you can call domestically and internationally or long-distance at a much lower call rate, as you’re only being charged for the internet connection fee. Some companies even offer unlimited calling for a monthly fee. This can help small businesses to save close to half their monthly phone costs.

And in addition to saving costs on monthly call rates when compared with traditional phone services, VoIP phone services also help businesses to save on the costs of hardware and support that is often required with traditional systems.

2. Enables a more mobile workforce

VoIP phone systems enable a mobile workforce, which is well suited to companies where staff are located remotely, or need to travel a lot. Traditionally, phones were location-dependent, but VoIP lets people use phones wherever they go. And what’s more, if you change business address, you can keep the same number - which takes the hassle out of having to transfer your number as was the case with traditional phone systems.

3. Enhanced features

One of the biggest advantages of VoIP phones is their ability to integrate with your other communication tools and systems, and the many features that are available which help to maximize efficiency and productivity.

For example, you can have your VoIP phone send you an email transcription of any voicemails you received, you can easily enable call forwarding options, you can use your VoIP phone from any mobile device (e.g. a mobile phone) and you can join in on video conference calls.

You can even create regional numbers to make it appear that your business has local offices in certain areas, and you could set up an automated answering service to redirect calls to the right department.

Having access to all these features helps businesses to boost their productivity which can have effects on the bottom line and customer satisfaction.

4. Scalability

The ability of any business to scale up or down as needed, helps organizations to remain agile and lean, only spending costs on the services they actually need and use.

By switching to a VoIP system, businesses are able to quickly and easily scale their operations as their business grows or shrinks. This helps with cash flow and budgeting and is a useful tool for small businesses to enable them to grow incrementally without a huge capital outlay upfront.

5. Enhanced security

Just as using the internet or any mobile device has risks from a cybersecurity perspective, so too do VoIP phones.

That’s why it’s important to use a reliable service provider that uses the latest security measures like multi-factor authentication, encryption and even advanced security measures like biometrics.

In addition, it’s a good idea to give your staff regular cybersecurity training which extends to VoIP phones too, and to ensure internal IT security monitoring - whether you do this using in-house IT staff or an outsourced managed IT service provider like NB Technology.

6. Boosts productivity

The difference between a traditional landline phone and a VoIP phone is like chalk and cheese. There are so many advanced features and integrations that make VoIP phones highly sought after by businesses wanting to optimize efficiency and productivity.

For example, VoIP phones allow you to conduct business video conference meetings, can integrate seamlessly with your CRM, and they can even recognize people’s voices so you know instantly who’s calling.

7. Improved sound quality

It can be highly distracting to have a conversation on a line that has bad sound quality, drops, or lags intermittently. If your phone is in an area that doesn’t have great coverage, you may not be able to communicate seamlessly.

But with VoIP phones, as long as your internet connection is good - you should have great quality calls. This can help your business to communicate more effectively and efficiently and to build a reputation of being a business with great communication standards.

How to decide if a VoIP phone system is suitable for your business

If you’re wondering whether to switch to a VoIP phone system, it’s good to start off by looking at the pros and cons of VoIP and then comparing them to a traditional phone system.

If you’ve decided on VoIP then your next step will involve finding a suitable VoIP service provider that offers the features and costs that you’re looking for. How to choose a VoIP phone system for your business can be a complex process. The vendor selection process can also be daunting, especially if you don’t have experience in this or the technological knowledge to compare different vendors properly.

That’s where having advice from a knowledgeable and experienced company like NB Technology can help you navigate finding the best provider for your needs. At NB Technology we can also help make the process of choosing and implementing a VoIP system much simpler - guiding you through the process and making sure it all works as it should.

We work with a range of VoIP providers and can manage the entire process including the installation and testing of the system.

What is Microsoft Defender for Individuals and What Does It Do?

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 13:00:02 GMT

When you hear about Microsoft adding security apps to M365, it’s often the business versions. But the pandemic has changed the way that we see the workplace. It’s now a hybrid world. One made up of several connected “mini-offices” located in employee homes.

The outsourcing market has also contributed to the change in company networks. Freelancers are often contracted to work the same hours as employees. This means fewer overheads and taxes to pay. Approximately 68% of large consumer products companies outsource a part of their workforce.

What we’re getting at is that the need for home devices and network security has never been greater. Company data is now at the mercy of employee devices, situated in homes across the globe.

55% of employees use their own devices and software to work from home.

Microsoft has been at the forefront of this huge shift in the work environment. Its latest release is another example of how it has positioned its products to address new needs.

The latest security offering by Microsoft is not for business plans. It's for Personal and Family users of Microsoft 365. The company announced Microsoft Defender for Individuals on June 16, 2022. This is a brand-new digital home security tool.

The Basics of Microsoft Defender for Individuals

Microsoft Defender is a new app that Microsoft 365 subscribers can download. Anyone with a Personal or Family plan can access it for no extra cost.

According to Microsoft, there was a main driver for offering Microsoft Defender. It was to protect the digital life of small businesses and families. Small companies will often use consumer Microsoft 365 plans. This is because they are less expensive than the business plans.

This app brings many digital protections together into one dashboard. These include the following.

Online Security Visibility

Most families have several devices connected to their network. This includes computers, tablets, and smartphones. It can be hard to know which are vulnerable before a hacked device infects the others.

Microsoft Defender gives you visibility into the security status of your devices. It does this in a single place. So, you could see if that new phone of Sally’s has antivirus enabled. You can also easily add or remove devices.

Device Safeguards

The app includes extra protections from online threats. These are in the form of help from antivirus and anti-phishing protection.

You can use it to continually scan devices for threats, both new and existing. You also gain control of scanning customization. For example, you can note certain apps as safe and tell Microsoft Defender what to scan.

Real-Time Alerts & Recommendations

Hackers use automation and AI to unleash their attacks and help them spread. This means that it’s often a race against the clock to stop a breach from getting worse.

To react fast, you need to know something is wrong. Microsoft Defender helps you by giving you real-time alerts. These also come with recommended actions. So, you not only know something is wrong, but you also know what to do about it.

What Else Should You Know?

Here are a few other important things you should know about using Microsoft Defender for Individuals.

Where Can You Download It?

You can download Microsoft Defender for Individuals from Microsoft here . You need to have a Microsoft 365 subscription to either the Personal or Family plan.

What Devices Can Use It?

You can use Defender to secure and monitor the following devices:

Windows: Windows 10 version 19041.0 and higher
Mac: Intel Macs from Catalina 10.15 and higher, and Apple silicon-based devices from 11.2.3 and up
iPhone: iOS 13.0 or later
Android: Android OS 6.0 or later

How Many Devices Can You Add?

Microsoft Defender allows you to watch the security of many of your home or work devices. The M365 plan you have will dictate how many.

If you have Microsoft 365 Personal plan, you can receive protection on up to 5 devices at the same time.
If you have Microsoft 365 Family plan, you can receive protection on up to 30 devices at the same time. (5 devices per person, 6 people total).

What Are the Key Differences Between the Personal & Family Plans?

Both plans can access the many different Office and other Microsoft applications. The main difference is how many people and devices can use the Microsoft 365 services:

Microsoft 365 Personal: $69.99 US/year, 1 person, 5 devices;
Microsoft 365 Family: $99.99 US/year, 6 people, 5 devices per person.

So, if you want to sign up even 2 people, you’re saving quite a bit with the Family plan. Even more, if you have six people total using the service.

What’s the Difference Between Microsoft Security on Windows & Microsoft Defender?

Most Windows users are already familiar with the Microsoft Security app. It comes pre-installed on Windows. Microsoft Defender differs from this app in several ways.

Microsoft Defender:

Is not pre-installed on Windows. You must download it.
It’s a cross-device application used on many different devices.
It includes features for online security.
It includes alerts and security tips.

Learn More About Defender & Microsoft 365 Today

Are you looking to get more from your Microsoft 365 subscription? We can help you and your North Carolina business!

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

5 Reasons Your Business Needs Cybersecurity Protection

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT

If you are planning to make sure your business survives and is able to keep operational, then it’s wise to invest in effective and advanced cybersecurity protection.

Cybersecurity threats are mounting. They are increasingly widespread around the world, and are not only targeting large corporations - but are actually increasingly targeting small businesses.

And while there are a range of technologies, tools and apps that can help to guard against cyber risks such as ongoing threat monitoring, encryption, antivirus software - having a cybersecurity strategy or plan to integrate your defenses is important.

Many small businesses are turning to expert cybersecurity firms for help in creating and implementing these strategies to reduce their risks of cyber intrusion, loss of data and data breaches. Hiring a specialized and professional IT service provider to take care of managing your cybersecurity can help small businesses that don't have in-house IT capacity or expertise to stay protected and focus on their core business.

Below we look at some of the main cyber threats and how businesses can enhance protection and minimize risks.

Why is cybersecurity essential for business: what are the key threats?

There are a number of threats posed by your cybersecurity defenses not being effectively maintained. From ransomware, email reply-chain phishing , social network phishing , scams, and malware - to insider threats and supply chain threats - there are multiple entry points for attackers to infiltrate your networks and systems and damage or destroy your data and IT infrastructure.

These are 5 main reasons that your business needs cybersecurity protection, given the variety of different cyber threats that exist nowadays.

5 reasons your business needs cybersecurity protection, based on threats

1. Cybercrime is increasing

There’s been a proliferation of cybercrime in recent years, with ever increasing technological advances and the growing use of technology. There are many worrying statistics which showcase the complexity and growing incidence of cyber crime around the world.

As cybercrime increases, the chances of being the subject of a cyberattack also increases - particularly if you’re leaving yourself open by not implementing any defenses.

2. Small businesses are increasingly being targeted by cybercrime

The fact that small businesses are being targeted too means that all companies are at risk. Sadly, small businesses often don't have the resources to withstand cyberattacks, and it's estimated that 60% of small businesses that experience a cyberattack will be out of business within 6 months .

Because small businesses are particularly vulnerable and are being targeted, it’s important that they improve their cybersecurity defenses. One of the most affordable and effective ways to do this is to hire a professional and vetted IT and cybersecurity services provider like NB Technology.

3. More technology is being used and more people are working remotely

With the rise in remote work and the average person having access to around 10 different devices (mobile phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs etc.), there are an increasing number of devices which can pose a security threat.

And, given that many of these devices are connected (i.e. internet of things (IoT) devices ), one device vulnerability can be a gateway to attack all devices.

4. An increase in ransomware and AI-enabled hacks

Ransomware is a form of malware that is also increasingly prevalent and can be one of the most dangerous forms of cyberattack. Some of the largest companies and even governments have had their cyber defenses breached by ransomware , which has cost millions of dollars in fines, legal fees and loss of business.

Another more ominous threat is the fact that these ransomware attacks (and other forms of cyber hacking) are getting more sophisticated thanks to advances in AI technology and machine learning .

5. Business costs associated with data loss and cyberattacks can be significantly large

The cost of a data breach can be insurmountable for businesses, depending on the nature and extent of the breach. These costs can be crippling for companies, and it’s often far more cost-effective to invest in cyber defenses than to deal with the administration and expenses related to a data breach.

A 2021 report by IBM estimated that the average cost of a data breach stood at a whopping US$4.24 million .

Unfortunately small businesses are also being targeted by cyber attackers. The insurance company Hiscox estimated in 2021, that 23% of small businesses have endured at least one cyber attack costing them on average 25K.

By 2025, it’s estimated that global cybercrime will cost companies $10.5 trillion each year cumulatively.

5 ways to improve your cybersecurity defenses today

These are 5 ways to improve your cyber defenses today:

1. Monitor for threats 24/7

One way to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks is to constantly monitor for threats, so that you can respond immediately if one is detected. Being able to respond to threats promptly can help to reduce the impacts.

2. Update software and use antivirus software

Keeping your software and apps updated helps to make sure that any vulnerabilities and security issues that were patched by recent updates, are installed on your machine. If you use certain cloud services such as a virtual desktop, your provider should take care of automatic updates for you.

It’s also important to use high-quality and reputable antivirus software to help ward off any breaches of your cyber defenses.

3. Implement a password policy and MFA

Having a business-wide password policy is a good idea, along with strict zero trust policies and the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) . That can be particularly helpful when staff are logging in remotely from a range of devices to guard against breaches or intrusions.

4. Backup and disaster recovery plan

Keeping your data safe, secure and backed up helps to make sure that you can keep operating even if you lose, accidently delete or have files stolen or held for ransom.

Having a disaster recovery plan can help to minimize the damages associated with a loss of data, and simulations can help you to implement your recovery strategy more effectively.

5. Cybersecurity awareness training

It’s imperative to train all staff on cyber security threats and what to watch out for. Training can create awareness about the latest scams and techniques hackers use, and what sorts of links and emails could be suspicious.

Training can be conducted by your MSP on a regular basis, so that cybersecurity remains front of mind. It also helps to rehearse what actions to take to report any suspicious activity or threats and how to react which can be critical in minimizing risks.

Business cybersecurity: how to get started implementing safeguards

There are many interrelated aspects to maintaining cybersecurity for your business. Unless you’re specialized in the field, it’s best to rely on a trained and experienced IT cybersecurity expert to guide you in the right direction.

At NB Technology, we have the skills and experience to assist you with all of your business cybersecurity needs. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Is Your Data Secure? 8 Best Practices for Vetting Cybersecurity Vendors

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT

An effective way to bolster your business’s data security is to work with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or I.T. Service Provider (ITSP) . They address network vulnerabilities to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting them.

Besides monitoring and organizing your servers, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) or I.T. Service Provider (ITSP) plays a pivotal role in the cybersecurity program of your business. They implement several strategies to shield your network from attacks and protect your data.

For instance, many providers use email authentication protocols to monitor your server’s vulnerabilities. They can keep users from accidentally accessing malicious websites by determining spam emails containing malware or viruses. This results in enhanced system security.

Another common practice is training your employees to ensure they follow the highest security standards. This is especially important if you have remote team members since there’s no way to keep track of their activities. To tackle this issue, an MSP or ITSP teaches your staff how to operate safely to avoid harm to your company’s infrastructure and reputation.

On top of that, an MSP or ITSP can neutralize various threats due to their proactive approach. They offer several tools such as firewalls and endpoint detection to control the traffic and stave off cyberattacks. Also, they can install antivirus software and email security to stop intrusion attempts.

Needless to say, an MSP or ITSP can shield you from a wide array of cybersecurity issues. But it’s vital to work with the right provider.

To ensure this happens, you should look for and abide by the best practices for an MSP or ITSP in the cybersecurity space. This article will examine what they are.

THE 8 BEST PRACTICES

PRACTICE #1 - ENFORCE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

Cybercriminals are becoming proficient at accessing your credentials, so it’s critical to enable MFA for all your users.

It consists of three elements: a password, security token, and biometric verification.

Consequently, if attackers breach one security layer, they’ll still have to do a lot of digging to access your information.

PRACTICE #2 - MAKE PATCHING A PRIORITY

Application and operating system exploits are common. Hackers target them to access your system and compromise your data, but you can prevent this through regular patching.

Making sure your system is up to date with the latest security standards decreases the risk of exploitation.

PRACTICE #3 - CONDUCT REGULAR CYBERSECURITY AUDITS

An MSP or ITSP must be aware of onboarding, offboarding, and lateral movements within an organization. This warrants frequent cybersecurity audits to assess the competency of your team.

Many MSPs or ITSPs hire third-party companies to perform their security audits. They can detect if a person who no longer needs access to the network still has it. It’s something that can endanger the client’s information, especially if the individual is a former employee.

Conducting regular audits mitigates this risk. It enables an MSP or ITSP to implement some of the most effective access privilege limitations:

IP restrictions – These security measures ensure that only users who can access your local network can utilize remote administration tools.
RMM software updates – Software vendors typically dispatch updates to fix vulnerabilities and patch numerous security gaps.
RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) Security – This Windows native administration tool reduces the chances of ransomware attacks in your organization.

PRACTICE #4 - HAVE AN OFF-SITE BACKUP

Backups are crucial for tackling malicious activities and ensuring operational continuity after cyberattacks.

They also help address whether the company and its clients can access the latest version of their data and applications. This feature is vital for enterprises that must adhere to compliance requirements, including PCI-DSS and HIPAA.

But besides implementing on-site backups, your MSP or ITSP should also set up off-site versions. If attackers compromise your RMM software, they can most likely reach on-site backups, too.

So, to avoid disasters, businesses should have an off-site backup accessible to only a few people. It should also be offline for greater security.

PRACTICE #5 - INCORPORATE LOG MONITORING

Log monitoring is analyzing your logs for potential glitches. As an MSP or ITSP scrutinizes your records, they can detect traffic from harmful sources and provide a clear idea of threat patterns. And over time, they can deploy countermeasures to seal these gaps.

For example, cybersecurity experts use reliable security information and event management (SIEM) tools. They facilitate scanning through piles of information to enable faster threat detection.

PRACTICE #6 - LAUNCH PHISHING CAMPAIGNS

Phishing cybercriminals target your team members with emails or text messages, posing as legitimate institutions to steal your data. Unfortunately, most attacks succeed because of human error, meaning your MSP or ITSP should be aware of and monitor employees’ behavior.

Setting up fake phishing campaigns is a great way to test your team’s ability to respond to phishing attacks. It allows you to pinpoint and improve inadequate responses, bolstering data security.

PRACTICE #7 - CHOOSE YOUR SOFTWARE CAREFULLY AND SECURE ENDPOINTS

From small browser plugins to large-scale business systems, be sure your providers take data protection and cybersecurity seriously. Learn about their commitment to these aspects before purchasing their application.

Furthermore, employ web filtering tools, antivirus software, and email authentication to fend off ransomware attacks through malicious emails. Ensure each endpoint and your virus definition library are secure and up to date with the latest standards.

PRACTICE #8 - SET ALERTS AND DOCUMENT EVERYTHING

An MSP or ITSP that configures their systems to receive alerts upon system changes can work proactively and tackle threats early on. Many platforms automate this process through rules templates, personalization, and direct tickets to the PSA. This eliminates manual digging, saving precious time.

Another useful strategy is to document your cybersecurity information, such as your defense mechanisms, emergency guidelines, and disaster recovery plans. You should also review it regularly to help pre-empt cyberattacks.

CYBERSECURITY IS PARAMOUNT

While digitalization has significantly streamlined your operations, it’s also made you more susceptible to data theft.

To ensure cybercriminals don’t get their hands on valuable information and ruin your reputation, your MSP or ITSP needs to adopt well-established security practices.

But if your provider hasn’t introduced off-site backups, regular patches, and employee training, you’re not getting your money’s worth. Hence, you may be frustrated since your provider isn’t delivering the necessary results.

This makes you a sitting duck for cybercriminals. You need to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

We can help you do so. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Virtual Workstations and Cloud Integrations Help Businesses to Thrive

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Virtual workstations and cloud integrations can help businesses to thrive and survive. By comparison with on-premise IT infrastructure, workstations and applications - cloud-based workstations that use cloud integrations are changing the way businesses are able to operate.

Using virtual workstations, businesses can access the latest technologies and by using cloud integrations they can ensure that all their different software, data, applications and systems can be used seamlessly together.

Cloud integration therefore helps businesses both streamline and optimize their communications, collaboration and business processes. And it helps enhance the functionality of IT systems, improves access to data, applications and systems and it allows users to liaise in real-time.

This flexibility and ability to easily scale your business needs is part of what is driving such high demand for cloud-based technologies. This rise in popularity and growing demand is set to increase: it’s estimated that the global market value of cloud technologies will be USD $1,240.9 billion by 2027 .

Virtual workstations can be configured to integrate with cloud platforms using on-premise workstations (cloud to on-site integration). Or you can use virtual workstations together with a range of different cloud applications that are able to be integrated together so you can work seamlessly across different software (cloud to cloud integration).

That means that your data no longer has to be in a variety of compartmentalized siloes - but rather it can all be accessible from one central location, allowing staff to collaborate, share, and store data in real-time.

Below we look at what cloud integration is, how cloud integrations help businesses to thrive and how they are transforming the future of work.

What is cloud integration?

Cloud integration technologies allow users to connect different cloud technologies together to exchange data in real-time and to streamline how businesses are able to operate.

For example, instead of having different applications for your accounting, customer relationship management and emails, you can integrate and connect all of these so that they work seamlessly together.

As many companies move to use cloud solutions, they find that there are legacy software applications that can’t be integrated well which can cause bottlenecks in business processes.

But as cloud integration services are innovating and expanding all the time, new platforms are gearing towards solving these integration challenges. Now companies can choose to have some on-premise applications that work together with their cloud-based applications and tools - or they can opt for fully cloud-based solutions and integrations.

Cloud integration and virtual workstations: How businesses can thrive

Through consolidating data from different cloud and on-premise systems to a single and unified data store, businesses can then access data in real time and from anywhere. That’s the benefit and aim of cloud data integration.

Now that so many businesses have virtual workstations, cloud integration is becoming increasingly necessary and widespread. Cloud integrations help businesses to be more efficient, productive and competitive, and provide a range of other benefits which we explore in more detail below.

1. Lowered costs

One of the most attractive benefits of virtual workstations is lowered costs. Companies no longer have to purchase powerful and expensive laptops and other hardware - they don’t even need to have on-site servers. This can save on upfront expenditure as well as space, and ongoing maintenance and management costs.

And by switching to paying on a monthly subscription basis, companies can also transition their budgets from having costly capital expenses to less expensive monthly subscription-based, non-capital expenses. This also helps businesses to remain agile and able to scale if and when needed - only paying for the resources that they actually need and use.

2. More flexibility and scalability

Virtual workstations that have the required integrations allow businesses to be more flexible, especially when compared with on-premise workstations. It makes it quick and easy for companies to purchase or test out new applications and software, without the need to physically configure and update software on individual machines.

This means that businesses can easily scale their operations when they need to, and this can happen very quickly which can also help to save costs.

3. Enhanced security

With cybersecurity concerns being among top business priorities nowadays to safeguard data and privacy rights, cloud-based workstations offer enhanced security for businesses. Cloud-based technology and service providers often use cutting-edge and advanced security features like biometrics, encryption and multi-factor authentication to ensure their systems stand up to mounting cyber threats and risks.

Cloud-based solution providers also have teams of highly skilled staff to deal with any threats and issues that may arise, working around the clock on maintenance and surveillance. These security features may also help businesses to remain compliant, while also freeing up their IT staff’s capacity to work on other matters.

4. Improved collaboration and communication

When businesses use on-premise workstations, it can be costly and challenging to configure proper data sharing solutions. But with virtual workstations, it’s far easier to enable data sharing which helps to improve collaboration and communication - with staff able to share documents and feedback in real time.

And because of the great number of integrations available, businesses can seamlessly use a variety of applications at the same time to share data. This assists with business efficiency and productivity and can help improve both internal and external communication and response times.

The ability to easily communicate via the cloud also helps to enable efficient remote and hybrid work, which seems to be increasing rapidly in popularity around the world.

5. Enhanced disaster recovery and business continuity

Quite often companies that use on-premise workstations end up using software and technologies that become outdated and they are left having to upgrade and transition to new systems which can be challenging and costly.

By comparison, companies that choose cloud-based technologies are able to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and that means the software will have support, updates and security enhancements so that they can keep using these applications safely.

This cloud-based technology also allows companies to store and backup their data on secure cloud-based servers, which are monitored and managed 24/7. This can save businesses significant costs associated with on-premise backups and security, and can help with disaster recovery readiness and business continuity.

Using cloud integrations, company data from across a wide range of applications can be stored and backed up from one central cloud-based location, making it easier to ensure and manage compliance and disaster recovery resilience.

Cloud integration: a disruptive business technology that is transforming the future of work

Cloud integration has changed the current status quo of the business environment, enabling users to be more flexible, adaptable, scalable and agile.

Cloud integrations also help businesses to have employees working anywhere in the world, as they are now able to access virtual workstations and cloud-based technologies from anywhere, using any device.

This new mobile workforce and agile business environment is a result of disruptive business technology in the form of cloud integration - expected to revolutionize the future of work for decades to come.

How to plan a move to the cloud for your business?

If you’re planning to move your business to the cloud, there are many options, many different providers and a host of factors to consider to ensure you make the choice that’s right for you. That includes thought into how your cloud-based tools, applications, data and software will integrate to optimize business communication and collaboration.

At NB Technology, our highly skilled and experienced staff can help you plan your move to cloud-based technology solutions and navigate the complexity of ensuring integrations and business efficiency.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your network and cloud services needs and any inquiries you may have.

How Kohler Uses Office 365 To Create a Culture of Agility

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 13:00:01 GMT

There are numerous suites of apps that can improve your productivity. One of them is Office 365, which features an array of under-appreciated tools.

Office 365 has helped millions of organizations streamline their operations. One of the most famous examples involves Kohler, the manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures and plumbing.

At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, they struggled to manage operations since most of their team had to work remotely. The company had to adjust its activities to stay true to its values.

That’s where Office 365 came into play.

It helped them deliver personalized training in a short period. Their employees gained access to curated podcasts, Q&A sessions, microlearning videos, and renowned experts. All of which helped them become more comfortable with their new suite of apps.

Over time, the platform also enabled them to overcome the limitations of cultures, languages, and time zones with different tools.

For instance, they used Teams for professionals who shared insights into worldwide markets. Likewise, SharePoint facilitated the movement of over 400 terabytes of directories, expediting customer communication and support. The enterprise also enhanced its security and device deployment, creating a seamless culture of agility and productivity.

It’s worth mentioning that Office 365 isn’t just suitable for large companies like Kohler. Any business leader can leverage this productivity suite to increase productivity. The reality is that many of these tools are underused and underappreciated.

This article will highlight some of the top Office 365 tools you should consider implementing in your business.

THE TOOLS

TOOL #1 - FLOW

Microsoft Flow enables you to automate your workflow across various applications. You can connect it to instant message and email alerts, synchronize files from different apps or copy them from one platform to another.

For example, if you fill out a SharePoint form, you can use Flow to develop a lead in Dynamics 365.

Best of all, the tool isn’t limited to Microsoft Services. It lets you extract data from Facebook or upload files to Dropbox. The result is higher productivity through improved connections.

TOOL #2 - TEAMS

Teams is a meeting, sharing, and chatting hub for your team. This cloud-based platform combines notes, files, conferences, and several apps in real-time.

The program has dramatically improved collaboration and productivity, bringing people, content, and conversations together into a single hub. It integrates effortlessly with Office 365 apps and features a secure global cloud.

Another tremendous benefit is real-time communication. It lets all members watch edits in PowerPoint presentations, ensuring input from the entire team. Users can also provide feedback using the chat window to streamline productivity.

In addition, Teams supports cross-platform cooperation, allowing you to work on your phone, tablet, or computer.

TOOL #3 – TO-DO

Microsoft To-Do is a smart task management platform that facilitates planning throughout your day. Not to mention it delivers a personalized and intuitive way to help users stay organized.

It comes with a robust algorithm that lets you create lists for nearly anything, such as your home projects, work, and grocery shopping.

Keeping track of reminders is effortless with To-Do. You can add reminders, notes, and due dates while personalizing them with vivid themes. Aside from viewing them on the web, these lists are also accessible on most devices, including Android phones, iPhones, and Windows 10 devices.

TOOL #4 – MYANALYTICS

Although teams spend much of their time in meetings, talking on the phone, and sending emails, they still may not be very productive. To overcome this obstacle, Office 365 introduced MyAnalytics.

This tool increases employee efficiency by analyzing two productivity factors: who users spend their time with and how they spend it.

Using robust analytics, the tool suggests how you can be more productive by working less after-hours and reducing idle meeting time. There’s also AI that flags your Outlook commitments to remind you of your daily duties.

MyAnalytics consists of four components:

Digests – Your Outlook inbox stores weekly digests to highlight the previous week.
Dashboard – The dashboard displays various statistics like productivity insights, work habits, and suggestions on improving them.
Insights Outlook – This feature presents cards that show your work experience and allow you to respond in many ways.
Inline Suggestions – These suggestions are available in your Outlook to help boost productivity.

Also, Microsoft considered your privacy when designing this tool. That’s why you’re the only one who can access your personal insights and data.

TOOL #5 – VIVA

Microsoft Viva is an employee experience platform that helps to improve learning, wellbeing, and collaboration in the workplace. The tool consists of four modules: Viva Topics, Viva Connections, Viva Insights, and Viva Learning.

Viva Topics gathers and organizes content and knowledge around any topic in a business using Microsoft Graph and AI.

Viva Connections works as a SharePoint app within Teams, allowing you to share curated news and articles with your employers.

Viva Insights provides insight into employees’ work patterns that can cause stress and burnout, such as meeting overload and regular after-hours work. The app enables managers to help their teams find a balance between wellbeing and productivity.

Viva Learning is a learning hub in Teams that makes it easy for you to share learning content and training resources across your business.

TOOL #6 – DELVE

This is a nifty visualization tool that incorporates social media elements and social learning. It utilizes content from four platforms: Exchange, SharePoint, Yammer, and OneDrive.

However, it doesn’t aggregate your data points only. Instead, it detects relevant information like user activity and past interactions.

TOOL #7 – SWAY

Sway is a presentation app that might someday replace PowerPoint. It boasts an integrated design engine to produce appealing presentations and reports.

Some of the features include dragging and dropping images, charts, videos, and canvas-based formats. The program can also produce newsletters and stories that can be viewed on various devices.

TOOL #8 – PLANNER

Microsoft Planner is an excellent choice for companies with team members all over the globe and multiple simultaneous projects. The tool can rapidly digitize your task management processes.

It gives users access to visual organization tools and four key functions: information hub, insights, communication, and flexible categorizations. Also, it enables team members to share files, create plans, assign and assemble tasks, and converse with co-workers while receiving progress updates.

REINVIGORATE YOUR BUSINESS’S WORK ENVIRONMENT

Taking your operations to new heights is all about creating an agile and productive workplace. And Office 365 can help you achieve this with a wide range of communication and collaboration tools.

Whether your team works remotely or in-office, this suite of apps can dramatically improve project management. And Kohler’s example is proof of this.

That said, a subpar IT provider can impede your integration with Office 365.

If you feel your vendor isn’t delivering the necessary results, contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss the perfect solution to your Gastonia or Charlotte business’s IT difficulties, and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Is a Virtual Server or a Physical Server Better for Your Business?

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 12:00:01 GMT

The choice between having a virtual server or a physical server can be complex and confusing.

Businesses need servers to secure and process their data and applications. Servers also help businesses ensure business continuity - especially in the case of needing to recover lost, stolen or damaged data. Servers also help deliver advanced cloud solutions which businesses rely on for optimal performance and efficiency.

Servers are crucial for business operations, but it’s important to choose whether a virtual or physical server is best for your needs. Part of managing your IT systems, includes making this decision. The decision will usually be based on what’s most cost effective, what delivers the best cybersecurity options, and what is required legally to remain compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

Below we explore the pros and cons of virtual servers vs physical servers and what to consider when deciding between these two options - based on the pros and cons of each.

Virtual Servers vs. Physical Servers: What’s the Difference?

Before deciding which type of server you want for your business, it’s good to have an overview of how each one is different.

There’s been a huge transition towards virtual servers recently, especially since the global pandemic as many workforces have moved to being remote or hybrid and companies wanted to mitigate their risks in terms of managing their own servers.

Physical servers are generally on-site (or collocated) and require active management and maintenance, which is the owner’s responsibility. Virtual servers are generally data centers that are managed by a host company, many of which are starting to be powered by renewables which can lower a company’s environmental impacts while also saving costs on capital outlay.

Below we explore the pros and cons of physical servers and virtual servers, which highlights more of the key differences.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Physical Servers

Here’s a quick summary of the main advantages and disadvantages of physical servers. Physical servers are machines that are usually owned by companies and located on your premises.

They are managed and maintained by your own IT staff or IT service providers, to make sure they operate effectively and efficiently and that they have the latest security advances to ward off any cyberattacks, as well as identify any breaches or irregular activity.

Advantages of Physical Servers

Your company can access your servers on-site at any time
You can store your server at your premises or have it located nearby
Your company’s IT team can manage, maintain and customize your servers exactly how you want to and you have full control over them at all times

Disadvantages of Physical Servers

You need quite a lot of space and controlled temperatures to store a server on-site
It can be expensive to buy and maintain a server or replace it if there’s a hardware failure
Your company will need to hire dedicated staff or outsource a dedicated IT service provider (MSP) to take care of your server maintenance and management
It’s not practical to instantly scale your server requirements as needed
Your insurance premiums and business continuity risks may be higher with an on-site server

Advantages and Disadvantages of Virtual Servers

Virtual servers are machines that are not physically located on-site, but they offer all the same functions as a physical server. Virtual servers are usually cloud-based and located at your hosts’ premises where they are responsible for managing and maintaining the server.

Advantages o f Virtual Servers

You don’t have to purchase a server upfront, but rather pay monthly to access it
You can save costs by not having to manage or maintain your own server
You’ll have access to virtual server and IT experts to help with configuring and maintaining the server and any applications you want to use
You won’t need as much IT staff capacity, as server management will be outsourced to the cloud host
You can reduce your carbon footprint, as many data centers are net zero or energy very energy efficient when shared with other companies; and you can reduce your environmental footprint (resource use) by not having to purchase physical server hardware
You won’t need as much office space, as you won't have to store a server on-site (this can also save costs, especially if you are renting a premises)

Disadvantages of Virtual Servers

Monthly costs for use of a virtual server can be high
Not all software may be compatible with the virtual server
You’ll need to sign a service level agreement (SLA) with the host and not all of them will allow you to scale up or down easily
You may not have complete control over your server

What solution is best for my business? A Virtual or physical server?

Now that you have a good idea of the pros and cons or different types of servers, you will want to make a decision about what option is best for your company.

There are various factors to consider when making this important and strategic business decision. Below we look at 7 key factors to consider when choosing a server.

1. Costs and budget

Virtual servers can save companies a significant amount of money each year on IT costs associated with purchasing hardware, managing and maintaining servers (and related IT staff costs), and on the facilities to house servers in.

Virtual servers also allow companies to easily scale their operations as needed and slowly, without the hassle of having to buy and sell existing and outdated servers.

When it comes to physical servers, newer models are increasingly energy efficient which can help cut costs, as energy consumption is one of the most expensive server related costs. For large servers, renewables can also be an effective solution to mitigate energy costs, although they require a large capital outlay.

2. Performance requirements

It’s important to consider exactly what your performance requirements are and to weigh up whether this is most important, when compared with costs or speed, for example.

Once you are certain about your performance requirements, you can find the best server options to suit our needs, whether virtual or not.

3. Disaster recovery and business continuity

It’s also important to think about whether you can protect your data better by hosting your own server on-site or through a cloud vendor. If you opt for a virtual server, find out whether the host has advanced strategies to deal with risks and disasters.

Oftentimes it can be less risky to use a cloud server, where the vendor offers robust protection against hardware failures, cybersecurity risks and other disasters to ensure optimal data security.

4. Cybersecurity

Consider if you have the in-house skills, knowledge and capacity to care for all your data security and cybersecurity needs. If not, it may be easier to opt for a cloud server solution, which may also be the most secure option (depending on the provider you choose).

5. Location of your server

You may also want to consider where you want to have your server located. If you opt for a physical server - will you house it on-site and do you have the space to do so? Do you also have the capacity and budget to keep the server rooms at a controlled temperature all year around?

And even if you’re thinking of a colocation solution, then these questions still apply. Bearing in mind that your requirements may change over time and you may need to upgrade your servers - would you have space at your current site for larger server storage?

6. Hybrid server options

You may even want to consider using an existing on-site server for all of your data that is subject to regulatory requirements, while you move more critical operational data to a virtual server. And many companies migrate over to virtual servers on an ad hoc basis, incrementally moving more and more data over time.

7. Legal compliance

Depending on the type of data you’re handling and storing, you may be required by law to follow certain regulations when it comes to storing data on servers. You’ll need to check whether the virtual server provider has a compliance certification and how they manage compliance before making this decision.

Final Thoughts on Virtual vs. Physical Servers

Taking time to consider the pros, cons and business implications for a virtual vs a physical server is an important task. But it can take time and can be rather complicated, especially if you’re not too tech savvy.

That’s why at NB Technology we offer our many years’ of expertise in IT management (which includes server management and network consulting services ) in helping you make an informed and strategically relevant decision. While this may involve opting for either a virtual or a physical server - nowadays it can also include a hybrid solution that involves choosing both.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your server and IT management needs and any inquiries you may have.

How Microsoft 365 Defender Can Shield Your Company From Phishing Scams

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Phishing can lose you a lot of money and expose sensitive information. Microsoft 365 Defender can dramatically mitigate this risk with several features.

Phishing attacks are a severe threat to your business. These fraudulent actions can cause your team members to accidentally share financial, customer, and account information with cybercriminals.

How does this happen?

The issue is that the attackers seem credible since they’re impersonating trusted sources and high-level executives. As a result, your team members may not even have second thoughts about distributing sensitive personnel or corporate data.

Despite the attempts to raise user awareness of this fraud, phishing emails are still widespread.

They’re the starting point of most hacking activities and can make organizations lose millions of dollars. In addition, the victim may face legal action, diminished reputation, reduced customer confidence, and business disruption.

That’s why protecting your business from phishing attacks is paramount.

Numerous safety mechanisms are available, but Microsoft 365 Defender might be your best option. It comes with various security layers to safeguard against successful phishing attempts.

This article will list the seven key features of Microsoft 365 Defender that can help protect your business from phishing.

THE SEVEN KEY FEATURES

FEATURE #1 - PHISHING EMAIL PROTECTION

The most dangerous type of phishing scam involves emails whose sender seems to be an actual entity. The attacker often uses cunning tactics, like referring to the victim by their name or nickname. Sometimes, they can even use real accounts and use them to trick businesses.

Using machine learning, Microsoft Defender 365 lists the contacts you regularly communicate with. Then, it uses advanced tools to differentiate suspicious from acceptable behavior. The result is more accurate detection of phishing emails.

FEATURE #2 - MALWARE DEFENSE

Different types of malware can spread through phishing emails.

For example, ransomware locks your files and systems until the attacker receives a ransom.

Spyware can be even more dangerous. It steals your information by copying clipboards, taking screenshots, or recording keystrokes.

Microsoft Defender 365 addresses such malware with robust safety mechanisms, namely:

Layered malware defense – The platform comes with multiple malware scan engines to help diagnose potential threats. They provide a robust heuristic inspection to shield your system even in the earliest stages of an outbreak. This type of protection is superior to using just one anti-malware program.
Real-time response – During outbreaks, the platform provides your team with instant access to devices, allowing you to investigate and contain threats in real-time. It also enables your team to collect data and proactively tackle malware.
Rapid definition deployment – The Microsoft 365 Defender team maintains a close relationship with anti-malware engine developers. Consequently, users of the platform receive malware definitions on time. Plus, the company checks for definition updates every hour to help protect you against the latest malware.
Common attachments filter – Some file types aren’t meant for emails, such as executable documents. With that in mind, the common attachment filter lets you automatically block them without any scanning. Some of the file types it can remove include .ace, .exe, .app, .ani, and .scr.

FEATURE #3 - SPAM BLOCK

Another common culprit for phishing campaigns is spam emails. Blocking them is an excellent way to shield your organization from attacks.

Defender boasts powerful anti-spam technology to address spam emails by examining the source of the message and the contents. If the email comes from untrustworthy sources or contains suspicious information, it automatically goes to your spam folder.

On top of that, this feature examines your team members’ activity to help make sure they don’t send spam emails to other users.

FEATURE #4 - SAFE LINKS

Phishing emails don’t only contain attachments. They can also include URLs to lead your team members to a fraudulent website.

These web pages often look legitimate, but they generally require the victim to provide some information. Furthermore, they can lead to websites that install or download malware on your computers.

Safe Links shield your system from malware transmissions using URL detonation. It scans email links and checks for suspicious behavior.

Microsoft Defender 365 warns you not to visit links that open malicious websites. Otherwise, you can open your destination URLs normally. It’ll also rescan the service sometime later and look for any security problems.

Another great thing about this feature is that it scans email links from all personnel within your organization. Moreover, it works great on documents uploaded to SharePoint and Microsoft Teams.

FEATURE #5 - SANDBOX ISOLATION

Some users, especially if they’re reckless, commonly open malicious email attachments without second thoughts. They can expose company data to prying eyes as a result, which can ruin your reputation and give your competitors the edge.

Defender can reduce this risk by opening all email attachments in a sandbox. It serves as isolation, meaning that malicious files can only affect the sandbox rather than your system.

Once the program isolates malware, it’ll warn you not to open it. But if the attachment is safe, you’ll be able to use it normally.

FEATURE #6 - ENHANCED FILTERING

Enhanced Filtering is perfect for enterprises that route emails to on-premises environments with third-party services before sending them to Microsoft 365.

The platform comes with inbound connectors that verify whether your email sources are trustworthy. The higher the complexity of the routing scenario, the higher the chances are that email connectors don’t reflect their real source.

What’s more, this feature preserves the authentication signals that may have disappeared while routing emails. It enhances the filtering capabilities of Microsoft 365, allowing it to detect phishing and spam emails more effectively.

FEATURE #7 - USER SUBMISSIONS

Microsoft Defender lets you set specific mailboxes where you can send any threatening emails.

This feature allows you to determine the criteria for safe and malicious email while identifying the mailboxes that will store these messages. Thus, your administrators have more control over flagging emails and reporting them to Microsoft.

MICROSOFT 365 DEFENDER IS A SURE-FIRE SOLUTION

Phishing attacks can spell disaster for your company. To neutralize the threat, integrate your office’s computers with Microsoft 365 Defender.

This platform can keep your system intact with dependable security measures. It can also detect malicious activity on time, enabling you to address it before it spreads and compromises your privacy.

Using Microsoft 365 Defender is just one part of your cybersecurity. Contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss other potential risks in your network, cybersecurity solutions and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

9 Benefits of Using Multi-Factor Authentication

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMT

There are a wide range of benefits of using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to boost your cybersecurity defences.

Given that the vast majority of cyber attacks start with an email , MFA is a highly effective and affordable data security solution. It can help you avoid the implications of an email phishing scam that gets you to click a malicious link that may infect your device with malware.

Because passwords may be easy to crack or steal, hackers can gain access to your systems and data if there’s not another layer of security enabled to stop them. That’s where MFA comes into play and is a critical tool to protect businesses and individuals from identity theft, ransomware attacks and other forms of cyber crime.

Below we look at what multi-factor authentication entails, how it differs from two-factor authentication, and at 9 business benefits of MFA.

What is multi-factor authentication?

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a digital tool used to authenticate users.

When you use MFA, you are required to present two or more pieces of evidence to authenticate yourself and your identity to enhance security and prevent cyberattackers from using your credentials or personal information to access your emails, accounts and other data.

This helps network managers to ensure that only verified users are accessing the network, making it harder for people to breach your systems.

Most of us have experienced MFA when using a bank ATM and having to use a PIN code to verify ourselves as the owner of the card. Or you may have done online shopping with a credit card and been required to enter a security code sent to your mobile before you can process your transaction.

A user-friendly MFA strategy aims to optimize both security and convenience for the user. MFA usually works by a user having to register with some personal details like a phone number and then login using a username and password whereupon their phone will be sent a security code to enter. Once you’ve entered that code, you are verified to use that system.

This simple yet effective strategy can help to block most hacking attempts, helping businesses to greatly improve their security.

What’s the difference between two-factor authentication and multi-factor authentication?

While multi-factor authentication requires a user to provide two or more authentication factors, two-factor authentication (2FA) only requires two factors. That means that if MFA uses more than two factors to authenticate a user, it’s able to be more secure than 2FA, with more layers of security to ward off hackers and cybercriminals.

The benefits of multi-factor authentication for your business

Below are 9 benefits of multi factor authentication for your business, which are convincing of the need to enable this extra layer of digital security to help keep your information and data protected and safe.

1. Helps businesses stay compliant

There are various industries and sectors that require strict adherence to data security and privacy laws, which includes restricting access to certain types of data and using MFA to protect access. MFA can therefore be used to help organisations remain compliant with legislation such as the HIPPA and GDPR.

2. Helps protect against the use of weak passwords

Many people get so tired of having to create and remember so many different login passwords for different accounts, that they end up using the same password for various logins. That puts the security of all your accounts at risk - if a hacker figures out one of your passwords they may be able to gain access to all your accounts where you used the same one.

By adding an additional security layer in the form of MFA, you can help to protect your accounts and data better, even if they have weak passwords.

3. Makes the login proce ss more simple

Thanks to MFA, signing into online accounts is now much easier and more simplified. Using a one-time password (OTP) you can now verify your identity and sign in via digital devices like a mobile phone. OTPs can also be sent to your mobile phone.

Having an OTP to login to accounts reduces the incidence of fraud, as they need to be filled in correctly within a limited amount of time and are random codes that can’t then easily be guessed.

4. Helps you set controlled access to data

MFA also helps you better control who can access your data. While passwords might be easily cracked, guessed or stolen, it’s not as easy to do the same with MFA - which helps you limit access to your data to those who you’ve granted permission to do so.

Restricting access in this way helps to protect confidential and private information, making it more secure and less at risk of a cyberattack.

5. Reduces fraud

If a hacker is able to easily access your network by cracking your weak password, then they may be able to access all of your private data too. That allows hackers to also impersonate you by stealing your identity to commit acts of fraud.

By using MFA it makes it very difficult for anyone to gain access to your systems and data, which in turn reduces the risk of fraud and identity theft.

6. Enhances customer trust

If your clients and customers know that you follow best practices when it comes to keeping their data safe and secure, they are more likely to hold you in higher esteem and to trust you.

This in turn helps you to distinguish yourself as an ethical brand leader, which can help to boost your businesses’ reputation. And it can help differentiate you from your competitors who may not take privacy and data security as seriously.

7. Enables stronger authentication requirements

The vast majority of hacks are done by stealing or cracking weak passwords, which makes MFA a necessary means to ensure and enable stronger authentication.

Using MFA helps to reduce the risk of having your passwords compromised and it helps to add an additional layer of protection to your cybersecurity.

8. Helps prevent email phishing

Email phishing is one of the most notorious vectors for hackers to gain access to your network or data and wreak havoc.

Even if a hacker was able to steal your password details, they would not likely be able to access your network if you have installed MFA, as they wouldn’t be able to complete this step in the verification process.

9. Helps to better protect your company data

Many small businesses are now being targeted by cyber criminals because they are often the most vulnerable if they haven’t installed robust cybersecurity defences like MFA.

A data breach can have devastating effects on any organisation, but particularly small businesses that may not have the resources to deal with a sophisticated breach or ransomware attack.

That's why MFA helps to better protect your company data and make it harder for cybercriminals to breach your security.

Need help setting up MFA for your business?

Are you interested in a powerful and cost-effective multi-factor authentication (MFA)?

Look no further. Not only is it easy to implement, but it adds an extra layer of security to keep your sensitive information safe. And the best part? With the help of a reputable and experienced IT service provider, you can easily navigate the implementation process to ensure the most effective MFA solution for your business. Don't wait, secure your business today with MFA.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your MFA and cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

The 8 Key Mistakes That Can Cripple Your Business Continuity Plan

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:00:03 GMT

The only way to continue your operations in case of setbacks is to enforce a well-thought-out business continuity plan. However, you’ll need to avoid several mistakes when developing your strategy.

Your operations may seem efficient and failproof, but the reality is that obstacles can happen at any time. Whether you’ve lost a major client or can’t achieve good team dynamics, it’s essential to keep going.

That’s where your business continuity plan (BCP) comes into play.

Your BCP outlines how your company will continue its operations during unplanned service disruptions. It’s more detailed than disaster recovery plans and features contingencies for processes, human resources, assets, and partners. It can also include checklists for equipment and supplies, data backups, and information on emergency responders.

The contents may vary, but a BCP can help you overcome various issues and re-establish productivity to meet critical needs. However, the only way to reap the benefits of your BCP is to avoid making mistakes in the development stage.

This article will outline the eight biggest mistakes you need to avoid when creating your business continuity plan.

THE EIGHT MISTAKES

MISTAKE #1 - DISREGARDING YOUR EMPLOYEES

Organizations who want to get back on track after an unexpected incident should focus on the needs of their employees when devising a BCP. Otherwise, they may be running serious safety risks.

So, plan for every situation that can affect your employees during disruptions. The list includes emergency communication protocols, evacuation routes, and many other key details. In doing so, you’ll ensure your team has all they need to weather the storm.

Moreover, discuss the plan with your staff and elicit their input in critical safety matters. You can also tell them you’ll be there for support if a crisis takes place. This gives them peace of mind, knowing their leader cares about them.

MISTAKE #2 - NOT CONSIDERING SMALL DETAILS

After creating a general BCP, many enterprises fail to think about specific details that ensure they can execute their plan. This is a huge mistake, as it can result in loss of data.

The minor points you should incorporate into your BCP include logistical considerations, such as technology and medical aid support.

For example, informing your medical providers about the plan is crucial because it enables them to make their arrangements on time. You should also tell your key personnel who to contact if they need medical assistance during accidents. Another great idea is to determine how your team can access data securely if they can’t make it to their office.

Taking the smallest details into account can protect your data and even save your staff’s lives. Therefore, don’t leave the development to chance – go through the BCP regularly to make sure it’s effective and up to date.

MISTAKE #3 - FAILURE TO SHOW YOUR STAFF HOW THE PLAN WORKS

While many leaders brood on downtime, they often fail to demonstrate to their team members how to execute the plan and minimize productivity decrease.

As previously indicated, your employees are integral to the efficacy of your BCP. And the only way to perform their roles correctly is to become well-versed in the plan.

To ensure this, explain how the staff should respond during crises. Tell them how to handle their clients if your systems go down. Don’t forget about the location and schedules that will be effective while the main office is off-limits.

The final part is to have your team practice these tasks so they can complete them more easily when disasters strike.

MISTAKE #4 - PRIORITISING OPERATIONAL CONTINUITY OVER TEAM SAFETY

When accidents occur, it’s understandable why business owners focus on assessing the effects on their business. Nevertheless, considering operational continuity only and neglecting your staff’s safety well-being can have dire consequences.

Your people are crucial to executing your BCP appropriately, so check on them first. Data plans that nobody can facilitate are useless, regardless of their effectiveness.

You have to make sure your staff is safe and reachable after a crisis. The crisis management task force should be able to contact them easily and see if they can help them.

This will help guarantee your team can bounce back after an accident and go back to work quickly.

MISTAKE #5 - HAVING IMPROPER TECH SOLUTIONS

Waiting for natural disasters to strike before establishing toll-free hotlines for your employees is a huge mistake. Likewise, failure to set up data backups might render your systems useless in case of data breaches.

If you have no proper technology to mitigate accidents, you could be exposing your business to higher risks, revenue loss, and prolonged downtime.

To avert this, consult technology specialists or your IT sector to verify your system has all features and components that can keep your networks intact. Such a system should allow you to streamline communications, minimize downtime, and secure your workloads.

MISTAKE #6 - ONLY ONE PERSON MANAGES THE PLAN

Developing a BCP all by yourself is possible, but it’s also more prone to error. A much better approach is to gather people across all your departments to account for all contingencies. Otherwise, you’ll restrict your team’s insight into all the processes and risks under your plan.

Forming a BCP management team that involves multiple functions and departments offers a company-wide perspective to your planning. This diversity can help resolve problems and streamline your strategy.

MISTAKE #7 - USING BROAD GENERALIZATIONS

Continuity plans with broad generalizations often lead to uncertainty and confusion. A BCP needs to be concise and, if possible, explain each detail in short steps. Such forms enable anyone to understand the directions and visualize their roles.

MISTAKE #8 - SKIPPING RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessments are a critical step that must take place before developing your BCP. As the name suggests, they can you help discover the potential risks in your area.

Depending on the size of your organization, location, and activities, your company faces different risks. For example, there’s no need to plan for disaster recovery after a hurricane if your region isn’t prone to them. It would only increase your costs and waste time.

DON’T LET YOUR OPERATIONS GRIND TO A HALT

A detailed BCP goes a long way in improving your response to disasters. Avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes will put you on the right track and help your staff cope with new conditions more easily.

If you need help in creating your BCP, contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss how we can help you and your North Carolina business, and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How To Choose a VoIP Phone System For Your Business

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 12:00:01 GMT

Choosing a VoIP phone system for your business can be challenging. With so many providers and so many different offers and features, it can be tricky to figure out what’s the best deal and what is right for your business.

Many small businesses are seeing the benefits of moving to VoIP phone systems , but are then confronted with a wide range of choices and offers. Not all providers will offer the same things, so our list of tips below aims to help guide you in the right direction when it comes to choosing.

Bear in mind that you’ll need to assess what your exact business communication needs are and what you want to achieve, to help find the best matching deals. At NB Technology we’re experts in IT services and management, and our friendly staff are here to help you through every step of the process.

Reasons to opt for a VoIP phone system

There are many reasons to choose a VoIP business phone system. This includes cost savings, scalability, reliability, enhanced security and a range of functions and integrations.

Tips on how to choose the best VoIP phone system for your business

There are many critical factors that you should consider when selecting a VoIP phone system and service provider for your business. Price is not the only consideration - you should also be looking at customer service and pricing structures as well as what can meet your specific needs.

It’s useful to start out by defining how many users you’re likely to have and what VoIP phone features your business needs (e.g. caller ID, call forwarding, a virtual assistant, call recording etc.). In many instances you’ll get basic features included in your plan and will be able to select optional extras for an additional fee. Also consider what software integrations you would like to have, such as your CRM.

Finally, consider from a cost perspective what your current phone expenses are, and what savings you hope to make (directly and indirectly - for example through savings on maintenance or through enabling your staff to work remotely).

Below are some specific factors to look out for when making this decision.

1. Rates

Cost is always an important business consideration when choosing a new service provider. But don’t be tempted to choose a VoIP provider on low rates alone.

Many VoIP providers will offer different packages, each with different rates. For example, a basic package may be $19.99 a month, but it may be limited to just a few users and may not include some of the advanced features you’re looking for. Sometimes you can choose a basic package and pay a small fee for individual extra features that you need.

It’s important to also check what the top tier packages are, what they offer and how much they cost so you can see what to expect if your company scales quickly. If a provider doesn’t offer any advanced packages and you’re planning to scale, then you may want to look elsewhere.

2. Customer support and customer service

Check to see if the service providers offer 24/7 phone assistance, live chats, or other levels of customer support.

It’s also worth checking the reputation of the VoIP providers on your short list. Look at what customers are saying, and what their ratings are like on business platforms. That can give you a sense of how good and reliable their customer service and support are, both of which will be vital to ensuring seamless business communications.

Sometimes there’s quite a bit of training that’s required to help your staff be able to use the new VoIP software effectively. Check whether the service providers you’re shortlisting offer any training services. Also check to see if they help with installation and maintenance.

3. Integrations

One of the primary advantages of using a VoIP system is the ability to integrate VoIP with a range of other software applications you may be using. However, not every VoIP provider will offer integrations with the software you have - so this is another factor to check before signing a contract.

For example, you may want to ensure integrations with Dropbox, Google Drive, or your custom CRM tool.

Integrations can ensure optimal productivity and can save a lot of time and money, so don’t be tempted to overlook their importance.

4. Security

Given the amount of data that’s transmitted daily over VoIP and handled through integrations, it’s imperative to stay up to date with the latest security features. It’s therefore important to do due diligence checks on vendors to assess which ones offer the best security services, and to figure out what they take responsibility for in terms of security.

See whether the providers offer encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and even biometrics to help minimize cybersecurity risks .

There’s also a lot of security measures that your in-house IT staff, or managed IT service providers like NB Technology, can implement on-premise to help ensure the security of your VoIP and other digital communications.

5. Advanced features

There are a range of features that make VoIP phones very attractive for personal and business use. Some systems will, for example, let you make calls using handsets and headsets, make calls through your mobile phone or from a laptop or PC, or allow you to join a video conference.

Other features include integrations with software that your company uses like a Google calendar, transcribing voicemails, and the option to send files and messages via VoIP phones.

Compare what features are included in the plan you’re looking at, and see what other vendors offer. Also be sure to identify which features you need, and which would just be nice to have (or which you may want to add in time once your business scales).

6. The fine print

It’s also a good idea to look at the fine print and see what you’d be agreeing to if you signed a contract for a VoIP package. What are the costs if you cancel the contract? What limits are imposed in terms of users and usage? Is the contract for a fixed term, or is it month-to-month? These are all important things to consider as they may affect your cash flow and budgeting.

NB Technology can help you find the best suited VoIP phone system for your business

VoIP systems and vendors vary in terms of pricing, customer service, advanced features they provide, the level of security they offer, and what integrations they can offer.

Choosing the right service provider will depend on your exact needs as a business, and will depend somewhat on the reputation and reviews of individual providers.

You’ll need to take time to compare and consider all options, before making a decision. Sometimes you can even test a provider for free for a few days, to get first hand experience using their products.

As you can see, there’s quite a lot of work and effort involved in selecting the right VoIP vendor for your business. At NB Technology, we help businesses like yours to find the right VoIP solution , so that you can carry on with what you do best. We work with a range of VoIP providers and can man age the entire process including the installation and testing of the system.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your VoIP phone needs and any inquiries you may have.

7 Apps That Can Help You Improve Customer Experience in 2023

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Paying attention to your customer experience directly impacts your bottom line. Companies that are “customer-centric” are 60% more profitable than those that aren’t. In this digital age, customers also expect more from those they do business with.

In today’s world, people can order something on their phones and see it on their doorstep the next day. Keeping up with expectations means leveraging the right technology.

As 2023 is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to improve your customer experience. Thanks to cloud technology, you don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. Just put in place some of the applications below. These apps focus on making leads and customers happy.

7 apps that can enhance customer satisfaction

1. Online Survey Application

Doing an annual customer satisfaction survey is a great way to check in with customers. Successful businesses take the feedback they get and use it to make their company better.

But doing these surveys through a Word document attached to an email is so last decade! Use an online survey application to make the process seamless for you and your customers.

Online survey tools are available widely online. If you have Microsoft 365, you’ll find one included. These allow people to fill out surveys on any device and not worry about sending them back in an attachment.

On the receiving end, there is no long process of collating data. Just open your form survey tool and see the results instantly.

2. Smart Chat Bot

Most businesses have a limit on how many hours a day they can pay staff to answer questions. Customer service hours are typically the same as business hours. And staff can get busy, which means answers may take longer to send back to an inquiry.

Putting a smart chatbot on your business website can improve customer satisfaction. It allows people to get an answer right away. They can also get that answer any time of day or night.

68% of consumers like chatbots because they give them fast answers to questions. While they can’t answer every single question, they can handle quite a few. For example, in healthcare and banking, chatbots can take 75-90% of questions.

3. Business Mobile App

People tend to live on their mobile phones these days. They carry them with them everywhere. Mobile apps are often the preferred method of connecting with data and businesses. More Google searches are now done via mobile devices than by desktops.

Think about creating a business mobile app. One that allows customers to connect with you to order products and services. You can use it for customer support, to initiate virtual calls and more.

4. Facebook Messenger Support

Facebook Messenger is the 2nd most popular iOS app of all time. This Facebook-connected application makes it easy to communicate with friends, family, and companies.

Many businesses now use Messenger to connect with leads and provide customer support. When you use an app that is so popular in this way, you make it easier for customers to reach you. The ability to get a quick answer through Messenger can boost a customer’s opinion of your company.

5. VoIP Phone System with Good Mobile App

When customers must juggle different numbers for your staff, it gets confusing. Should they call your sales rep at their desk line or mobile number? Using a VoIP phone system simplifies the entire process.

Employees can have a single number that they use when at their desks, at their home office, or anywhere. Make sure the VoIP service has a good mobile app. One that is easy for employees to use. This ensures they can easily handle customer calls using their smartphone. It also keeps them from reverting to using their personal number.

6. Text Notification Apps

SMS is becoming the new email for many companies. Retailers like Shoe Carnival and World Market have customers opt-in to text messaging. Customers like this for shipping notifications and to get sale and coupon alerts.

There are several services online that you can use for this purpose. Offering text updates can significantly improve your customers’ experience. Use them for appointment reminders, sale notices, or shipping alerts.

7. All-in-One CRM & Sales Platform

One thing that frustrates customers is a disconnect between sales and support. They may have had a conversation with a salesperson to customize an order. Then, find that customer service knows nothing about it.

To streamline the information flow, look for an all-in-one CRM/sales platform. These are cloud services that offer a CRM module and a sales module, and both connect. There is a single customer record, so all notes from the sales and customer support side are in the same place. Both teams can view all customer interactions.

This improves the customer experience and results in fewer dropped balls. Efficiency and productivity improve as well because everyone is on the same page.

Get Help with Customer-Facing Technology Support

It’s easy to get lost in a sea of different cloud applications. Let us help you navigate to a better customer experience.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligati on consultation to discuss meeting your customer expectation needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

6 Reasons Why Cloud Desktops are the Key to Increased Productivity

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Many people are asking if cloud desktops are the future of desktop computers. The verdict seems clear: yes they are!

As mobile workforces are increasingly working remotely, from home, or in hybrid work environments, it’s becoming increasingly important to equip employees with the tools to be able to work from anywhere, anytime.

Cloud desktops are similar to any normal desktop, except that they are accessible via the internet (or cloud) and can be accessed using any device - even a mobile phone.

That enables users to access cloud desktops from anywhere, at any time. And from a business owners’ perspective, cloud desktops can make managing your IT resources a whole lot simpler and safer. You no longer need in-house IT experts to update and install new software - it’s all taken care of by your cloud host.

Below we take a look at how cloud desktops actually work, why exactly they’re seen as the future of desktop computers, and at how NB Technology can help your business implement cloud desktops and cloud services (like cloud-based email ) for all your employees.

How do cloud desktops actually work?

A cloud desktop (sometimes also called a virtual desktop) is a cloud-based solution that allows a user to access a computer virtually, using an internet connection. Many different types of devices can be used to access the cloud desktop, like a tablet or laptop.

Your cloud desktop can be configured to give you access to a range of different software options, depending on your needs. All the work to configure, update and manage your cloud computer will typically be taken care of by your cloud host - which is a totally different way of working compared with traditional office IT systems.

That means, by using cloud desktop services, businesses can save money by utilizing their existing computers. This allows companies to easily scale their IT resources according to their needs, without the need to invest in additional computer hardware. Additionally, hosting, servers, backups, and software updates are all managed by the cloud desktop provider, further reducing the need for a significant investment in IT infrastructure.

And instead of purchasing IT hardware and software, with cloud computers you typically pay a monthly subscription fee for access to your cloud desktop and for additional cloud services.

Why cloud desktops are the future of desktop computers

There are numerous pros to using cloud desktops . Here are 6 of the top reasons why cloud computers are here to stay and why they are also the future of desktop computers.

1. Enhanced IT management and control

One of the primary benefits for companies that switch to using cloud technologies like virtual desktops, is that they gain centralized control over their IT resources. And what’s more, as your cloud provider will take care of maintenance, updates and software activations, that can help you reduce the need for in-house IT staff.

And because you can easily add or remove virtual desktop users, you don’t have to physically prepare any hardware for new employees. Some staff, particularly if they work remotely, may even access their cloud desktops using their own laptops or devices.

This can help companies to scale their IT infrastructure as needed, helping them to remain agile and to save costs on powerful and expensive hardware.

2. Enhanced IT security

Cloud computers can enhance IT security because they separate the hosting environment from the device used to access the cloud desktop. Many cloud desktop hosts have very advanced security measures and technologies and they take care of software configurations, updates and upgrades. This helps protect IT security and data and makes it more simplified to manage IT security by the infrastructure being centralized.

Given the prevalence and complexity of cybersecurity threats, many businesses are turning to cloud computers for their enhanced security features. Cloud desktops are also able to have their antivirus software updated by the host, which means that you don’t have to worry about your staff not having updated to the latest antivirus version and being a weak link in your cyber defenses.

3. Financial benefits and savings

The financial savings and benefits from investing in cloud desktops is another key driver of their rapid adoption in companies across the globe.

Not only can companies save costs on not having to purchase expensive, powerful IT hardware and software licenses, but companies can also save by switching from paying for capital expenditure on hardware to paying for a monthly subscription (i.e. an operational cost) which can have accounting, cash flow and tax benefits. Businesses can save up to 50% of their IT hardware costs by switching to virtual desktops.

And by allowing companies to be agile and to scale as their needs change, companies can also save by only paying for what they need.

4. Better processing speeds

If processing speeds are important to your company, then cloud computers tick all the boxes. They outperform many traditional non-cloud-based alternatives as they don’t need to spend so much of their processing power on tasks like storing data.

Additionally, software updates can be done automatically by your cloud host, which means that you won’t need to waste time having software manually installed at every workstation.

5. Simple to allocate cloud desktops to employees

A huge benefit, particularly for large organizations or ones that are keen to scale, is that you can easily allocate or add users as needed. This creates agility and allows companies to scale quickly. They can also be used with a wide range of digital devices like laptops, tablets and phones.

6. Effortless remote work and collaboration

With a cloud-based desktop solution, your employees have the flexibility to access their work securely from anywhere and at any time, allowing them to work remotely, while traveling, or even on vacation without any disruptions.

Additionally, cloud-based desktops enable real-time collaboration securely, enabling your team to work together on projects regardless of their location, resulting in faster project completion and improved communication and collaboration among team members.

How NB Technology can help your business switch to the future of desktop PCs

At NB Technology, we recognise that cloud desktops can be game-changing solutions for many businesses. There are so many benefits to using cloud desktops - from financial savings, security, agility, and the ability to rapidly scale when needed - cloud computers are definitely the future of desktop computers at the moment.

Choosing a cloud desktop, cloud provider and a range of linked cloud services can be a daunting task. At NB Technology we can help guide you along your digital transformation journey and help you to make the right decision based on your needs and requirements.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud desktop needs and any inquiries you may have.

5 Ways to Balance User Productivity with Solid Authentication Protocols

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 12:00:01 GMT

One constant struggle in offices is the balance between productivity and security. If you give users too much freedom in your network, risk increases. But add too many security gates, and productivity can dwindle.

It’s a fine balance between the two, but one you can achieve. Organizations need to recognize the importance of both. And not sacrifice one for another.

A recent report from Microsoft notes a dangerous lack of authentication security. Just 22% of Azure Active Directory users had multi-factor authentication (MFA) enabled. This means that over three-quarters were at a much higher risk of an account breach.

Why do organizations fail to adopt important security protocols, like MFA? We know that it's as much as 99.9% effective at stopping fraudulent sign-ins. Yet so many companies aren’t adopting it.

User inconvenience is the biggest reason. MFA is not expensive. In fact, it’s free to enable in nearly all cloud applications. But if users say that it’s hurting productivity and is a pain to use, companies may not bother with it.

But sacrificing security can hurt productivity worse. Downtime due to a data breach is expensive and can put smaller companies out of business. The main cause of data breaches is credential compromise. So, if you’re not protecting your authentication process, the risk of becoming a breach victim is high.

35% of data breaches initiate from breached login credentials.

There are ways to have both secure and productive users. It simply takes adopting some solutions that can help. These are tools that improve authentication security. But do it in a way that keeps user convenience in mind.

Solutions to Improve Security Without Sacrificing Convenience

Use Contextual Authentication Rules

Not every user needs to go through the same authentication process. If someone is working in your building, they have a certain trust factor. If someone is attempting to log in from outside the country, they do not have that same trust.

Contextual authentication is used with MFA to target users that need to reach a higher bar. You may choose to limit or block system access to someone attempting to log in from a certain region. Or you may need to add an additional challenge question for users logging in after work hours.

Companies don't need to inconvenience people working from normal locations during typical hours. But they can still verify those logging in under non-typical circumstances.

Some of the contextual factors you can use include:

Time of day
Location
The device used
Time of the last login
Type of resources accessed

Install a Single Sign-on (SSO) Solution

A report on U.S. employees found they use a lot of apps. Workers switch between an average of 13 apps 30 times per day. That’s a lot of inconvenience if they need to use an MFA action for each of those logins.

Single sign-on applications solve this problem. They merge the authentication process for several apps into just one login. Employees log in once and can go through MFA a single time.

Using multi-factor authentication isn’t nearly as inconvenient. Users gain access to everything at the same time. SSO solutions help organizations improve their security without all the pushback from users.

Recognize Devices

Another way to better secure network access is to recognize devices. This is typically done using an endpoint device manager. This automates some of the security behind user authentication. Thus, it doesn’t inconvenience the person.

First, register employee devices in the endpoint device manager. Once completed, you can then set up security rules. Such as blocking unknown devices automatically.

You can also put in place device scanning for malware and automated updates. Both these things increase security without sacrificing productivity.

Use Role-based Authentication

Your shipping clerk may not have access to sensitive customer information. But your accounting team does. One can have a lower barrier to authentication.

Using role-based authentication saves time when setting up new employee accounts.

Authentication and access happen based on the person’s role. Admins can program permissions and contextual authentication factors once. Then, the process automates as soon as an employee has their role set.

Consider Adding Biometrics

One of the most convenient forms of authentication is biometrics. This would be a fingerprint, retina, or facial scan. The user doesn’t need to type in anything. It also takes just a few seconds.

Biometric hardware can be costly, depending on the size of your organization. But you can introduce it over time. Perhaps using biometrics with your most sensitive roles first, then expanding.

Additionally, many apps are now incorporating things like facial scanning. Users can authenticate using a typical smartphone, making it much more affordable.

Need Help Improving Authentication Security?

Don’t give up important security because you’re afraid of user pushback.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consu ltation to discuss your authentication and cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

6 Benefits of Using a Fiber Internet Connection

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 12:00:01 GMT

If you’re struggling with slow, intermittent or unreliable internet connection, then it may be time to change your internet service provider or to move over to a fiber internet connection.

For businesses it’s important to maintain connectivity at all times, and to optimize efficiency and productivity through quick and effective communication. The Internet is at the heart of most business communications, so finding the right business internet solution is a critical aspect of business strategy.

Below we look at what fiber internet is, how it compares to traditional DSL and copper lines (cable internet) and at the main advantages of using fiber optic internet.

What is fiber internet?

Traditionally, people accessed broadband internet by using either DSL or copper lines. Over time, fiber internet was introduced as it was much more reliable, durable and faster than the former two options.

Fiber internet uses fiber optic cables, designed using tiny glass particles, which transmit digital signals along a cable.

As cable internet is susceptible to damage, can be more easily tapped or hacked, and is also frequently throttled when there are many people using the internet at the same time, many customers have moved over to fiber internet since the early 2000s.

There are different types of fiber optic internet cables: FTTH or FTTP, FTTC, and FTTN, each with their different characteristics.

6 benefits of using a fiber internet connection

If you’re considering fiber optic internet connection as a better option for your business than what you have currently, then you may want to consider the pros and cons below.

Overall, fiber optic internet is faster, more reliable, cheaper over the long term (as it requires less maintenance and is more durable) and it is suited to large offices and teams where multiple users connect simultaneously to the internet.

However, unfortunately fiber internet isn’t rolled out across the USA, and may not be available in your area. And, while it’s cheaper over the long run, your monthly subscription costs may be marginally more than broadband internet connections.

1. Faster speed

One of the primary business reasons for choosing a fiber internet connection is its lightning fast speeds. That applies to both uploading and downloading documents, videos and other data.

In today’s hyper-connected world, business communication needs to be almost instantaneous to be effective and to ensure optimal productivity for employees. By choosing fiber internet, businesses can maintain efficiency and remain competitive.

Fiber optic internet speeds are faster cable internet, DSL, 4G. 5G offers faster speeds than fiber optic cables, but there has been lots of resistance and hesitation about 5G and its health impacts which puts many people off that option.

2. More reliable

It can be disruptive if your internet connection keeps dropping or getting stuck every time there’s a video playing or large file being received. Many internet connections just don’t have the power to provide a seamless communication experience.

Fiber optic cable connections can deliver faster speeds, consistently, while also having multiple users. They also experience less interference compared with copper lines.

3. Connect multiple devices

Fiber optic cables allow multiple users to all connect to the internet. That means you can not only have your entire workforce connected, but you can also connect office IoT devices, printers, and multiple phones - all at the same time.

4. Enhanced security

It’s far easier to connect to a traditional copper internet cable line than to breach the security of a fiber optic cable. And you’re also able to easily see when one of your fiber optic cables has been compromised, so you can prevent a security or data breach.

5. Affordability

It’s actually more cost effective over the long term for businesses to invest in fiber optic cables, given that copper cables usually require quite a lot of expensive maintenance. As the bottom line (excuse the pun) is crucially important to most businesses, investing in a solution that costs less over time to maintain, is a key advantage of fiber optic cable over copper internet cable.

6. Avoids line throttling

With fiber optic cable, you don’t experience the same problems with bandwidth throttling as you would with copper lines. So when lots of people are using appliances or the internet all at the same time, throttling means that you all get less bandwidth so the system can cope.

But with fiber optic cables, you won’t have to experience any throttling as the lines don't often experience overloading.

NB Technology are experts in providing business internet services

At NB Technology, we specialize in providing businesses with internet services. Located in Belmont, North Carolina, we can assist you in finding the most cost-effective and suitable internet service provider in your area.

As an ISP broker, we can secure the best deals for you and handle the installation process for your chosen internet service, whether it be cable or fiber solutions.

Being a managed IT support and services company, we prioritize our clients' needs. We can help you plan and coordinate all aspects of your internet connection, including working with your in-house IT team and overseeing the installation on-site. We also test the installation for any issues and measure your bandwidth speeds to ensure you're getting what you paid for.

We are impartial to any specific service provider and have access to over 30 carriers, ensuring we can find the best fit for you every time. We use real-time updated proprietary pricing software and our experience in signing contracts to guide you through the selection process and address any customer service issues. Our firm has access to special pricing discounts due to the volume of traffic we put through our providers, and we are a top sales partner with many of our carriers.

We guarantee that you won't find a better deal by going directly to vendors or through another broker.

We also offer on-site installation support at no extra cost and manage every aspect of your internet and phone installation, including testing for issues and accurate bandwidth speed. Additionally, we provide Network Appliance management, Cybersecurity , Endpoint management, and Backup & Disaster Recovery management . Let us know if you require more information.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your business internet needs and any inquiries you may have.

Enhancing Office Productivity with Google Chrome (the 12 best extensions to improve your workflow)

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Working from your computer or smartphone is convenient, but it can also be distracting. To maintain productivity, you should install effective Google Chrome Extensions.

Google Chrome is arguably the most popular browser on the planet. It’s best known for allowing faster loading of websites, optimized performance, and an intuitive interface. As a result, it can help your team complete their daily duties much faster.

However, it raises the same concern as other browsers – ample room for distractions.

Your team members can easily switch to YouTube videos or social media, lowering their productivity. And it can often get out of hand, preventing your staff from meeting deadlines and reducing customer satisfaction.

That said, you can help your employees get back on track and maintain productivity. All you need to do is incorporate practical extensions into your browser.

This article will list the 12 best Google Chrome extensions that can help increase office productivity in your business.

THE 12 EXTENSIONS

EXTENSION #1 - BLOCKSITE

BlockSite can enable your team to stay focused by blocking harmful or distracting websites. This extension is perfect for team members who tend to drift away due to all the online activities that seek their attention.

Some of the web pages you can block access to with BlockSite include social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. But if you don’t wish to block them completely, you can limit access to them during breaks.

EXTENSION #2 - ADBLOCK

AdBlock is one of the most widely used extensions for Google Chrome. More than 10 million users rely on it to remove most ads by preventing them from showing up on their screens.

It can also help your team avoid malware-ridden ads, improving their experience in turn by increasing browsing speed.

EXTENSION #3 - LASTPASS

Remembering your passwords can be extremely challenging. Thankfully, LastPass can provide an efficient solution.

LastPass is an effective alternative to your browser’s built-in password manager, generating new passphrases whenever you log into a web page.

In addition, the extension can synchronize passwords across various devices, providing easy access to accounts, credit cards, and form filling.

EXTENSION #4 - EVERNOTE WEB CLIPPER

Although Chrome has a convenient bookmark feature, Evernote might be even more powerful. You can use Evernote Web Clipper to save your internet content for later viewing.

This extension enables you to easily save your web content and transfer it to your account. With just a few clicks, you can obtain images from any website, create summary links, save a distraction-free version of web pages, and make annotations.

EXTENSION #5 - POCKET

Another effective way to track your online content is through Pocket. This extension can also let you save articles, web pages, and videos for later use.

Whenever you come across interesting content, hit your Pocket extension and you’ll automatically save it on all your devices. You’ll then be able to access it whenever you want, even if you’re offline.

EXTENSION #6 - MOMENTUM

Momentum isn’t a standard extension. Rather, it’s a custom-made page to replace your default landing page.

It has a robust, personalized dashboard with a beautiful scenic background, inspirational quotes, weather reports, widgets to favorite sites, and to-do lists. Therefore, it doesn’t just help enhance productivity – it can also motivate your team members to keep grinding.

EXTENSION #7 – GOOGLE KEEP

Google Keep is a powerful extension that can allow your team to organize their data neatly. Its primary purpose is to help users create to-do lists and take notes. It also works great for saving pages, images and adding notes to them. Plus, it can make voice memos to simplify notetaking.

To further improve note organization, users can market them with colors and labels. This way, there’s no time wasted when looking for crucial notes.

EXTENSION #8 – CLOCKIFY TIME TRACKER

Monitoring workplace performance is critical, and Clockify Time Tracker is the ideal extension for this.

As the name suggests, it tracks time spent on specific activities. Your staff can later use the results to analyze their productivity levels and determine their weaknesses.

The extension lets users schedule break intervals, operate in pre-set work periods, detect idle time, set reminders, and integrate with more than 50 business apps.

EXTENSION #9 – STAYFOCUSED

If you want your team to stay away from distracting websites but don’t want to remove them altogether, StayFocused may be the answer.

This extension can help your employees avoid distractions by limiting the time they can spend on them.

What’s more, StayFocusd comes with a handy Nuclear Option. It sets the time during which your team can’t access certain websites. Once you activate this option, there’s no way to deactivate it until the time expires.

EXTENSION #10 – NOISLI

The main purpose of Noisli is to enhance your team’s productivity. It allows you to select the sound combination your staff finds most inspiring. This can include falling rain, storms, wood noises, wind, crickets, fire crackling, and coffee shop chatter.

Noisli can be particularly useful if your team works in open offices where background noises often cause distractions.

EXTENSION #11 – HYPERCONTEXT

Hypercontext is an extension that can help teams maintain high performance by combining engagement measures, quarterly priorities, and weekly meetings.

The platform enables you to create collaborative, one-on-one meetings, access conversations starters, and elicit feedback from each team member. You also get a feature that can help limit social media distractions and encourage your staff to prepare for their meeting.

EXTENSION #12 – TODOIST

Todoist is a straightforward yet helpful task manager. It can help users monitor their projects and tasks by delegating or organizing them from your browser.

This extension is a terrific option for tracking multiple deadlines. After all, it can set due dates and help you prioritize specific tasks accordingly.

TAKE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY TO NEW HEIGHTS WITH GOOGLE CHROME

Streamlining office productivity isn’t just about providing your team with cutting-edge computers and advanced software. It also has to do with installing appropriate extensions on your web browser.

We’ve given you many options for Google Chrome with this article. It’s now up to you to decide which ones work best for your North Carolina based company. Remember that by incorporating them into your business, your workforce should become more efficient.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss IT solutions that can boost employee productivity and any other inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Don't Let a Weak Network Slow Down Business Productivity

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 12:00:00 GMT

In today’s hyper-connected world, having a fast network is imperative. A weak network can slow down business productivity, affecting your bottom line.

Many organizations will go to extraordinary lengths to optimize their networks, as even a small amount of latency can be costly in certain industries.

Network speed is how fast data is transferred across the system. This is distinct from, but related to bandwidth , which is how much data can be transferred.

If your business is experiencing slow internet speeds, that can cumulatively result in a lot of lost productivity and can also seriously affect your businesses’ reputation and growth.

Below we look at what causes a slow network, how slow networks can affect business productivity, and at how network speed can be improved.

What causes slow networks?

There are a variety of factors that can influence and affect your network speed. Your in-house IT team or your dedicated IT services provider can help you to check your network speed and figure out what might be causing it’s sluggish behaviour.

Examples of things that can slow your network include your network being infected with a virus, having the wrong type of router, not positioning your internet routers and boosters correctly, and having users downloading or streaming data-heavy content that throttles your bandwidth.

Network infrastructure includes hardware and software like switches, bridges, gateways, repeaters and monitoring apps - all of which could be affecting your network speed.

In addition, you might just be experiencing slow internet speed because of your service provider or bandwidth plan you’re on not being correct for your usage.

How do slow networks slow business productivity

Slow network speeds and internet speeds can severely impact overall business productivity and can be very frustrating for anyone wanting to get work done effectively and efficiently. They can impede a businesses’ ability to communicate, collaborate, meet deadlines, perform daily admin tasks, and use cloud-communication tools like videoconferencing, VoIP phones and cloud desktops.

Not only can this be stressful for anyone in your office to deal with, but it can lead to loss of turnover, can affect your customer’s sense of trust and loyalty, and can even affect your ability to retain great staff.

It’s generally far more cost effective to fix your network speed, than to deal with the numerous negative impacts of not doing so.

1. Increase staff stress levels

If your staff are trying to do their work effectively, then slow or disrupted internet and network speeds can be stressful. When staff members are stressed, that can build up and result in mental health issues, which may result in staff needing to take time off work, or in an increase in sick days.

Time off work can result in less work being completed, and can affect the productivity of other members of a team.

2. Missing dea dlines

Slow network speeds can also affect deadlines for projects and deliverables, particularly where collaboration is required.

If your business reputation rests on providing work on time, then missing deadlines may not only affect productivity - but your bottom line and trustworthiness too.

And it’s not just client deadlines that will suffer if your network speed is slow - any internal matters will also be affected as your staff won’t be able to perform their jobs efficiently.

3. Effects staff morale and retention rates

Slow network speeds can also lower the morale of your team, especially if their complaints about it impacting their ability to work effectively are ignored.

Eventually your staff may get tired of not being able to do their jobs properly, and you may find that your company isn’t able to retain the staff that you’ve hired and invested in. High turnover rates can be costly for companies - and a much more affordable solution is to sort out poor network connections.

4. Inability to use cloud computers and apps

Nowadays most companies are moving to the cloud. Cloud technologies like virtual desktops, VoIP phones, or software-as-a-service apps rely on good internet speeds to transmit data digitally.

If your network is sluggish, then your staff may struggle to use the technologies they rely on for collaboration and communication. For example, if you want to use Microsoft Teams to have a video call with a colleague, you may not be able to connect if your internet speed drops.

5. Delivery of poor customer service

If your organization needs to deal with customer enquiries, then you’ll need to be able to respond quickly to provide efficient customer service. Slow internet can prevent you from being able to do this - especially if all your communication systems are digital.

Over time, if your business continues to deliver poor customer service, then this may tarnish your reputation and lead to a loss of business revenue and customers.

6. Video conferencing disruptions

Poor internet strength can affect the quality of video conferencing, which can be rather embarrassing if you’re hosting a meeting or showcasing a product or service to potential customers, clients, or partners.

Poor connections can also affect the efficiency of team meetings, if people are late joining and constantly dropping off the call or having the video glitch mid-way through their turn to talk.

Don’t underestimate the importance of having seamless communication abilities and how slow internet can affect the efficiency of meetings and therefore the productivity of your entire organisation.

7. Can result in reduced turnover

Weak networks can result in slow growth, which means you may struggle to meet your turnover goals. This is particularly pertinent for businesses that operate almost entirely online, like e-commerce businesses, media agencies, or digital consultancies.

If your network is slow, your online customers may not be able to successfully make a digital purchase, or they may opt for a competitor who has faster customer service.

How can my network speed be improved?

Luckily, slow network speeds don’t have to be a permanent feature in your organization. There are a variety of factors that affect network speed, and there are also many ways to improve it.

The first step is to check what your actual network and internet speeds are and then look at factors that may be affecting them. An IT service provider like NB Technology can quickly and easily run a speed test to determine your network speed.

Network speed is influenced by a range of factors including your hardware, software and applications. Connectivity between your network devices and infrastructure may be causing a bottleneck that delays data flows and results in a weak network.

It’s important to check your network planning and implementation for any outdated network hardware or software, and to ensure ongoing network maintenance if you want to optimize your network performance.

Here are other measures you can take to optimize your internet connection speed:

Make sure that your antivirus software is up-to-date and that you have reliable cybersecurity measures in place
Make sure that you have the right hardware for the job including the correct router and computers
Monitor your network consistently to see when and why your speed is fluctuating
Limit the amount of video calls, streaming services, and social media scrolling on your network
Locate your routers and wireless access points strategically around your office to provide maximum coverage
Implement any large software updates after work hours
Consult an MSP to consistently monitor and optimize your network speed for you
Make sure that no non-company devices are connected to your network

Are you ready to speed up your network?

If you feel like your network is sluggish and slow, then a good place to start is to have a speed test done and an MSP to do an on-site inspection to detect any possible activities that could be contributing to your slow network speed.

At NB Technology, we plan, design, implement, and help you manage your network environment for optimal performance and user experience. Our team of network engineers and experts have over 25 years of experience which you can leverage to assess your network system, pinpoint potential risks, and to get advice on how to speed up your entire network environment.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your network performance needs and any inquiries yo u may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Improve Your Workplace Productivity with Microsoft Word (11 tips to make the most of this program)

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Microsoft Word is an indispensable part of most business environments. It has numerous features that can help you boost productivity.

Microsoft Word is one of the most popular office programs in the world. It allows millions of people to complete their duties more efficiently.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced user, you can use the software to create many different documents. The list includes business letters, resumes, flyers, marketing newsletters, labels, plans, employee reports, and seminar documents. Best of all, you can print and share them within seconds.

It’s easy to see why most companies rely on Word. But the reality is, many people haven’t tapped into the full potential of this tool. It’s chock-full of features that can help you be more productive, yet not a lot of people know about them.

This article will provide 11 tips on making the most of Microsoft Word to enhance your workplace productivity.

THE 11 TIPS

TIP #1 - SWITCH TO AN ONLINE WORKSPACE

One of the best things about Microsoft Word is that you don’t have to install it on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. The office.com website allows you to sign in with your Microsoft account and use Word Online, the online version of this program.

This is especially useful for people with limited storage on their devices since Word can be hefty. It uses around 1.2GB of storage space for Mac and 2.10GB for Windows.

It provides the same functionality without taking up space on your device.

TIP #2 - COLLABORATE EFFICIENTLY

Word allows you to edit the same documents simultaneously. You only need to save your file to your OneDrive account, use the Share function, and send it to your colleagues. People who receive the link can then edit the file with Word Online or the desktop app.

TIP #3 - INTEGRATE WITH DICTATE

Businesspersons do a lot of writing throughout the day, including responding to emails and creating presentations. This can cause both physical and mental fatigue. Using speech-to-text can be much easier, and this is where Dictate comes into play.

This Microsoft Garage add-in for Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook converts what you dictate to writing with advanced speech recognition technology. As a result, your fingers can finally take a break from all that typing.

TIP #4 - ESTABLISH EDITORIAL CONTROL

The Track Changes feature in Word enables you to monitor all the edits in your document. You can find it in the Review tab, and clicking it allows you to see all changes other users made.

Best of all, you can also accept your employees’ suggestions so that you don’t have to do all the work.

TIP #5 - USE LINKED NOTES

Facing deadlines is no fun when you can’t find the motivation to compose your articles. The best way to get around this problem is to keep your thoughts in OneNote. This program allows you to compose quotes and thoughts to keep your articles spotless.

To further improve your experience with this program, be sure to use Linked Notes.

Linked Notes enable you to place OneNote to the side of your screen. You can create Word articles and take your notes in OneNote simultaneously. This way, you can stay organized and focused.

TIP #6 - RESEARCH WITH SMART LOOKUP

Word’s Smart Lookup feature lets you perform online research while working on documents. Consequently, there’s no need to type in your query in a different tab.

To do it, highlight a word or phrase, right-click it, and choose Smart Lookup from the following menu. Word will then perform a Bing search and display the results in the right section of your display.

TIP #7 - PROTECT YOUR VISION WITH CONVENIENT ZOOMING

One of the biggest obstacles to productive work is eye strain caused by sitting too close to your screen. To resolve this issue, use the zoom feature.

Look for the slider in the lower-right part of your document to find the ideal setting, or press the Windows and Plus keys on your keyboard. Use the setting that feels most comfortable to you, as it can help prevent eye fatigue.

TIP #8 - INCORPORATE ICONS

Your documents need to be readable. Since most people focus on your images and headings, you should give them some artistic value.

Word’s Icons will help you accomplish this. They are a simple way to draw the reader’s attention to crucial information without cluttering your document. With it, you can help improve the readability of your files, meaning readers - whether you or a teammate - won’t have to look for distinct words or phrases.

TIP #9 - FORMAT YOUR FILES

The Styles section comes with ready-made text formatting options to help customize your documents more easily. Furthermore, you can add your own styles or frequently used ones.

By saving your preferences, you can incorporate them anytime without manually formatting your documents.

TIP #10 - LOOK UP AND USE IMAGES FASTER

With Word, you don’t need to open a web browser to find the perfect photo for your files.

Just place your cursor in the section where you wish to insert an image, navigate to the Insert tab, and choose Online pictures. Select the suitable image to add to your file, and it can become more visually appealing instantly.

TIP #11 – EDIT YOUR PDFS

You might think that you need to download and install PDF editing software to edit your PDF files, but that’s not the case.

Word has a convenient PDF editing feature that lets you quickly change your documents. This can save you a lot of time and prevents you from installing potentially malicious apps.

But before you start, note that you’ll need to convert your PDF file to a format compatible with Word.

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR DUTIES WITH MICROSOFT WORD

Microsoft Word is a must-have if you want to improve communication and collaboration in your business. It allows you and your team to create documents easily to facilitate correspondence with crucial clients.

But while using Word, be sure to utilize the above features to speed up document creation. You’ll then be able to work more efficiently and switch to other tasks faster.

That said, there are more ways for you to increase productivity when using Microsoft Word. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your IT needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

7 Features of Microsoft Edge that make the App a Productivity Powerhouse

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:00:07 GMT

Many business owners shy away from Microsoft Edge, thinking it'll slow down their operations. However, the browser has been massively upgraded and can help boost productivity.

Microsoft has made great strides since the introduction of Internet Explorer. The company now offers Microsoft Edge, a refined version that arguably provides the best web experience for business users.

Unlike the old Internet Explorer, this browser now relies on Google's Chromium engine to provide faster loading, better compatibility, and enhanced support. Plus, Microsoft releases regular updates to tweak various features of the browser.

With Microsoft Edge, you can now surf the internet more privately, optimize performance, enable cross-device support, and enjoy many other neat functions.

Best of all, these features have been introduced conveniently. They don't clutter the interface and are easy to find. They’re also user-friendly, which means your team won’t have to rely on your IT service provider for help with simple tasks involving the browser.

Overall, Microsoft Edge has come a long way since its release and boasts several features you can use to boost productivity. This article will list the seven main ones.

THE FEATURES

FEATURE #1 WIRELESS SHARING

One of the most attractive features of Edge is Share. It allows you to transfer browser content to nearby devices without leaving the website you're viewing.

The Share feature is simple and clean. It works like social-sharing buttons but contains more customization options and controls.

Wi-Fi sharing might be the most practical option, but you can also choose between other services, such as OneNote and Mail.

FEATURE #2 MULTIPLE PROFILES

Microsoft Edge provides another convenient feature – setting up multiple profiles.

This well-designed function lets you share your browser with other team members without disclosing your preferences or information. Such a feature makes the browser a practical tool for separating your work and personal stuff.

To make this work, you won’t even have to ask your IT service provider to do the task.

When adding a new profile to Edge, you do it by simply linking to a different Microsoft account. This newly-linked account has a unique history, favorites, and other relevant settings compared to other profiles on the same browser.

There's also the option to switch between connected profiles automatically. To do that, the browser will prompt you to use the correct profile when launching a page.

Users save time and increase productivity as a result.

FEATURE #3 WEBSITE PINNING

Most browsers have the Pin feature to help users access their favourite websites quickly. They need only to launch the program to load the pages automatically.

However, this function can be problematic.

If you close the window with pinned sites before closing the remaining windows, the pinned sites are lost. This can be a massive problem for your workers, especially when working on a critical project. Their productivity suffers since they often need to re-pin sites.

Microsoft Edge solves this issue with the Pin to Taskbar option.

As the name suggests, it lets you pin sites to your computer's taskbar. Once you open the desired page, click this feature in the 'More' menu. So the next time you need to access the website, clicking the icon on the taskbar should do the trick.

FEATURE #4 PRIVACY CONTROL

Tracking Prevention is a Microsoft Edge feature that helps prevent social media, advertisers, and other trackers from tracking your online activity. It can protect your privacy and make your browsing less personalized, which is essential for any professional environment.

This feature consists of three privacy levels:

Basic – This level permits most trackers. Therefore, ads and content are personalized based on your team's activity, but known harmful trackers are blocked.
Balanced – The second level blocks trackers from unopened websites, leading to fewer ads and less personalisation. Like the first level, this one also blocks known trackers.
Strict – The final level promises the most privacy. There will be minimal personalisation, with some parts of websites disabled to fend off threatening trackers.

FEATURE #5 READING LIST

Your team often marks articles for later revisiting but end up cluttering their bookmarks. Fortunately, Microsoft Edge has a powerful feature to overcome this obstacle: The Reading List.

This feature allows you to save articles and synchronize the saved list with other devices. More importantly, it doesn't mess up the Favourites or Bookmarks tab, allowing your team to get back to them in no time.

If they come across an interesting webpage, they need only strike the Star symbol in the address bar, choose the Reading List and press Add.

There's also a convenient Reading Mode that helps remove any clutter to further improve workplace efficiency.

FEATURE #6 TAB PREVIEW

You and your team probably perform a lot of research daily. This means you often need to use a bunch of tabs, and the number can quickly get overwhelming. As a result, you get lost in all the clutter, hindering your progress.

Microsoft Edge lets you avoid this scenario through the Tab Preview feature. It shows a preview of any open tab through a panel located at the top of your screen.

Launched after the Creators Update, it can be activated by clicking the chevron icon. Once you locate your tab, tap on your chevron icon to make the panel disappear.

You'll hardly find a simpler yet more effective tool.

FEATURE #7 MUTE TABS

You may enjoy listening to music to improve your focus. But as you're invested in your work, a newly opened tab can start playing a high-pitched dialogue, breaking your concentration.

Luckily, you can get back on track by enabling the Mute Tabs feature on Microsoft Edge.

Just find and right-click the annoying tab to reveal the function. Activating it allows you to work without noisy distractions and maintain high productivity.

STICK TO MICROSOFT EDGE, AND YOU WON'T LOOK BACK

One of your primary duties as a business owner is to ensure productivity across the entire team. If your employees underperform, customer satisfaction may plummet, and the competition may grab your clients.

We've listed seven key Microsoft Edge features to help you boost productivity, but this browser has a lot more to offer.

And there's no need to think you'll face the same issue as Internet Explorer users. This program is a massive upgrade designed to streamline your experience and help your team conduct their duties more efficiently.

If you're looking for more tips to take your productivity to the next level, contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your Gastonia, Charlotte or North Carolina business IT needs - and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

6 Reasons to Start Using a Virtual Desktop

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 12:00:01 GMT

Have you been looking for reasons to start using a virtual desktop? Adopting new technologies can be daunting for organizations, especially if it means having to change systems you’ve been used to using for many years.

Many businesses have started using virtual desktops because of the multiple benefits they offer. That includes cost savings (and the ability to claim them as an operational expense), security enhancements, boosted productivity, the ability to easily scale your workforce as your needs change, and the flexibility they offer.

Virtual desktops work by letting you access all your apps and files from a cloud server, using any device. With the rapid transition to remote work, this is a game changer for many remote and hybrid businesses that use a bring your own device (BYOD) policy.

Below we look at 6 of the top reasons to use a virtual desktop. If you’re keen to find out more about how this solution could work for your business, then get in touch with our friendly staff.

What is a virtual desktop and how does it work?

If you’ve always used a traditional desktop or laptop computer, then you’re probably wondering what a virtual desktop is and how it works.

A virtual desktop is a type of computer service that enables you to access a remote cloud server using the internet where you’ll find all of your files and data. What’s particularly novel about a virtual desktop is that you can access it from any device, and from anywhere in the world.

In other words, it’s not a physical computer, but rather a virtual machine that you access using any device. Virtual desktops can be configured to have all the applications and software that you may need, and they allow you to easily share and collaborate on files with other users.

That means that you no longer have to buy computers with large processing power or high technical specifications, as all that you need is provided through the virtual desktop. And because all your files are stored virtually on the cloud server, your data can be better secured - especially if the service provider also takes care of your backups .

6 reasons to use a virtual desktop

Below are the top 6 reasons to start using a virtual desktop.

#1: To boost your business productivity

When your staff use virtual desktops they can access all their files, all the apps and software they need, and can share and collaborate on documents in real-time. They can also use any device to connect to their virtual desktops, from any location.

And because virtual desktops are cloud-based, they have less downtime. That’s because maintenance, updates, and patches can all be taken care of by your service provider, remotely - without the need for a call out.

This combination of factors helps to boost overall staff and business productivity.

#2 To enhance your IT security

IT security is at the forefront of business concerns these days, given the sheer number of cyber threats, phishing scams and ransomware attacks.

Virtual desktops, which are cloud-based, use remote servers and typically backup all your data and software. In addition, they usually employ encryption and multi-factor authentication to further enhance IT security. That can make them less vulnerable to being hacked or targeted by cybercriminals.

Virtual desktops are managed by providers who also ensure that all antivirus software and other applications are kept up-to-date and they also monitor for vulnerabilities, proactively minimizing the risk of a breach.

#3. To help you reduce your IT costs

An important reason why many companies choose to move over to using virtual desktops, is cost savings.

Businesses no longer need to invest in powerful and expensive computers for their staff to work on, and can also save on ongoing maintenance costs and call-outs to IT service providers because virtual desktops are managed as part of your subscription fee.

In addition, businesses can save on insurance as they may no longer need expensive hardware and software, and they can save on capital expenditure related to IT infrastructure.

When you pay for your Desktop-as-a-Service , you typically get charged a monthly subscription fee per user. That allows companies to claim those as monthly operational expenses, shifting IT costs away from being capital costs - which can also help with cash flow and reduce overall costs. Oftentimes businesses can save between 30 - 50 percent of their IT costs on computers, by switching to virtual desktops.

#4. To increase business agility, flexibility and scalability

Virtual desktops also allow users to login and access their data from anywhere in the world, which provides a lot of flexibility - especially compared with traditional desktops that require you to be in one particular place or office.

Virtual workstations also allow businesses to be more agile as they can easily scale the number of users they need, depending on changing staff numbers. During times like the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses that were agile and could quickly scale up or down, were able to more easily remain operational and minimize their costs. Virtual desktops can help companies save on the costs of expensive IT hardware and allow them to only pay for what they use, which makes them a scalable solution.

#5. More eco friendly

Being sustainable and eco friendly can have many benefits - from saving costs to enhancing brand reputation and retaining staff.

Businesses can boost their sustainability by switching to virtual desktops, because they use less energy than traditional desktops and can eliminate the need to have on-site servers. And if you choose to have your virtual workshop hosted on servers that are powered by renewables, that can help even more to boost your green credentials.

#6. Easy to manage and control

Another reason why many people choose to use virtual desktops is because they’re easier for people to use, as employees can login from home, on holiday or wherever in the world they are traveling. And you also have a lot of control over which applications your users can access, plus you can easily make changes or updates to all users at the click of a button This type of control is not possible with traditional desktops.

By making it easier to manage your business IT, your in-house IT staff can free up their time to focus on other more important matters. Or if you have an MSP, then you may be able to reduce costs by simplifying your IT needs.

Final thoughts on switching to virtual workstations

It’s clear that there are so many benefits to using a virtual workstation. From increased productivity, reduced IT-related costs, enhanced IT security and the ability to be more agile and flexible.

If your company is interested in using virtual desktops, then NB Technology as a managed service provider can help you overcome any challenges associated with making the switch. We can also advise you on the best cloud PCs to use such as Windows 365, including the pros, cons and costs.

And we can also help you manage the transition to using virtual workstations so that it doesn’t affect your productivity and business operations.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your virtual desktop needs and any inquiries you may have.

Data Privacy Trends That Could Impact Your Compliance

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:00:10 GMT

Data privacy has been a growing requirement ever since the internet age began. So much personal information is flying around through computer networks. Protecting it has become a mandate.

Most companies must follow HIPAA, GDPR, or another industry or locality-based privacy rule. By the end of 2024, 75% of the world’s population will have their personal data protected. It will fall under one or more privacy regulations.

You don’t need to be a large enterprise organization to have data privacy compliance at the top of your mind. It goes hand in hand with cybersecurity. Additionally, privacy requirements hit all sized companies.

Between July 2020 and July 2021, GDPR violations rose by 113.5% . The number of associated fines also jumped, by 124.92%. When it comes to HIPAA violations, each incident can carry a penalty between $100 to $25,000 .

It’s important to make data privacy a priority and factor it into all your data collection processes. When companies collect, send, or store personally identifiable information (PII) it needs protection. This means putting adequate safeguards in place.

To stay on top of your privacy compliance obligations, you should also keep up with trends in this area. Next up, we’ve documented the biggest data privacy trends happening in 2023 that you should be aware of.

What’s Happening in Data Privacy Compliance?

AI Governance

Approximately 40% of privacy compliance technology needs artificial intelligence (AI) to operate. AI has certainly made its way into many of the applications we use on a daily basis.

When you’re typing in MS Word and text just springs up as a suggestion, that’s AI predicting what you’ll type next. When working on a photograph in Photoshop, you can now click a button to give a frowning face a smile. This is also the work of AI.

So, it’s no surprise that AI is running many of the algorithms responsible for keeping data protected. But what happens when there is a problem with the AI?

This is the question that AI governance is working to address. This is a new trend in data privacy because AI has never been so prevalent throughout the data journey as it is now.

Whenever AI is used in the data protection area, organizations need to govern it properly. This helps ensure that automated processes aren’t accidentally exposing sensitive data.

Consumer Privacy UX

A trend that we’ve seen over the last several months is putting more privacy power into the consumer’s hands. Many privacy regulations require that apps and websites provide data transparency. They need to tell people what data they’re collecting, how they’re collecting it, and what they do with it. People also need an “out” to get their data back.

These needs have led to consumer privacy UX becoming a “thing.” You can think of this as a centralized privacy portal. A place people can access privacy-related settings in various apps. This gives better visibility into how their data is being used.

Increased Scrutiny of Remote Employee Monitoring

The pandemic has forever changed the global workforce. Many organizations are now running completely remote offices. Or may be using a mix of remote and in-office staff. The dramatic increase in people working from home has led to data collection changes.

Companies are ramping up their monitoring of those employees working off-site.

But this type of monitoring opens a can of worms when it comes to data privacy.

Organizations need to ensure that they aren’t encroaching on the rights of their staff. This is most pertinent when putting monitoring in place on employee devices.

For example, approximately 49% of remote employees use their personal computers for work. Companies often put endpoint device monitoring in place for security reasons.

They need to ensure they are not gathering or backing up any personal data. That would be data owned by the employee and not the company.

Data Localization

One of the concerns when the social app TikTok became popular relates to location. With the firm being a China-based company, people worried about the privacy of their data. The data was originally stored on servers governed by the Chinese government. A country with very different data privacy rules than the US and other countries.

Data localization is going to become more prevalent. Increasingly organizations look at where their cloud data is being stored. Where a server resides governs the privacy rules and regulations that it may fall under. Thus, companies and governments are now asking a question of cloud providers. This is, “Where is my data stored?” Many want their data to be as close to home as possible.

Privacy-Enhancing Computation (PEC)

Data privacy by design is a fairly new term. Using privacy-enhancing computation is a way that AI is helping cybersecurity. By using PEC as a built-in component of software and apps, developers provide value to clients. They address privacy concerns by making data protection more automated.

Look for PEC components in data analytics when shopping for business tools.

When Is the Last Time You Had a Compliance Check?

How are your data privacy protections? Are you risking a penalty due to lax controls? Give us a call! We can help with a compliance checkup.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your compliance checkup needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

What is a VoIP Phone and How Does It Work?

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 12:00:02 GMT

Have you always wondered ‘what is a VoIP phone and how does it work’? If so, we have a compreh ensive overview of VoIP phones and what makes them different from traditional phones.

Below you will also find out how a VoIP phone works, how to decide what type of VoIP phone and VoIP provider is best for your business, and we answer some FAQs about VoIP phones.

Essentially, a cloud based VoIP phone system is one that uses the internet to transmit data and phone calls. Instead of relying on traditional copper wire fixed lines for making calls, you can use your business internet to make calls.

There are many benefits to using a VoIP phone for businesses, such as cost savings, flexibility and workforce mobility, which is why so many businesses are making the switch.

VoIP phones: a quick summary

A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone is one that uses an internet connection to make and receive calls rather than a landline cable that’s made from copper wire. A VoIP phone transmits digital sound data via the internet. And because all they need to work is an internet connection, you can save on costs of overseas or long distance calls when you switch from a traditional phone system to a VoIP phone system.

VoIP phones have the advantage that they can be used via apps from any computer, smartphone or connected device - making them a highly mobile phone solution. That helps telecommuting and communication between staff who work remotely, enabling a mobile workforce.

How are VoIP phones different from traditional phones?

There are a few key differences between VoIP phones and traditional phones. For one, traditional phones use analog technology to transmit voice signals, whereas VoIP phones use digital technology to convert voice signals into data packets that are transmitted over the internet.

In addition, you don’t need to have PBX to make a user-to-user call with a VoIP phone, which is another key difference.

How does a VoIP phone actually work?

So how does a VoIP phone actually work? Using modern digital technology, a VoIP phone makes calls using an internet connection. You use a VoIP server to connect calls, which you arrange with a service provider - and you’ll also need to have internet and a router, which most offices would already have for business communication and emails.

VoIP phone calls are actually data calls, and you can store these digital conversations in the cloud. It’s also easy to manage your entire VoIP network from your desk, as you’ll see an overview of all phones on the network. This provides a great deal of control for managers and administrators. Here you can also set up many of the functions such as call forwarding or adding new contacts.

VoIP phone FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about VoIP phones.

Can I use my existing PBX phone system and convert it to a cloud based phone system?

Many businesses have invested significantly in PBX phone systems for their companies and are hesitant to make a new change over to VoIP phones. The good news if you’re considering this, is that you can use your existing phones and switch them over to cloud-based phones using SIP trunking, which allows you to access all the features and cost benefits of cloud-based phones without having to invest in new phone hardware.

What’s a VoIP phone provider?

VoIP phone providers are similar to cloud software providers in that they provide customer service and support for your VoIP system and they bill you monthly for your calling plan and any other hardware you may need from them.

Can VoIP phones send and receive text messages?

Yes, VoIP phones can send and receive text messages, just like mobile phones can. The only difference is the message is transmitted using an internet signal, so it will be sent or received if you have Internet.

You can send and receive messages by downloading a VoIP app on your laptop or mobile phone.

What are some popular VoIP phone features?

The wide range of features is one of the main benefits of having a VoIP phone. These features help to make your work life simpler and easier than when you had a fixed landline phone.

One of these popular VoIP phone features includes the ability to make unlimited calls without having to worry about what it will cost you - as you’re just using an internet connection to make the call.

The ability to send online faxes and messages is another popular feature, as is the ability to set up visual voicemail, call routing, call queues, voicemail to email, and an auto attendant to answer calls.

What type of VoIP phone is best for my business?

Once you’ve decided that a VoIP phone is a great solution for your business, you’ll want to start deciding which type of VoIP phone to get.

Remember that VoIP phones rely on an internet connection to work, so you’ll also need to make sure your business has fast and reliable internet.

As you may have gathered, some of the main reasons for businesses switching to using VoIP phones is the fact that they can save on costs and have more flexibility and workforce mobility. And many existing PBX phone systems can be re-configured to work using VoIP or a ‘cloud PBX’ system.

Here are some tips when deciding which VoIP phones and VoIP hardware to buy, and which VoIP service providers to choose:

Look out for brands which have good reputations for being reliable and trustworthy such as Poly, Cisco, Yealink and VTech.
Find out what the setup and monthly fees will be.
Find out how reliable the service provider is and how much uptime is guaranteed
Look at whether the VoIP provider has great customer service to help you when you need it.
Look at customer reviews to get a better sense of how products and providers work.
Consider how many lines you need. Some of your staff may need multiple lines, and others may not need any, or just one.
Consider whether your staff will use headsets and if you want those to have a USB or Bluetooth connection.
If you are wanting to use the popular Power over Ethernet (PoE), then consider whether your devices support that and have power adaptors for remote staff.
Security features should also be front of mind when choosing a VoIP phone. Consider whether the phone can get regular security updates or not. Many don’t, so it’s worth really looking around for ones that do, to get the most reliable phones.

How can we help you switch to a VoIP phone system?

There are many benefits for businesses in switching to using a VoIP phone system. That includes cost savings, flexibility, and workforce mobility.

But not all VoIP phones and VoIP providers are the same, and it takes considerable research to figure out which ones are best for you.

At NB Technology, we have many years of experience working with the best VoIP phone system technology and providers and can quickly provide you with all the relevant advice and guidance.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your VoIP phone needs and any inquiries you may have.

The Critical Importance of Virtualized Infrastructure Security (and 4 ways to enhance it)

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 12:00:06 GMT

A torn-down virtual infrastructure creates risks for any business. And it can have a significant impact on how quickly you can retrieve your data and resume operations following an attack.

These days, many businesses use virtualized infrastructure for more straightforward data storage. That’s because this approach is superior to physical solutions due to enhanced flexibility, straightforward provisioning, and affordable pricing.

However, this model also requires a comprehensive approach to security.

There’s a much greater risk of data loss, as many tools and practices for physical data protection are nearly useless in the virtual setting. Virtual threats are different, that’s why you need to think beyond traditional perimeter protection.

So, if you’re using a virtualized infrastructure for your Charlotte or Gastonia business' data storage, keep reading.

This article discusses the risks of improper virtualized infrastructure security and talks about ways you can improve it.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR VIRTUALIZED INFRASTRUCTURE TO CHANCE

Virtualization security is crucial for every business’s security strategy. After all, we now live in a world of virtualized environments and need to apply security to all its layers.

Let’s explore three of the most common virtualization security issues.

ISSUE #1. EXTERNAL ATTACKS

These are a real threat to virtualized infrastructure.

If hackers enter your host-level or server management software, they can easily access other crucial parts of your system. They can create a new user, assign admin rights, and then use that power to extract or destroy your company’s sensitive data.

ISSUE #2. FILE SHARING AND COPY-PASTING

Host and virtual machine (VM) sharing is normally disabled. The same goes for copy-pasting elements between the remote management console and the VM. You can tweak the default settings by tweaking the ESXi host system, but this action isn’t recommended.

Why?

Because if a hacker gains access to your management console, they’d be able to copy data outside your virtual environment or install malware into your virtual machine.

ISSUE #3. VIRUSES

Virtual machines, or VM, are prone to many attacks, with ransomware being among the most popular ones. For this reason, it’s crucial to keep regular backups of your website data and store them off-site at a place where they can’t be encrypted by hackers.

If you fail to perform backups, you may find yourself in a situation where hackers could ask you for money to decipher your data.

Restoring a VM is quite tricky even if you perform regular backups. Therefore, you need to educate your team members on alleviating the risk of getting ransomware and other viruses.

Optimizing Your Virtualized Infrastructure Security

Now that you’re aware of the 3 common issues a business can face if they have an unprotected virtual infrastructure, here are 4 tips on bolstering its security.

TIP #1. MANAGING VIRTUAL SPRAWL

Virtual sprawls are often associated with growing virtual environments. The concept simply means that the more you expand, the bigger the need to keep your VMs secure. However, the number of machines can outgrow your ability to do so.

To manage your virtual sprawl, consider doing the following:

Create an inventory of all your machines at all times
Set up lookouts featuring multi-location monitoring
Monitor IP addresses that have access to your VMs
Look for table locks
Don’t use database grant statements to give privileges to other users
Keep both on- and off-site backups
Assess your virtual environment regularly and determine which machines you need and which ones aren’t necessary
Have a central log of your systems and log all hardware actions
Create a patch maintenance schedule for all machines to keep them up to date

TIP #2. FOCUSING ON VIRTUAL CONFIGURATION SETUP

If you use virtual servers, you risk major configuration defects.

That’s why it’s essential to make sure initial setups are free from security risks. This includes unnecessary ports, useless services, and similar vulnerabilities. Otherwise, all your virtual machines will inherit the same problems.

The truth is that many businesses have poor virtual network configurations. You can avoid being one of those by ensuring all virtual applications that call the host (and vice versa) have proper segmentation. This includes databases and all web services.

It’s also worth mentioning that most virtualization platforms only offer three switch security settings: forged transmits, MAC address changes, and promiscuous mode. There’s no protection for virtual systems that connect to other network areas.

So, make sure to investigate each virtualization platform that allows this kind of communication, including all memory leaks, copy-paste functions, and device drivers. You can also tweak the system monitoring assets to look out for these pathways.

TIP #3. SECURING ALL PARTS OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE

It’s imperative that you properly secure all of your infrastructure’s parts. This includes its physical components (switches, hosts, physical storage, routers) and virtual and guest systems. Don’t forget about all your cloud systems as well.

When it comes to protecting different infrastructure parts, here are some things you can do:

Install the latest firmware for your hosts. Virtualized infrastructure needs to have the latest security patches. So, keep all your VMware tools updated.
Your active network elements such as routers, switches, and load balancers should use the latest firmware.
Patch all operating systems with automatic updates. Schedule patch installations outside of your work hours and include automatic reboots.
All virtualized environments should have reliable anti-malware and antivirus software installed (and regularly updated).

TIP #4. HAVING A ROBUST BACKUP PLAN

Proper disaster recovery (DR) and backup plans are crucial in ensuring your business can continue operating after an attack. It’s because both your physical and virtual components can equally suffer from damage done by hacker attacks, hurricanes, etc.

Ideally, you want to have a DR site located at a faraway data center or in the cloud. This way, you’ll alleviate the risk of being shut for a long time if your vital data gets compromised.

Also, make sure to back up your VMs and your physical servers. Fortunately, you can back up your physical systems that operate on Windows or Linux, as well as your VMs that run on any OS.

Additionally, you want to make at least three copies of your data and store two of them in different virtual places. And make sure to keep one backup off-site.

If you want to take things to another level, you can replicate your VMs to a different data center for emergencies.

PRIORITIZE THE SECURITY OF YOUR VIRTUAL INFRASTRUCTURE

If you never gave much importance to virtualized infrastructure security, doing so should be your priority now. Given the number of possible threats, protecting your VMs from unauthorized data sharing, viruses, and other types of attacks is crucial.

All aspects of your physical and virtual components need to be protected to avoid issues. If this topic is all Greek to you, you’re not alone. The reality is that many business owners have struggled with the same problem.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss how you can take the security of your virtualized infrastructure to the next level, and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

7 Business Benefits of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 12:00:01 GMT

Virtual desktops are increasingly becoming mainstream tools for business across the world, particularly given the rise in remote work and the need to guard against cybersecurity risks.

But many traditional virtual desktop infrastructure options are unaffordable for small businesses. Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop is a powerful cloud solution that has been designed to fill this gap - making access to virtual desktop infrastructure affordable for small businesses.

Azure Virtual Desktop not only enables a mobile workforce, but it also helps small businesses to save money and time, while enhancing productivity and providing secure access to data apps from anywhere on any device. This provides businesses with a competitive advantage and can help many small businesses to remain agile and able to scale.

An overview of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop), is a cloud-based service that provides a virtual machine in the form of virtual desktop infrastructure to users.

These virtual desktops operate using remote servers and can be quickly and easily deployed for all employees in a business. Azure Virtual Desktops are supported by a range of different operating systems including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS and others.

Azure Virtual Desktops allow employees to easily and securely access their files, data and applications for anywhere, using any device - which makes it a flexible and highly mobile solution.

This highly scalable and cost-saving application is increasingly popular globally. Compared with other remote desktop services, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is cost-effective to set up and deploy, which is part of what makes it such an attractive IT solution.

7 Business Benefits of using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Below we look at the top 7 benefits for businesses when using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. This includes data security, cost savings, flexibility, scalability, simplicity to deploy, accessibility and the fact that it helps to facilitate a more remote and mobile workforce.

1. Security benefits of using AVD

One of the primary reasons so many businesses opt for AVD is that it provides cutting-edge data security. Its built-in security features include Microsoft Defender, Azure Firewall, and Azure Security Center .

AVD also makes it safer to grant remote staff access to data and apps, by providing controls and permissions as well as secure access. That means your staff can use their own devices more safely, and your business data remains protected.

In an era when cybersecurity is becoming increasingly complex and risky, having the peace of mind that your data is protected through identity management, backups and robust security is a relief for many organisations.

Azure prides itself in having multiple compliance certifications including HIPAA - and on being powered by Microsoft, which invests heavily in IT security.

2. Reduced IT costs when using Azure Virtual Desktop

Cost efficient cyber solutions are critical to any business strategy. If your business already has licences for Windows or Microsoft 365, then you can access AVD and save on the costs of having to buy additional IT infrastructure. You can also manage all your virtual machines centrally, which helps to save costs on IT management and maintenance.

Compared with traditional computers which require a large capital expenditure, virtual desktops like AVD are paid for on a subscription basis. That means you can switch from paying for capital expenditure as done with traditional IT infrastructure to paying for an AVD subscription as a monthly operating cost in your budget. This can help to save costs and make it easier to start a small business, and scale that business.

Updates and upgrades are also quick and simple to manage, which reduce the amount of time, staff capacity (and money) that’s required for this - helping to further maximize cost savings.

And if you already have an eligible Microsoft 365 licence, then you can save on licence fees.

3. Flexible and secure remote work benefits of AVD

Azure Virtual Desktops allow staff to access their data and applications and collaborate on projects in real-time, from anywhere using any device. And various integrations make it simple and easy to remain efficient which can boost overall productivity.

This flexibility and workforce mobility means that staff can work from anywhere, and aren’t limited by the physical location of a computer.

Flexibility also extends to the software applications and controls you can put in place for different employees. Business owners can set permissions and restrictions at the click of a button, and also have the flexibility to offer different applications - as and when needed.

4. Scalability benefits of using Azure Virtual Desktops

Businesses that are able to scale easily, can remain agile and able to pivot, expand or contract when they need to. This can help businesses remain lean and able to budget more efficiently, and it can provide a competitive edge and help organizations to minimize their financial risks.

AVD helps businesses to remain agile and scale when they need to, because it can be configured at the touch of a button. That means you can add or remove users, add or remove permissions, and add or remove access to different apps - from select or all users.

This helps businesses to manage their IT resources more efficiently. And it means that businesses can avoid having to spend money on costly infrastructure capital expenditures - instead only paying for services that they actually use.

5. Simple to set up, deploy and manage

AVD is a cloud solution which makes it much simpler and easier to manage your business IT needs. Your centralized Azure Portal allows business owners to deploy and manage AVDs for all users in your business, and to assign permissions and apps - as well as to monitor its use.

6. Accessibility benefits of AVD

AVD offers users the flexibility to access AVD using a range of operating systems. That includes Windows, iOS, Android and macOS. That means that for companies with a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, that many employees’ devices will be compatible to use - helping to enable remote work.

7. Remote work benefits of having AVD

In today’s mobile and remote work environments, having an IT solution that enables your staff to work securely from anywhere, can help you to remain competitive. As AVD can be used and accessed from anywhere, on any device, this flexible and mobile solution is perfect for enabling remote work.

Companies can manage remote staff anywhere in the world using AVD, and can ensure that they have secure access and that the companies are able to comply with data security regulations and rules.

How NB Technology can help your business migrate to AVD

There are a wide range of benefits of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. Do you need assistance assessing whether migrating to Azure Virtual Desktop is the right move for your business?

There are a host of factors to consider before you switch to a virtual desktop solution, and having a comprehensive IT strategy in place for your business is critical.

At NB Technology, our friendly team of experts can provide advice and can manage your migration and Azure environment.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your network and cloud services needs and any inquiries you may have.

7 Most Exciting App Announcements at Microsoft Ignite

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT

If you follow Microsoft products, then you may know about Microsoft Ignite . Held annually, it generates many exciting updates and announcements in the Microsoft world.

Microsoft held its most recent conference last October. In the rush of the recent holidays, you may have missed some of the highlights. So, we’re bringing them to you now.

One thing you’ll notice is that Microsoft Teams got a lot of love at the event. Microsoft is now describing Teams as “the app at the center of Microsoft 365.” We can see why the company keeps enhancing this virtual workspace. Teams now has over 280 million users. It’s not surprising seeing that Microsoft has introduced over 450 new Teams features. And that's just in the last year.

We’ll go over some Teams features below, along with other Microsoft App announcements from Ignite. These may give you some ideas for your next digital workflow upgrade.

Teams Premium

There is a new Teams Premium offering from Microsoft that adds a whole new AI component to the platform. This service includes several AI-powered features. They make it seem like you have your own meeting assistant.

Some of the cool features include automatically generating chapters from a Teams meeting. The app also generates personalized highlights for you. This saves you from having to rewatch the meeting later.

If you’re meeting internationally, you can enjoy real-time translations for captions. Meeting guides is another new feature. It sets up your meeting options according to your needs.

360-Degree Intelligent Camera for Teams Meetings

SmartVision 60 is the first 360-degree, center-of-room intelligent camera. It has the ability to track the speaker as they’re moving. The camera is also due to have a people recognition feature coming soon.

Virtual meetings can feel much more like real meetings using SmartVision 60. Instead of just seeing a small video feed of one person, the movement of the camera can capture a whole team.

Cisco is Now a Certified Devices Partner for Teams Rooms

Those that are fans of Cisco meeting products will be pleased to know they now have more options. Microsoft announced that Cisco is now a Teams Room Certified Devices partner. You can now start Teams meetings across all certified Cisco meeting devices.

Microsoft Places

One of the virtual workspace apps to support the new hybrid movement is Microsoft Places . This is a team management app that integrates with the rest of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem.

The office is still around, but for how long? Much of the world had to do things virtually during the pandemic. Many companies and employees found they like it better that way. Seventy-four percent of US companies have or plan to put in place a permanent hybrid work model.

Microsoft Places is one more way Microsoft is leading the hybrid office revolution. Some of the app’s features include:

Manage and track where employees are working (at home or in the office)
Track whether coworkers are away or available
Track physical room use to make strategic decisions

Hours & Location Feature in Outlook & Teams

Another feature announcement related to the hybrid working world is hours and location. This is a new capability added to Teams and Outlook to make it easier to schedule in-person meetings.

It can get tricky to plan in-person meetings when you don’t know who is working at the office and who is remote. If you plan without checking, you're bound to alienate someone. They won't be happy if they were planning to work from home that day.

The new hours and location feature allows people to specify where they are working. They can adjust this from hour to hour. It takes the guesswork out of scheduling.

Loop App Private Preview

Another exciting app announcement that Microsoft made was about its Loop app. It stated that Loop entered private preview. This gives some organizations a chance to check it out.

Loop is a collaborative workspace app that helps teams ideate in a virtual space. All data pulled in from Microsoft 365 apps syncs automatically to stay up to date.

Microsoft Clipchamp Video Editor

You may have noticed an unfamiliar app popping up on Windows. Microsoft Clipchamp was formally announced at the Ignite event. It’s a quick and easy video editor for Windows PCs.

Have you ever felt frustrated trying to fix a video and not having the right tool to do it? Then you may want to take a closer look at what Clipchamp has to offer. It looks to have a fairly low learning curve.

Get Help Navigating the Microsoft 365 Universe

Microsoft 365 has come a long way in a short period. There are many different app integrations you can use to power your workflow. But it can get a bit complicated without an expert to help.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your IT technology and services needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Ransomware Guide 101: What to Expect and How to Respond

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 12:00:15 GMT

Ransomware and cyber attacks are becoming pervasive threats that are targeting large and small businesses alike.

Every type of organization and industry should be taking action to safeguard their data from ransomware, using best practice tips and guidelines to help keep safe and protected.

Below we take a closer look at what ransomware is, how ransomware attacks typically work, common cybersecurity threats to watch out for, and at tips to enhance your ransomware defenses.

The implications of this type of malware on any system can be devastating - often crippling businesses altogether. That’s why it's best to take a proactive stance and get started with improving your cybersecurity so that you don’t fall victim to a costly and stressful ransomware attack.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that is used to encrypt your data and make it irretrievable so that you are pressured into paying a ransom for its safe return.

Ransomware attackers usually threaten to either destroy or expose your data unless you pay their ransom demands (usually in untraceable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin). These ransom demands can be over USD$1 million. And even if you do end up paying, there’s no guarantee they will honor that agreement - they are after all cybercriminals.

Ransomware can affect just one computer or many computers on a shared network. The effects of a ransomware attack can be devastating and stressful for all involved. Without access to their data, companies may not be able to operate at all. And if their data is breached, that also has serious privacy and data security implications. Business disruptions like this can have serious financial, legal, reputational and even personal safety implications.

Unfortunately the prevalence of ransomware attacks is on the rise . And as part of these attacks, cybercriminals may also target your backups, to pressure you into paying the ransom.

How does a ransomware attack work: what to expect

A ransomware attack usually happens in phases.

First a cybercriminal needs to gain access to a computer or system. This is typically done by getting a user to run a program that contains malware (often through a phishing scam that gets you to click a link in an email or even via sms) or by stealing your login credentials.

Next, the cyber attacker will try to encrypt or destroy your files and your backups - and may need to find the highest permissions possible to access as much of your system as possible.

Finally, the cybercriminal behind the ransomware attack will try to complete the hack by encrypting or deleting your files and sending you a message to contact them via email about getting your data back in exchange for ransom.

If your business has cybersecurity measures in place to detect a ransomware attack, your IT team or MSP could then identify the threat and act quickly in line with established protocols to retrieve, recover and restore data so that your business can continue operating.

Cybersecurity threats to watch out for

To safeguard against ransomware attacks, it’s good to know what type of cybersecurity threats to watch out for.

Below are some of the most common types of ransomware threats (or infection vectors) to look out for:

1. Email phishing

Most ransomware attacks are a result of email phishing . This is when you are either fooled into providing your personal details in response to an email, or when you respond to an email from someone trusted whose credentials have been compromised and taken over by a hacker.

2. Malicious links

Another vector for spreading malware is when you receive an email or visit a website or social media site that contains malicious links . When you click on that link, your device may then get infected with malware. That includes ‘malvertising’ where you see an enticing advert to download some free software, which turns out to actually be malware.

3. Remote desktop protocol access

Ransomware attacks are a growing concern for businesses and individuals alike. One common method of spreading ransomware is through remote desktop access.

In this type of attack, an attacker gains access to a victim's computer via remote desktop protocol (RDP) and then uses that access to install and execute the ransomware.

An example of such an attack is the Ryuk ransomware attack, which targeted several large organizations, including the city of New Orleans . The attackers used RDP to gain access to the city's network and then spread the ransomware throughout the network, disrupting city services and causing significant financial losses.

This highlights the importance of implementing strong security measures for remote desktop access and regularly updating and patching systems to prevent similar attacks from happening.

Top tips to avoid a ransomware attack and stay protected

Below is a curated list of top tips to help you avoid a ransomware attack.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Employing the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA) across all your user accounts and devices helps to add a layer of extra security against cyber intrusions. That includes using MFA for email logins, for cloud service logins, for social media logins, and for any critical IT technologies.

Use strong passwords

Having a password policy and establishing strong username and password protocols can also help to protect against ransomware.

Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule

Having backups of all your data and information is critical to being able to remain unaffected by ransomware attacks. But because attackers may target your backups, it’s good to follow the 3-2-1 rule and have at least one copy of your data stored offline and off-premise.

Take an inventory of all your data

Take an inventory of all your data and where it is stored, categorizing it into critical and least critical data so you know what to restore with priority should your data be affected. That includes keeping an updated network diagram.

Test for vulnerabilities

It’s important to test your system continuously for vulnerabilities and gaps that can then be patched and secured. This helps to build data security.

Have a disaster recovery plan

Having a disaster recovery plan is critical to ensure your business recovers quickly from a cyber attack and that your team knows what to do and what protocols to follow to lessen the impact and respond to any breaches.

Keep your antivirus software and other applications updated

Professional antivirus software can also add a layer of useful protection that can identify and eliminate threats before they become a problem. Ensure that your antivirus software is kept updated, and that your other software, firmware and operating system is also up-to-date.

Also remember to consider security for all your endpoints including laptops, mobile phones, VoIP phones, servers and desktop computers.

Conduct regular cybersecurity awareness training with staff

Given that most ransomware is spread through email phishing scams, training your staff regularly on how to identify scams and suspicious emails can have a significant impact.

Organizations can also conduct cybersecurity training exercises to see if staff are able to actually detect a phishing scam, and to reinforce what’s been learned in awareness training programs.

Training can also help staff to recognise the signs that their computers may be infected , such as strange popups or new sluggish behavior.

Limit access and privileges

Not every employee needs access to all your data. You can limit access to data and privileges to help protect data from being accessed in the event of a ransomware attack.

Regularly audit all your users to see what privileges they have and need, and to ensure they don’t have privileges they shouldn’t. That includes auditing privileges given to MSPs and third party suppliers and vendors. It’s particularly important to review any administrative access privileges.

Segment your network

By segmenting data on your network, you can help to protect and isolate areas of your network from ransomware attacks. That can be done using a network of firewalls.

Switch to cloud email

Switching from legacy and on-premise emails to cloud email systems can also help to safeguard your data security. That’s because most reputable cloud email providers have the latest security protocols to monitor and protect against ransomware.

Guide on how to respond to a ransomware attack

The best way to respond to a ransomware attack is to be prepared and have a well thought out plan of how to handle every situation. Time is of the essence when your security defenses have been breached, so having a disaster recovery plan in place can help you to minimize the damage. If every staff member knows what their role is and how to deal with different types of scenarios, the process should run more smoothly.

Once you have a disaster recovery plan in place, it’s also important to continuously monitor and identify threats.

If a threat is detected, your team needs to act quickly to contain the threat by patching the entry point and then removing the threat altogether before restoring all data. You may also need to reset passwords, wipe infected devices, and reinstall software before getting back to being operational.

Need help to safeguard your business against ransomware?

NB Technology is your go-to for safeguarding your business against ransomware attacks. Our experts will work with you to fortify your cybersecurity, detect and respond to potential threats, secure all your endpoints, and provide additional layers of protection through cloud-based solutions and data backups. Our disaster recovery plans ensure that your business can continue to operate even in the face of an attack.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

What You Need to Know About the Rise in Supply Chain Cyberattacks

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 12:00:01 GMT

Any cyberattack is dangerous, but the particularly devastating ones are those on supply chain companies. These can be any supplier – digital or non-digital – of goods and services.

We’ve seen several attacks on the supply chain occur in 2021 that had wide-reaching consequences. These are “one-to-many” attacks where victims can go far beyond the company that was initially breached.

Some recent high-profile examples of supply chain attacks include:

Colonial Pipeline: A ransomware a ttack caused this major gas pipeline to be shut down for nearly a week.
JBS: The world’s largest supplier of beef and pork products was hit with ransomware that caused plants in at least three countries to shut down for several days.
Kaseya: This software company had its code infected with ransomware , which quickly spread to IT businesses that used its products and to roughly 1,500 of their small business customers.

Why do you need to be worried about supply chain attacks even more so than in the past? Because they’ve been growing and are expected to continue this trajectory.

Supply chain attacks rose by 42% during the first quarter of 2021. A surprising 97% of companies have been impacted by a breach in their supply chain, and 93% suffered a direct breach as a result of a supply chain security vulnerability.

If you’re not properly prepared, then you can be impacted by a breach of software you use or have a vital service or goods supplier go down for several days due to a cyberattack.

As part of any good business continuity and disaster recovery strategy, you should look at supply chain risks in light of the current increase in attacks and formulate a plan.

HOW CAN YOU MITIGATE YOUR RISK OF LOSSES DUE TO AN ATTACK ON YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN?

IDENTIFY YOUR SUPPLIER RISK

You can’t fix what you don’t know is wrong. So, you need to begin by shedding some light on your risk should one of your vendors get hit with ransomware (the current attack of choice on the supply chain) or another type of breach.

Make a list of all your vendors and suppliers, both for goods and services. This includes everything from the cloud services you use to the company that supplies your office products or any raw materials you may use in a product you sell.

Review these vendors to identify their cybersecurity risks. This is something you may need some help with from your IT partner. We can work with you to review vendor security or send them a survey to find out where they stand as to their cybersecurity, and then determine how much that may leave you at risk as one of their customers.

CREATE MINIMUM SECURITY REQUIREMENTS FOR DIGITAL VENDORS

Come up with some minimum security requirements that you can use as a benchmark with your vendors. One way to make this easier is to use an existing data privacy standard as your requirement.

For example, if a vendor is GDPR compliant , then you know they’ve adopted several important cybersecurity standards that protect their business, and yours, from an attack.

DO AN IT SECURITY ASSESSMENT TO LEARN WHERE YOU’RE VULNERABLE

If the software you use had a vulnerability that was exploited by hackers to take over a system, how much does that leave your systems at risk? Do you have a regular patch application strategy in place to ensure any software updates are applied right away?

You should have an IT security assessment done if you haven’t done one in over a year. This will help you identify how strong your systems would be at preventing a breach or ransomware infection that was coming from a digital supply chain vendor.

PUT BACKUP VENDORS IN PLACE WHERE POSSIBLE

If you sell widgets and have a single supplier for one specific part needed for that widget, you’re at a much higher risk of downtime than if you had two suppliers of that part.

If a key vendor of yours is attacked and can’t fill orders or provide services for a week or more, how will that impact your business? This is what you want to consider when setting up backup vendors.

For example, most companies would consider themselves down and not able to operate without their internet. Having a backup internet service provider can help you avoid lengthy downtime should your main ISP go down.

Look at putting this type of safety net in place for all vendors that you can.

ENSURE ALL DATA KEPT IN CLOUD SERVICES IS BACKED UP IN A 3RD PARTY TOOL

Microsoft recommends in its Services Agreement that customers back up their cloud data that is kept in its services (such as Microsoft 365). The policy states, “We recommend that you regularly backup Your Content and Data that you store on the Services or store using Third-Party Apps and Services.”

You should have a backup (in a separate platform) of all data that you store in cloud services, so you’ll be protected in case of a ransomware infection or other data loss or service loss incident.

SCHEDULE A SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY ASSESSMENT

Don’t be in the dark about your risk.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation about your supply chain security risks and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

How Managed IT Support Can Enhance Your Disaster Recovery Resilience

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Did you know that one of the biggest disasters that can affect your business is the loss of data, which is often caused by human error, theft, ransomware, natural disasters or hardware failure?

And oftentimes a prolonged data loss or breach can result in bankruptcy. That’s why it’s critical to be proactive when it comes to IT disasters, which includes having a disaster recovery plan and actively monitoring, maintaining and protecting your IT and data security.

Managed IT service providers (MSPs) can help you enhance your disaster recovery resilience through actively identifying risks and creating policies to deal with these risks and threats.

MSPs also provide ongoing and specialized IT monitoring and maintenance services that can help avoid risks and minimize downtime.

That helps businesses maintain productivity and save costs associated with data loss, data breaches and cyber attacks.

Unfortunately, many companies only prioritize proactive risk reduction strategies until there is a costly breach or data loss. But as cyber attacks are increasingly common, many businesses now see that it’s vital to be prepared and that having an MSP provide risk reduction services can actually save costs over time.

And by having an MSP and managed IT recovery you can minimize downtime, reduce the risk of data loss, and lower your disaster recovery costs. This helps businesses to stay compliant and to ensure business continuity.

What is disaster recovery and why is it important for Every business?

Creating a disaster recovery plan for your organization will require a customized approach that takes account of your specific goals and needs, while analyzing your particular risks and finding solutions that protect against these.

Once you work with an MSP to identify risks, you can improve your IT infrastructure and procedures to minimize risks, losses and interruptions.

IT service providers can help you to create a disaster recovery plan for your network and data, that protects against risks and threats.

This includes specifically taking action to guard against cyberattacks which are on the rise and are increasingly targeting small businesses. Protecting against ransomware, phishing attacks, and malware are all important - and there’s also a lot that can be done to protect against in-house cyber threats.

IT service providers can also help protect your data by scheduling regular backups, by setting strict access controls for staff for certain types of data, and b y protecting certain types of data from being deleted (or if deleted, for being restored).

Your MSP can also help you plan for how to deal with natural disasters that may affect your IT infrastructure, power outages, and even failures in communication systems.

How can outsourced IT support improve disaster recovery?

By opting for outsourced IT support services, your MSP can help you improve your disaster recovery planning.

Your MSP can both help you create a disaster recovery plan , and they can provide you with ongoing maintenance and monitoring services , designed to proactively identify and reduce threats.

That means your business will be prepared for any disasters and will have plans in place to both reduce the risks of disasters and to deal with any disasters effectively and efficiently.

That can help you minimize downtime and business interruptions so that you can remain productive and focused on your core business goals.

And by having disaster recovery plans in place, you can then showcase your proactive IT security stance to partners, staff, stakeholders and investors.

In addition to helping you create a disaster recovery plan, your MSP can also proactively help you to manage and maintain your company firewalls, servers, WiFi networks, phone systems, backups, cybersecurity monitoring, and in creating custom solutions based on your particular needs.

At NB Technology, our managed cloud backup and disaster recovery services include:

Daily backup and verification monitoring
Remote and onsite technical support
Ransomware and malware pre-backup detection
256-bit AES SSL Data Encryption
Cloud and Local Backup Management
Image Backup with File Level Recovery
Disaster Recovery Engineer Support Team

The benefits of managed IT disaster recovery

If you need some convincing as to the many benefits of having managed disaster recovery as a service (DRaaS) that your MSP can offer, then you may want to look at the list below.

Here are some of the many benefits of managed IT disaster recovery:

Regulatory compliance

DRaaS can help you maintain regulatory compliance. This can help you avoid lawsuits related to how you store and transmit data and personal information, by following the correct procedures and laws related to your industry.

Fast response to disasters

Without a plan in place to deal effectively with a data loss or breach, you may take longer to respond. That opens you up to greater financial loss.

By having a proactive DRaaS solution, you can often deal more efficiently with threats and risks and get back to businesses more quickly.

Save costs

Outsourcing your data backup and recovery can help lower your operating costs. And having an MSP can replace the need for full time IT staff which can also help small businesses to scale and grow.

And it can be more affordable for an MSP to design a customized disaster recovery plan for your organization than doing it in-house, particularly if your in-house team doesn’t have the requisite experience and skills to do this.

Minimize downtime

A variety of IT risks can put your business at risk of downtime, which may leave your organization unable to operate. Business interruptions can be costly and can slow down productivity, result in deadlines being missed and can result in penalties.

That’s why many organizations choose to have an MSP and a DRaaS, to ensure maximum uptime and business continuity.

Expert support, advice and services

Having access to specialized IT skills through your MSP can help your business create the most robust and advanced disaster recovery plans and to manage your IT needs on an ongoing basis.

A reputable and professional MSP can also respond to any threats or breaches effectively and efficiently, providing you with expert support, advice and services.

Access to 24/7 disaster support services

If you rely solely on in-house IT staff, then you may not have access to around the clock IT support. That can put your organization at risk, particularly when a beach happens out of business operating hours (which is anyway typically the case with ransomware).

By having an MSP who is available 24/7, and access to continuous maintenance and monitoring, you’ll be alerted to any potential risks and threats, and your MSP will help you deal with those when ever they occur.

Enhance your awareness of your IT needs and risks

When you start planning your disaster recovery system, you’ll also bring greater awareness to your IT needs and vulnerabilities.

Your MSP will then be able to provide you with advice on how best to move forward in terms of your IT hardware, software, WiFi network and other aspects of your IT operations to minimize risks and maximize productivity.

Enhance your reputation

If your company doesn’t have an IT recovery plan, you may experience some downtime. Your customers and partners may notice this and see it as a sign of weakness, which can tarnish your reputation.

And if your business suffers data and privacy breaches, you may also suffer from reputation loss, which may affect your operations and business success.

How to check the status of you current disaster recovery plans

Do you have an IT disaster recovery plan? If you do, how can you check whether it’s sufficient or needs updating?

The first step in creating an IT recovery plan is to assess your needs . You can do that by taking an inventory of all your hardware including laptops, phones, servers etc., your software and your data. Then look at how your employees communicate and transmit data.

The next step requires identifying and analyzing risks . These risks may include cyber threats, ransomware, phishing attacks, loss of data, natural disasters, human error, etc.

Thereafter, you should assess whether the hardware, software and data handling tools and strategies you have in place are sufficient to reduce the risks you’ve identified - or if you need to upgrade.

Just imagine what would happen if your data was corrupted from a hardware failure, or if malware infected your systems. Having a plan for how to backup and restore data is essential.

You can also implement IT recovery simulation tests to see whether your current systems are robust and extensive enough to deal with a disaster.

All disaster recovery plans should be continuously updated to reflect any changes in the business or IT advances and upgrades.

Final thoughts on outsourced IT support and improved disaster recovery

NB Technology provides managed IT support and services , which includes managed cloud backup and disaster recovery services .

We can help you create an effective disaster recovery plan and can help you monitor and maintain your IT systems and infrastructure to minimize downtime and risks.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your IT support needs and any inquiries you may have.

We’re based in Belmont, North Carolina, and can provide a suite of professional and customized on-site and remote support, advice and services.

Cybersecurity Attack Trends to Watch Out For in 2023

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT

It’s a time of renewal as we plan for the possibilities for this year and beyond. It’s also a time when you need to plan for resiliency in the face of ever-present cyberattacks.

Sixty-eight percent of surveyed business leaders feel that cybersecurity risks are getting worse. They have a good reason. Attacks continue to get more sophisticated. They are also often perpetrated by large criminal organizations. These criminal groups treat these attacks like a business.

In 2021, the average number of global cyberattacks increased by 15.1% .

To protect your business in the coming year, it’s important to watch the attack trends.

What new methods are hackers using? What types of attacks are increasing in volume? Knowing these things is important. It helps you better update your IT security to mitigate the risk of a data breach or malware infection.

We’ve pulled out the security crystal ball for the months ahead. And we've researched what cybersecurity experts are expecting.

Here are the attack trends that you need to watch out for

Attacks on 5G Devices

The world has been buzzing about 5G for a few years. It is finally beginning to fulfill the promise of lightning-fast internet. As providers build out the infrastructure, you can expect this to be a high-attack area.

Hackers are looking to take advantage of the 5G hardware used for routers, mobile devices, and PCs. Anytime you have a new technology like this, it’s bound to have some code vulnerabilities. This is exactly what hackers are looking to exploit.

You can prepare by being aware of the firmware security on the devices you buy. This is especially true for those enabled for 5G. Some manufacturers will build better firmware security into their designs than others. Make sure to ask about this when purchasing new devices.

One-time Password (OTP) Bypass

This alarming new trend is designed to get past one of the best forms of account security. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is well-known as very effective at preventing fraudulent sign-in attempts. It can stop account takeovers even in cases where the criminal has the user’s password.

There are a few different ways that hackers try to bypass MFA. These include:

Reusing a token: Gaining access to a recent user OTP and trying to reuse it
Sharing unused tokens: The hacker uses their own account to get an OTP. Then attempts to use that OTP on a different account.
Leaked token: Using an OTP token leaked through a web application.
Password reset function: A hacker uses phishing to fool the user into resetting a password. They then trick them into handing over their OTP via text or email.

Attacks Surrounding World Events

During the pandemic, the cyberattack volume increased by approximately 600%. Large criminal hacking groups have realized that world events and disasters are lucrative.

They launch phishing campaigns for world events. Attacks come for everything from the latest hurricane or typhoon to the war in Ukraine. Unsuspecting people often fall for these scams. This is because they are often distracted by the crisis.

People need to be especially mindful of scams surrounding events like these. They will often use social engineering tactics, such as sad photos, to play on emotions.

Smishing & Mobile Device Attacks

Mobile devices go with us just about everywhere these days. This direct connection to a potential victim is not lost on cybercriminals. Look for more mobile device-based attacks, including SMS-based phishing (“smishing”).

Many people aren’t expecting to receive fake messages to their personal numbers. But cell numbers are no longer as private as they once were. Hackers can buy lists of them online. They then craft convincing fake texts that look like shipping notices or receipts.

One wrong click is all it takes for an account or data breach on your Gastonia or Belmont based business.

Mobile malware is also on the rise. During the first few months of 2022, malware targeted to mobile devices rose by 500% . It’s important to ensure that you have good mobile anti-malware. As well as other protections on your devices, such as a DNS filter.

Elevated Phishing Using AI & Machine Learning

These days, phishing emails are not so easy to spot. It used to be that they nearly always had spelling errors or grainy images. While some still do, most don’t.

Criminal groups elevate today's phishing using AI and machine learning. Not only will it look identical to a real brand’s emails, but it will also come personalized. Hackers use these tactics to capture more victims. They also allow hackers to send out more targeted phishing messages in less time than in years past.

Schedule a Cybersecurity Check-Up Today

Is your business prepared for the cyber threats coming in 2024 and beyond? Don’t wait to find out the hard way! Give us a call and schedule a cybersecurity check-up to stay one step ahead of the digital criminals.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Which Industries Can Benefit Most From Using Cloud Desktops?

Tue, 30 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Increasing numbers of organizations are using cloud desktops because of their many benefits, which includes increased productivity, enhanced security, cost savings and flexibility. Cloud PCs are used across a variety of industries, but you may be interested to find out which industries can benefit most from using cloud desktops.

Essentially, cloud desktops allow users to access files and applications from any device, anywhere, and any time - with data and software solutions being stored in the cloud. For any company that has remote workers, or staff that use their own devices, cloud desktops may be the most suitable, agile and secure solution.

There are also various industries like the healthcare industry, law firms, education organizations and marketing industries which are particularly well-positioned to use cloud desktops.

That’s because they may have large numbers of staff who need to access data from various devices and from different locations. And these industries may also handle sensitive data that needs to be carefully protected through enhanced security measures.

Below we look at several industries which are good examples of use cases for cloud desktops.

Industries which are best-suited to using cloud desktops

The benefits of cloud desktops mean that any business may wish to switch from using traditional computers and IT infrastructure, to using cloud desktops. They can help businesses save costs, become more flexible and agile, and can significantly enhance data security and compliance when handling sensitive information.

The industries below are some of the best-suited to using cloud desktops.

Call Centers

Call center agents speak to many different customers, and have to access a wide range of information to manage their requests. By the nature of the work, these agents collect, store, share and manage large amounts of personal data that may be private and confidential. This data needs to be managed sensitively so that there’s no data leak, or breach of privacy.

By using cloud desktops, call center companies can protect this data through encryption and firewalls. And in addition to leading data security tools, cloud desktops also offer call center agents the ability to access data in real time and collaborate and share data with colleagues, no matter where they may be located.

Different call center agents may need access to different levels of data access and control, which makes virtual desktops also a great solution for this industry. Permissions and access can easily be set or removed, as required. And by staff having virtual desktops, they can work from any device, which means that resources can be shared more easily and optimized - which saves costs and time.

Call centers can also save time on having to manually update all their software, by having their desktop-as-a-service (Daas) provider manage all updates and upgrades on their behalf and perform testing before deploying any changes to minimize downtime and ensure optimal productivity.

Healthcare organizations

The healthcare industry is also well positioned to use cloud desktops. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals need to share data about clients, which oftentimes includes personally identifiable data and sensitive healthcare information. They need to make sure that when they do this, that they’re doing so within the ambit of the law, and that they are using adequate data security measures to handle any private and confidential information.

Cloud desktop solutions can help healthcare professionals to remain compliant by providing high levels of data security. And by making it easy for healthcare professionals to access, share, and search through client healthcare data, they can also help provide the best advice and services to enhance patient outcomes.

Ready access to healthcare data can be critical and lives can depend on it. Cloud desktops can help to ensure that healthcare professionals can access patient data at any time, from any device, and anywhere - so that doctors have the information they need to make decisions.

The marketing industry

Marketing organizations, which can be quite large, need to collaborate on a range of projects for different clients.

Marketing teams also frequently need to provide access to their various clients to planned campaigns and marketing content strategies. A cloud desktop allows marketing professionals to work from anywhere, while having access to real-time data and information and the ability to share files and collaborate on work seamlessly.

In addition, they can then save and backup any work using cloud storage and backup solutions, and can record data about clients through a shared CRM system.

Th e legal industry

Just as healthcare professionals need to create, store, share and manage large amounts of personal data about patients, lawyers also need to do the same for their clients. Handling sensitive information means that they need to remain compliant and use secure methods for handling and storing any client data.

Oftentimes, lawyers will need quick access to documents while they’re meeting clients, or busy presenting cases in court. Having a cloud desktop allows them to access sensitive information on the go, from any device. This can help lawyers provide the best services, and gives them a competitive edge over others who use less secure systems and less mobile and agile IT solutions.

Education industry

Many teachers and schools are transitioning to provide online and remote access classes and services. And even traditional schools had to adjust to online learning during the recent COVID pandemic.

Having access to cloud desktops allows teachers and schools to remain flexible to changing school requirements and needs, and it also allows them to scale access to resources, depending on how many students are in a particular class.

Many universities are adopting cloud desktops, which gives students access to centralized resources and the ability to hand in assignments online. It also means that students can be located anywhere in the world and still access the same information as everyone else in the class.

Financial serv ices industry

Financial services companies also handle large amounts of confidential client data that needs to be securely stored and handled.

Cloud desktops allow managers to set permission and control access to certain types of data, and to monitor access to data. Cloud desktops also allow you to encrypt information so that it can be safely shared and stored, which helps maintain legal compliance with data handling.

The retail industry

Large retail companies create, collect and store huge amounts of data and often need to scale their operations quite quickly, or provide access to centralized filing when opening new stores or branches around the world.

Cloud desktops are a useful tool to help these retail industry organizations to scale their operations, seamlessly collaborate and share data, and to also access data from anywhere. This can help them to operate more effectively and efficiently, boosting productivity and minimizing downtime.

The automotive industry

For anyone working in the automotive industry, it’s important to be able to access data in real time about the availability of stock, customer purchases and current pricing. Car dealerships also need to be able to share data about stock they have for sale or hire and update that information through a centralized and shared database.

Cloud desktops can enable automotive industry personnel to access data from any device, and share data seamlessly with colleagues or other branches. That can help to drive productivity and better customer service, which can help enhance brand reputation.

Need help switching to a cloud desktop?

It’s clear that there are multiple use cases for cloud desktops and that several industries are particularly well-positioned to using them. The benefits of transitioning to using virtual desktops across an entire organization may be significant. These include cost savings, enhanced data security, flexibility, easy deployment and the ability for staff to work from anywhere.

Even for small businesses there are significant benefits of cloud desktops , particularly when it comes to saving costs on capital expenses like expensive IT equipment or maintaining IT infrastructure. And by minimizing on-site IT infrastructure, many organizations can also save on energy costs and minimize their environmental footprints.

For a smooth transition to a cloud desktop for your business or team, it is crucial to seek the aid of a reputable IT company like NB Technology. As an experienced IT services provider, we can assist you in selecting the appropriate cloud solutions that meet both your requirements and budget.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud desktop needs and any inquiries you may have.

Microsoft Edge: New Browser Benefits

Tue, 23 May 2023 12:31:25 GMT

One of the most important applications we choose is our internet browser. When on a computer or a mobile device, we work in that most of the time because many applications are now cloud-based, so accessing them means going through your browser.

Over the years browsers have come and gone. A little over a decade ago, Internet Explorer was the head of the pack, and now that browser is retired, Google’s Chrome has been in the top spot for several years.

But just because a browser is number one today, doesn’t mean it’s going to stay that way. One browser that has steadily been making its way up in popularity since its release in 2015 is Microsoft Edge.

Edge is the replacement for Internet Explorer, but it’s taken a while for it to become mainstream. It seems that now is its time.

Microsoft Edge recently surpassed Firefox in worldwide desktop browser market share and is now the #3 Desktop browser in the world behind Chrome and Safari. And it’s less than one percentage point behind Safari, so it is poised to jump into second place soon.

Current desktop browser market share :

Chrome 64.8%
Safari 9.77%
Edge 9.6%
Firefox 9.46%
Opera 2.88%
Internet Explorer 1.14%

Why has Edge become so popular in the last few years when it seemed to be slow out of the gate? One big reason is that it adopted the Chromium framework in 2020. This is the same background framework that Chrome uses.

This sped up the browser considerably, plus multiplied the number of extensions and add-ons that could be used with it.

Should you switch to Edge? You’ll have to decide that for yourself, but here are several great features that might make you want to give it a try.

COLLECTIONS FOR STORING SETS OF PAGES

All browsers have some form of “favorites” or bookmarks to save webpage links. And these lists quickly become long and disorganized, making it hard to find what you’re looking for after a while.

Edge has a very nice feature called Collections. This allows you to save web pages in a sidebar and group them by topic. For example, you could create a topic called 'Vacation Planning' and then save all the web pages from your trip research inside.

If there is an image on the page, that will show up to help you recognize the site. And collections are easy to access by using the “+” icon at the top of the browser.

Collections are also easy to delete once you’ve finished with them, so you won’t end up with endless webpage links, as tends to happen with bookmarks.

COUPONS

You don’t have to add a coupon app to your browser to get site coupons anymore. Edge will do this for you automatically.

If it detects that there are coupons for a site you’re shopping on, you’ll get a popup and can click to automatically try any coupons available for that site.

This saves you from having to take the time to search for coupons on your own and ensures you don’t miss any potential savings out there.

PRICE COMPARISON

Another way that Edge helps you get the best deal when shopping online is through its pricing history and price comparison information. If you’re shopping on a website and the product that you’re viewing is cheaper on another site, Edge will let you know.

It’s also going to provide you with a price history so you can see if this product is at its highest or lowest price related to the site you’re viewing.

This is very handy for saving money and ensuring you’re not missing out on savings by ordering the same item from a different retailer.

SECURITY FEATURES

There are several built-in security features to help you avoid phishing sites with malware as well as intrusive 3rd party advertising trackers.

There is a password monitoring feature that will let you know if any passwords you have stored have been involved in a breach.

You’ll also get Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protection for keeping you away from sites known to have malware or to have been used in phishing scams.

Google is sometimes criticized for lack of privacy, and Microsoft is trying to go in another direction on this. In Edge, you can choose from three tracking prevention settings to prevent as much of your personal information from being captured by advertisers as possible.

WEB CAPTURE FOR QUICK SCREENSHOTS

It’s easy to do screenshots and mark them up in Edge. In the browser menu, you just choose Web Capture, which will allow you to drag a rectangle across any region you like or to take a full shot of the screen, then bring that into a window if you’d like to add additional notes.

IS YOUR INTERNET SECURITY WHERE YOU NEED IT TO BE?

Online security is important both at home and at work.

Need some help ensuring you have the right safeguards in place? Or to upgrade to a new web browser?

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Maximizing Efficiency with Remote Management and Monitoring

Tue, 16 May 2023 12:00:01 GMT

Businesses are increasingly digitizing all aspects of their operations - including their data, products and services. But not all organizations understand the importance of remote management and monitoring and how it can enhance IT security, minimize downtime and help you save on IT costs.

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software is used to protect IT systems and is frequently used by managed service providers (MSPs) to help keep your systems and data secure. Remote IT management or network management, also known as RMM, is now an indispensable part of any business because it can identify problems before they start to cost significant time and money to resolve or fix.

Below we look at what RMM is, what it’s used for, and 8 of the top benefits of using RMM.

What is Remote monitoring and management?

Remote monitoring and management (RMM) is a type of software that’s used to identify problems with endpoints, networks, and individual devices. This proactive approach to IT management and maintenance can help to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and make your IT systems more reliable.

By installing an ‘agent’ on a server, device or endpoint, a MSP can then remotely monitor those for any change in status or problems. If there’s a problem, the MSP receives an alert and a ticket is then created so that they can take action to resolve the problem.

This can then be done remotely, without having to physically visit the office or handle the workstation or device, which is an efficient way to resolve technical issues. The alerts are graded so that your MSP will know if they’re critical and a priority to fix, or not.

And depending on the RMM software they use, they can see company-wide tickets on a single dashboard.

The MSP can then remotely install updates or patches - or do whatever needs to be done to address the issue. And because they can do this remotely, this helps them save time in resolving multiple issues on multiple devices at the same time.

What is RMM software used for?

RMM software can be used to address a range of different technical IT issues.

That includes:

Setting up and configuring new devices
Gaining remote access to workstations, servers etc.
Undertaking remote backups and data recovery
Updating antivirus software
Monitoring IT infrastructure for any data breaches
Automating regular maintenance activities
Sending alerts when there are problems
Generates reports and gather information about the use and health of devices, networks and other software

The Benefits of remote management and monitoring (RMM)

There are multiple benefits for both MSP and businesses to being able to use RMM software to identify and fix any IT problems that arise.

Below we look at some of these benefits of RMM:

1. Minimizes downtime

RMM helps to minimize downtime and maximize uptime, thanks to limited disruptions because of ongoing monitoring and maintenance that proactively deals with problems before they become critical.

Downtime can have serious business implications, from decreased productivity and lower turnover to lack of customer trust and brand reputation.

2. Helps to detect problems before they threaten business continuity

Prior to RMM, the break-fix model was predominantly used, whereby businesses would wait until they had a problem and then they’d call in IT specialists to fix the problem.

With RMM in place, businesses can avoid serious problems by keeping up with routine maintenance and by RMM software flagging any issues before they become too serious and costly to fix.

This proactive approach also helps to ensure network stability and reliability.

3. Provides a mechanism for remote IT service providers to quickly fix any issues

RMM software allows IT managers and MSPs to remotely access your devices and servers to attend to any problems. Remote access saves a lot of time, as they don’t physically have to travel to your business premises to start working on the problem.

This improves efficiency and allows for faster issue resolution. Additionally, as remote work is possible, businesses can choose the most skilled and cost-effective IT consultants and MSPs. Businesses can be confident that their MSP can provide superior support from any location.

4. Helps enhance IT performance and reliability

Remote monitoring and maintenance means that your MSP can actively work on enhancing your network and systems, rather than just reacting to solve issues that arise. This practice approach means that your IT performance can be maintained and that your network and systems will be more reliable.

5. Helps build client trust and brand loyalty

When you use RMM, you are able to enhance IT security, minimize downtime, and maintain efficiency which can help to build customer trust, create a sense of brand loyalty and instill faith in your organization by your clients.

6. Helps reduce the cost of IT services as physical call-outs no longer necessary

Cost savings on your monthly IT budget is always a welcome benefit to using RMM. Because your MSP or IT service provider doesn’t have to physically make a call-out to your office to fix any problems you have or schedule routine maintenance, you can save on transport related fees.

Also, your MSP can take care of routine maintenance and fix problems proactively, you may also be able to save considerably on fees to fix more complex or widespread IT problems.

7. Enhanced security

IT security is critical to any business, and more so as most businesses increasingly digitize their operations. RMM allows scheduled maintenance to happen at regular intervals which includes running security updates and software updates to optimize IT and data security .

And because RMM is used to manage and monitor all devices and networks in your business, devices like digital billboards or vending machines can also be monitored and managed remotely even though they may be operated by anyone.

8. Less maintenance required

RMM software allows an MSP to remotely monitor your IT systems and get real-time information and alerts about any problems that need fixing. By being proactive and scheduling routine maintenance, you can avoid having to physically install updates and perform maintenance on every company device - which means less overall maintenance is required.

How to find the right RMM solution

Not every RMM solution is the same and it can be challenging to figure out which one to use. If you have an IT service provider, then they will usually have their own RMM solution they use.

But if you have an in-house IT team, you may want to look out for these features when choosing an RMM solution:

Scalable: check to see if the solution can scale with your growing business needs
Automated: Check whether there are a variety of automated processes that can be performed
IT security: check whether the RMM tool can identify and resolve any IT threats and patch any vulnerabilities.
Integrations/compatibility: Check whether the RMM software can be used with your operating systems

Final thoughts on RMM for businesses

Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) software can help businesses boost IT and data security, while also saving costs, ensuring maximum uptime and being proactive about IT maintenance.

Given the wealth of benefits associated with RMM, it’s increasingly seen as a necessary tool to help ensure your business remains operational, is resilient, optimizes IT security and is profitable.

If you’re looking for an MSP that can help provide you with remote management and monitoring for your organization, then get in touch with NB Technology. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your RMM needs and any inquiries you may have.

Look Out: Latest Smishing Scams

Tue, 09 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT

How many text messages from companies do you receive today as compared to about two years ago? If you’re like many people, it’s quite a few more.

This is because retailers have begun bypassing bloated email inboxes. They are urging consumers to sign up for SMS alerts for shipment tracking and sale notices. The medical industry has also joined the trend. Pharmacies send automated refill notices and doctor’s offices send SMS appointment reminders.

These kinds of texts can be convenient. But retail stores and medical practices aren’t the only ones grabbing your attention by text. Cybercriminal groups are also using text messaging to send out phishing.

Phishing by SMS is “smishing,” and it’s becoming a major problem.

Case in point, in 2020, smishing rose by 328% , and during the first six months of 2021, it skyrocketed nearly 700% more. Phishing via SMS has become a big risk area. Especially as companies adjust data security to a more remote and mobile workforce.

How Can I Text Myself?

If you haven’t yet received a text message only to find your own phone number as the sender, then you likely will soon. This smishing scam is fast making the rounds and results in a lot of confusion. Confusion is good for scammers. It often causes people to click a malicious link in a message to find out more details.

Cybercriminals can make it look like a text message they sent you is coming from your number. They use VoIP connections and clever spoofing software.

If you ever see this, it’s a big giveaway that this is an SMS phishing scam. You should not interact with the message in any way and delete it instead. Some carriers will also offer the option to delete and report a scam SMS.

Popular Smishing Scams to Watch Out For

Smishing is very dangerous right now because many people are not aware of it. There’s a false sense of security. People think only those they have given it to will have their phone number.

But this isn’t the case. Mobile numbers are available through both legitimate and illegitimate methods. Advertisers can buy lists of them online. Data breaches that expose customer information are up for grabs on the Dark Web. This includes mobile numbers.

Less than 35% of the population knows what smishing is.

It’s important to understand that phishing email scams are morphing. They've evolved into SMS scams that may look different and be harder to detect.

For example, you can’t check the email address to see if it’s legitimate. Most people won't know the legitimate number that Amazon shipping updates come from.

Text messages also commonly use those shortened URLs. These mask the true URL, and it’s not as easy to hover over it to see it on a phone as it is on a computer.

You need to be aware of what’s out there. Here are some of the popular phishing scams that you may see in your own text messages soon.

Problem With a Delivery

Who doesn’t love getting packages? This smishing scam leverages that fact and purports to be from a known shipper like USPS or FedEx. It states that there is a package held up for delivery to you because it needs more details.

The link can take users to a form that captures personal information used for identity theft. One tactic using this scam is to ask for a small monetary sum to release a package. Scammers created the site to get your credit card number.

Fake Appointment Scheduling

This scam happened to a community in South Carolina. They had recently had an installation of AT&T fiber internet lines in their neighborhood. Following the installation, AT&T did a customer drive to sign people up for the service.

During this time, one homeowner reported that he received a text message. It pretended to be from AT&T about scheduling his fiber internet installation. He thought it was suspicious because the address they gave was wrong. The scammer had wanted him to text back personal details.

Get Your Free Gift

Another recent smishing scam is a text message that doesn’t say who it’s from. It says, “Thank you for your recent payment. Here is a free gift for you.” It includes a link at the bottom of the message.

This is a widespread scam that many have noted online. And it’s an example of a scammer using a common fact. The fact that most people would’ve paid some type of bill recently and mistake the text to be from a company they know. It also lures people in with the promise of giving them a free gift.

Does Your Mobile Device Have the Security It Needs

Smishing scams are very clever and can easily infect your device with malware. Do you have the proper security precautions (mobile antivirus, DNS filtering, etc.)?

If not, c ontact us at (704) 644-1 220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How A Disaster Recovery Plan Can Safeguard Business Continuity

Tue, 02 May 2023 12:00:02 GMT

A disaster recovery plan can help you safeguard your business continuity. That’s because it can help businesses avoid disasters, recover more quickly from disasters and minimize their effects.

Considering that there are a wide range of disasters that can affect businesses - from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, to data security breaches, ransomware attacks, theft, hardware failures, or human error that causes a loss of data - having a disaster recovery plan is vital.

Not only can it help your business quickly recover, it can also help to minimize financial loss, reputational loss, and legal liabilities.

At NB Technology we offer specialized managed cloud and disaster recovery services to help keep your valuable data safe and to help you recover data in the event of a disaster or data loss. That includes daily backups, monitoring, technical support, data encryption, and ongoing monitoring for malware and ransomware.

Why is it critical for businesses to have a disaster recovery plan?

Having a disaster recovery plan is becoming increasingly important for all businesses. A disaster recovery plan can help you minimize damage, disruptions and downtime and help you to coordinate a strategic response to any disaster.

Having a disaster recovery plan can therefore help you safeguard business continuity and avoid hefty costs involved in data loss, data breaches or ransomware attacks.

Here are some of the specific benefits of having a disaster recovery plan in place:

It can help you prevent disasters

There are so many threats in today’s virtual landscape - from hackers and cybercriminals trying to steal your data, to ransomware that’s used to extort money in return for your data, to data loss through human error.

It can help avoid the costs and implications associated with downtime

If your systems go down, that usually means your employees can’t work and be productive. Downtime can also result in sales losses, reputational losses, lack of trust, and in certain industries it can have far reaching implications - just think of a school, hospital or power station.

The more time you're unable to operate, the worse the implications. Having a plan to respond to different types of threats that cause downtime, can help you create a faster and more coordinated response.

It can help protect your data

Part of having a disaster recovery plan involves taking steps to avoid or minimize data loss. That may include scheduling regular data backups, following the 3-2-1 data backup rule, and having a recovery plan to restore any lost data as quickly as possible.

Part of this plan also involves making sure that data is collected, stored and handled securely and in line with data handling best practices.

It helps your staff know how to respond to data security threats

If you have a plan in place about how to deal with data loss or a data breach, and you train your staff on how to respond, then you can minimize the damage that’s done.

Oftentimes staff inadvertently (or intentionally) cause data losses. Knowing how to respond and what protocols to follow can help protect that data and mitigate future risks and losses.

Helps to minimize legal liability

When you handle, store and share data there are a range of legal obligations that may apply. If you experience a data breach, you may also be expected to report that breach and what data was lost, and failure to do so properly could mean you and your company could face legal liability and penalties.

Having a disaster recovery plan in place helps you to strategize how to stay within the law at all times, and to follow the right processes and procedures that you’re legally required to.

Helps you maintain business continuity

Making sure that you can recover from a disaster helps your business to keep operating, which makes disaster recovery a key component on any business continuity plan.

What should an effective disaster recovery plan include?

Your disaster recovery plan should be customized to your particular business needs, your industry and your budget. While all disaster recovery plans will be slightly different, there are some essential components which include: taking an inventory of all your IT assets, establishing roles and responsibilities, recovery point objectives and recovery time objectives.

If you think of an actual disaster happening to your business, it helps to visualize all the components of a solid disaster recovery plan. That could include having an inventory of all your hardware, software, IT services, and data. And you’d want to know what your disaster recovery procedures are, how to recover data and restore your entire system.

You’d need emergency contact details for staff, a way of notifying staff and clients of your disaster, and a clear plan of the disaster recovery team’s roles and responsibilities.

You’d also want to stay proactive by keeping backups and having systems to restore functionality and data. And you may want to constantly test your network for gaps and vulnerabilities to stay protected.

In addition, you may want to simulate a real disaster to test whether your plans actually hold up in practice and where you could make improvements.

There are several essential features of a robust disaster recovery plan. These include:

Take an inventory and classify your IT assets

It’s important to start with taking an inventory of all your IT assets and then to classify each one as critical for your business to operate, important to have for daily work to be fulfilled, or not import and infrequently used. That helps to guide your plan, showing you which assets are a priority to protect and recover in case of a disaster.

If your business gathers and stores any sensitive data, then you may also need to comply with various laws and regulations regarding secure storage, access to that data, backups and how you handle a disaster.

Establish clear staff roles and responsibilities in case of disaster

It’s also important to allocate responsibilities to members of your team in case of a disaster. They should be clear about what their roles and responsibilities are and how to perform those.

These roles and responsibilities may range from creating regular backups, identifying and declaring a disaster, notifying vendors, clients, other staff, or the media, and managing the disaster recovery process.

It’s also important to have a clear communications plan for dealing with disasters, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.

Establish recovery time objectives

A solid recovery plan should make it clear what your recovery time objectives are. That relates to how quickly you plan to have systems restored in the event of a disaster, so that you can minimize data loss and other consequences. It may be an hour, 6 hours or 10 hours, for example - and may vary depending on how you’ve classified your data.

Establish recovery point objectives

It’s also important to set a target for the maximum amount of time that you can lose data for. For example, you may not want to lose anything more than 5 hours of data, or 2 days worth of data.

Establish a data backup plan

When you create a backup plan, it’s important to distinguish between critical and non-critical data. It’s advisable to follow the 3-2-1 data backup rule of keeping 3 copies of your data in 2 separate mediums, 1 of which should be offline and off-site. You may also want to explore the many benefits of cloud storage and backups.

If you have physical documents that need to be stored and protected, whether paper files, portable hard drives, tapes or DVDs, it’s important to look for safe and secure data storage options that meet any relevant compliance criteria.

Conduct regular disaster recovery testing

It’s vital to plan for regular testing of your disaster recovery plan, as your IT infrastructure and security will change over time. Testing helps ensure that your procedures work well, and helps to prepare staff better so that they know what to do if disaster strikes.

Your testing may uncover gaps and weaknesses that need to be filled, and should be conducted at least once a year to coincide with the annual updating of your disaster recovery plan.

How can a disaster recovery plan help ensure business continuity?

Business continuity is all about making sure that your business can operate effectively and that all aspects of your business are functioning. A disaster recovery plan is therefore just one aspect of a business continuity plan that focuses on IT systems and infrastructure.

A disaster recovery plan helps to ensure business continuity as your IT systems and data are critical to the proper functioning of most businesses nowadays.

Final thoughts on a Successful Disaster Recovery Plan And Business Continuity

Although you may be hoping that a disaster will never affect your business, some things are out of our control. A severe storm, human error or an international cyberattack could jeopardize the continuity of your business if you’re not well prepared.

Part of your business continuity planning should include drafting a disaster recovery plan, which sets out processes and procedures to follow in case of a disaster. That can help you recover data and IT infrastructure, avoid or minimize legal liability and minimize downtime.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your disaster recovery needs and any inquiries you may have.

Checklist for Better Digital Offboarding of Employees

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 12:00:02 GMT

Digital footprints cover today's modern workplace. Employees begin making these the moment they're hired. They get a company email address and application logins. They may even update their LinkedIn page to connect to your company.

When an employee leaves a company, there is a process that needs to happen. This is the process of “decoupling” the employee from the company’s technology assets. This digital offboarding is vital to cybersecurity.

You don’t want a former employee to maliciously email all your customers from their work email. Sensitive files left on a former staffer’s computer could leak months later.

20% of surveyed businesses have experienced a data breach connected to a former employee.

Digital offboarding entails revoking privileges to company data, and much more. This is a critical process to go through for each former staff member to reduce risk.

Below, we’ve provided a handy checklist to help you cover all your bases.

Your Digital Offboarding Checklist

Knowledge Transfer

Vast corporate knowledge can disappear when a person leaves an organization. It’s important to capture this during a digital offboarding process.

This could be something as simple as what social media app someone used for company posts. Or it may be productivity leveraging. Such as the best way to enter the sales data into the CRM.

Make sure to do a knowledge download with an employee during the exit interview. Better yet, have all staff regularly document procedures and workflows. This makes the knowledge available if the employee is ever not there to perform those tasks.

Address Social Media Connections to the Company

Address any social media connections to the former employee. Is their personal Facebook user account an admin for your company's Facebook page? Do they post on your corporate LinkedIn page?

Identify All Apps & Logins the Person Has Been Using for Work

Hopefully, your HR or IT department will have a list of all the apps and website logins that an employee has. But you can’t assume this. Employees often use unauthorized cloud apps to do their work. This is usually done without realizing the security consequences.

Make sure you know of any apps that the employee may have used for business activities. You will need to address these. Either change the login if you plan to continue using them. Or you may want to close them altogether after exporting company data.

Change Email Password

Changing the employee’s email password should be one of the first things you do. This keeps a former employee from getting company information. It also keeps them from emailing as a representative of the company.

Accounts are typically not closed immediately because emails need to be stored. But you should change the password to ensure the employee no longer has access.

Change Employee Passwords for Cloud Business Apps

Change all other app passwords. Remember that people often access business apps on personal devices. So, just because they can’t access their work computer any longer, doesn’t mean they can’t access their old accounts.

Changing the passwords locks them out no matter what device they are using. You can simplify the process with a single sign-on solution.

Recover Any Company Devices

Make sure to recover any company-owned devices from the employee’s home. Remote employees are often issued equipment to use.

You should do this as soon as possible to avoid loss of the equipment. Once people no longer work for a company, they may sell, give away, or trash devices.

Recover Data on Employee Personal Devices

Many companies use a bring your own device (BYOD) policy. It saves them money, but this can make offboarding more difficult.

You need to ensure you’ve captured all company data on those devices. If you don’t already have a backup policy in place for this, now is a good time to create one.

Transfer Data Ownership & Close Employee Accounts

Don’t keep old employee cloud accounts open indefinitely. Choose a user account to transfer their data to and then close the account. Leaving unused employee accounts open is an invitation to a hacker. With no one monitoring the account, breaches can happen. A criminal could gain access and steal data for months unnoticed.

Revoke Access by Employee’s Devices to Your Apps and Network

Using an endpoint device management system, you can easily revoke device access. Remove the former employee’s device from any approved device list in your system.

Change Any Building Digital Passcodes

Don’t forget about physical access to your building. If you have any digital gate or door passcodes, be sure to change these so the person can no longer gain access.

Need Help Reducing Offboarding Security Risk?

When you proactively address digital offboarding, the process is easier and less risky.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 f or a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

8 Reasons Why Companies Will Increasingly Use Cloud PCs

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:00:03 GMT

Cloud PCs are increasingly being used by companies around the world. It’s expected that this trend will continue, as cloud computers and cloud computing offer a range of attractive benefits for businesses.

In fact, according to a 2022 Microsoft survey, 95% of survey participants (from medium to large U.S. companies) said that hybrid or multicloud were critical to their business success.

Those benefits include enhanced productivity, better collaboration, simplified maintenance, better disaster recovery and enhanced cybersecurity. One of the most attractive features is that cloud PCs offer a highly scalable and flexible solution for businesses of all sizes.

As companies replace on-premise IT hardware with cloud computers, they are able to lower IT operating costs and reduce the amount of time and money spent on IT infrastructure maintenance.

And as the world has rapidly transitioned to remote work and hybrid working models, cloud PCs offer an attractive solution that allows for remote work mobility, flexibility and heightened security.

What is a cloud PC?

A cloud PC (which is also sometimes called a virtual desktop or cloud computer) is one that stores data and software applications on a remote server or cloud. That means that your business won’t have to host a server on-site, and the management of the server and backup of all your data is done by a cloud vendor.

This type of service is often called Desktop as a Service (Daas).

Because a cloud PC has all the software and data stored remotely on the cloud, it means that users can access that from any device, anywhere as long as they have an internet connection.

Even a mobile phone can be used for access, which means you no longer need to have the most powerful machines to be able to perform your job.

8 reasons why more companies will start using cloud PCs

There are many benefits to using cloud PCs, which is probably why they’ve become such a trend among businesses.

Inspired by these benefits, below are 8 reasons why companies are expected to increasingly adopt the use of cloud PCs:

1. Enhance productivity

If your employees use cloud PCs, they can then access all their files, data and software in one location and can easily collaborate, share files and backup their data from one central location.

This helps to streamline how employees work, especially compared with traditionally having to use and sign into a range of different applications and data storage.

That in turn can help to enhance productivity as staff no longer have to spend hours on IT troubleshooting and logging into different applications.

2. Cost savings

There are various ways that companies can save costs by using cloud PCs.

Firstly, you no longer need to invest in powerful and costly IT hardware, as you can access cloud services via any device on a subscription model. This pay-as-you-go model means that businesses can then avoid being locked into long-term contracts where they have to pay to maintain their costly IT infrastructure.

By avoiding capital expenses (CapEx) for IT hardware, businesses can significantly reduce their capital costs, while shifting their IT expenses to being tax-deductable operational costs (OpEx).

This can translate into big savings on annual IT budgets and expenses as your business may then be able to deduct all these operational costs within a financial tax year, reducing overall company tax. This in turn can help companies remain agile and better able to pivot and adjust as needed. This “pay as you grow” approach to expenditure can also help companies be more financially strategic so they can grow and scale.

And while you will have to pay for your cloud PC services on a subscription basis, it may end up being less than having to have full time IT staff to take care of your on-site servers, hardware management, software updates, and backups.

And in addition, if many of your staff work remotely, you could even have a bring your own device (BYOD) policy, which means you can save even more on not having to provide hardware.

When it comes to scaling up or down your IT resources, this can be done quickly and cost-effectively as your employee numbers change. Plus you may be able to save on IT insurance costs if you have less on-site infrastructure, and also on IT maintenance costs.

3. Better IT security

Cybersecurity is front o f mind for most businesses as the risks and implications of data loss or malware infections can be significant and even crippling.

One of the many reasons that companies are increasingly adopting the use of cloud computers for their staff, is because of the security enhancements they offer.

Most cloud service providers employ the latest cybersecurity protections, which helps minimize the risk of a hack, malware or ransomware. This includes cybersecurity monitoring, the use of two-factor authentication and encryption, and access controls to different types of data.

That helps make the cloud generally safer and more secure compared with hosting your own servers on-site and managing your own backups and cybersecurity.

4. Scalable and flexible solution

Cloud PCs offer a scalable and flexible solution compared with traditional on-site computers. That’s because cloud computers allow you to add extra users, more storage or additional software apps rapidly without having to buy any additional hardware or IT infrastructure.

This is a huge advantage, particularly for organizations that want to scale and grow their workforce significantly. It helps them to customize their and change the software they use and number of uses they have almost at the touch of a button.

This can help companies to pivot and remain agile, while saving costs and being able to test out new software quite affordably without having to invest in costly hardware.

5. Simplified maintenance

If you have a traditional computer then you’re responsible for running updates, installing security patches, and maintaining your on-site server. If there are any problems, you may have to fix them yourself or call in a specialized IT service provider.

But if you have a cloud computer, then your service provider will take care of all maintenance and troubleshooting issues, as well as backups and storage.

That means your IT staff won’t have as much of a workload, so they can take care of other important matters.

It also means that you’ll generally experience less downtime, and you’ll also be able to access the latest software or easily change to a new SaaS product or even operating system.

6. Better collaboration

Cloud computing allows all users in your team to access the same data at the same time, make edits, share files and communicate instantaneously. This enhances collaboration in real-time and helps with productivity and efficiency as operations are more streamlined and centralized.

For remote teams that are location independent, it also enables collaboration and communication across physical boundaries. Teams can access the same tools, apps and data from anywhere in the world - all they need is an internet connection.

7. More sustainable

If you’re keen to operate your business responsibly and sustainably, then you’ll probably be happy to know that cloud solutions are generally more environmentally friendly.

That’s because each company is able to reduce the amount of physical hardware they need, and because cloud data centers and servers are often powered by renewables which can reduce carbon footprints.

And cloud computing is also generally more resource efficient, because you are able to use only what you need. That way if you need to scale up or down, you're not left with excess hardware that goes to waste.

8. Better disaster recovery

Cloud computers can make use of cloud based backup and disaster recovery , which can help businesses recover from disasters like ransomware attacks or physical damage to IT hardware.

That’s because cloud based storage and backup solutions can help to better protect your data and systems, and can help you get back to being operational more quickly than with traditional PCs.

It is of course important to have a disaster recovery plan in place, but having cloud backups can help eliminate downtime in the case of a disaster. This can help ensure better business continuity and if done right, can help avoid the damage of a ransomware attack.

Final thoughts on the future of cloud computers and virtual desktops

Cloud computers and cloud computing is expected to continue to be a growing trend in the IT sector for many years to come.

As more and more organizations opt to migrate over to using cloud computers, it’s becoming evident that there are a multitude of benefits of doing so.

Customized, scalable and flexible cloud computing solutions can help enhance efficiency and productivity, save costs and enable better collaboration and communication. They can also help you access the latest software technologies, and take advantage of the latest in cybersecurity protection solutions .

If you’re interested to figure out whether a cloud computer and other cloud computing options would be a good solution for your business, contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss this and any inquiries you may have.

Enhance Your Server Management With These 8 Tips

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:00:06 GMT

You may have state-of-the-art servers, but their efficiency can diminish over time. Managing them is key to optimizing your business operations.

Numerous organizations rely on servers for various IT functions, such as applications, emails, hosting websites, and data storage.

Although many companies have turned to cloud-based services using remote data centers, many enterprises still depend on in-house servers. As such, they need to ensure their devices remain in tip-top condition.

That’s where server management comes into play.

Managing your servers can streamline the performance of your team by allowing them to complete complex tasks faster. Plus, it can enable them to detect problems early on before they get out of hand and compromise your business. As a result, the risk of experiencing operational setbacks is drastically lower.

But the only way to make the most of your server management is to perform it correctly. And to help you do so, this article will share eight tips on improving your server management.

THE 8 TIPS

TIP #1 - MOUNT THE SERVERS PROPERLY

Small businesses often need to prioritize immediate concerns over long-term plans because they need to work on tight budgets. This is particularly evident in terms of server management.

When you first set up your servers, it might be tempting to connect them near your workstations. However, this can harm your hardware.

Mounting your servers in racks is a much better solution. It can shield them from accidents in high-traffic areas, tripping hazards, spills, and dirt.

Furthermore, server racks can help keep the hardware safe by organizing it in an accessible area that facilitates management and cleaning. They also limit the exposure to regular wear and tear in the office.

Another critical consideration is to plan for the future when installing your servers.

When selecting a rack mount, be sure there’s enough room to expand your hardware.

Unless your office is tiny, having half-empty racks is preferred to tearing them down and redesigning them a few years down the line.

TIP #2 - SEPARATE YOUR SERVERS FROM YOUR MAIN AREA

Depending on the type of servers, they can get quite noisy when in operation. On top of that, they can comprise valuable hardware. So, you’ll want to separate them physically from the working premises.

If you can’t afford a designated server room, invest in secure rack mounts with integrated sound reduction.

TIP #3 - TAKE CARE OF YOUR HARDWARE

Hardware maintenance plays a pivotal role in server management. Without dependable hardware, your productivity can plunge.

To avoid this scenario, you need to monitor the essential components of your server:

CPU (Central Processing Unit) – Your CPU is the core of your servers, performing all calculations for running programs. You need to constantly monitor it to prevent overuse. If it operates near 100% of its power, your team members can’t carry out additional tasks due to slowdowns. It may require chip upgrades or performance tuning to alleviate the stress.
RAM (Random Access Memory) – This is the working memory of your server, as it runs faster than hard disks. The more RAM you have, the higher the performance of your device. Closely monitor its usage and add more memory when it gets close to its full capacity.
Hard drive – The hard drive is the permanent storage of your servers. It saves your data and programs, but its performance can diminish with overuse. Proper hard disk management entails keeping track of the available space, deleting unnecessary files, installing new drives, or including cloud-based solutions.

TIP #4 - EMPLOY FREQUENT COOLING

You expect your servers to perform fast, but the only way to ensure this is to provide optimal conditions. That said, you should primarily focus on cooling the servers. Excess heat can dramatically decrease their lifespan.

The best practice here is to make sure your cooling device operates outside your building.

Additionally, if you experience a power outage or central air doesn’t work at night, you need a cooling solution that can run on backup power.

TIP #5 - MANAGE AND MAINTAIN YOUR SOFTWARE

Software used for your server requires regular maintenance, too. The key is to perform regular updates and delete old software to enhance performance. Your servers will operate better, and there will be fewer vulnerabilities cybercriminals can exploit to access your network.

TIP #6 - ARRANGE THE WIRING NEATLY

The amount of wiring in your server setup can be overwhelming, especially if you have no technical experience. Sorting out the mess doesn’t only improve cleanliness, but it can also help boost the performance of your server viability for future upgrades.

Keep in mind that whenever you’re removing, rearranging, or installing your cables, label and group them neatly. Doing so helps prevent clutter.

TIP #7 - PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SECURITY

As previously mentioned, servers can be susceptible to cyberattacks. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a secure system.

Here’s what you should do:

Install and update antivirus software.
Repel unauthorized traffic with firewalls.
Use robust access control software or sound password policies and instruct your users to change them regularly.
Encrypt external networks and data storage.
Incorporate SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools.
Analyze and implement security logging measures to understand potential threats.

TIP #8 - BACK UP YOUR DATA

The final part of robust server management is backing up your data regularly. After all, loss of information can be disastrous, harming your reputation and losing your customers.

Besides backing up server software and hardware, you should also have a backup for your power supply to prevent data losses during power outages. Moreover, you can integrate with various tools to expedite backups, recoveries, and status monitoring.

Look for software that covers both your IT architecture and operating system. It needs to work across systems and applications you currently have or plan on installing.

Additionally, it should diagnose server issues efficiently with powerful analytic capabilities.

SERVER MANAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST

Managing effective server operation involves several key considerations, from monitoring system temperature to updates and data backups. Even though this can be an arduous process, it’s integral to optimizing your server performance and eliminating security concerns.

If you need help in optimum server management in your business, we’d love to help you out. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no ob ligation consultation to discuss your server requirements and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Is Your Business Ready For A Ransomware Attack?

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Cybercrime is on the rise around the world, and that includes ransomware attacks. According to the 2022 SonicWall Cyber Threat Report, there have been around 623 million ransomware attacks globally.

Every business is vulnerable and should be thinking about how to be ready for a ransomware attack. Considering that 60% of small and mid-sized businesses that are hacked go out of business within 6 months, cybersecurity should be a business priority.

Is your data backed up? How would your company recover from a ransomware attack? Do you have a plan in place for how to proceed if your data is held ransom in exchange for hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of dollars?

Rather than waiting to see if you’re targeted, it’s best to be prepared and take steps to keep your systems and data protected.

Below we look at what a ransomware attack entails, and on steps you can take to prevent a ransomware attack.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware or a virus that’s created by a hacker to prevent you from being able to access data or systems until you pay a ransom.

Connected devices, computers, phones, tablets and other computer technology can become infected with ransomware. Either one device becomes infected, or sometimes your whole system can be affected.

Phishing emails are a common source of ransomware attacks, where an employee will click on a link in an email which then triggers a virus being installed on your device.

Most ransomware either locks you out of being able to access your data or it encrypts your data. For example, PIN locker ransomware will change your device’s pin code, which means you won't be able to unlock your device or access your data.

Another example of ransomware is disk coding ransomware which encrypts critical file system structures so that you can’t access your operating system.

How does a ransomware attack work?

Once your device or system has been infected with ransomware, you’ll be locked out of your device or system. That means you won’t be able to access your data, and for any business that can be crippling. What’s more, you may have sensitive and confidential data which you are responsible for protecting that may be the subject of a ransomware attack.

After you’re locked out or your files are encrypted, a ransom will be demanded.

When a ransom is demanded, you’ll often be asked to pay an amount in a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, so that the hacker can’t be traced. You’ll also often see a clock counting down and will be asked to pay the ransom before the time runs out, otherwise your data will be destroyed.

And even if you end up paying the ransom, there’s no guarantee that the hacker behind the attack will unlock your files.

Ransomware attacks are rapidly rising in number and they often target small and medium sized companies. The financial sector and healthcare industries seem to be particularly prime targets. Ransomware attacks can be costly, they can slow down productivity, and they can even cause the collapse of companies.

That’s why taking action to prevent ransomware attacks from happening in the first place is critical to all businesses.

How to prevent a ransomware attack

The implications of a ransomware attack for any business can be dire. Luckily there are many actions that companies can take to help prevent a ransomware attack.

This includes having a disaster recovery strategy, analyzing and identifying your risks and vulnerabilities, making regular and secure backups of all your data, training your staff regularly on the latest cybersecurity trends and scams, and keeping all your software and apps up to date.

It’s also increasingly important to use multilayered cybersecurity solutions which your in-house staff may be able to provide. Having an IT service provider or MSP with expertise in cybersecurity can also help to enhance your protections.

Disaster recovery strategy

Your IT specialist can help you to create an IT disaster recovery strategy.

This should identify any vulnerabilities in your systems and find solutions to help you keep protected against cyberthreats and other IT risks.

A good starting point for creating a disaster recovery plan is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework , which helps organizations to Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover when faced with a cybersecurity attack.

Analyze your risks

To prevent ransomware security issues from affecting your business, it’s good to analyze your particular risks. By identifying your weaknesses and susceptibility to a ransomware attack, you can create more robust solutions to prevent an attack.

Consider what type of data your organization has, who can access it and whether there are any levels of restriction to accessing data.

Also consider what type of hardware your teams use, what software you use (whether it’s always updated), and what security protocols you have in place.

Also think about what it would cost you in monetary terms for every day that your systems are offline in the case of an attack. That can help motivate for additional expenditure to be spent on preventative measures.

Another thing to consider is how your business would be able to operate in case of your systems being down. Do you have a backup plan? And do you have a plan in place of how to deal with and respond to a ransomware attack and regain operations?

If you have sensitive and confidential data on file, you’ll also need a plan of how to retrieve that and if you can’t, how you’d investigate its loss and notify your customers.

Backup your data

If you backup a copy of your data, then any ransomware attack may be ineffective. That way you can restore your operations and get back to business quickly.

It’s important to conduct regular backups of all data, and to have a disaster recovery plan in place. It’s critical that your storage and backup solutions are kept separately and they are secure and robust. And at least one copy of your backup should ideally be kept off-line to ensure it cannot be targeted by an attack.

Train your staff on cybersecurity, phishing scams and ransomware attacks

It’s important to train staff regularly (about every 4 months is ideal) on how to identify and avoid phishing scams and ransomware attacks.

And you’ll need your IT staff to have the tech and skills to respond to any attack effectively and to restore data from backups so you can continue your operations.

Update your software

To prevent cybercrime, you’ll want to ensure all your apps and software, as well as operating systems, are always kept up-to-date.

When your software is updated, it includes the latest protections and patches that prevent attacks. That includes your antivirus software.

That’s why when people don’t keep their OS or software updated, they may unknowingly leave their systems vulnerable to a cyberattack.

Use multilayered cybersecurity solutions

There are multiple ways to protect yourself from cyberattacks. That’s why a multilayered approach to cybersecurity can help you resist ransomware attacks.

That includes using two-factor authentication, using professional antivirus software, using encryption software, training your employees regularly on cybersecurity, and regularly updating your backups.

It’s also vital to use strong passwords, to scan your networks for weakness and vulnerabilities, for all employees to use a virtual private network (VPN), to use firewalls, to keep your backups protected, and to limit access to data.

You may also want to consider insurance against cyberattacks and loss of data.

Final thoughts on computer viruses and how to keep your business protected

Ransomware is a type of computer virus or malware which hackers use to hold your data and systems for ransom.

Ransomware can have debilitating effects on any business, and small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they may not have robust cybersecurity in place to prevent ransomware attacks.

There are many actions that you can take as an organization to help prevent a ransomware attack. Just as it’s important to prevent an attack, it’s also vital that you are prepared to deal with one. Having a disaster recovery plan in place can help you respond to and recover from a ransomware attack.

At NB Technology, which is based in Belmont (North Carolina), we assist companies with a range of network and security services , which includes cybersecurity services and managed cloud backup and disaster recovery .

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

What are the Most Helpful VoIP Features for Small Businesses

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 12:00:13 GMT

Just five or six years ago, VoIP was still considered a “different” type of business phone system. One that wasn’t the norm. But the pandemic changed that way of thinking. Now internet-based phone systems aren’t simply the norm. They’re mandatory for business continuity.

During the pandemic, VoIP and video conferencing have skyrocketed by over 210% . This is largely due to the move to remote work and hybrid offices. Sixty-seven percent of surveyed companies say switching to VoIP helps improve call handling.

So, no longer is the business phone system tied to a physical location. This enables fluid management of a business with staff spread out over many locations.

Additionally, VoIP significantly reduces costs for businesses. The technology is much cheaper to use than a traditional landline-based system. Calling plans are also often less expensive, and a company can add new numbers for very little cost.

VoIP has several helpful features for small businesses. But owners are busy and may not have time to have all of them enabled.

What are the best features to drive efficiency, productivity, and positive caller experience?

Here are some of the best features of cloud-based business phone systems to leverage.

Automated Attendant

In many small companies, the person answering the phone also has a lot of other duties. You can free up that person’s time and give the caller a better experience with an automated attendant.

An auto-attendant acts as a company directory. It will forward calls to the correct department or staff member for you. Record a pleasant greeting and ask the caller a few questions. Such as, “Press or say 1 for sales, 2 for technical support,” etc.

The caller gets the person they need without having to explain why they’re calling twice. Once to the person that answers the phone and once to the person they’re transferred to.

Find Me/Follow Me

What’s the most favorite user feature for VoIP? According to 77% of surveyed employees, it’s the Find Me/Follow Me feature. This includes the ability to use a virtual phone number that is accessible from all devices. Staff can also transfer calls from one device to another with ease.

Whether you are on a PC, in a conference room, or on your smartphone, you can get your calls. This feature reduces friction and allows people to give out a single phone number. Callers can then use that number to reach the person via mobile, home office, or onsite office.

Hold Music

Playing pleasant music while your callers are on hold might seem like a small thing. But it can have a big impact on customer satisfaction and lead generation activities.

We found some eye-opening statistics from a study on hold music versus silence. In the study , researchers kept people on hold for 1 minute. Results showed:

On hold in silence: Over 50% of the callers hung up
On hold with music: Only 13% of the callers hung up

Additionally, the 45% of the silent group that did not hang up thought they were on hold for 3-5 minutes. They were on hold for just one minute. While on the music side, 56% of people thought they were on hold for less than one minute.

So, you can see the power of activating that one simple feature of your VoIP system. You may notice happier customers and fewer leads hanging up before they reach anyone.

Voicemail Transcription to Email

When you’re coming out of a meeting, going through a string of voicemails can be frustrating. You have to listen to each one to figure out the people to call back first.

Voicemail to email in VoIP services, provides recorded voicemails emailed to you. This also comes with a transcription of the message. You can quickly glance through the emails and scan the text to rank callbacks. No need to listen to every message first.

Ring Groups

Ring groups are an especially helpful feature if you have a small team. It allows a group of numbers to ring simultaneously until one person in the group picks up.

This means that another staff member may be able to assist a caller, rather than them needing to leave a message. Ring groups are great to set up for sales teams, accounting teams, and customer support teams.

Call Reporting

Another bonus of VoIP phone systems over analog is that you get real-time call reporting. What are your busiest times when you need more staff? Do you have a problem with calls not getting answered fast enough?

Your call reporting can give you insight into those things and more. Make sure you check out these reports and then automate the ones you like so you’ll see them regularly.

Local Support

This isn’t a system feature, but it’s important to have. If you sign up for VoIP from a company halfway around the world, you don’t have any local support when you need it.

Having someone that can come to your office is important. They can set up VoIP desk phones and help you optimize ring groups, mobile apps, and more. Your business phone system is one of the most important pieces of technology you have.

Make sure you have the local support you need to keep it operating reliably.

Looking for Local VoIP Solutions?

Get expert VoIP services and local support .

We’ll integrate your cloud-based phone system with your entire technology environment.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud-based VoIP phone system needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Cloud-Based Vs. On-site Phone Systems: What’s Best for Business?

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT

Many business owners are keen to find out more about the best phone systems for businesses: cloud-based (also known as VoIP) vs on-site phone systems.

There are benefits and drawbacks to each option, and it’s important to assess your needs to find a suitable and customized solution that’s right for your business.

Many businesses are making the transition to using cloud phone systems, which are seen as being scalable, flexible, reliable, affordable and offering a wide variety of useful features.

Below we look at the difference between cloud-based and on-premise phone systems, the benefits of using a cloud phone system, and what to consider when choosing a VoIP phone system.

Cloud-based vs on-site phone systems: what’s the difference?

A commonly asked question is what’s the difference between a cloud-based phone system and an on-site phone system.

A cloud-based phone system is one that uses the internet to make calls, using a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution. By contrast a traditional phone line uses a copper wire or an optic fiber connection to make calls.

Because cloud phones use the internet to make calls, these phone systems are hosted by off-site data centers and all phone data is stored in the cloud. That’s quite different from a traditional phone system that’s installed on-premise.

When you use a cloud phone you can use quite a variety of phone devices including smartphones, computers, VoIP headsets and traditional phones. And, you can also call from anywhere - you don’t have to be physically located in the office, which provides a great deal of flexibility and mobility.

The benefits of cloud-based phone systems

There are many benefits to using a cloud-based phone system, which is probably why there’s been such a big movement by companies to adopt this new technology.

Below we look at 6 of the top benefits to using cloud-based phone systems.

1. Scalable

Cloud-based phone systems can be scaled as your business grows or shrinks. If you have more employees who need phones, you can quickly and easily add extra phone lines and use a range of advanced features. You don’t need to have technicians come and install on-site cables and physical phone equipment.

And if you need to upgrade your phone system, it’s quick and easy to install updates, compared with traditional systems where you may need to wait for upgrades to be made.

2. Cost savings

One of the biggest benefits to having a cloud phone is that it can come with significant cost savings. That’s because you don’t have the same call charges as with traditional phone systems, that are based on the amount of time you spend on the phone, or how far away the person is that you’re calling.

Instead, with a VoIP phone, you just pay for your internet connection which is what you use to make calls, and for your VoIP service. This can help to reduce your monthly phone bills.

You can also save on all the extra features you may have opted for with a traditional phone line, such as voicemail, as these services are typically included in your VoIP phone cost.

And, another significant cost savings is that you don’t have to pay for an expensive outlay of costs for phone hardware infrastructure installation, as VoIP phone systems are usually much less expensive per line. That makes them particularly attractive to small businesses.

3. Flexible

Cloud-based phone systems are well-suited to providing remote work solutions, as they can be configured to work from anywhere on a range of devices.

As long as you have an internet connection, you can communicate over a work VoIP phone, even if you’re calling from somewhere in another country or state.

That means you don’t have to be physically present at a company’s premises to be able to effectively communicate with colleagues and partners.

VoIP phones are therefore a popular solution for location independent and remote teams, or for anyone who needs to travel frequently for work.

4. Reliable

Cloud-based phone systems are reliable because they are hosted in different locations, which means that your data is more secure and that you won’t often experience downtime.

5. Easy to use

Cloud phones are simple and easy to use and typically only need to be plugged in before being used. They do also have additional features which you can use to help enhance productivity.

6. Sustainable

If you use a cloud based phone system, then you may not require as much on-site hardware and software as with a traditional phone system. That can help reduce your card footprint and enhance resource efficiency. If your internet provider and cloud phone providers are powered by renewables, then this can further enhance the sustainability of your cloud-based phone system.

What to consider when getting a cloud-based phone system

While there are many advantages and benefits to having a cloud-based phone system, there are also various things that you should consider. This can help you decide whether a cloud-based phone system is right for you and suited to your needs.

1. Do you have a fast, stable internet connection?

To use a cloud phone, you will need to have a reliable and stable internet connection . You’ll need sufficient bandwidth for the number of phone lines you have connected, and you’ll need to ensure that your VoIP traffic is prioritized over other types of internet use.

In order to ensure a fast and reliable internet connection, you may need to have a powerful router and other hardware. And you may need to consider your office layout as some signal “dead spots'' may affect the quality of your VoIP phones.

If you don’t have a reliable connection, you may need to upgrade that first before getting a cloud-based phone system.

2. Is your team fully remote or hybrid?

It’s challenging for remote employees to use on-site phone systems, which makes VoIP phones particularly popular among remote teams.

If your team is fully remote, or if at least some employees are working from home or remotely, then a cloud-based phone solution can be a big advantage. And they can help enable better communication, collaboration, productivity and efficiency.

That’s because your staff can make calls from anywhere, using a range of devices, which makes VoIP phones a flexible solution.

3. Do you want to scale your business?

If you are planning to scale your business, then you may prefer opting for a cloud-based system.

That way you can avoid the costs of an on-premise traditional phone system installation.

You can also save costs by using your existing phones, or can make calls via their laptops, desktops, or mobile phones. That way you won’t have to purchase any new phone hardware as your company grows.

4. Do you want full control of your phone data?

If you want to manage and maintain your phone system yourself, and have full control over your phone network, then you may prefer to opt for an on-site phone system.

VoIP phone systems are better suited to companies that are keen to relinquish the maintenance and management of a phone system. VoIP phone providers are responsible for updating software, enabling new users and features and providing customer service for phone-related requests and queries.

And when it comes to phone data storage and security, hosted cloud phone systems work by having data stored on the cloud on your hosts’ servers.

If you’d prefer to store this data on your own servers, and manage your own data security, then an on-premise phone system may be better suited to your needs. But for smaller businesses that may not have their own IT security experts, it may be easier and less costly to have a third party store, manage and secure the phone data.

5. Phone line quality

If your internet connection isn’t reliable and if your bandwidth isn’t sufficient, you may get jittery phone line quality on your cloud phone. Or you may experience other quality issues such as echoing and latency.

There are a range of ways in which you can improve and enhance the audio quality of your VoIP phone line. That includes using ethernet cable connections instead of WiFi, having a VoIP optimized router, selecting the best quality VoIP phones or headsets, and auditing your phone system regularly to see where there’s opportunity for enhancement.

6. Consider additional VoIP features costs and VoIP contract terms

If you’re planning to get a cloud phone system, then you may want to check which additional features are on option and whether there are any extra costs.

It’s important that you check with the cloud phone provider before you sign a contract, whether your existing phones will be compatible with their VoIP system.

And it’s important to ask your prospective cloud phone provider for a list of additional services they provide and what the extra costs will be. This can help you compare service offerings between providers and can also help you plan your budget.

You may find that you don’t actually need any or many of the extra services, and this can help you maintain lower monthly phone bills.

Also consider all the terms of your cloud phone contract carefully. Some providers, for example, will charge you per minute after you exceed your first 1000 minutes. This can get very costly.

Tips for migrating to a cloud-based VOIP phone system

Some of the deciding factors when it comes to choosing a VoIP service provider will be the cost of the system and subscription, the features offered, how good the customer support is, whether it offers security, and whether it is a scalable solution.

Specialized IT service companies like NB Technology can help you assess your business phone needs, and implement a system that is best suited to your needs.

At NB Technology we can setup, configure, and port all of your numbers to the new system and we also provide 24/7 support, as well as training.

Below are a few tips for successfully migrating to a cloud based VoIP phone system.

Assess your business phone needs

Before you decide to migrate your phone system to a VoIP one, it’s best to conduct an assessment of your business needs. That should also include your plans for expansion and growth, as that is relevant to your choice of on-premise vs cloud based phone system.

At NB Technology, we test and assess your bandwidth and can calculate how much you would need for optimal VoIP calling. That way we can advise you upfront whether you’ll need to upgrade your internet and bandwidth.

Consider which VoIP features you need

When choosing a VoIP contract and service provider, consider which additional services are offered and which ones you would actually need. Also think about the const implications and whether you can afford this as part of your budget.

It’s also wise to look at the contract terms to see how you will be billed, so that there are no surprises down the road.

As an example of some powerful VoIP phone system features, NB Technology can provide:

Unlimited calling
Automated virtual phone answering
Voicemails to email (Virtual voicemail)
Text messaging
Customized on-hold music
The ability to transfer calls to anyone, anywhere
Video conferencing
24/7 technical support

Get advice from your VoIP provider on how to achieve optimal quality

If you’re thinking about moving your phone systems to the cloud, it can be confusing and overwhelming to figure out where to start.

It’s a good idea to think about what your goals are for the growth of the company in future, to see what type of a phone system would suit you best. This will also inform how much bandwidth you’ll need and what type of internet service provider you choose.

You may want to do research into the best VoIP provider and find out about their packages, rates and VoIP system features on offer.

Once you’ve selected a VoIP phone service provider, remember to ask them how to optimize your call quality and for any tips they can provide.

Final thoughts on migrating to a VoIP phone system

There are many factors that will affect whether you opt for a cloud-based or premise-based phone system. These factors include your budget, the status of your internet connection, whether you plan to grow and scale your company, and whether you have remote teams.

Getting advice from a professional with a thorough knowledge and experience dealing with VoIP phone systems is important. They can help you to assess your needs and requirements, and help provide you with the correct services and hardware to ensure quality phone lines, while providing great customer service.

At NB Technology, which is based in Belmont (North Carolina), we assist companies with a range of phone and internet services .

Our friendly team can help provide customized solutions to suit your needs and budget, including cloud based VoIP phone systems and business internet solutions .

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your phone system needs and any inquiries you may have.

Boost Your Microsoft 365 Data Protection

Tue, 14 Mar 2023 12:00:05 GMT

Making the most of your Microsoft 365 apps requires you to adopt appropriate security measures.

Microsoft 365 is one of the best collaboration and productivity tools around. It provides users with seamless communication, scalability and supports remote work with various features. The security is also solid due to a wide array of defense mechanisms.

But this doesn't mean you're impervious to cyberattacks.

Data leakage, unauthorized access, and malware can still jeopardize your system and offer ideal entry points for hackers. Should your business fall victim, the consequences can be dire, ranging from operational disruptions to severe reputational damage.

The only way to fend off hackers is to take your Microsoft 365 data protection to the next level. And this article will list the 11 most effective security measures to help shield your data in Microsoft 365.

THE 11 EFFECTIVE SECURITY MEASURES

SECURITY MEASURE #1 - ACTIVATE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Microsoft 365 users have just one method of verifying their identity when using a username and password. Unfortunately, many people don't follow robust password protocols. If you’re doing the same, you’re exposing your organization to intrusions.

That's where multi-factor authentication (MFA) comes into play.

It can boost your Microsoft 365 security with one-time passphrases or other factors to verify user identity. Best of all, this measure is easy to apply.

However, enabling MFA should only be your first step. The next one is to activate Security Defaults, a Microsoft feature that enforces MFA in each administrator account.

Another great idea is to implement MFA in all accounts without administrator permissions. It’s because these accounts can still endanger services and apps in your ecosystem.

SECURITY MEASURE #2 - USE SESSION TIMEOUTS

Many employees fail to log out of their accounts and lock their mobile devices or computers. This can grant hackers unlimited access to enterprise accounts, enabling them to compromise your data.

Incorporating session timeouts into internal networks and accounts automatically logs users out after a certain inactivity period. That means hackers can't take over their devices and access sensitive information.

SECURITY MEASURE #3 - REFRAIN FROM PUBLIC CALENDAR SHARING

Calendar sharing enables your employees to synchronize and share schedules with colleagues. While this facilitates team collaboration, it can also give hackers insight into your operations and vulnerable users.

For example, if your security administrator is on vacation and this information is publicly available, attackers can use this window to launch malware.

SECURITY MEASURE #4 - EMPLOY ADVANCED THREAT PROTECTION

Advanced threat protection (ATP) is a robust solution that recognizes and prevents advanced threats that usually bypass antivirus and firewall defenses.

It grants access to a database that receives real-time updates, allowing users to understand the threats and integrate the data into their analysis.

ATP notifies you about attacks, the severity, and the method that stopped them, regardless of the source. It's especially effective at preventing phishing.

It relies on machine learning and a massive database of suspicious sites notorious for malware delivery or phishing attempts.

SECURITY MEASURE #5 - LEVERAGE POLICY ALERTS

Microsoft 365 lets you establish your policy notifications in the compliance center to meet your company's security needs. For example, they send your employees tips on sending sensitive information whenever they're about to send a message to a contact outside your network.

These warnings can safeguard against data leaks while educating your team on safe data sharing methods.

SECURITY MEASURE #6 - SECURE YOUR MOBILE ACCESS

Your team often uses smartphones to access work email, contacts, documents, and calendars, especially if they work remotely. So, securing their devices should be your top priority when protecting data.

The best way to do so is to install Microsoft 365 mobile management features. They can let you manage your security policy, permissions, restrictions, and wipe crucial information from stolen or lost devices.

SECURITY MEASURE #7 - DEACTIVATE LEGACY PROTOCOL AUTHENTICATION

It’s worth noting that legacy protocols don't support several security features in Microsoft 365 that reduce the chances of intrusion, such as MFA. This can make them perfect gateways for adversaries who want to target your organization.

That said, your best bet is to deactivate legacy protocols to mitigate risks.

However, you may not want to disable legacy authentication if your team needs it for older email accounts. The good news is that you can still make your network safer by restricting access to users who don't need this protocol.

SECURITY MEASURE #8 - INTEGRATE ROLE-BASED ACCESS CONTROL

Access management is a convenient security feature that can limit the flow of private information across your business. It allows you to establish the users who can access data in your company.

For instance, you can minimize data leaks by preventing rank-and-file team members from reading and editing executive-level files.

SECURITY MEASURE #9 - RELY ON UNIFIED AUDIT LOG

Unified audit log (UAL) includes logs from several Microsoft 365 services, such as Azure AD, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. Enabling it can give the administrator insight into malicious activity and actions that violate organizational policies.

You may also want to incorporate your logs into an existing SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tool. Doing so enables you to connect logs with current log monitoring and management solutions to reveal abnormal activity. Plus, it can improve the overall security of your Microsoft 365 suite.

SECURITY MEASURE #10 - ENCRYPT EMAILS

Encrypting sensitive data is often the last resort when dealing with data breaches. But if cyberattackers access your emails, robust encryption tools can make them unreadable. That’s why email encryption is something worth looking into.

This feature is essential for Microsoft 365 users who share emails and files regularly.

SECURITY MEASURE #11 - TRAIN AND EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES

The above measures are undoubtedly effective, but they may amount to nothing if you leave your employees out of the picture. In fact, human error is the leading cause of most data breaches.

One of the best ways to prevent security breaches in your business is to schedule employee security training and education. It can raise their awareness of potential threats and guide them on how to address them.

This is especially important when recruiting employees. Make sure they undergo in-depth security training before granting them access to sensitive data and organizational devices.

DON'T LEAVE YOUR BUSINESS’S DATA PROTECTION TO CHANCE

Microsoft 365 offers a bunch of intuitive and convenient tools. The experience can be so smooth that you may even forget about protecting your data.

However, you're taking a huge gamble in doing so, as it leaves your system open for hackers.

With that in mind, applying the defense mechanisms mentioned in this article will dramatically decrease security threats to your business.

We can help you further ensure your security when using Microsoft 365 apps. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

The Dark Web, Cybersecurity Risks and How to Protect Your Business

Tue, 07 Mar 2023 13:00:04 GMT

If you have a small or medium sized business, you may be at risk of being hacked by dark web criminals who will sell your confidential data on the dark web. This can result in your personal and company information being traded, in ransomware attacks and in data being lost or corrupted.

Data loss and breaches can be costly - both financially and in terms of reputation. And they can bring your operations to a standstill.

With so much to lose, it’s imperative in this day and age that all businesses take a proactive approach to cyber security. There are many things that companies can do to help protect themselves against cyberattacks, malware and phishing scams. Below we look at 16 actions you can take to protect your company from dark web risks.

What’s The Dark Web?

The ‘ dark web ’ is an area of the internet that’s commonly associated with nefarious and illegal activities like cybercrime and illicit drug sales.

Compared with the parts of the world wide web we are used to viewing when we read news, visit blogs or do online shopping, the dark web is more difficult to find unless you know what you’re looking for.

That’s because it’s not searchable using traditional search engines like Google or Bing. And much of the dark web contains databases and even confidential government sites.

The dark web is large and growing rapidly. In fact, it’s estimated to be 500 times larger than the surface web .

Many dark web sites are used by hackers who have stolen usernames and passwords and sell them online so that criminals can use them to commit fraud or to gain access to your accounts or sensitive data.

To access the dark web, people typically need special software or a special browser which can conceal the location of users.

What cybersecurity risks does the dark web pose for my business?

Much of the dark web is used as a marketplace to trade in illegal goods and services, which includes stolen company data.

Many business owners won’t even have realized that they’ve been hacked and that their confidential information is being sold and traded on the dark web. Information about customers, employees and company activities and proprietary information may be included on the dark web as well as login data.

Cybercriminals then use this information to gain access to systems, networks and bank accounts. Or they can demand ransom money for the return of data (ransomware attacks).

Sometimes hackers will steal confidential company data online just to show how good they are at hacking into different company’s networks. This can damage your reputation and you may be liable for breaching privacy rights by not securing your data sufficiently.

We’ve all read news headlines about big corporations who’ve had their accounts hacked. But cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small to medium sized businesses for their cyber attacks. That’s because their security measures are often weak, which allows hackers to gain access more easily.

Whether hackers gain access to your company’s credit card and banking details, use your data to commit fraud, or blackmail you in return for a ransom, you’re likely to suffer financial and reputational loss from a cyber breach.

That’s why it’s best to be prepared and enhance your protection against cyber attacks.

How can I protect my business from dark web risks?

Being aware of the huge financial, reputational and operational risks posed by cybercrime, companies are starting to enhance their defenses against cybercriminals on the dark web.

There are many things that you can do to help get better protected and to secure your company data.

Here are some of the measures you can take to protect your business from the dark web:

1. Conduct a vulnerability assessment

Assessing how exposed you are to a potential cyber threat from the dark web is a good starting point to help enhance your protection.

There may be multiple vulnerabilities that need to be assessed, depending on the nature of your business, your employees, and what type of systems you are using.

As your technology, business operations, personnel and procedures change over time, it’s important to continuously assess your risks and threats to maintain advanced solutions and preventative measures.

2. Create a data protection plan

Protecting your company data requires proactive planning to minimize risks and threats and to have plans in place to recover data losses and deal with disaster recovery.

Creating a data protection plan can help guide your company from a policy perspective and coordinate your data protection efforts.

Some considerations when drafting your data protection plan include looking at security for all your systems and adding encryption to all data that is transmitted and stored.

An important part of your data protection plan will be your disaster recovery plan and procedures as well as ensuring secure data storage and backups.

3. Draft a company policy on safe internet use

Many data breaches and losses are caused by human error. Providing staff with policies on safe internet use can help provide guidance on which sites to avoid and what sites are off-limits.

You can also restrict the use of personal laptops and devices to access company intranets and networks, to help minimize risks. Or you may want to mandate the use of cloud computers for all company-related work.

4. Conduct regular threat monitoring

If you conduct regular threat monitoring, then when a breach occurs you will be notified and you can take swift action. This can help minimize the amount of damage done.

Your in-house IT staff may be able to conduct cyber-threat monitoring, or you may prefer to hire a specialized cybersecurity and managed IT service provider (MSP) expert to take care of all your threat monitoring.

The benefit of having an MSP manage your cybersecurity is that they are generally available 24/7 to deal with any incidents or threat alerts, and can take early action to avoid further destruction or attacks.

5. Create an incident response plan (to deal with a cyberattack or breach)

Having a plan in place to deal with cyberattacks, ransomware or data breaches is essential. These plans help guide you on the best course of action to take, and can help inform employees on the correct protocols to follow and who is responsible for specific aspects of the response.

Your incident response plan should look at your vulnerabilities and guide you and your staff on what to do once a threat is detected.

Having a thorough plan is the first step. It then needs to be communicated with all staff, and ideally a test run should be conducted so that staff get experience in implementing the plan.

6. Provide staff with regular cybersecurity training

Did you know that it’s recommended that all companies institute cybersecurity awareness training with their staff every 4 months?

That may seem excessive, but bearing in mind that scams and threats evolve rapidly and that people need to be reminded how to avoid and respond to threats, this can help companies avoid costly data leaks or losses,and can help prevent cyber attacks.

7. Use professional antivirus software

It’s critical to install and update a reputable antivirus software on all devices and your servers.

If your staff use virtual workstations and if you use cloud storage and backup services, you should enquire what your host does to secure the data. It’s also important to have an understanding of the difference between public cloud, private cloud and multi cloud networks and their respective risks.

Don’t forget to protect your IoT devices, especially if your staff work remotely from home where IoT devices can provide easy targets for hackers to gain entry to your system.

8. Update your antivirus software and other applications regularly

Computer viruses change and evolve fast, so it’s important to always have the latest updates of your antivirus software installed so you’re protected against the latest threats.

9. Use secure passwords

Use secure and robust passwords, change and update your passwords regularly, and avoid using the same password for all logins.

If you decide to store passwords, use a reputable password manager tool.

10. Use two factor authentication (2FA)

By using two factor authentication (2FA), companies can help to protect against hackers gaining access to online networks.

2FA makes it challenging to login without authenticating yourself in addition to having the correct password. For example, you may have to provide a code in addition to a password to access an online account, and the code may be sent to your mobile phone.

11. Use a virtual private network (VPN)

Using a virtual private network (VPN) is another way to help guard against dark web attacks.

That’s because when you use a VPN, your location stays hidden from anyone who wants to find out where you are.

12. Use professional IT service providers with good references

It’s also important that you work with professional and reputable IT service providers who have the expertise to provide you with custom solutions and services.

Most MSPs offer around the clock IT support which can help you respond immediately to threats and cyberattacks. Many MSPs also have specialized cybersecurity skills, which can help you to access the latest innovations and technologies to keep you protected, whilst monitoring for threats.

13. Run regular scans

Just as it’s critical to monitor for cyber breaches and attacks, you should also run regular scans to check for any vulnerabilities or suspicious activity.

14. Set up firewalls

You can install firewalls to help shield your networks from malware and phishing attempts. This adds a layer of protection against dark web activity that is targeted towards your company.

15. Conduct penetration tests to expose weakness in your defenses

Another way to guard against being the victim of a cyberattack from the dark web, is to actively try to penetrate your system to see whether there are any weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

By regularly performing penetration tests you can keep up to date with the latest tools and scams that hackers are using to stay ahead of them.

16. Limit access to sensitive data

Another way to limit data loss and breaches and protect your sensitive company information, is to set access limits and permissions on certain types of data.

Along with restricted access, companies should monitor for unusual activity such as an employee logging in from several locations at the same time. That can help to detect possible threats from within the organization.

Final thoughts on how protect your business against dark web threats

Cybercrime is increasingly pervasive. Small and medium sized companies are being specifically targeted as they often have weaker defenses to sophisticated malware, phishing scams, cybera attacks and hacking.

Data loss and breaches can be overwhelming for many businesses and can even result in companies having to be dissolved.

To avoid the many risks from the dark web, companies thankfully have a range of solutions which they can use to keep protected.

At NB Technology, which is based in Belmont (North Carolina), we assist companies with a range of cybersecurity services and managed IT services, to help guard against threats from the dark web.

Our friendly team can help provide customized solutions to suit your needs and budget, including disaster recovery and cloud backups , cybersecurity services , and managed IT services .

We can help you monitor threats 24/7 and can also implement responses aimed at disaster recovery and retrieving any data loss.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Protecting Your Printers From Cybercrime

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Printing devices are often overlooked when it comes to security. But the reality is, cybercriminals can hack your printer to get confidential information.

Your printer is probably the last piece of computer equipment you thought needed protection from cybercriminals.

But the truth is very different.

Attackers actively try to locate the weakest links in security to gain access to and exploit valuable data. And among the weakest links is the printer.

The thing with printers nowadays is that they have access to your devices, network, and the internet. This new open-access functionality makes them an ideal target for cyberattacks.

Unfortunately, many business owners overlook the importance of securing their printers and mainly focus on computers and mobile phones.

Most people still perceive printers as internal devices that serve basic functions. For this very reason, they are an easy target for cybercriminals.

Other than performing unauthorized print jobs, hackers can access confidential information as well as all connected computers and networks all through a printer.

You may also not be aware of the amount of valuable data your printer can store about you – tax files, bank details, financial records, employee information, personal information, etc. All a hacker needs to do is get into the operating system of your printer, and they can collect this sensitive data.

If you’ve just realized the importance of securing your printer, keep reading.

This article shares eight tips to help you do just that.

THE 8 TIPS

TIP #1. MAKE SURE YOUR PRINTERS ARE CONFIGURED CORRECTLY

Many things can make a printer vulnerable to cyber threats and security breaches. So, you want to get the basics right to ensure the attacks don’t happen to you.

To start with, make sure to change the default password on your printer. Since anyone can access a printer remotely, a simple “123456” code won’t suffice.

Second, make sure you’re using your own router to print files remotely. Never connect to “Guest” networks.

TIP #2. INSPECT PRINT TRAYS REGULARLY

This one is a no-brainer, but everyone could use it as a reminder. Make sure to check your print trays and get rid of unused pages carrying sensitive information. There’s no easier way to prevent data leaks than this.

Alternatively, you can get a shredder for your office and shred the papers you don’t want anyone to see.

TIP #3. INSTALL MALWARE AND FIRMWARE UPDATES

Invest time and effort to ensure that your malware and firmware protection are up to date and can handle all types of hacks.

The good news is that many printers come with pre-built malware protection.

HP, for example, installs the HP “SureStart” software in their printers that monitors approaching targets when the printer is on. The software can shut down the device if an attack comes its way. This is a great way to prevent attacks from spreading further within the network.

TIP #4. LIMIT ACCESS TO THE NETWORK

Unprotected printers in a network are an extremely easy target for cybercriminals. Sure, businesses and offices require printers to access networks to perform remote prints. But if you can do the job by disabling the network access, make sure you do that.

If not, tweak the printer and network settings to only allow the device to take print jobs from the network you trust. This will help avoid outside interference and security breaches.

TIP #5. UPDATE YOUR PRINTERS

Updating a printer is equally as important as updating your phone to the latest software. Much in the way iOS developers look for bugs and fix them in a new update, printer manufacturers work toward known device vulnerabilities and update the software for added protection.

Look for printer updates so you can easily overcome known threats to the printer. Ideally, update your printers every quarter to get the most out of the security benefits.

TIP #6. INSTALL A FIREWALL

If you run an office, chances are you already have a firewall. But in case you missed this requirement, now’s the time to do it.

Using a reliable firewall helps keep printers safe from cybercriminals.

Your computers most likely come with pre-built firewalls, and all you need to do is keep them enabled. But there are also specialized firewalls for homes and offices that offer advanced security and make it virtually impossible for anyone to break in.

TIP #7. ENCRYPT YOUR STORAGE

Printers with shared networks can perform distance printing. And when a print job is in transit and travels from a computer to a printer, hackers can intercept the data and exploit it.

To keep this from happening, encrypt your print jobs. Also, make sure the sensitive data on your printer's hard or internal drive is encrypted as well.

Keep in mind that when you print a document, that file is often stored as an image within the printer and makes it an easy target for hackers. It’s why you should use an encryption tool to protect your data. Luckily, many modern printers have this tool pre-built.

You can use the tool to set up a secure password that allows printer storage encryption, remove user IDs and ex-employee access, delete documents from the print queue once they’re printed, and much more.

TIP #8. EDUCATE YOUR EMPLOYEES

If you work in an office, chances are you aren’t the only person using the printer. Everyone that has access to it needs to be aware of the responsibilities that come with its usage. Make sure to talk to your employees about ways to ensure both the physical and virtual safety of the printers.

Your staff should also be careful when using their mobile devices to print, as smartphones are easier to hack. Explain to them what phishing scams are and how they can avoid being the victim.

Finally, make sure it’s clear to them how they can use confidential information in your company.

IT’S TIME TO ENSURE PRINTER SECURITY

Printers are the most overlooked devices when it comes to security. Given how most business owners consider them as merely internal devices whose sole function is to print documents, it’s no wonder they are a weak spot security-wise.

Whether you use printers in your office or at home, take a moment to see how you can enhance its security before your next printing job.

As cybercriminals are a growing concern, each of us is responsible for protecting our data. Luckily, the tips from this article will help you bring your printer’s security to another level.

If you need more insight into protecting the security of your printers, c ontact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

IT Compliance Policy: 7 Considerations

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 08:35:52 GMT

Conducting business operations in the digital world is prone to security risks. Mitigating them would be impossible without an IT compliance policy.

Setting up a robust IT compliance policy in your business is more important now than ever. And it’s because most organizations now depend on digitized services.

Online companies rely on e-commerce websites to do business by taking orders and receiving payments. Even brick-and-mortar organizations utilize software to perform various activities, such as order management and back-office accounting.

In such tech-driven environments, a lack of proper security measures jeopardizes the business leader’s position. Their IT systems get abused, and their technology often becomes a source of scandals.

The only way to avoid this possibility is to create a strong IT compliance policy.

This article will cover key considerations when developing your system of IT compliance.

WHAT YOU NEED TO CONSIDER FOR IT COMPLIANCE POLICIES

FACTOR #1 - PEOPLE, PROCESSES, AND HOW THEY ALIGN TO TECH

IT compliance isn’t just about technology – it also involves people and processes. And the reality is that many organizations focus heavily on their tech, resulting in failed audits due to their failure to consider the other two aspects. This makes the compliance world more complex.

Taking the correct approach can help ensure your enterprise abides by the necessary standards.

FACTOR #2 - RELEVANT LAWS AND REGULATIONS

Laws and regulations stipulate the policies that govern IT compliance requirements.

Here are the most common ones:

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act – regulating financial reporting
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act – governing non-public personal information and financial data
The Health Insurance and Accountability ACT – regulating health information that healthcare organizations process

Ultimately, you can’t start your compliance process without understanding the laws and regulations applicable to your organization.

You should also ascertain the controls that apply to these laws and regulations. They are process-oriented and technical means to adhere to your policies.

There are various industry and government standards that specify them, including:

Control Objectives for Information and Related IT
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Payment Card Industry Data

These can have a massive bearing on your sector. Therefore, make sure to familiarize yourself with all relevant controls.

FACTOR #3 - RAISING EMPLOYEE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE POLICY

One of the biggest threats to your data security is having untrained employees. Their actions can have a huge impact on cybersecurity. For instance, improper software upload, sharing, download, and storing can jeopardize critical information.

The reality is, many employees opt for insecure data transfer methods due to their convenience. Some of the tools they use are personal emails, consumer-grade collaboration apps, and instant messaging. All of these are ideal targets for cybercriminals.

To prevent your business from becoming a victim, your users must learn and understand where various threats originate from. They should especially understand the actions that can give rise to vulnerabilities.

Making file sharing a top priority and investing in proper education demonstrates the significance of IT compliance. Your efforts can help team members willing to adopt the best practices in this field.

When developing your training plan, make sure to include several key topics:

How insecure file transfer methods expose your company to risks
Avoiding phishing scams
Precautions to exercise before using or downloading unsanctioned applications
The conditions for using and creating strong passwords.

FACTOR #4 - HOW YOUR IT POLICY ALIGNS WITH THE COMPANY’S SECURITY POLICIES

Aligning IT compliance with your business operations involves understanding the culture of your organization. For example, your environment can revolve around either processes or ad-hoc ways of doing things.

Enterprises aligning with the former are best off issuing in-depth policies to ensure compliance.

By contrast, companies that match the latter require detective and preventive controls. They need to address specific risks associated with your policy. It helps various auditors understand why you’ve deployed a particular control or decided to face certain risks.

FACTOR #5 - UNDERSTANDING OF THE IT ENVIRONMENT

IT environments directly affect your IT policy compliance design. That said, there are two main kinds of environments:

Homogeneous environments – These consist of standardized vendors, configurations, and models. They’re largely consistent with your IT deployment.
Heterogeneous environments – The other type uses a wide range of security and compliance applications, versions, and technologies.

Generally, compliance costs are lower in homogeneous environments. Fewer vendors and technology add-ons provide less complexity and fewer policies. As a result, the price of security and compliance per system isn’t as high as with heterogeneous solutions.

Regardless of your environment, your policy needs to appropriately tackle new technologies, including virtualization and cloud computing.

FACTOR #6 - ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCOUNTABILITY

IT policy compliance doesn’t function without accountability. It entails defining organizational responsibilities and roles that determine the assets individuals need to protect. It also establishes who has the power to make crucial decisions.

Accountability begins from the top and encompasses executives. And the best way to guarantee involvement is to cast IT policy compliance programs in terms of risks instead of technology.

As for your IT providers, they have two pivotal roles:

Data/system owners – The owner is part of your management team that’s responsible for data usage and care. Plus, they’re accountable for protecting and managing information.
Data/system custodians – Custodial roles can entail several duties, such as system administration, security analysis, legal counseling, and internal auditing.

These responsibilities are essential for IT policy compliance. For example, auditors need to carefully verify compliance activity execution. Otherwise, there’s no way to ensure the implementation is going according to plan.

FACTOR #7 - AUTOMATION OF THE COMPLIANCE PROCESS

Your IT continually evolves and grows. Internal auditors can only review a small number of user accounts and system configurations.

Automation is the only way to ensure you can evaluate enough systems regularly.

BREEZE THROUGH YOUR BUSINESS’S IT COMPLIANCE

Setting up well-designed IT compliance may be a long process, but it can make a world of difference in terms of business security. It keeps your business reputation intact and allows you to avoid penalties and fines.

However, you’ll need to pay special attention to several aspects. And one of the most significant ones is your IT provider.

If your IT isn’t living up to its potential, you’re bound to face compliance issues. This can cause tremendous stress and halt your operations.

Luckily, there might be an easy way out of your predicament for your Charlotte, Gastonia or NC business. Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How Cloud-Based Virtual Workstations Can Transform Your Business

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If you’ve heard about cloud computing, then you may have also heard about how cloud-based virtual workstations can help businesses transform.

Cloud-based virtual workstations (also called cloud computers or virtual desktops) are changing the way we view computers in the workplace and how we think about IT infrastructure.

Compared with a traditional business office, where everyone has a device with software installed on it and data saved to the device or on an in-house server, cloud computing allows any user, using any device, to access a range of virtual software solutions on-demand.

This makes it simpler, more cost effective, and scalable for businesses to manage their changing IT needs.

And it can help free up some time for your IT staff, who no longer need to manage responsibility for all disaster recovery and network security.

Virtual workstations can help enhance collaboration and allow companies to remain agile and flexible to changing circumstances and trends, while being able to access the latest technology and security measures.

The use of virtual desktops is expanding rapidly and the sector is expected to grow in market size to around USD 57 billion by 2030.

What is a virtual workstation?

A virtual workstation or cloud computer is a computer that provides you with remote access to all the software you need to do your job, from just about any device.

That means you no longer need high-powered computers in your office to be able to access a range of tools and data, or to be able to download, send or store data.

With a virtual workstation, you can access a virtual desktop in the cloud where you can store files, collaborate with colleagues and communicate effectively. And your company will no longer need to provide as much hardware and IT infrastructure on-site, as you’ll access that via your virtual workstation.

With a cloud computer or virtual desktop, you no longer need to install new software on individual devices, or to update operating systems on individual computers. That can be done remotely by the IT team for all virtual desktops - which you can then access from any device.

This Desktop as a Service (DaaS) approach to computing means that you can now access cloud-integrated services and scale your organization while saving on capital costs for IT hardware. That means you can rely on cloud-based data backups and storage, use remote servers and have greater control over IT security and what apps and software are available and who can access different datasets.

Some of the biggest global suppliers of virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) include Cisco Systems, Microsoft, VMware, Oracle, Amazon Web Services, IBM and Parallels.

What are the benefits of using a virtual workstation?

There are a range of benefits to using a virtual workstation. That’s probably why so many companies around the world have already transitioned to using them.

Below are some of these many benefits of cloud computers:

1. Reduced costs

If your staff use virtual workstations, that means you no longer need to buy expensive computer hardware or invest in pricey IT infrastructure. That can save you money on capital expenditure.

And by accessing your new DaaS workstations, you can pay for access using a subscription model which is scalable and flexible. Plus you only need to pay for what you use.

And because virtual desktops are accessible by any device, your staff can work remotely which means you can potentially save on costs associated with office space rentals. And because all the software updates and IT security are done by the virtual desktop host, you may be able to cut your IT costs too.

In addition, by using a DaaS subscription you only need to pay for the software that each person needs, which can help you reduce the number of licenses you pay for and cut costs.

2. Work from anywhere (flexibility and workforce mobility)

Virtual workstations can be accessed from any device, anywhere in the world. That means that your staff have workforce mobility and the flexibility to work remotely or from any device.

This flexibility helps businesses to scale rapidly as their needs change, making them agile and adaptable. And because it’s typically very quick and easy to assign new users with virtual desktops, companies can also allow new staff to use their own devices if needed.

And if a company suddenly experiences a sharp decline in the number of staff requiring computers, they can reduce the number of DaaS subscriptions without any major loss in hardware expenses.

3. Enhanced productivity

When your staff use virtual computers they get access to a range of apps and software which is maintained and updated by the supplier or host.

That means that your company won’t need to struggle with hardware failures, lengthy procurement processes for new software, software upgrades, or much downtime that can hamper productivity.

And with enhanced protection from data breaches, you can also save time on disaster recovery processes and on fixing breaches. That can free up your time to be more productive.

4. Better collaboration

Virtual workstations can also enhance team collaboration by making it easier for colleagues to send and share information and access tools that facilitate communication.

Using shared infrastructure allows cloud-based workstations to collaborate better by storing and sharing data and communicating seamlessly so that everyone stays up to date.

5. Scalability

When businesses need to increase or decrease the number of staff they have, it can be a lengthy and expensive process when you consider all the on-site IT infrastructure and organizing that’s required.

But if you use virtual workstations for your staff, you can easily scale your changing IT needs as your employee numbers wax or wane.

This helps businesses to stay agile and flexible, while saving costs on expensive on-site IT infrastructure and hardware.

And for some businesses, they can then allow staff to use their own devices to access their virtual workstations, which can save even more costs.

6. Simplified IT Management

For any business that has employees, there are usually always IT problems that need fixing and solving. That can take considerable time to resolve, especially if you have many employees.

If you’re using a virtual desktop then your DaaS provider will be able to help troubleshoot some of your IT queries and issues, which can help alleviate the workload for your in-house or managed IT providers.

And when your DaaS provider performs a fix, it will be virtually, so they’re unlikely to need to come out physically to your premises which can save time. And even if it turns out that the cause of the problem is a faulty laptop or device, you can then use a new one and continue to access your virtual desktop from anywhere.

7. Enhanced disaster recovery

It can be costly for businesses to protect their on-site IT infrastructure against disaster recovery . And not onl y that, but it can be complex to rectify if you’ve experienced a natural disaster or security breach.

Added to the costs and complexity of having to fix your own on-site IT problems should a server crash, you experience a cyberattack, or your infrastructure is damaged by weather or a natural disaster - is the downtime and its impact on staff productivity.

Having virtual workstations can help you be more resilient to disasters should they occur. For example, if all your computers were damaged in a fire, you could still access your data on your virtual workstations in the cloud. Or if there are power outages, employees can use devices connected to the internet to access data and work tools in the cloud.

8. Better security

Every business owner should be aware of the increasing risks of cybercrime and the need to secure data.

When your workstations and networks are all located on-site, there’s a risk and responsibility to protect your IT infrastructure.

But when your staff work on virtual workstations, the cloud host manages those security risks and software upgrades. That means your in-house IT staff won't have to spend as much time on security all your infrastructure.

Cloud-based workstations also have access to some of the latest security technologies to help enhance your overall protection. That may include two-factor authentication, encryption, and even biometric authentication.

And lastly, because data isn’t stored physically on employees computers, the risks associated with them being lost or stolen is minimized as access can be controlled through the cloud.

9. More storage space

When you store data locally you’re limited by the size of your device or server, but when you opt for virtual storage, you can store almost any amount of data in the cloud.

The benefits are that you don’t need to spend a lot of money on powerful laptops for your staff that have lots of storage space, as most storage will happen in the cloud.

10. Centralized IT troubleshooting

If you use a desktop as a service (DaaS) solution, then all IT troubleshooting is centralized and handled by your provider. Having access to a centralized IT support center can help staff to have their problems attended to more quickly and by people with the relevant skills and knowledge the find a solution.

11. Dynamic updating

Apps and software need to be continuously updated and that can take a lot of time, and can be complex if any problems follow that need to be sorted out.

When you use a cloud computer your host will perform all the software updates required, and they will do it in a way so that you don’t experience much downtime. These dynamic updates can help you save time and therefore remain productive and uninterrupted.

12. Easier OS migration

When you use a virtual desktop it becomes easier to migrate to a different operating system (OS) if you choose to do so. In fact you should be able to access a new OS very quickly without having to install any software yourself.

This can save time and helps you remain nimble and able to pivot and change course quickly if needed.

13. Business continuity

When you are able to perform cloud backups and ensure disaster recovery and enhanced security by using a virtual desktop, you then also help ensure business continuity. Recovery can be quick, and better security can mean less downtime.

This helps your organization to continue operating effectively and efficiently and to remain in business.

14. Geo replication

Cloud computers can create a virtual database replication in various places in the world, so that if any data is compromised or destroyed, that you do have a backup which can be accessed from other locations.

15. Greener and more sustainable

When your staff use virtual desktops, that means that you’ll need less IT infrastructure on-site, which means you’ll consume less energy. And energy savings can translate into carbon savings.

Many cloud based hosts also have green or more sustainable data centres which may be powered by renrewables, which can also impact overall sustainability of your DaaS service.

And because DaaS is scalable, that means that you only pay for what you use and need andthere’s no wasted technology.

16. Enables remote work and BYOD policies

Virtual desktops by their nature lend themselves to being used by remote workers who are location-independent. This not only enables remote work by staff being able to access their desktops from anywhere in the world, but it also supports bring your own device (BYOD) policies.

This means greater workforce mobility, with staff able to use just about any device, anywhere, to access their desktops and be able to work effectively.

17. Access to the latest technology

Traditionally, companies have had to spend huge sums of money on new IT system upgrades and on replacing old technology and computers with newer models and the latest software.

Nowadays you can access the latest technology through your virtual workstation without having to purchase physical IT infrastructure yourself. This helps many companies to remain competitive and helps them to afford to access the latest technologies.

How to choose the best virtual workstation

With so many different cloud solutions and virtual workstations to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Here are some tips to help you when choosing a virtual desktop provider:

Consider whether you’ll be able to pay for services as you use them or whether you’ll be locked into a fixed term contract
Consider what software, apps and features you’ll have access to and whether those suit your needs (and future needs) and whether that offers you sufficient flexibility
Consider whether you will be able to receive customized cloud solutions to suit your exact needs and budget requirements
Check whether your provider has a good reputation, good reviews, and see what other clients have to say about their services
Check whether your staff will be able to access the virtual workstations from anywhere, on any device or if there are any limitations
Ask your cloud provider what disaster recovery solutions they offer and how they plan to keep your data protected and safe
Ask your cloud provider what advanced security measures they have in place that they can offer your staff
Check that they offer around the clock, 24 hour customer support so that they can readily respond to any IT emergencies or urgent queries

Final thoughts on enhanced business operations using cloud solutions

There are many benefits to having your staff use virtual workstations. From enhanced security, reduced costs, better collaboration and centralized IT support - it’s no wonder that so many companies are making the move to cloud solutions.

We understand it can be daunting and confusing when it comes to deciding whether to move over to using virtual workstations.

Our friendly team is here to help provide you with knowledge and advice to suit your needs. We can help create a customized cloud solution for your needs and budget.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your needs and any inquiries you may have. We’re based in Belmont, North Carolina, and can provide custom managed cloud services and solutions including managed cloud backup and disaster recovery .

Enhance Your Business with Unified Communications

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Unified communications are a go-to solution for business owners looking to streamline their businesses and increase employee productivity in the long term. See how it benefits your business.

Providing high-quality communication channels is crucial for any company. After all, it promotes cross-department collaboration and faster exchange of ideas.

Since phones often don’t suffice for this, many business owners turn to unified communications.

But what exactly is unified communication?

This article explains just that. Read on to discover the main concepts of this approach and how you can use it to help your business achieve success.

WHAT IS UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS?

Unified communications is an all-in-one platform that unifies phone, video, screen sharing, chat, and file management into a single space. It’s a ready-to-use system that allows for seamless communication in numerous ways.

The system operates as a cloud, making it easily accessible to all team members with access to the internet.

But why should anyone consider switching to unified communications?

There are several reasons, but this is the most crucial: business leaders who adopt it would be able to impact their business every day and make it seamless for employees to interact with each other.

That said, we’ll list 5 of the key features of this concept to help you better understand how it can help you scale your business.

THE 5 FEATURES

FEATURE #1. MOBILITY

When connected to unified communications, all employees can stay connected at all times and from all locations.

It doesn’t matter whether they’re working from home, vacationing on a remote island, or sitting in the office. They’ll still be able to chat, receive calls, and more.

FEATURE #2. UNIFIED MESSAGING

This allows employees to handle different message types using a single tool. They can easily switch communication modes, depending on their needs.

FEATURE #3. CONFERENCING

Whenever you need conferencing tools, you’ll have them in the palm of your hand. You can allow a group of teammates or customers from outside your organization to connect and speak via video or audio from different locations.

FEATURE #4. FAX SUPPORT

Faxes received through unified communications appear as email attachments. This way, users can also receive faxes on their desktops and smartphones.

FEATURE #5. PRESENCE

This feature lets other users know each other’s status. That means you’ll be able to see when someone is online (active), busy (do not disturb), or away (out of the office).

HOW UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS HELP BUSINESS LEADERS

So, what are the benefits of using unified communications in your business?

Let’s explore 6 of them below.

BENEFIT #1. HIGHER TEAM PRODUCTIVITY

It’s important for a business owner to boost their team’s workflow and eliminate bottlenecks. Because once they get to do so, productivity will drastically improve.

This can be done thanks to unified communications.

This type of communication makes it easier for team members to save time on various tasks, including:

Faster file sharing that gets rid of email threads for teamwork
Ability to receive calls from any location
Ability to receive voicemails and faxes directly in the email
Single-click video meetings for emergencies

Teams with access to such technologies can be more effective and get more tasks done in a single day. It also helps get rid of communication challenges.

BENEFIT #2. LOWER COMMUNICATION COSTS

Legacy phones and on-site communication tools often cost more than your IT budget should allow.

On the other hand, unified communication relies on the internet for all its activities. This means your phone system turns to Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and integrates with the rest of the tools. This approach eliminates the need for server and hardware infrastructure creation.

Unified communications also make it super easy to add new users. You can simply do so via an easy-to-use dashboard without having to make service calls.

Finally, the cost of unified communications is the same every month. There won’t be any surprises to your budget.

BENEFIT #3. ENHANCED CUSTOMER SERVICE

Whether or not a company is successful greatly depends on the quality of its customer service.

With unified communications, your employees can provide great customer service easier. After all, they can respond to client queries regardless of their location. It’s because all chats, incoming calls, and emails are visible from any device.

You can also integrate all your CRM software on the platform for added benefits.

For example, when a person contacts your business, the person in charge can see all the necessary information and notes related to that client. In the end, they can help them solve issues faster.

BENEFIT #4. EMPOWERING A REMOTE WORKFORCE

Thousands of companies have switched to remote work over the past few years. There are plenty of benefits to this approach after all.

However, a constant concern here is ensuring that remote workers have all the tools they need for work.

Thanks to unified communications, all communication aspects are included in a single platform. This means that all your remote worker needs is a stable internet connection to get access to your network and all the features, just like the rest of the team.

BENEFIT #5. INCREASING ORGANIZATIONAL AGILITY

When you increase your team's productivity, the same follows for the entire organization. The organizational agility reflects the strategic value of unified communications. And the results you achieve impact your business as a whole.

So, to see how this approach benefits your work, you must view unified communications from the management side as well.

Sure, communication has a utilitarian role for management. But when that communication drives productivity, streamlines workflow, and leads to enhanced business outcomes, it’s where you really get to see its value.

BENEFIT #6. ENHANCED SECURITY

The security aspect is crucial for every business. And unified communications enhance the security of a business by integrating all applications into a single platform.

As a result, it becomes straightforward for the IT team to apply specific security policies across all apps. It’s also easier for them to manage security patches and compliance updates since all applications share the same protocols.

REALIZING THE POWER OF UNIFIED COMMUNICATIONS

Streamlining the processes inside an organization is extremely important in improving the overall performance of its employees. And unified communications allow you to do just that.

With it, you can boost your customer experience and make your team more efficient by integrating your whole communications system into a single platform.

Unified communications will let you and your team make calls, host conferences, send emails, receive faxes, and chat from a single, unified space to make your job (and life) easier.

If you’d like to learn more about implementing unified communications in your business, contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your communication needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

The Most Common Wireless Network Problems and How to Solve Them

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 13:00:10 GMT

Are you experiencing problems with your wireless network? There are many things that may be causing your wireless network problems, which may include slow network speeds, damaged cables, weak WiFi signal, or even a virus.

WiFi is an integral part of most business operations and when it’s slow or interrupted, it can cause productivity to drop and can result in failure to meet deadlines and frustration.

It’s important to pinpoint the exact cause of your network problems to find the right solution to solve it. Below we look at some of the most common wireless network problems and how they can be solved.

The 3 most common wireless network problems and solutions to address them

Below we look at 3 of the most common wireless network problems and some solutions to address them.

Networks are complex and can require advanced troubleshooting and solutions, which means you may need to get your IT service pr ovider to assist you in resolving your connectivity issues. And you may also want to plan ahead, be proactive, and install monitoring software so that you can pinpoint problems as soon as they arise.

1. Slow Internet connection

If you’ve been experiencing a slow Internet connection, you may be feeling very frustrated. It can hamper your ability to keep up-to-date with work deadlines and slow overall performance. You may be feeling particularly frustrated if you’d had fast Internet in the past that then slowed.

There are various things that can cause slow Internet speeds. For example, you may have staff downloading large video files, or there could be increased traffic through your network. Or your Internet connections may have corroded with time. Or there could be a router that’s slowing network performance. Or you could be using the wrong DNS server that’s causing congestion on the network.

Solutions for slow Internet connections

There are various solutions you can use to deal with slow Internet connections. The first step is to figure out what’s causing the sluggish network connection. This is where having a network monitoring tool can come in handy.

You can also conduct speed tests from remote servers to help identify congestion on your internet service provider’s (ISP’s) network. You can also chat with your ISP and see whether you may need additional bandwidth.

And you should also consider that your antivirus software is up-to-date, as that could be affecting your CPU usage.

Also consider what type of Internet connection you have. Fiber Internet solutions provide the most consistent performance and can be much faster than DSL, cable or satellite Internet connection alternatives.

2. Intermittent WiFi signal

Are you experiencing intermittent bursts of Internet connectivity? One minute you have a fast Internet connection, the next minute your connection has dropped and you can’t send email or perform a Google search.

If you’re experiencing an intermittent WiFi signal, you may be feeling frustrated. The good news is that there are many ways to resolve this. But first you’ll need to figure out what’s causing your signal to drop.

Perhaps there’s just one area of your office where the signal is weak, or perhaps it’s just one workstation that has problems. Or maybe there’s a large furniture item blocking the signal path causing physical interference.

Solutions for intermittent WiFi signal

Once you’ve identified the cause of your Internet connection problems, you can look at appropriate solutions. In some cases, you may just need to rearrange the office so that each workstation gets a better signal. Or you might just need to reboot your router or modem.

You may also need to check for broken or damaged cables, for problems with drivers, and you can check the DNS servers are configured correctly. You may also need to check the firewall settings and ports.

You may need to install signal boosters or to look at whether you need a bandwidth upgrade from your ISP. Or in some cases you may wish to switch to a different ISP.

Or you may need to consider upgrading to a fiber Internet solution for more consistent performance and faster Internet speeds than DSL, cable or satellite Internet connection alternatives.

3. Struggling to connect to a printer

If you can’t connect to a shared office printer, this can be a complex issue to fix. It’s important to start by troubleshooting some of the most common causes of this issue to eliminate them.

Solutions to printer connection problems

It may sound obvious, but it's important to check that the printer is properly plugged in and connected, switched on, and that it has paper in the trays.

Some printers have troubleshooting diagnostic tools that you can download to help you pinpoint the problem. In some circumstances, it may help to clear all scheduled printing tasks and start afresh.

In some cases printer connectivity can be linked to people in the office having different operating systems and some having installed updates while others haven’t. Make sure everyone has updated operating systems and that the printer has updated drivers. Switching off and on the devices and printer may also help.

And if your printer is wireless, make sure that it’s connected to the Internet.

Another thing to check is your firewall settings - these may have been set to block printer sharing. This can even happen after updating your antivirus software. And you may want to check your routers don’t have firewalls installed that block printer sharing.

Another thing you can check is whether all your devices are on the same subnet. And you should look at your system permissions to see whether those could be causing the roadblock. For example, check the workgroup or domain, the NTFS permissions and the HomeGroup settings.

Minimizing wireless network problems

To proactively prevent wireless network problems, there are several things you can do. You can install network monitoring software which can identify issues when they occur so that you can deal with them immediately.

You can also get a network assessment done to pinpoint any current problems to help find appropriate solutions. And you can get assistance from a professional IT service provider to help you plan your network and manage your IT services.

1. Network monitoring software

Network performance monitoring tools can help you to monitor the performance of your network and pinpoint any problems so that you can figure out whether the issue has arisen on your local network, or through your ISP’s network.

2. Get a network assessment

You can also have a network assessment performed by your IT service provider or in-house IT staff. This can help measure and identify any network issues, so that you can proactively take action to guard against any future problems.

3. Get help from a professional IT services company to plan your wireless network

Another proactive step you can take to avoid network issues, is to appoint a professional IT services company that offers managed IT services to help you plan your wireless network.

Your MSP can give you advice on the best performing ISPs, the fastest Internet connections (e.g. fiber) and can help you plan the layout of your office for maximum wireless Internet performance. They may also help guide you on what type of Internet connection you need, based on what technology you’re using. For example, if you use VOIP phon e systems , you may require a much stronger wireless signal.

Your MSP can also provide you with advice and suggestions on how to improve and enhance the performance of your wireless network.

Final thoughts on troubleshooting wireless networks

A number of diverse problems can affect your wireless network, which can dampen productivity and cause huge amounts of frustration.

Awareness about the most common causes of wireless network problems can help you to resolve some of these issues yourself. But you may need the services of a professional IT company to help you resolve the more complex problems.

In addition to fixing wireless network problems when they arise, you may want to consider proactively monitoring your network so that you can pinpoint problems that arise in future to help you quickly and effectively deal with them. This process may also help you to find ways to enhance your wireless network through correct placement of infrastructure and workstations for maximum signal, or through using the best ISP in your area.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your Business Internet Services needs and any inquiries you may have. We’re based in Belmont, North Carolina, and can also provide custom Managed IT Services to help you monitor your networks, implement the latest cybersecurity protection , and troubleshoot any other IT issues you may have.

We’re also an Internet service provider (ISP) broker which means we can help you find an affordable and cost-effective ISP (with over 30 ISPs on our database) based on your needs, whether you’re looking for broadband or fiber.

Making Your VOIP Network Bulletproof

Tue, 31 Jan 2023 13:00:02 GMT

Hardly any phone call system in a business beats VoIP when it comes to efficiency and flexibility. However, it’s not immune to cyberattacks. Discover how you can secure your VoIP ASAP.

What kind of communication system are you using for your business?

I asked because many modern-day businesses have now switched to the Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). This technology allows employees to perform voice calls using only their internet connection.

It’s often a wise choice considering that using VoIP comes with several benefits to a business.

Among its benefits include lower operating costs, greater convenience than traditional services, increased accessibility, higher scalability, and the ability to multitask. VoIP also comes with advanced features for teams of all sizes, is completely portable, and offers superior voice quality.

However, VoIP systems also have limitations, with cyberattacks being their number one downside.

The good news is that it’s possible to protect a business’s VoIP system from hackers. And if you already implemented this in your business, it’s not too late to secure it.

Read on to discover the most common threats to your network and tips on preventing them.

THE NEED FOR VOIP PROTECTION

All VoIP systems require a stable internet connection to function properly. Unfortunately, their reliability on the internet makes them vulnerable to various security issues.

Some of the most frequent ones include:

SECURITY ISSUE #1. DENIAL OF SERVICE

Denial of Service (DoS) is a common threat to VoIP systems comprising attacks designed to shut down a machine or network and make it inaccessible for use.

When this happens, legitimate users of VoIP technology may not be able to access their information systems and devices. And call centers can be affected by lower call quality, uptime, and latency.

SECURITY ISSUE #2. WAR DIALLING

War dialing is an attack that controls the company’s private branch exchange (PBX) and scans for other phone networks.

This means hackers can dial numbers and connect to modems and other extensions.

SECURITY ISSUE #3. TOLL FRAUD

Toll fraud is a threat that consists of making calls to outside lines from a company’s existing system.

For example, hackers will dial costly international numbers intending to rack up toll charges to your business.

SECURITY ISSUE #4. PHISHING

This is a common threat wherein attackers send fraudulent messages designed to trick victims into revealing sensitive information. Often, the unsuspecting victims would divulge information about passwords, internal IP networks, and similar data.

SECURITY ISSUE #5. MALWARE

It’s a threat where attackers install malicious software via email or phone. A file or code gets delivered over a network and has the goal of infecting, stealing, or exploring the information contained within a system.

After infecting the system with malware, VoIP hackers can enter your network and access critical business information.

SECURITY ISSUE #6. CALL INTERCEPTION

The call interception attacker uses unsecured networks to intercept the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) traffic that serves to initiate, maintain, and terminate real-time voice and video sessions.

A victim of a call interception attack can be redirected to another line hosted by the hacker, for example.

6 TIPS FOR BOOSTING VOIP SECURITY

Given the variety of threats imposed by attackers on VoIP systems, it’s necessary to optimize your VoIP security ASAP.

Here are 6 valuable tips to get you started.

TIP #1. SET UP A FIREWALL

Secure firewalls are necessary for all VoIP systems. It’s important to make your VoIP software and hardware firewalls scan information that goes in and out of the system and ensure it’s secure.

If spam or a threat comes your way, the firewall will identify and gain control over it, shielding your system shielded from the attack.

Also, a good firewall will allow the data packets you send to travel unhindered.

TIP #2. USE STRONG PASSWORDS

Your VoIP system is no different from any other software or platform you use for handling sensitive information. For this reason, it needs to be protected with strong and regularly updated passwords.

Aim for combinations of at least 12 characters, including numbers, upper- and lower-case letters, and special symbols. And for ultimate protection, go for passwords consisting of a random character series.

It’s crucial to set a password as soon as you configure your VoIP system. Otherwise, you’re likely to forget about it later.

Also, remember that some VoIP phones come with pre-set passwords, often available publicly. That’s why you should change yours as soon as you get a chance.

Ideally, try to change your passwords every three months.

TIP #3. RESTRICT CALLING

Many VoIP attacks happen due to toll fraud. So, if your business runs locally, there’s no need to have the international call option enabled. This allows you to be on the safe side and avoid paying expensive bills you weren’t even responsible for making.

You can let your VoIP service block 1-900 numbers to avoid toll fraud.

TIP #4. ENCOURAGE YOUR TEAM TO REPORT SUSPICIOUS BEHAVIOUR

Many of the VoIP attacks arrive due to irresponsible behavior. To prevent this from happening, educate your team on how they can best do their job without affecting the system’s security.

For starters, they should know how to spot unusual network activity, handle passwords, and report suspicious behavior. They should also report ghost calls and missing voicemails whenever received. Staff also shouldn’t store voicemail for too long.

The reality is that sometimes, cybersecurity training during onboarding often isn’t enough. That’s why you should do periodical training to keep your VoIP safe at all times.

TIP #5. DEACTIVATE WEB INTERFACE USE

Ideally, you should deactivate the web interface used for your VoIP system.

Why?

Using phones on a desktop computer opens an area of weakness to attackers. It's enough for a single phone user falling prey to leave the whole system exposed to an external party. All your data can be stolen in text format as a result.

So, unless it’s absolutely necessary for you to use the web interface, be sure to secure it very strictly.

TIP #6. USE A VPN FOR REMOTE WORKERS

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are great software that encrypts traffic regardless of your employee’s location.

You can set up such a network for your remote staff to prevent data leaks and breaches. The good news is that using this service won’t degrade the call quality.

(RE)GAINING CONTROL OVER YOUR VOIP SECURITY

VoIP systems are a fantastic alternative to landlines. After all, they offer many more features and flexibility at a fraction of the cost. However, their reliability on the internet also makes them susceptible to cyberattacks.

If you have just set up a VoIP system for your company or are thinking of starting one, securing it should be your number one priority. Don’t risk falling prey to toll fraud, malware, phishing, and other attacks. Take some time to secure your business by following the tips from this article.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your VoIP phone system needs and any inquiries you may have .

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Do You Know All the Benefits of the Cloud?

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:00:08 GMT

You may be wondering what “the cloud” is all about and how it can benefit your business.

One of the easiest ways to visualize the cloud is to compare it with traditional IT services. With traditional IT, you would probably have all your hardware, software and servers on-site, which you would have purchased and which you then have to maintain and manage yourself.

By contrast, cloud computing changes the mode or delivery of IT services. Depending on the type of cloud services you select, the server and applications you access may be located off-site at a third party’s premises (which they then manage and maintain) and your access is immediate, on-demand, and available from anywhere, at any time via an internet connection.

Some of the many benefits of cloud computing include accessibility, scalability, flexibility, data security, and cost savings.

Below we look at what cloud computing is used for, some practical examples, and at 12 key benefits of cloud computing.

What can I use cloud computing for?

Cloud computing has revolutionized the way we are able to store, access and share information and manage IT infrastructure, resources and systems. It allows businesses to conduct their operations without having to have on-site IT infrastructure.

Companies are using cloud computing for a variety of different purposes, depending on their needs. Some examples of how you can use cloud computing for your business include:

To store data and information

Instead of storing data on your own devices or servers, you can use cloud file storage. That means that companies can easily access that data from the cloud, wherever they may be, using an internet connection.

Some examples of cloud storage services include OneDrive and DropBox , which businesses can scale up or down depending on their changing needs and how much data they need to store.

To access a cloud database

Companies can use and access cloud-based databases, which are the same as traditional ones - the difference being that they can be accessed from anywhere on any device and you can scale your services as you need.

There may also be superior security, depending on the type of cloud you select. And there can be a cost savings to hosting your database on a cloud server.

To access web based apps

Many businesses use cloud computing to access cloud-based apps for communication and collaboration.

These can then be accessed on demand from anywhere and scaled according to your needs.

To collaborate

Businesses use cloud based tools for collaboration. Some examples include Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 and their various tools like Teams or Gmail.

To backup data

Cloud backup solutions can help companies to create a failsafe in case of a data breach or loss of data.

Depending on the solution, you may have real-time backups, advanced security features, data synchronization as well as data storage.

To host your website, email, etc.

Cloud hosting is another popular business solution that can be used to host your company’s website, email services, and VOIP phone systems and can be scaled as needed.

Cloud computing in action - examples from around the world

To better understand what cloud computing is, it’s often useful to look at some real word examples. Here’s a selection of cloud computing examples:

Salesforce

Salesforce provides Software as a Service (SaaS) that is used in customer relationship management (CRM).

This can help companies generate sales leads, improve customer service, automate marketing functions and provide powerful analytics to improve decision making.

DigitalOcean

DigitalOcean is an infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provider that’s used by software developers, startups, and SMBs to deploy and scale new apps.

Based in New York, it has 14 distributed data centers and offers a portfolio of computing, storage, database, and networking products.

Slack

Slack is a popular SaaS team collaboration and communication tool, which has integrations with other cloud services like DropBox.

It allows users to send group and private messages via channels and allows for files to be sent and for video calls to be hosted.

DropBox

DropBox is a cloud data storage service that enables its users to store, sync and send files.

Data uploaded to DropBox is accessible anywhere, anytime and it’s a solution for many people wanting to send files that are too big for email.

Amazon Web Services

AWS Lambda is a Platform-as-a- Service (PaaS) that allows developers to pay for access to the platform as they use it.

AWS Lambda is designed for developers to run their app code without needing to manage their own servers on-site.

Microsoft Azure

This PaaS provides developers with access to a platform of tools that help developers build and manage apps.

12 benefits of the cloud

Given the wide range of benefits of cloud computing, it’s not surprising that it’s become such a popular and growing IT trend.

There are many benefits to using cloud computing, but you’ll need to get expert advice on which solutions are best for your particular needs and to have a strategic plan for how to migrate to the cloud.

At NB Technology we have a team of cloud engineers and experts who can help you do this. We can manage or co-manage your cloud solutions and can provide you with managed cloud services to suit your needs as well as professional advice.

Below are 12 of the biggest benefits of the cloud:

1. Accessibility

Cloud computing enables real-time access from anywhere with any device. That helps facilitate remote work and digital nomadism, and means clients can also log-in from anywhere.

2. Flexibility and mobility

By storing data in the cloud, your staff can then access it all from one central location. This can lead to greater efficiency and productivity as staff no longer have to access data from different siloes.

This has benefits for enterprise mobility , in that employees can then connect instantly and access data from anywhere, while exchanging information from any device - all while using a secure cloud network.

And because updates and upgrades are done by your cloud provider, you don’t need to spend time on maintaining IT systems yourself which can reduce the workload for your IT staff.

3. Scalability

Cloud computing offers rapid scalability, which is one of the biggest benefits of cloud computing.

Companies can quickly scale up or down their IT needs as their workload and demands change. For example, if your company's bandwidth needs change often, or if the number of software users changes often, or if your data storage needs fluctuate, then this can easily be scaled using cloud solutions - without needing physical IT infrastructure.

4. Speedy deployment

Business needs often change quickly and having access to cloud computing means you can remain agile and responsive to changing needs, which can help you maintain a competitive edge.

For example, you can save time when subscribing to cloud services as you may avoid the long waits associated with slow procurement processes for physical IT infrastructure. This allows you to deploy IT services rapidly in response to changing needs, helping your business remain agile and able to quickly pivot.

5. Data security

With cybercrime and data breaches on the rise, protecting our business against cybercrime is imperative. The cloud is a solution that can offer advanced data security.

Cloud security includes services like access management and permission controls, restricted access to sensitive company data, two-factor authentication and encryption.

6. Cost savings

Cloud computing services are customized and based on individual user needs. While not every cloud solution will result in a cost savings - there is great flexibility in price and services you can choose from.

And you save on capital expenses related to upfront IT infrastructure purchases, as well as on not having to undertake ongoing maintenance and repairs.

And you can save on energy costs related to maintaining on-site servers and on insurance costs as you’ll no longer have as much on-site IT hardware or software. And you can save on the costs associated with downtime or data loss.

Cloud services are usually available on a subscription basis, which means you can test them out for a while without the expensive outlay for any infrastructure.

Migrating to the cloud requires a proper plan and usually comes with a cost savings.

7. Control sensitive data

Most companies have sensitive data which they want to protect and control. And most cloud solutions offer the ability to restrict access to certain files and data, which gives you a great deal of control.

8. Greener

Cloud computing can be greener than traditional solutions because it can reduce the amount of servers required and therefore energy consumption and carbon footprints are reduced if businesses no longer need in-house servers and other IT infrastructure.

And when cloud computing enables staff to work remotely, there are also emission reductions associated with less commuting to and from work.

In addition, when cloud servers are powered by renewables, this can reduce carbon emissions and carbon footprints even further. Microsoft for example, has committed to its data centers being 100% powered by renewables by 2025 and to be carbon negative by 2030.

9. Unlimited storage capacity

For many businesses, there are increasing amounts of data that need to be stored. Thanks to cloud computing, this no longer needs to be a challenge and data storage capacity is typically unlimited and can be scaled on demand.

10. Disaster recovery

Large and reputable cloud vendors are prepared to deal with unforeseen and emergency incidents like natural disasters that can affect their service provision. Offering managed cloud backup and disaster recovery , your IT services and cloud provider can help to ensure your business continuity and access to their services, and minimizes downtime, while also providing backups so that any lost data can be restored.

If you store data locally on-site, your computer could malfunction, get damaged or stolen and you could lose important data. But the cloud helps minimize data loss as the information is always available once uploaded to the cloud, no matter what happens to your in-house IT infrastructure.

11. Productivity

Cloud computing can enhance business productivity in various ways. Firstly, it can free up time for your IT team, who no longer need to manage in-house IT infrastructure and time-consuming updates.

It also makes it easier for businesses to test and deploy new software applications to see what suits their needs. And it makes the process of scaling IT needs very simple - in some cases all you need to do is request access for a new user.

And lastly, it helps create an easy to use and accessible network of services for remote staff who may be located around the globe. This facilitates quick and easy sharing of information, collaboration and communication which can help to enhance productivity.

12. Collaboration

Cloud apps enable businesses to communicate and share data using a secure network connection, which makes it simple and easy to collaborate. This helps to facilitate greater levels of collaboration between users located anywhere.

Cloud based software can also help users collaborate in real time, and see what each one has contributed to avoid confusion or duplication of efforts.

How to access customized cloud solutions for your business?

As you can see above, there are numerous benefits related to using cloud computing services. But making the transition to using the cloud requires carefully planning to make a smooth transition.

It’s best to partner with a professional, reputable and experienced IT service provider to plan and manage your cloud migration process. Our team of cloud engineers and experts can help assess your needs and find the right cloud solutions whether a private cloud, public cloud or hybrid cloud. We can also manage your cloud solutions entirely, or can co-manage them with your in-house IT staff.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud solution needs and any inquiries you may have. We’re based in Belmont, North Carolina, and can provide custom managed cloud services and solutions including managed cloud backup and disaster recovery .

Why You Need To Backup Your Microsoft Office 365 Data

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:00:08 GMT

Every business needs to invest in a data backup and recovery plan. Data loss and breaches can cause devastating effects on any business - from loss of revenue, penalties, legal fees, financial loss, and personal injury, to reputational loss and loss of customer trust.

Many business owners use Microsoft Office 365 and assume that their data is being backed up as it’s a cloud solution . But, unfortunately that’s the wrong assumption to make. If you haven't already taken steps to backup your data with Office 365, then now’s the time!

Below we look at reasons to back up data, and 2 ways in which your data could be at risk - which includes insider threats and external threats.

Reach out to our friendly staff to get advice on how your business can benefit from a cloud backup and recovery plan and how we can help you implement this.

Reasons to backup data

Every business should be making backups of data. That’s because your data is the cornerstone of your business and if it were lost, destroyed, damaged or stolen - that could jeopardize the future operations of your business.

It’s also necessary to have data available for audits or to submit your tax returns, or to show compliance with data privacy laws. Losing data can result in lawsuits, penalties and financial loss.

Microsoft follows a "shared responsibility model" when it comes to data recoverability, which means that it is the responsibility of the customer to protect their own data. Microsoft is responsible for ensuring the security and infrastructure of their data centers, but it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that their data is backed up. To this end, Microsoft recommends that customers "regularly back up your data" using "third-party apps", as stated in their Microsoft Services Agreement.

Another reason to backup your data is to make sure that if for whatever reason you lose data, that you can use the backup to get back up and running as quickly as possible.

Data loss can cause significant effects including downtime, loss of productivity, loss of revenue and loss of customer trust.

For these reasons and more, it’s vital to have a backup and disaster recovery plan for your business data.

Don’t assume your Office 365 data is backed up automatically

Many people erroneously assume that their Office 365 data is being backed up through Microsoft’s geo redundancy. But unfortunately that’s not the case: it only protects against hardware failure not data loss.

That means that if someone deletes your data, if you get hacked and your data is stolen, or if there’s a computer virus that corrupts your data - then without a backup you may have nothing left. Definitely not an enviable position to be in for any business.

That’s why even if you have Office 365, you still need a backup plan. Having a backup means having a full copy of all your data and files in another location. And having a robust data backup plan actually requires you to keep one copy offline as well, following the 3-2-1 data backup rule.

And in addition to having a data backup plan, you should also have a disaster recovery plan to guide your organization on how to get back to being operational as fast as possible should an incident like a data breach or ransomware attack occur.

And it’s also good to be aware of the fact that when you move to the cloud with Microsoft, you are still responsible for your own data, and controlling who has access to it - as well as controlling the security of all your endpoints to make sure there’s no breach.

Two ways your Office 365 data could be at risk: reasons to backup now!

Microsoft Office 365 is a popular choice of Software-as-a-Service provider for businesses around the world.

But, it’s important that businesses remember to backup their data. Here are 5 ways in which your data may be at risk, which provide extra motivation to create a backup plan today!

1. Insider threats

Unfortunately insider threats are increasingly common. These can be accidental in nature - such as a staff member who accidentally deletes files.

But, oftentimes they are also done with malicious intention - such as where it’s a disgruntled employee who wants to cause harm to the business, someone who wants to steal valuable data to sell, or someone who intentionally deletes data perhaps to cover up their own mistakes or fraudulent dealings.

If you haven’t offboarded employees properly, they may still be able to access your network and cause havoc with your data. Keeping tabs on who has permission to access data, and limiting their permissions is vital to safeguarding your systems and data.

And oftentimes, employees click on malicious links in emails and fall victim to phishing scams, or even worse - ransomware attacks.

2. External threats

There are a plethora of external threats to your IT and data security . From malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and cybercriminals with malicious intent - there’s a lot you need to do to keep your data sage these days.

It’s also increasingly important to train your staff about how to identify cyber threats, so that you can minimize harm. And, increasingly companies are also training staff on what to do if a hack is suspected so that they can act quickly to minimize harm.

How to get started backing up your Office 365 data?

No matter what size business you have, data loss can be devastating and can have significant financial, legal, reputational and emotional consequences. It can also risk the continuity of the organization.

It’s important that you have a robust data security plan in place to protect your Microsoft Office 365 data.

Scheduling regular backups is critical , as is a reputable backup solution provider.

At NB Technology we have significant experience in advising clients about data backup solutions, implementing these solutions and actively managing and monitoring all your backups as well as your disaster recovery plan. We specialize in cybersecurity, managed IT support, cloud solutions, data backups and recovery amongst other things.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your backup and disaster recovery needs and any inquiries you may have.

Top 5 Cybersecurity Mistakes

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 13:00:01 GMT

The global damage of cybercrime has risen to an average of $11 million USD per minute, which is a cost of $190,000 each second.

60% of small and mid-sized companies that have a data breach end up closing their doors within six months because they can’t afford the costs.

The costs of falling victim to a cyberattack can include loss of business, downtime/productivity losses, reparation costs for customers that have had data stolen, and more.

You may think that this means investing more in cybersecurity, and it is true that you need to have appropriate IT security safeguards in place (anti-malware, firewall, etc.). However, many of the most damaging breaches are due to common cybersecurity mistakes that companies and their employees make.

The 2021 Sophos Threat Report , which looked at thousands of global data breaches, found that what it termed “everyday threats” were some of the most dangerous.

The report stated, “A lack of attention to one or more aspects of basic security hygiene has been found to be at the root cause of many of the most damaging attacks we've investigated.”

Is your North Carolina based company making a dangerous cybersecurity mistake that is leaving you at high risk for a data breach, cloud account takeover, or ransomware infection?

Here are several of the most common missteps when it comes to basic IT security best practices.

NOT IMPLEMENTING MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

Credential theft has become the top cause of data breaches around the world, according to IBM Security. With most company processes and data now being cloud-based, login credentials hold the key to multiple types of attacks on company networks.

Not protecting your user logins with multi-factor authentication is a common mistake and one that leaves companies at a much higher risk of falling victim to a breach.

MFA reduces fraudulent sign-in attempts by a staggering 99.9% .

IGNORING THE USE OF SHADOW IT

Shadow IT is the use of cloud applications by employees for business data that haven’t been approved and may not even be known about by a company.

Shadow IT use leaves companies at risk for several reasons:

Data may be used in a non-secure application
Data isn’t included in company backup strategies
If the employee leaves, the data could be lost
The app being used might not meet company compliance requirements

Employees often begin using apps on their own because they’re trying to fill a gap in their workflow and are unaware of the risks involved with using an app that hasn’t been vetted by their company’s IT team.

It’s important to have cloud use policies in place that spell out for employees the applications that can and cannot be used for work.

THINKING YOU’RE FINE WITH ONLY AN ANTIVIRUS APPLICATION

No matter how small your business is, a simple antivirus application is not enough to keep you protected. In fact, many of today’s threats don’t use a malicious file at all.

Phishing emails will contain commands sent to legitimate PC systems that aren’t flagged as a virus or malware. Phishing also overwhelmingly uses links these days rather than file attachments to send users to malicious sites. Those links won’t get caught by simple antivirus solutions.

You need to have a multi-layered strategy in place that includes things like:

Next-gen anti-malware (uses AI and machine learning)
Next-gen firewall
Email filtering
DNS filtering
Automated application and cloud security policies
Cloud access monitoring

NOT HAVING DEVICE MANAGEMENT IN PLACE

A majority of companies around the world have had employees working remotely from home since the pandemic, and they’re planning to keep it that way. However, device management for those remote employee devices as well as smartphones used for business hasn’t always been put in place.

If you’re not managing security or data access for all the endpoints (company and employee-owned) in your business, you’re at a higher risk of a data breach.

If you don’t have one already, it’s time to put a device management application in place, like Intune in Microsoft 365.

NOT PROVIDING ADEQUATE TRAINING TO EMPLOYEES

An astonishing 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error. Too many companies don’t take the time to continually train their employees, and thus users haven’t developed the skills needed for a culture of good cybersecurity.

Employee IT security awareness training should be done throughout the year, not just annually or during an onboarding process. The more you keep IT security front and center, the better equipped your team will be to identify phishing attacks and follow proper data handling procedures.

Some ways to infuse cybersecurity training into your company culture include:

Short training videos
IT security posters
Webinars
Team training sessions
Cybersecurity tips in company newsletters

WHEN DID YOU LAST HAVE A CYBERSECURITY CHECKUP?

Don’t stay in the dark about your IT security vulnerabilities.

Schedule a cybersecurity audit to uncover vulnerabilities so they can be fortified to reduce your risk.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have .

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

The Benefits of Microsoft 365 Cloud-Based Email System

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT

If you’re still using a legacy email that’s based on-premise or one hosted by an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or web hosting company, then you may want to consider the many benefits of a cloud-based email service like Microsoft 365 and migrating your business email accounts.

Email is one of the primary tools for business communication , and there’s been a large increase recently in businesses switching from on-premise email to cloud-based email services.

Many businesses have chosen to migrate to cloud email like Microsoft 365 because of the pitfalls of legacy and ISP-hosted email. That includes the fact that ISPs and web hosting companies don’t always have the expertise or the IT infrastructure to provide the most reliable and secure email hosting services. And as email is a critical aspect of any business, if you receive unreliable and non-secure service, that can put your productivity and business continuity at risk.

Furthermore, your ISP or web host may not be able to provide the advanced email features and tools that cloud email services like Microsoft 365 are able to. That includes the ability to access your email from anywhere on any device, the ability to share calendars and contacts, and the ability to integrate your email with other business applications.

And another reason why legacy and ISP or web hosted email may no longer be right for your business, is the fact that they often don’t offer the level of support and customer service that you need for your email to get it operational quickly if you have a problem. Any downtime can have serious repercussions.

It’s no wonder that so many businesses have chosen to move their email to cloud-based email solutions like Microsoft 365, given the many problems associated with ISP and web hosted email, which includes their lack of infrastructure, expertise, features, tools, and support that businesses need for their email.

Some other factors that are driving the migration towards cloud-based corporate email services include cost savings, security enhancements, scalability, remote access, synchronization of information across all devices, better data backups and recovery, and increased business productivity. Using a dedicated email hosting provider like Microsoft 365 can also provide the reliability, security, features, tools, and support that businesses need for their email.

Below we take a deeper look at some of the benefits of cloud-based email and at the advantages of using powerful and professional cloud email services like Microsoft 365 .

What is cloud email?

Cloud-based email is different from on-premise email solutions, as it’s internet-based and there are various different vendors that offer cloud email services. One key differentiating feature of cloud email is that it backs up your emails to the cloud, so that you can access them from anywhere, on any device.

Cloud-based email solutions are provided by vendors that manage all the updates for you, so you’ll always have the latest security features and other user features.

It’s a great option for businesses, as you can pay on a subscription basis per user, which allows you to scale your email needs up or down, as required. And it’s very easy and quick to deploy, which means you won’t need any dedicated internal IT staff to help you manage your email network.

Benefits of moving your email to the cloud

Below are 10 of the top benefits of cloud email.

1. Cost savings

When you choose to get cloud-based email for your business, you’ll pay on a subscription basis. That can help you save costs and avoid large capital expenditure on buying and maintaining legacy email services.

From a budgeting perspective, that means your staff email services are now an operational expense rather than a capital one, which can be used as a tax deductible expense. You can expect to pay on a monthly or annual basis, and depending how many email accounts you need, it may be more cost-effective than having your own on-premise email.

In addition, moving from an ISP or web hosted email to cloud-based email like Microsoft 365 can also help you save on IT costs associated with complex licensing, redundancy, configuring integrations, and general management costs. And, if you still have an on-premise email, you can save costs on no longer having to spend time managing and updating your software and maintaining your hardware.

2. Scalability

Another core benefit of cloud-based email is that you can easily scale your email needs, depending on whether you increase or decrease staff capacity. That makes it much easier to adjust your business operations, quickly and efficiently, adding or removing email accounts and storage capacity, as needed.

This is particularly attractive to organizations that intend to scale their operations, or who may have fluctuating numbers of staff and email requirements.

3. More uptime

Organizations that use cloud-based email will experience less downtime compared with legacy or on-premise email solutions. And because your data is stored in the cloud, you will also generally have access to better disaster recovery response times.

More uptime means that your employees can remain productive and continue working without interruption, which can have benefits for overall performance and profits.

Most large cloud email providers have 24-hour monitoring of their systems and redundancy sites so that they can maintain good uptime performance.

4. Easy to manage

By switching to cloud email, you won’t need to any longer take care of maintenance and managing your own on-premise email and email server. By simplifying the management of your email, your in-house IT team can focus on other more important matters.

For small businesses, that means that you can potentially avoid the cost of having an in-house IT team, as you can outsource any issues that come up with a professional MSP.

5. Better security

Some of the large cloud-based email systems like Microsoft are able to devote significant resources to ensuring optimal security for their cloud email solutions. That includes the latest software and hardware to protect your email accounts, email encryption and multi-factor authentication .

With your cloud emails stored safely and securely in a protected location that’s off-site with a reputable cloud provider, they are safer than if they were on-site.

That means that your data is more secure too, which is critical to all industries, but particularly to ones that handle sensitive and confidential information.

6. Remote access

As remote work and a mobile workforce is fast becoming the future of work, cloud based email offers staff access to their emails from anywhere, on any device, at any time. This can help to boost productivity and enable flexible working conditions.

And with disruptions like the global pandemic, cloud email helped many businesses remain operational and resilient while their workforces remained at home or working in a hybrid environment.

Remote access to email is one of the most significant benefits of cloud email solutions - all you need is an internet connection. Compared with legacy email where you had to be in the office to receive your emails, cloud email enables workforce mobility and allows your company to adapt to changing work conditions.

7. Synchronization across all devices

One of the biggest downsides to legacy email systems is that they often don’t synchronize across all devices.

That means you might draft an email from your office computer, but then when you check your email at home, that draft doesn’t appear. Or perhaps you deleted several emails to clear up your inbox, but those changes don’t synchronize to your other device and you have to repeat the entire process.

With cloud email this problem becomes redundant. Cloud email will synchronize your information across all devices. And if you’re using Office 365, you can see the latest versions of documents and any update that occurs automatically synchronized to the cloud.

8. Latest updates and versions always managed

Most reputable cloud email services like Microsoft 365 will take care of updating the software and presenting you with the latest versions so that you don’t need to manually install any updates or buy any new versions.

That can save both money and time, helping your business remain agile and cost-efficient.

9. Increased productivity

Effective communication requires access to emails around the clock and the ability to respond to urgent matters, even while you’re not in the office. Cloud email helps to improve communication and collaboration, which in turn can boost productivity.

And because many cloud email systems can integrate with a suite of other applications, you can share data, collaborate on files in real-time and store data, all from your cloud email account.

10. Better data recovery

Having a disaster recovery plan and business continuity plan is becoming increasingly important, especially as businesses increasingly digitize.

Considering the implications of a data breach or loss of data for your business, it may be apparent that being able to restore lost data quickly is critical to getting back to being operational.

Once you switch to a reputable cloud email provider, your email contacts and messages can be recovered in the event of a disaster, which means you don’t have to worry about losing stored data.

It’s also important to backup your business emails and data to another location, which is something that NB Technology can help you to arrange. Backing up emails in another location helps you to add a layer of protection against data loss in case you get problems with your primary email account.

It can also help you comply with legal and regulatory requirements in terms of storing and retaining certain types of data like financial records; and it allows you to better recover from an accidental deletion of files, corrupted files, cyber attacks or hardware failure.

Microsoft Office 365: the benefits of enterprise level cloud email

There are many different cloud email services to choose from. For small businesses that want to create a professional impression, while also taking advantage of additional services, you may want to opt for a cloud email solution like Microsoft Office 365.

Microsoft 365 provides all of the benefits mentioned above when it comes to cloud-based email, and it also offers a range of other features that help businesses operate more effectively and efficiently. That includes being able to use its Office apps, cloud services and security features.

Not only does Microsoft 365 have one of the best spam filters and malware protection to guard against cybercriminals, but you also get other features like eDiscovery, encryption, mobile device management, large storage, and custom script creation etc.

Microsoft 365 also offers the ability to green your IT, since the company aims to be carbon negative by 2030 . It also has various ambitious sustainability targets, which can help you green your procurement.

Want to discuss the process of migrating your email?

At NB Technology, we pride ourselves in providing IT advice and solutions for small businesses, to help them better manage and operate their businesses. That includes helping you transition from outdated, inefficient and less secure email to Microsoft 365 - giving you a superior and enhanced email with multiple features and benefits.

There are many considerations to take into account when switching to a new email provider, and we have the expertise to help you make a more informed decision.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your cloud email needs and any inquiries you may have.

Most Helpful Features of Windows 11

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Windows 11 has been out for a few months now, beginning rollout in October of 2021. It has been largely well-received and seen as stable with very few bugs noted.

One of the reasons that Windows 11 has been welcomed with open arms for both home and business computer upgrades is that it isn’t a dramatic experience difference from Windows 10. This upgrade is mainly focused on helping users do tasks faster and find things more easily.

If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not to upgrade to Windows 11, we’ll go through several of the most helpful features below that might make you want to upgrade sooner rather than later.

And if you have already upgraded your machine to Windows 11 or purchased a new PC with the OS installed, you’ll want to look over these features to make sure you haven’t been missing out on some productivity enhancers.

SNAP LAYOUTS

One challenge that tends to be universal across multiple users is the struggle with trying to work in more than one window at a time on your PC screen. You can end up spending time resizing the windows just right, then need to open a window to full size to reach a scroll bar and end up back at square one.

Many users will app-switch, meaning they switch between one app window that is fully open and another that isn’t. This is also time-consuming.

In a study of user productivity, it was found that 56% of app users said that switching between apps makes it difficult to get essential work done and costs them at least 30 minutes per day.

Enter… snap layouts in Windows 11.

This feature is designed to solve this problem by providing the user with several options for window arrangements that snap windows into place. The view is designed so you can reach all scroll bars and menu items in a particular app window.

This is one of the most time-saving features of the new operating system and it’s very intuitive and easy to use.

TEXTING & VIDEO CALLS FROM TEAMS ON THE DESKTOP

If you’re one of those people that hates typing out texts on a tiny smartphone screen only to have it altered by a rogue auto-correction, then the new Teams integration in Windows 11 is going to be a welcome change.

Teams is now natively integrated on the taskbar, there is no application you need to install. Setup only takes a few minutes and involves you putting in your name and a mobile phone number.

Using the Microsoft Teams icon from the desktop, you can instantly begin connecting to people via SMS or video/audio chat. You can even share a screen during your meetings.

THE TO DO WIDGET

One of the new features in Windows 11 that doesn’t look fully finished is the widgets panel. This feed has a few basic applications in it at the moment, and more are expected to come, which will make it even more useful.

You get to this panel through an icon on the taskbar, and the widget feed can be tailored with local weather, traffic, news, and more.

One of the helpful features you can use right now is the To Do widget. It allows you to quickly create a task list and check off those tasks without having to open another application.

The widget can be added in seconds to your panel and can be quite a time-saver because of the easy access right from your desktop.

STREAMLINED START/SEARCH MENU

If you’re still using your file explorer to search for documents, you can save a lot of time by using the Start/Search menu instead.

Click the Windows icon on the taskbar (which has now been moved to the middle instead of far left) and type your search keyword at the top.

This is a master search that will bring up documents, settings, applications, and even web pages. Searching using the Start Menu is faster than trying to find a file in the Explorer.

The newly streamlined interface also reduces the clutter of the old Windows Start Menu making it easier to get where you need to go.

TASK VIEW

Task view is the virtual desktop feature that had been introduced in Windows 10. This remains a very handy feature for separating the different areas of your work to stay focused.

You can use the task view icon on the taskbar to create a different virtual desktop with different open applications and documents. For example, you could keep your email open on one virtual desktop and then use another when you’re in a video call and sharing screen.

GET HELP WITH A SMOOTH UPGRADE TO WINDOWS 11

An upgrade of an entire company to a new OS can be time-consuming.

Save time and skip any downtime by working with an IT professional to roll out a smooth upgrade and get users trained on the new features.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your IT upgrade needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How Much Should I Expect to Pay for Managed IT Services?

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:00:01 GMT

If you’re considering outsourcing your IT service needs to a managed service provider (MSP), then you’ll likely want to know how much to expect to pay for those MSP services.

While most MSPs offer flat monthly subscription rates for their IT support and services, those rates will depend on your exact requirements and will be customized depending on the number of users or devices, the size of your network, and which services you actually need.

There are a range of benefits to having an MSP, one of which can be a cost savings. For small businesses, an MSP can replace the need for a full-time IT staff. These cost savings can then help you to scale your business.

For larger companies, it can be useful to have a co-managed IT model where an MSP supports your in-house IT staff with additional capacity and expertise.

Below we look at the fee structure options that most MSPs use, how to estimate your MSP costs, and at MSP service level agreements and how they work.

Managed IT services and flat rate fees: what to expect

If you plan to hire a managed IT service provider (MSP), then you’ll want to know the fees they usually charge.

Most MSPs have flat rate fees, which may range on a sliding scale depending on your exact requirements, number of users and servers.

Compared with paying IT professionals for a call out each time you have a problem, MSPs provide a range of ongoing monthly services which can help you avoid costly problems from arising.

By charging you a monthly fee, you are able to know what your expenses will be each month, so you can plan your budget. Depending on your contract, that fee may however change - for example if it’s linked to the number of users you have and you hire more staff.

How to estimate your MSP costs and needs

Before you hire an MSP, you’ll need to figure out what services you actually require, as that will affect the fees you’ll pay.

Do you need help with your computers, your network, performing routine backups, with cybersecurity and training?

Once you are more specific about your needs, you can then find a provider who can assist you.

Remember that not all MSPs are able to provide comprehensive services, so you’ll need to be discerning when choosing an MSP partner.

At NB Technology, we provide a comprehensive range of IT services, which include:

In terms of NB Technology’s managed IT services and support , we can help you manage the most complex IT projects.

Our friendly, highly trained and specialized team is able to provide you with:

IT systems monitoring 24/7 and 365-days a year
Remote and on-site technical support
Ransomware and malware protection
Network and firewall management
Server and PC backup management
WiFi management
Remote workforce management
Proactive system maintenance
Hardware and software procurement
An online support ticket system
Vendor management

By partnering with NB Technology, you’ll get peace of mind that our proactive and expert team will provide you with around the clock and ongoing monthly IT support so that you can stay productive and not have to deal with IT disruptions.

MSP pricing structures: user based, device based or tiered

It’s important to bear in mind that some MSPs charge fees based on how many users you have, while others will charge fees based on how many devices or workstations you have.

Many MSPs charge per device as that makes it easy to manage, although it may not be as easy to scale when you add new devices. Charging per user can cover all devices a user may have including laptop, printer, smartphone etc. and is easier to scale as you add or remove employees.

Tiered packages often bundle various services at a flat fee for each company.

What factors affect your MSP fees?

No two company needs and requirements will be the same. That's why an MSP needs to assess your particular needs and create a customized solution.

However, the main factors that affect the MSP’s price include the range and complexity of services that you require, the number or users or devices, the number of servers and how much data you have, whether your MSP will provide all or just some of your IT services, and whether you will need additional services in future or not.

It’s critical that you have an in-depth chat with any prospective MSP before discussing fees, so that they can properly assess your needs and goals and give you a reliable and appropriate cost estimate.

MSP service level agreements: how do they work?

When you enter into an agreement with an MSP to provide you with managed IT services, you will typically sign a service-level agreement (SLA) which will detail exactly what they will provide you with each month.

That helps to set expectations and manage your professional working relationship.

A SLA will also often provide the metrics by which you can measure the quality of their services. And it should include expectations around response times, and on-site service calls or remote assistance.

Most MSPs will detail what level of network uptime and availability they can provide (typically around 99.9%), what guarantees they provide for their help desk support services, and whether they can provide 24/7 support.

How much will I be charged for add-on IT services?

Most standard packages provided by MSPs are comprehensive, but there could be additional optional extras that you may like to opt for.

That could include advanced cybersecurity protection services for example, which may come with a 24-hour security operations center that monitors, detects, analyzes and deals with any threats - beyond the standard level of protection that most companies would opt for.

The cost of additional services will depend on the nature and complexity of the service, and the size of your network.

Final thoughts on the cost of managed IT support

Many companies are realizing the range of benefits from having managed IT services that are provided by an outsourced partner.

These include the ability to access a range of specialized IT skill sets, having access to 24/7 IT support and being able to save costs on IT services.

It’s important that you choose an MSP who can provide you with a range of comprehensive MSP services, and who understands your exact needs and can customize and scale solutions to suit those requirements.

At NB Technology we pride ourselves on providing comprehensive MSP services. Our expert and friendly staff can assist you with even the most complex IT projects.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your managed IT support and services needs and any inquiries you may have.

How to Protect Your Online Accounts

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 13:00:06 GMT

Stolen login credentials are a hot commodity on the Dark Web. There’s a price for every type of account from online banking to social media. For example, hacked social media accounts will go for between $30 to $80 each.

The rise in reliance on cloud services has caused a big increase in breached cloud accounts. Compromised login credentials are now the #1 cause of data breaches globally, according to IBM Security’s latest Cost of a Data Breach Report .

Having either a personal or business cloud account compromised can be very costly. It can lead to a ransomware infection, compliance breach, identity theft, and more.

To make matters more challenging, users are still adopting bad password habits that make it all too easy for criminals.

For example :

34% of people admit to sharing passwords with colleagues
44% of people reuse passwords across work and personal accounts
49% of people store passwords in unprotected plain text documents

Cloud accounts are more at risk of a breach than ever, but there are several things you can do to reduce the chance of having your online accounts compromised.

USE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the best method there is to protect cloud accounts. While not a failsafe, it is proven to prevent approximately 99.9% of fraudulent sign-in attempts, according to a study cited by Microsoft.

When you add the second requirement to a login, which is generally to input a code that is sent to your phone, you significantly increase account security. In most cases, a hacker is not going to have access to your phone or another device that receives the MFA code, thus they won’t be able to get past this step.

The brief inconvenience of using that additional step when you log into your accounts is more than worth it for the bump in security.

USE A PASSWORD MANAGER FOR SECURE STORAGE

One way that criminals get their hands on user passwords easily is when users store them in unsecured ways. Such as in an unprotected Word or Excel document or the contact application on their PC or phone.

Using a password manager provides you with a convenient place to store all your passwords that is also encrypted and secured. Plus, you only need to remember one strong master password to access all the others.

Password managers can also autofill all your passwords in many different types of browsers, making it a convenient way to access your passwords securely across devices.

REVIEW/ADJUST PRIVACY & SECURITY SETTINGS

Have you taken time to look at the security settings in your cloud tools? One of the common causes of cloud account breaches is misconfiguration. This is when security settings are not properly set to protect an account.

You don’t want to just leave SaaS security settings at defaults, as these may not be protective enough. Review and adjust cloud application security settings to ensure your account is properly safeguarded.

USE LEAKED PASSWORD ALERTS IN YOUR BROWSER

You can have impeccable password security on your end, yet still have your passwords compromised. This can happen when a retailer or cloud service you use has their master database of usernames and passwords exposed and the data stolen.

When this happens, those leaked passwords can quickly end up for sale on the Dark Web without you even knowing it.

Due to this being such a prevalent problem, browsers like Chrome and Edge have had leaked password alert capabilities added. Any passwords that you save in the browser will be monitored, and if found to be leaked, you’ll see an alert when you use it.

Look for this in the password area of your browser, as you may have to enable it. This can help you know as soon as possible about a leaked password, so you can change it.

DON’T ENTER PASSWORDS WHEN ON A PUBLIC WI-FI

Whenever you’re on public Wi-Fi, you should assume that your traffic is being monitored. Hackers like to hang out on public hot spots in airports, restaurants, coffee shops, and other places so they can gather sensitive data, such as login passwords.

You should never enter a password, credit card number, or other sensitive information when you are connected to public Wi-Fi. You should either switch off Wi-Fi and use your phone’s wireless carrier connection or use a virtual private network (VPN) app, which encrypts the connection.

USE GOOD DEVICE SECURITY

If an attacker manages to breach your device using malware, they can often breach your accounts without a password needed. Just think about how many apps on your devices you can open and already be logged in to.

To prevent an online account breach that happens through one of your devices, make sure you have strong device security.

Best practices include:

Antivirus/anti-malware
Up-to-date software and OS
Phishing protection (like email filtering and DNS filtering)

LOOKING FOR PASSWORD & CLOUD ACCOUNT SECURITY SOLUTIONS?

Don’t leave your online accounts at risk.

We can help your business (whether it's based in Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Dallas, Charlotte, or anywhere in NC) to review your current cloud account security and provide helpful recommendations.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your managed cloud services and cybersecurity needs and any inquiries you may have.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Top 4 Reasons to Outsource Your IT (and hire an MSP)

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 13:00:31 GMT

Did you know there is an alternative to managing all your IT services in-house? You no longer have to have dedicated, full-time IT staff employees to run an efficient and productive business.

One solution is to outsource your IT service needs to a managed service provider (MSP).

If you choose a reputable, experienced and professional MSP , you can scale your IT needs in line with your budget and can save costs as a small and growing business.

And at the same time, you can get access to a range of specialized IT skills and a reliable, accessible source of IT support, monitoring and maintenance.

Below we look at how in-house vs outsourced IT differ, and what the top reasons are to outsource your IT needs via an MSP.

What is in-house vs outsourced IT?

Many companies rely solely on in-house IT staff to handle all of their IT needs and services. And many are not even aware that an alternative exists which can be even more cost-effective, reliable and experienced.

In contrast with having full-time IT employees who work for your company taking care of any IT needs, you can instead outsource this work to a skilled, professional and vetted IT services provider.

This managed service provider (MSP) can assist you both remotely and in-person, and can manage routine tasks (such as backups and network monitoring) - and they can help with implementing new systems, with training, or with providing an IT support desk to your staff.

For small businesses, having an outsourced MSP to take care of all your IT needs can help you to scale your business, operate efficiently and save costs.

And for larger businesses, an MSP can help to work alongside your IT staff, co-managing IT services.

This can provide added capacity, skills and specialized knowledge and is particularly useful where in-house staff are taking care of complex and sensitive networks and data, but require assistance with tools, monitoring and implementing policies.

Top 4 reasons to outsource your IT services

Below we take a closer look at 4 of the top reasons to outsource your IT services and hire a professional and reputable MSP.

These include the ability to provide constant and consistent IT maintenance and support, the benefit of having access to a wide range of IT skills through one provider, the ability to retain corporate IT knowledge, and save costs.

1. Consistent IT maintenance and support services

When it comes to IT services, most companies would like 24/7 around the clock support in case there’s an emergency, data leak or a website crash.

But if you have full-time IT staff, they may be off sick, on leave or unreachable when you need them. By comparison, most MSPs are available around the clock, at any time of day and night, to help you resolve urgent issues.

Having an MSP is therefore a way for you to gain consistent IT maintenance, monitoring and support by a team of professionals.

And given the rise and complexity of cybersecurity threats, this can be a critical benefit that can save your company’s reputation as well as potential costs.

2. Gain a variety of specialized IT skills through your MSP

If you opt to have managed IT services provided by a vetted and professional provider, they can be an indispensable partner in your business to help your company thrive and operate effectively, productively and efficiently.

There are many skills that MSPs may have, which can benefit your business.

That includes being able to help you with your IT strategy, IT compliance and planning ahead for the future. For example, your MSP may be able to advise which software, hardware, cybersecurity measures and network infrastructure you need.

And they may be able to help you become legally compliant with the extensive range of IT laws, as well as to plan ahead for business expansion and managing suppliers and network communications and systems.

In addition, your MSP may have specialized experience in cloud computing , which is seen as the future of work - particularly where remote employees are involved.

Having the skill set to manage this transition and to advise on the best servers, networks, computers and systems to use can be invaluable.

One of the most in-demand skills at the moment is cybers ecurity skills and experience . Being able to access the wealth of knowledge and expertise in this field through your MSP team can help you build solid defenses against cyber risks and threats and help to avoid costly privacy and data breaches that could render your company inoperable or bankrupt.

3. Retain company knowledge

IT professionals frequently change jobs and careers, as their skills are increasingly in-demand. If you’re plagued by a high turnover of IT staff, you could be losing invaluable in-house knowledge and you may spend lots of valuable time on hiring, onboarding and training new IT staff.

To avoid that, you can outsource your IT service to an MSP who will retain your company knowledge. That means you no longer have to spend hours onboarding, training and hiring new staff.

In addition, many MSPs provide services that can be scaled up or down, as required and in line with your budget. That provides added flexibility.

4. Save on IT costs

There are various ways you can save costs by having managed IT services from an outsourced provider.

Firstly, you may save costs of having to continuously hire and train new in-house IT staff.

If you use your MSP’s data centers and servers, you can also reduce the amount of IT infrastructure you need on-site. And by reducing the number of in-house staff, you can reduce the size of your office infrastructure needed in terms of desks, bathrooms etc.

Having an MSP at a fixed monthly cost also helps you to budget and scale your operations, and can often work out more cost effective than full time staff whom you need to pay salaries, benefits, healthcare and pensions for.

Finally, by having around the clock support and active monitoring of risks and threats, you may help to avoid costly lawsuits for data and privacy breaches due to hacks and ransomware.

Final thoughts on why a managed service provider (MSP) makes sense

Are you keen to hire a professional, experienced and reputable MSP to manage all your IT service needs?

NB Technology is based in Belmont, North Carolina, and provides a range of IT services including managed IT services . This includes IT systems monitoring, remote and on-site technical support, ransomware and malware protection, network and firewall management, WiFi management, server and PC backup management, and vendor management.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your managed IT services needs and any inquiries you may have.

2 Monitors Better Than 1?

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:19:14 GMT

When you see those people with two monitors, you may assume they do some specialized work that requires all that screen space, or they just really like technology.

But having the additional display real estate that a second screen provides can benefit anyone, even if you’re doing accounting or document work all day.

We get used to being boxed in by the screen size we have. This can lead to us struggling when trying to fit two windows next to each other or continuously clicking between layers of windows on the desktop.

Most of us have experienced clicking around to find the window we actually need in a layer of different applications. This is one of the things that eats up time during the day and that using dual screens can help eliminate.

According to a study by software developer Mavenlink, 73% of surveyed businesses say they spend over an hour per day on average just switching between different apps.

PRODUCTIVITY RESEARCH ON DUAL-SCREENS

So just how much can using a second monitor improve productivity? Probably more than you realize.

Jon Peddie Research looked at the benefit of using two screens connected to a desktop computer or laptop for several years. It found that overall, employees in all types of jobs can improve productivity by an average of 42%.

From three studies conducted over 15 years, it also found that between 2002 and 2017, there’s been a significant rise in the use of two monitors, with a compound annual growth rate of 10%.

The company’s namesake put it simply saying, “The more you can see, the more you can do.”

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF ADDING A 2ND SCREEN?

DO MORE IN LESS TIME

The biggest advantage to using a second monitor is that you can do more in less time because you’re not struggling to get to the windows you need when you need them.

With an additional monitor, you can keep programs like email always open on one screen while you work in other programs on the second screen. You’re able to work more fluidly, getting to all your apps when you need them.

EXPANDS SCREEN SPACE FOR LAPTOPS

Laptops are great for portability, especially when traveling or moving between home and work (as many employees do these days). But the more portable the laptop, the smaller the screen space.

One big drawback of using a laptop is that they will have a smaller monitor. There is also the difficulty in positioning. When using them on a desk, people will often try to prop them up, but the person is still staring down at the screen in most cases.

Connecting your laptop to a monitor can significantly improve the experience and make it like working on a normal desktop PC. You can either choose to mirror your entire screen or still make use of the laptop screen for some activities while using the larger screen for others.

SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISONS ARE EASIER

There are a lot of tasks that require looking at data in two windows. You may be editing and comparing a finished design with the original instructions. Or you may have to pull details from notes to include in a PowerPoint presentation.

Trying to get two windows up on a single screen side-by-side can be frustrating. You may try to resize the windows just so, only to have your configuration lost when you have to maximize a screen to click a menu item or scroll.

With two monitors, you have the screen real estate you need to fully open both windows and have them right next to each other so you can easily do your work.

FAIRLY INEXPENSIVE PRODUCTIVITY BOOSTER

Purchasing another display is a fairly low investment when looking at technology. A monitor can be purchased from anywhere between $125 to $250 on average. And with a 42% average productivity boost, it can have a pretty sweet ROI.

There is also no big learning curve with this upgrade. Once the monitor is plugged in and the PC is set to see the additional screen, it’s good to go. Users can simply drag apps and documents from one screen to another as if they had one large screen.

NEED HELP IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY?

There are several productivity boosts that you can get using the right technology tools, and they don’t have to cost a fortune.

Ask us how we can help you make your North Carolina business more productive and efficient by using the right technology and software.

Contact us at (704) 644-1220 for a no obligation consultation to discuss your business IT needs and any inquiries you may have .

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Cloud PCs: Reasons to Upgrade

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 13:00:11 GMT

While many companies have moved most of their workflows to the cloud, there is still a key component of office operations that is location-based. This would be employee computers.

Most companies still rely on desktops and laptops to allow employees to access critical software and as their main workstation.

This can become inconvenient if you’re doing work from one location. For example, if you work both at the office and home, in one of those places, you’ll be without your “main computer.” This can be a real problem when it comes to needing to access certain files or possibly working from a slower device than you’re used to.

Many technology companies, such as Microsoft, have an answer for this – put your computer workstation in the cloud. This is exactly what is being touted as the next big thing when it comes to Windows 365 Cloud PC.

WHAT IS WINDOWS 365?

Windows 365 is a cloud-based PC. Your entire operating system and everything that sits on it (settings, files, software, etc.) is loaded on a cloud server instead of your own device’s hard drive. You can then access this through an online portal, and the interface will load onto your device (desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.).

Like other cloud-based services, Windows 365 works from a subscription plan and has different levels.

Here are the current options for the business plans:

$31/user/month: 2vCPU, 4 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
$41/user/month: 2vCPU, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage
$66/user/month: 4vCPU, 16 GB RAM, 128 GB Storage

Windows 365 can be accessed through any type of device, from anywhere, just like other cloud services. You can install applications, personalize your desktop, and do all the things you normally do on a computer. The main difference is that the computer operating system is now in the cloud.

WINDOWS 365 PROS

ACCESS YOUR COMPUTER ANYWHERE

The biggest advantage is being able to use your “main computer” no matter where you are, without having to drag it around.

This can be a big advantage when traveling because you don’t have to worry about a laptop being damaged, lost, or stolen and losing vital data. You still have your PC and files safely stored in the cloud and can easily get to it from another device.

PERFECT FOR THE HYBRID WORK WORLD

Hybrid work is the new normal. Since the pandemic, there’s been a shift with more employees than ever working from home. Now many companies are planning to keep a mix of office and remote working.

74% of U.S. companies are using or planning to implement a permanent hybrid work model.

The Windows 365 cloud-based PC makes it easy to enable employees to work from home, work, or both.

BETTER ACCESS TO DEVICE SECURITY & ADMINISTRATION

When employees are working remotely, ensuring all their devices are properly updated can be a problem. And what happens if an employee quits suddenly and has a lot of sensitive work data on a device located in their home?

Using cloud PCs gives a company complete control of its PC assets and data. Employees log in from anywhere, but the “computer” itself is located in a cloud environment, making it easy to do things like push security updates and restrict access.

WINDOWS 365 CONS

YOU CAN ONLY USE IT ONLINE

The obvious drawback of a Windows cloud PC is that you can only use it online. You won’t have access to any data, files, or programs if you don’t have an internet connection.

This may not be as big of an issue for many people since most work is now reliant on cloud applications anyhow.

A SLOW CONNECTION RUINS THE EXPERIENCE

If you have a slow internet connection, then the frustration can be multiplied. Not only would this slow down a cloud app you’re trying to access but also the cloud computer you’re trying to access it from.

There is a risk when using a computer in the cloud of experiencing lag time, making it difficult to work.

THERE IS A DANGER OF SERVICE OUTAGE

You’re reliant on the cloud provider – in this case, Microsoft – to always have the service available. Even large companies can have outages from time to time, in which case you will not be able to access your computer or any of your data stored on it.

Being too reliant on one cloud vendor is also a risk to business continuity. One way to mitigate that risk would be to ensure all data stored in Windows 365 is being backed up separately in a 3rd party backup solution.

IS A CLOUD PC RIGHT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

There are several instances when Windows 365 offers big benefits to a company.

If you’re trying to figure things out, contact us for a chat. We can help you consider all angles to best suit your Charlotte or Gastonia business needs.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

When Do Managed IT Services Make Sense?

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 13:00:15 GMT

As the world becomes increasingly driven by technology, businesses are becoming more reliant on IT and tech to remain competitive.

Many businesses are unaware that managed IT services exist and that they can actually help small businesses to scale, while also assisting large businesses to cope with increasingly complex IT requirements.

There are a range of benefits to having mana ged IT services provided by an external team of experts.

That includes it being an affordable method of monitoring and maintaining your IT infrastructure and tools, and its ability to provide multi-disciplinary solutions and services that are suited to your specific needs.

What are managed IT Services and what are the benefits?

Managed IT services are a way for companies to access a range of IT skills without having to hire any permanent staff.

Managed IT services encompass a suite of different types of IT support that you may need to operate your business effectively. They are often used in place of in-house IT staff, particularly for small businesses who are on a budget and wanting to scale. But they can also be used to support your IT staff, bring additional skills, expertise and capacity to your team.

Your managed services provider (MSP) can look after your network, backups, network security, manage your communications, assist with compliance and provide around the clock IT support.

When are managed IT services a good fit?

There are various situations in which managed IT services may be a good fit for your company.

Below we look at some of these examples, which may signal that you have a need for a MSP.

1. If your IT support response times are slow

If your current IT support times are slow, or only available during limited hours of the day or week, then you may want to consider an MSP.

There’s nothing worse than knowing you’ve just had a privacy breach or your site is down, and you can’t get hold of anyone to fix it. Even just a few hours of downtime can wreak havoc on profitability and productivity of an organization.

That’s where managed IT services can be a good fit. They are often available 24/7 and have fast response times. That means your issue can be resolved efficiently and you can access a team of experts to figure out the right solution.

2. If You Can't Afford full Time IT Staff

IT professionals are often some of the highest paid professions. If you’re a small business, you may not be able to afford to hire the best IT staff for your company. But that doesn’t mean you can’t access the best talent.

By hiring a MSP, you can have access to the best IT staff when you need them, without having to commit to a monthly paycheck and benefits. That can be a significant cost savings, especially for small businesses and startups.

3. If you don’t have enough IT skills internally for all your needs

Even if you already have some IT staff on your payroll, you may find that they don’t have the expert skills and knowledge to deal with all your IT issues.

In these instances, your IT staff can liaise with contracted professionals through an MSP, helping them to solve the issues at hand.

4. If you require additional IT capacity and skills

There are so many IT skills and niches nowadays, that it’s challenging to find staff that have all the skills you may require.

At times you may need additional IT skills and capacity to support your IT staff’s work and projects. Whether you’re dealing with AI, cloud computing or data analytics, your MSP can also educate and train your staff on how to manage these aspects of your business.

And if you need additional capacity, your MSP can support your IT department, as and when needed. That way your company can maintain efficiency and meet project deadlines.

5. If you’re trying to keep to a tight IT budget

When you hire an MSP to provide you with IT services, you can usually choose between a monthly subscription retainer, or a project-based fee.

Whichever option you choose, this can help you save money by not having to employ your own internal IT staff.

6. If you need to transition to, and learn, new tech tools and skills

Software is rapidly evolving and changing and it’s commonplace to need upgrades, new software and training on how to use new tools.

If you want to learn how to do this, your MSP can assist and can help to train your staff on how to use new tools, whether it’s using Microsoft 365 , choosing a VPN , or installing antivirus software.

An MSP can also provide invaluable advice about the best and most cutting-edge tech and tools to use so that you can remain competitive and productive.

7. If you want to scale but can’t afford extra full time staff

You may feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place if you need to scale your company but can’t afford to hire additional staff. That can be a serious roadblock, especially if you have many IT service needs.

Luckily, managed IT services can help you scale your business by providing you with the support you need, when you need it.

By outsourcing some of your IT functions, you can remain agile and lean and save money while your profits grow.

8. If you’re unable to manage all your own IT needs and requirements yourself

If you already have internal IT staff, but they are so busy that they don’t have capacity to deal with all your requirements - one solution is to hire a MSP.

If your team doesn’t have capacity, then relying on them could hamper their productivity.

And if you opt to hire an external consultant, you may have to wait several weeks for a budget and proposal to be approved.

A faster solution is to have a dedicated MSP who can collaborate with your company on a long-term, but outsourced basis.

9. If you’ve been plagued by cybersecurity threats

If you’ve been experiencing a variety of cybersecurity threats and breaches, then you may not have the defenses you need to protect against current vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity expertise is in high demand but there is a shortage of experts. That’s why partnering with an MSP that has those skills can give you access to the latest cybersecurity solutions and best skills to tackle your problems.

An MSP can also provide you with ongoing cyber defenses and solutions, and can help you to monitor and flag any potential threats so that your business operations are not jeopardized.

10. If you have high IT staff turnover, hampering business continuity

Some companies have high staff turnover. When this happens in your IT department, you may be spending considerable amounts of time on training and onboarding new staff.

That can affect your ability to maintain your network adequately, to keep up-to-date with cyber threats and to manage your instructure - all of which can put your business at risk.

By hiring an MSP, you can partner with an organization that you can depend on to provide consistent service (as long as they’ve been vetted correctly that is).

That means that when your IT team is not available, you can outsource some work to your MSP. And your MSP can also help train new staff and bring them up to speed.

11. If you require IT services and support around the clock

When you hire an MSP, they typically provide services around the clock to deal with any urgent requests you may have.

Compared with in-house staff and consultants who may have set office hours, an MSP can provide you with support at weekends, during evenings and on holidays.

That gives you peace of mind that any emergency or problem you may encounter will be handled efficiently.

12. If you want to ensure data compliance

Every country has their own data compliance laws that companies need to adhere to. It can be overwhelming and time consuming to keep track of all the different laws and updates that you need to comply with.

Breaching these can lead to serious consequences, both financially and in terms of your reputation. It’s therefore critical that you have a dedicated team to ensure data compliance for your organization.

Examples of some of these laws include the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

Luckily your MSP can help you to maintain ongoing compliance, so you can focus on your core business. Your MSP can continuously monitor for potential breaches and can train staff on how to maintain compliance.

Final thoughts on hiring an MSP to provide you with managed IT services

There are many instances in which it’s prudent and good to hire an MSP to provide you with managed IT services. However, not all MSPs are equal and you’ll need to carefully vet any prospective providers.

Choosing the right IT partner is critical to your business success.

You’ll also need to ensure you have a good service level agreement in place, to manage your business relationship. This can detail what types of services you expect your MSP to provide, so you can manage expectations from the outset.

It’s also important to choose an MSP with a good reputation and one that has the experience and skills to take on the work you require. Another important factor, particularly for startups, is to find an MSP that will allow you to scale your operations as needed.

Contact us on (704) 644-1220 to find out more about our Managed IT services and how we can help your North Carolina business thrive and grow.

9 Urgent Security Tips for Online Holiday Shopping

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 13:00:04 GMT

The holiday shopping season is taking off. This means that scammers have also revved up their engines. They're primed and ready to take advantage of all those online transactions.

Don’t forget to stay safe online during the buying frenzy that occurs this time of year. An ounce of cybersecurity prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. It can also save you from a financial or privacy nightmare.

Here are some of the most critical safety tips to improve your online holiday shopping.

Check for Device Updates Before You Shop

Computers, tablets, and smartphones that have old software are vulnerable. While you may not want to wait through a 10-minute iPhone update, it’s going to keep you more secure.

Hackers often use vulnerabilities found in device operating systems. Updates install patches for known vulnerabilities, reducing your risk. Make sure to install all updates before you use your device for online holiday shopping.

Don’t Go to Websites from Email Links

Yes, it’s annoying to have to type in “amazon.com” rather than just clicking a link in an email. But phishing scams are at an all-time high this time of year. If you click on an email link to a malicious site, it can start an auto download of malware.

It's best to avoid clicking links, instead visit the website directly. If you want to make things easier, save sites as shopping bookmarks in your browser. This is safer than clicking a text or email link.

Use a Wallet App Where Possible

It’s always a risk when you give your debit or credit card to a website. The risk is even higher if you’re doing holiday shopping on a site you haven’t purchased from before.

Where possible, buy using a wallet app or PayPal.

This eliminates the need to give your payment card details directly to the merchant. Instead, you share them with the wallet app service (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, etc.). But the retailer doesn’t get them.

Remove Any Saved Payment Cards After Checking Out

There are many websites (including Amazon) that automatically save your payment card details. This is bad. Yes, it may make the next buy more convenient, but it puts you at risk. A hacker with access to your device or account could make purchases.

There is also the risk of a data breach of the retailer. These are common and can leak sensitive customer payment information. The fewer databases you allow to store your payment details, the better for your security.

Immediately after you check out, remove your payment card from the site. You will usually need to go to your account settings to do this.

Make Sure the Site Uses HTTPS (Emphasis on “S”)

HTTPS has largely become the standard for websites now. This is instead of “HTTP” without the “S” on the end. HTTPS means that a website encrypts the data transmitted through the site. Such as your name, address, and payment information.

You should NEVER shop on a website that doesn’t use HTTPS in the address bar. An extra indicator is a small lock icon in front of the website address.

Double Check the Site URL

We all make typos from time to time. Especially when typing on a small smartphone screen. One typo can land you on a copycat site (such as Amazonn(dot)com).

Hackers buy domains that are close to the real ones for popular retailers. Then, they put up copycat sites designed to fool users that make a mistake when typing the URL.

Take those extra few seconds to double-check that you’ve landed on the correct website. Do this before you start shopping.

Never Shop Online When on Public Wi-Fi

When you connect your device to public Wi-Fi, you might as well expect a stranger to be stalking you. Hackers LOVE the holiday shopping season and will hang out in popular public Wi-Fi spots.

They spy on the activities of other devices connected to that same free hotspot. This can give them access to everything you type in. Such as passwords and credit card information.

Never shop online when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Instead, switch off Wi-Fi and move to your mobile carrier’s connection.

Be On High Alert for Brand Impersonation Emails & Texts

Phishing scammers were very active during the holiday shopping season of 2021. There was a 397% increase in typo-squatting domains connected to phishing attacks.

While you need to be careful all the time about phishing, it’s even worse during the holiday season. Attackers know that people are expecting retailer holiday sales emails. They also get a flurry of order confirmations and shipping notices this time of year.

Hackers use these emails as templates. They impersonate brands like Target, UPS, Amazon, and others. Their emails look nearly identical to the real thing. They trick you to get you to click and/or log in to a malicious website.

Be on high alert for brand impersonation emails. This is another reason why it’s always better to go to a site directly, rather than by using an email link.

Enable Banking Alerts & Check Your Account

Phishing check your bank account regularly. Look for any suspicious charges that could signal a breach. One way to automate a monitoring process is to set up banking alerts through your online banking app.

For example, many banks allow you to set up alerts for events such as:

When a purchase occurs over a specified dollar amount
When a purchase occurs from outside the country

How Secure Is Your Mobile Device?

Mobile malware is often deployed in holiday shopping scams. How secure is your device from malicious apps and malware?

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

The Benefits Of Remote IT Support and Managed IT Services

Tue, 01 Nov 2022 12:00:19 GMT

Gone are the days of only being able to rely on on-site IT support, which was often slow, unresponsive and only available during office hours.

Nowadays, the digital revolution has enabled remote IT support and digitally managed IT services , which are available at any time, from anywhere in the world.

This is transforming the IT support landscape - helping companies to access the best talent around the clock, with faster response times and often at lower costs than onsite or in-house IT teams.

Below we look at what remote IT support is, what managed IT services entail and the benefits of relying on remote IT support.

What is remote IT support?

Remote IT support is a service that provides people and businesses with IT support over the internet.

That means that if you have a computer problem that needs sorting out, an IT technician can remotely access your computer or mobile device to assess the problem and implement a solution.

A key difference between remote IT support and in-office IT support, is that remote support can be provided from anywhere in the world, at any time of day or night.

Most often the problem will be software-related, so there won’t be a need for any in-person assistance. Your managed IT service provider can access your machine virtually and resolve the problem efficiently so that you can continue working.

NB Technology provides IT services and support which can be customized to suit your particular needs.

What are managed IT services?

Managed IT services are when a team of IT professionals manage your server and network infrastructure, your cybersecurity, your software updates, and your hardware needs.

A Managed IT Service Provider (MSP) can be hired to monitor and manage your IT on an ongoing basis.

This may include updating your cybersecurity defenses on a continuous basis to help keep you protected from any cyberattacks.

It may also include performing regular backups of your data and providing a range of SaaS solutions.

NB Technology provides managed IT services and support , helping you to manage complex IT projects, on time and on budget.

Our comprehensive service offering includes network and firewall management, hardware and software procurement, server and PC backup management, remote workforce management, vendor management and proactive system maintenance.

The Top 10 Benefits of Remote IT support

There are many benefits to hiring a remote IT support professional and to having a MSP to manage your IT business operations.

Below are the top 10 benefits of remote IT support:

1. Fast response time

It is often faster to get IT support if you select a remote service provider, than if you have to wait for someone to come into your office in-person to resolve the issue. Faster response time means that you can resolve the problem faster and avoid costly and lengthy delays and downtime.

Even if you have in-house IT staff, you may still require a specialist IT support professional to help resolve certain issues. For example, your remote IT service provider may have expertise in cybersecurity, IT legal compliance, or network security.

2. Reduced costs

Instead of paying an in-house IT team a monthly salary, you could hire a remote IT support professional. You will typically be able to pay a monthly retainer fee based on how much support you’ll require. This can work out to be very cost effective, especially for small businesses.

And if your MSP provides you with monthly IT and cybersecurity monitoring services, then you can avoid problems and therefore save on costs.

Remote IT support can be particularly cost-effective for small companies on a budget. You can choose between different packages, depending on your exact needs and requirements.

3. 24/7 support

Another benefit of having remote IT support and managed IT services is that you’ll typically have access to 24/7 support. That means that no matter what time of day you encounter a technical problem, it can be attended to quickly. This type of around the clock support is usually not possible when you have an in-house IT team.

You'll also usually have the option of contacting your remote IT provider by phone, email or live chat. And you often get access to a range of experienced professionals that work for the IT support provider, which allows you to choose from a range of specializations to suit your exact needs.

It’s also much quicker for a remote IT support professional to attend to your queries as they don’t need to travel to your premises to inspect the problem.

As cyber attacks and breaches can happen at any time, having access to 24/7 support is a huge advantage that can also help save you money in the long run.

4. Access to global IT support talent

Remote work has the ability to connect people around the world. That means that you can access the top talent from around the world as your IT support team.

You’re no longer limited to service providers in your neighborhood, as your managed IT support person doesn’t need to physically be present at your business premises to resolve problems and maintain your network.

When choosing an MSP, there are several considerations you should however bear in mind. This includes whether they use industry best practices, whether their services are scalable, and whether they have great references.

5. Increased productivity

If you don’t have an on-site IT professional to help you when you have IT problems, then you may need to wait hours if not days for someone to help you fix your problem. And while you wait, your business may not be able to effectively or efficiently operate which can hamper productivity.

The benefit of having a remote IT support provider or a MSP is that you can quickly and efficiently resolve your technical issues so that your business productivity is not affected.

And by having an MSP, you can focus on preventing disruptive IT problems from arising in the first place.

6. Access to the latest IT technology

When your IT support services are performed remotely, you may have access to a wider range of the most cutting edge technology.

That’s because MSP are in the business of providing tech support to many clients, so they need to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technology. In fact, disruptive technologies are reshaping businesses.

According to Deloitte, technology’s “role is shifting to that of a catalyst for business strategy and transformation , changing the expectations and delivery of technology and blurring the lines between business and technology functions”.

That means that the future of work may evolve to have IT teams function as co-creators of innovative new business “products, services, and experiences that drive growth, revenue, and competitive advantage”, according to Deloitte.

7. Scalable support solutions

Another big advantage to having access to remote IT support, is that you can scale the amount of support you need as your company grows.

It can be daunting as a small business to hire full time staff. Outsourcing your IT requirements to professionals who can provide you with an increasing amount of support as your needs grow, helps you to save costs while you’re starting out.

8. Reduced Downtime

IT problems can disrupt your ability to conduct business. Remote IT support can help minimize and reduce the downtime you experience as a result of IT problems, by providing quick and efficient support that’s often available 24/7.

If you institute remote IT monitoring services, then you may be able to avoid any major problems, and thus avoid associated disruptions.

9. Regular monitoring and maintenance

Most managed IT service contracts include monitoring of your servers, firewalls, software updates, networks, and other key aspects of your business IT operations.

You will then be notified of any threats, or where bandwidth or disk space is running low and needs attending to. By actively monitoring your IT systems, your MSP can help you avoid business interruptions and protect against cyber vulnerabilities.

Regular maintenance also helps to prevent downtime, helping your business maintain efficiency and productivity.

10. Training on demand

Did you know that the sweet spot when it comes to staff cybersecurity training is every 4 months?

With the need for such regular training on the latest cybersecurity threats and risks, it’s important to have an IT support team that can provide training on demand.

When you opt for remote IT support, you can request training on demand, to suit your businesses’ needs.

This includes training on any new software, cybersecurity, and any aspect of IT that you specifically need.

Training on demand can be customized to suit your requirements, such as onboarding new staff or performing regular productivity and efficiency training.

Final Thoughts on Reasons to Invest in Virtual IT Support

Any business that operates digitally, requires a degree of IT support.

Have you considered remote IT support and managed IT services ? Some of the many benefits include cost savings, scalability and fast response times.

Managed IT services can also help your business reduce downtime, enhance productivity and access the latest technology from the best IT talent around the globe.

The best of both worlds is to have a managed service provider that can provide you with both remote IT support and on-site support when you need it. As great as remotely fixing technical issues can be, some issues can only be troubleshot on-site.

Contact us today about our managed IT services and how we can support your Charlotte, Gastonia, or Belmont (North Carolina) business, prevent cyberattacks, and reduce downtime while maintaining and monitoring your IT infrastructure and IT-related business operating requirements.

Speak to one of our team members on (704) 644-1220 to discuss how we can help provide you with IT business solutions.

Signs Your Computer is Infected

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:00:10 GMT

Approximately 34% of businesses take a week or longer to regain access to their data and systems once hit with a malware attack.

Malware is an umbrella term that encompasses many different types of malicious code. It can include:

Viruses
Ransomware
Spyware
Trojans
Adware
Key loggers
And more

The longer that malware sits on your system unchecked, the more damage it can do. Most forms of malware have a directive built in to spread to as many systems as possible. So, if not caught and removed right away, one computer could end up infecting 10 more on the same network in no time.

Early detection is key so you can disconnect an infected device from your network and have it properly cleaned by a professional.

Keep an eye out for these key warning signs of malware infection so you can jump into action and reduce your risk.

STRANGE POPUPS ON YOUR DESKTOP

Some forms of malware can take on the disguise of being an antivirus app or warranty notice that pops up on your screen. Hackers try to mimic things that users may have seen from a legitimate program, so they’ll be more apt to click without thinking.

If you begin to see a strange “renew your antivirus” subscription alert or a warranty renewal that doesn’t quite make sense, these could be signs that your PC has been infected with adware or another type of malware.

NEW SLUGGISH BEHAVIOR

Computers can become sluggish for a number of reasons, including having too many browser tabs open at once or running a memory-intensive program. But you’ll typically know your computer and the types of things that slow it down.

If you notice new sluggish behavior that is out of the ordinary, this could be an infection. One example would be if you don’t have any programs open except notepad or another simple app, and yet you experience freezing.

When malware is running in the background, it can often eat up system resources and cause your system to get sluggish.

APPLICATIONS START CRASHING

Applications should not just crash out of the blue. There is always a reason. Either the software is faulty, there’s been an issue with an update, or something else may be messing with that application’s files.

If you suddenly experience apps crashing, requiring you to restart the app or reboot your system, this is another telltale sign that a virus, trojan, or other malicious code has been introduced.

YOUR BROWSER HOME PAGE IS REDIRECTED

If you open your browser and land on a homepage that is not the one you normally see, have your PC scanned for malware right away. Redirecting a home page is a common ploy of certain types of malware.

The malware will infect your system and change the system setting for your default browser home page. This may lead you to a site filled with popup ads or to another type of phishing site.

Just trying to change your homepage back in your settings won’t fix the situation. It’s important to have the malware removed.

SUDDEN REBOOTS

Another annoying trait of certain types of malicious code is to make your system reboot without warning.

This can cause you to lose the work you’ve just done and can make it difficult to get anything done. This may happen when malware is changing core system files behind the scenes. With files corrupted, your system becomes unstable and can often reboot unexpectedly.

YOU’RE MISSING HARD DRIVE SPACE

If you find that a good deal of your hard drive space that used to be open is now gone, it could be a malware infection taking up your space. Some types of malware may make copies of files or introduce new files into your system.

They will cleverly hide, so don’t expect to see the word “malware” on a file search. Instead, the dangerous activities will usually be masked by a generic-sounding name that you mistake for a normal system file.

YOU RUN ACROSS CORRUPTED FILES

If you open a file and find it corrupted, this could be a red flag that ransomware or another form of malware has infected your system.

While files can occasionally become corrupt for other reasons, this is a serious issue that deserves a thorough malware scan if you see it.

PC “PROCESSING SOUNDS” WHEN THERE SHOULDN’T BE

Most of us are familiar with those “thinking sounds” when our computer is processing something memory intensive. You’ll usually hear a type of whirring that will go away once you finish that activity.

If you begin hearing this processing sound when you’re not doing anything particularly intense on your computer, this could be a sign that malware is running in the background and it should be checked out.

GET EXPERT MALWARE SCANNING & REMOVAL

Free online malware and virus scans aren’t very reliable. Instead, come to a professional that can ensure your entire system is cleaned properly.

Contact us for an obligation-fee chat to discuss how we can help you avoid malware and keep your North Carolina business IT protected and safe.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Top 5 Mobile Device Attacks

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 12:00:04 GMT

Smartphones and tablets are often the preferred device for communications, web searching, and accessing many types of apps. They’re more portable and can be used from anywhere.

We’re seeing the takeover of many activities that used to be performed on traditional computers. Now, people are using mobile devices instead.

For example, Microsoft estimates that up to 80% of the workload in many enterprise organizations is now done via mobile devices. Over half of all web searches are also now conducted from a mobile device rather than a desktop PC.

This has caused mobile devices to become more targeted over the past few years. As hackers realize they’re holding many of the same sensitive information and app access as PCs, they’ve been creating mobile malware and other exploits to breach mobile devices.

In 2020, approximately 36.5% of organizations were impacted by mobile malware and 2.5 million people unknowingly downloaded multiple mobile adware apps.

It’s important to start treating mobile devices in the same way as you do computers when it comes to their security.

Smartphones and tablets need the same types of security precautions in place, including:

Antivirus/anti-malware
DNS filtering
Automated OS and app updates
Managed backup

You need to be on the lookout for the most prevalent mobile device threats that allow your data to be leaked or breached.

Here’s a roundup of what those are.

1. MOBILE MALWARE HIDDEN IN APPS

It’s not easy at first glance to tell the difference between a legitimate free app and one that has malware hidden inside.

Scammers will use the same types of flashy graphics, and the app may even have a high star rating (most likely boosted through suspicious means). The app may even do what it says it will do when downloaded.

But malware can be hidden in the background, infecting a device as soon as the app is installed. And many of these apps will hide once on your phone or tablet by using the icon of a common default system app (like settings or calendar).

Mobile malware can include all the same types of malware that can infect a computer, such as ransomware, adware, spyware, trojans, and more.

2. UNPROTECTED COMMUNICATIONS

Have you ever sent someone a password or credit card details over a text message or messaging app? Did you check to see if the communication was encrypted?

Many users will use various methods of communication from their mobile devices without knowing how secure those methods are. If sensitive information is transmitted and it’s not encrypted, then a hacker could easily intercept it.

3. PUBLIC WI-FI & MAN-IN-THE-MIDDLE ATTACKS

Public Wi-Fi has long been known to be non-secure, yet people still use it when it’s available. They want to save their mobile minutes or get a faster connection.

75% of people admit to connecting to email when on public Wi-Fi. Other activities people will do is sign into apps (even sensitive ones like online banking), and shop online, entering credit card details.

If you’re on public Wi-Fi, then you’re at high risk of a man-in-the-middle attack. This is when a hacker connects to the same network and looks for victims with unprotected communications. They can then capture any type of data they’re transmitting.

One way to safely connect to public Wi-Fi is to use a VPN app, which will encrypt your communications.

4. JUICE JACKING ON PUBLIC USB CHARGING STATIONS

Another public mobile breach danger is public USB charging stations. These are often welcome sights especially if you’re low on battery power. However, hackers can infect public USB charging ports with malware and set up fake charging stations in public areas.

Then, when you insert your USB cord to charge your device, the malware is copying all the data on your phone and/or infecting it with malicious code. See, USB cables aren’t just for charging, they are also used for data transmission.

It’s best to avoid public USB charging ports and charge with your power adapter that plugs into an outlet instead. You can also buy a “charge-only” USB cord to use if USB charging is your only option.

5. NON-UPDATED DEVICES

Approximately 40% of Android devices are running outdated operating systems that no longer get vital security updates.

When your mobile device is not kept updated, then it’s easier for a hacker to use an exploit that takes advantage of a code vulnerability in the OS or one of the installed apps.

Many companies aren’t paying attention to how many employees’ work devices are running current operating systems, which puts their networks at higher risk of a breach.

You should ensure that all your apps and your OS are kept updated because many of these updates include critical security patches.

ASK US ABOUT MOBILE DEVICE SECURITY SOLUTIONS

With mobile devices handling so much of the computing workload these days, it’s vital they’re properly protected.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 101

Tue, 11 Oct 2022 12:00:05 GMT

Credential theft is now at an all-time high and is responsible for more data breaches than any other type of attack.

With data and business processes now largely cloud-based, a user’s password is the quickest and easiest way to conduct many different types of dangerous activities.

Being logged in as a user (especially if they have admin privileges) can allow a criminal to send out phishing emails from your company account to your staff and customers. The hacker can also infect your cloud data with ransomware and demand thousands of dollars to give it back.

How do you protect your online accounts, data, and business operations? One of the best ways is with multi-factor authentication (MFA).

It provides a significant barrier to cybercriminals even if they have a legitimate user credential to log in. This is because they most likely will not have access to the device that receives the MFA code required to complete the authentication process.

WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN METHODS OF MFA?

When you implement multi-factor authentication at your business, it’s important to compare the three main methods of MFA and not just assume all methods are the same. There are key differences that make some more secure than others and some more convenient.

Let’s take a look at what these three methods are:

SMS-BASED

The form of MFA that people are most familiar with is SMS-based. This one uses text messaging to authenticate the user.

The user will typically enter their mobile number when setting up MFA. Then, whenever they log into their account, they will receive a text message with a time-sensitive code that must be entered.

ON-DEVICE PROMPT IN AN APP

Another type of multi-factor authentication will use a special app to push through the code. The user still generates the MFA code at login, but rather than receiving the code via SMS, it’s received through the app.

This is usually done via a push notification, and it can be used with a mobile app or desktop app in many cases.

SECURITY KEY

The third key method of MFA involves using a separate security key that you can insert into a PC or mobile device to authenticate the login. The key itself is purchased at the time the MFA solution is set up and will be the thing that receives the authentication code and implements it automatically.

The MFA security key is typically smaller than a traditional thumb drive and must be carried by the user to authenticate when they log into a system.

Now, let’s look at the differences between these three methods.

MOST CONVENIENT FORM OF MFA?

Users can often feel that MFA is slowing them down. This can be worse if they need to learn a new app or try to remember a tiny security key (what if they lose that key?).

This user inconvenience can cause companies to leave their cloud accounts less protected by not using multi-factor authentication.

If you face user pushback and are looking for the most convenient form of MFA, it would be the SMS-based MFA .

Most people are already used to getting text messages on their phones so there is no new interface to learn and no app to install.

MOST SECURE FORM OF MFA?

If your company handles sensitive data in a cloud platform, such as your online accounting solution, then it may be in your best interest to go for security.

The most secure form of MFA is the security key .

The security key, being a separate device altogether, won’t leave your accounts unprotected in the event of a mobile phone being lost or stolen. Both the SMS-based and app-based versions would leave your accounts at risk in this scenario.

The SMS-based is actually the least secure because there is malware out there now that can clone a SIM card, which would allow a hacker to get those MFA text messages.

A Google study looked at the effectiveness of these three methods of MFA at blocking three different types of attacks. The security key was the most secure overall.

Percentage of attacks blocked:

SMS-based: between 76 - 100%
On-device app prompt: between 90 - 100%
Security key: 100% for all three attack types

WHAT’S IN BETWEEN?

So, where does the app with an on-device prompt fit in? Right in between the other two MFA methods.

Using an MFA application that delivers the code via push notification is more secure than the SMS-based MFA. It’s also more convenient than needing to carry around a separate security key that could quickly become lost or misplaced.

LOOKING FOR HELP SETTING UP MFA AT YOUR COMPANY?

Multi-factor authentication is a “must-have” solution in today’s threat climate.

Let’s discuss your barrier points and come up with a solution together to keep your cloud environment better secured.

Contact us for a 15-minute, obligation-free consultation to discuss how our cybersecurity services and managed cloud services can help keep your business protected from threats.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Cybersecurity Training: Again, Really?

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT

You’ve completed your annual phishing training. This includes teaching employees how to spot phishing emails. You’re feeling good about it.

That is until about 5-6 months later. Your company suffers a costly ransomware infection due to a click on a phishing link.

You wonder why you seem to need to train on the same information every year. But you still suffer from security incidents. The problem is that you’re not training your employees often enough.

People can’t change behaviors if training isn’t reinforced. They can also easily forget what they’ve learned after several months go by.

So, how often is often enough to improve your team’s cybersecurity awareness? It turns out that training every four months is the "sweet spot". This is when you see more consistent results in your IT security.

Why Is Cybersecurity Awareness Training Every 4-Months Recommended?

So, where does this four-month recommendation come from? There was a study presented at the USENIX SOUPS security conference recently. It looked at users’ ability to detect phishing emails versus training frequency. It looked at training on phishing awareness and IT security.

Employees took phishing identification tests at several different time increments:

4-months
6-months
8-months
10-months
12-months

The study found that four months after their training scores were good. Employees were still able to accurately identify and avoid clicking on phishing emails. But after 6-months, their scores started to get worse. Scores continued to decline the more months that passed after their initial training.

To keep employees well prepared, they need training and refreshers on security awareness. This will help them to act as a positive agent in your cybersecurity strategy.

Tips on What & How to Train Employees to Develop a Cybersecure Culture

The gold standard for security awareness training is to develop a cybersecure culture. This is one where everyone is cognizant of the need to protect sensitive data. As well as avoid phishing scams, and keep passwords secured.

This is not the case in most organizations, according to the 2021 Sophos Threat Report . One of the biggest threats to network security is a lack of good security practices.

The report states the following:

“A lack of attention to one or more aspects of basic security hygiene has been found to be at the root cause of many of the most damaging attacks we've investigated.”

Well-trained employees significantly reduce a company’s risk. They reduce the chance of falling victim to any number of different online attacks. To be well-trained doesn’t mean you have to conduct a long day of cybersecurity training. It’s better to mix up the delivery methods.

Here are some examples of engaging ways to train employees on cybersecurity. You can include these in your training plan:

Self-service videos that get emailed once per month
Team-based roundtable discussions
Security “Tip of the Week” in company newsletters or messaging channels
Training session given by an IT professional
Simulated phishing tests
Cybersecurity posters
Celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October

When conducting training, phishing is a big topic to cover, but it’s not the only one.

Here are some important topics that you want to include in your mix of awareness training.

Phishing by Email, Text & Social Media

Email phishing is still the most prevalent form. But SMS phishing (“smishing”) and phishing over social media are both growing.

Employees must know what these look like, so they can avoid falling for these sinister scams.

Credential & Password Security

Many businesses have moved most of their data and processes to cloud-based platforms. This has led to a steep increase in credential theft because it’s the easiest way to breach SaaS cloud tools.

Credential theft is now the #1 cause of data breaches globally. This makes it a topic that is critical to address with your team. Discuss the need to keep passwords secure and the use of strong passwords. Also, help them learn tools like a business password manager.

Mobile Device Security

Mobile devices are now used for a large part of the workload in a typical office. They’re handy for reading and replying to an email from anywhere. Most companies will not even consider using software these days if it doesn’t have a great mobile app.

Review security needs for employee devices that access business data and apps. Such as securing the phone with a passcode and keeping it properly updated.

Data Security

Data privacy regulations are something else that has been rising over the years. Most companies have more than one data privacy regulation requiring compliance.

Train employees on proper data handling and security procedures. This reduces the risk you'll fall victim to a data leak or breach that can end up in a costly compliance penalty.

Need Help Keeping Your Team Trained on Cybersecurity?

Take training off your plate and train your team with cybersecurity professionals.

Call us for a 15-minute, obligation-free consultation to discuss how our cybersecurity services can help keep your local Charlotte or Gastonia business safe from cyberattacks and cybercriminals.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Protecting Your IoT Devices 101

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 12:00:16 GMT

The number of internet-connected devices in homes has been growing. It's increased exponentially over the last decade. A typical home now has 10.37 devices connected to the internet. PCs and mobile devices make up a little over half of those and the rest are IoT devices.

IoT stands for Internet of Things. It means any other type of “smart device” that connects online. IoT devices in a home can be everything from your streaming stick to your smart refrigerator. Smart baby monitors and Alexa voice assistants are also IoT.

There's also been another change that has happened over the last couple of years. It has been the increase in remote and hybrid work. The pandemic caused a major shift in where we work, turning the standard office paradigm on its head.

Now, working remotely has become the norm for many companies around the world. This has put increased scrutiny on the security of all those IoT devices. They are now sharing a Wi-Fi network with business data and devices.

Here are two alarming statistics that illustrate the issue with IoT security:

During the first six months of 2021, the number of IoT cyberattacks was up by 135% over the prior year.
It’s estimated that over 25% of cyberattacks against businesses involve IoT devices

Hackers Use IoT Devices to Get to Computers & Smartphones

Smart devices are a risk to any other device on a network. They are typically easier to breach. So, hackers will use them as a gateway into more sensitive devices.

A criminal may not care about the shopping list stored in your smart refrigerator. But they’ll breach that IoT device to see what other devices are on the same network.

The hacker can then use sharing and permissions that are often present on home networks. Through these, they gain access to your work computer or mobile device. These devices hold important data, and access to personal details.

Why are IoT devices less secure than computers and smartphones? Here are a few reasons:

They usually won’t have antivirus or anti-malware capabilities
Users often don’t update IoT devices regularly
They have basic interfaces which can hide a breach of the device
People often don’t change the default device username and password.
Sharing settings on IoT devices make them easier to hack

Improve Security by Putting IoT on a Separate Wi-Fi Network

Just about all modern routers will have the ability to set up a second Wi-Fi network, called a “guest network.”

This shows up when you connect to Wi-Fi as a separate Wi-Fi that a device can use to get online.

By putting all your IoT devices on a separate network you improve security. You cut that bridge that hackers use to go from an IoT device to another device on the same network. Such as those that hold sensitive information (computers and mobile devices).

In fact, when you separate those two (IoT devices and sensitive-info devices) a hacker can't see all. If they breach one of your smart devices, they can't tell you have a PC or smartphone. This is because they’re on the other network.

This is an important layer of security to use. Whether you’re a remote worker or use your computer for home budgeting and banking, it can help. All PCs and smartphones usually contain access to online banking or personal information.

Here are the steps to take to separate your IoT devices. (Note, you can also have this done by us, we’ll be happy to handle all these steps for you.)

Step 1: Log into your router settings.
Step 2: Look for an area that allows you to set up a guest network. This will be different for each router, so you may need to access a help guide online.
Step 3: Set up the guest network according to the router prompts. Make sure to use a strong password.
Step 4: Edit the password for your existing network. This keeps IoT devices from automatically reconnecting to it.
Step 5: Connect all IoT devices in your home to the new guest network.
Step 6: Reconnect your sensitive devices (computers, smartphones) to the preexisting network. Use the new password.

As you add any new devices to your home network, make sure to connect them to the appropriate network. This keeps the layer of security effective.

One more tip: When naming your Wi-Fi networks, don’t use descriptive names. This includes things like “IoT network” or your name, address, or router model name.

It’s best to use names that won’t give the hackers valuable information they can use in attacks.

Need Help Upgrading Your Home Cybersecurity?

With so many remote workers, hackers have begun targeting home networks.

They know they can contain sensitive business as well as personal data.

Don’t leave yourself open to a breach. Schedule a 15-minute, no-obligation conversation with us to discuss the best home IT solution and cybersecurity services to suit your needs.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How to Save Your Laptop Battery

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 12:00:14 GMT

One of the big draws of a laptop computer is that you can use it anywhere. You don’t need to have it plugged in all the time because it has an internal battery.

Your laptop may start out with several hours of battery life when you first buy it. But the lifespan can get shorter as time goes by and battery health takes a hit.

Sometimes this can be due to a lack of PC maintenance. Other times, it's due to the environments the laptop is subject to (such as a hot car).

Seeing your laptop’s battery capacity shrink can be frustrating. But there are several things you can do to increase the time you can go without needing to plug it in.

Lower the Display Brightness

The brighter your display is, the more battery power it’s taking. Have you ever hit the automated low battery mode on a laptop? Then you know you immediately notice a difference in brightness. This is because that setting turns down the brightness. It's one of the ways to reduce battery consumption.

You can turn down the brightness of your screen in your display settings. You can also use the brightness keys that are usually in the top row of keys on a laptop keyboard.

Reduce PC Battery Use in Power/Sleep Settings

Here's one way to increase the time you can use your unplugged laptop without a power source. Adjust some of its power and sleep settings.

If you’re using Windows, open the search on the Task Bar. Type in “power settings." This directs you to the power, sleep, and battery settings in your system settings.

Look for any tips at the top for increasing battery longevity. Such as, making the time your screen goes dark after inactivity and the time it goes to sleep the same.

Then review the settings, such as Screen and sleep, and Power mode. Find the ones that will reduce your PC’s battery consumption. This will extend the time you can go without a new charge.

Enable Battery-Saver Mode

You don’t have to wait until your PC hits 10% for it to go into battery-saver mode. You can control this and enable it yourself in your system settings.

Do you know you’re going to be without a power source for a while? Put your PC in power-saver or battery-saver mode right away, so you can extend the charge as long as possible.

Use the Manufacturer’s Battery Calibration Tool

Manufacturers will have their own PC maintenance tools installed. You can use for battery calibration. Sometimes calibrating the battery can correct an issue with a battery life. Especially if life has gotten shorter than when you first purchased your laptop.

Look for a manufacturer’s built-in maintenance app. It will usually be on the Task Bar unless you’ve hidden it. When you open that, you may find that you need to do a calibration or other maintenance task.

Get a Computer Tune-up

If you have processes running in the background it can sap your battery life. Processes that aren't needed can often run anyhow.

Getting a computer tune-up from your IT provider can solve a lot of different issues. This includes such as computers that get sluggish, and often, the battery life too.

Consider Using Microsoft Edge Browser for Its Efficiency Settings

If like most people, you keep a lot of browser tabs open while you’re working on your PC. They could be sapping your battery power.

Consider trying Microsoft’s Edge browser. It has been gaining in popularity ever since it incorporated the Chromium engine. This is same one Chrome uses.

The browser has several power-saving features that you can enable in your settings. Search “sleeping tabs” in Edge settings to find these.

They include:

Enable efficiency mode (choose from the available options)
Enable Sleeping Tabs and fade them when asleep
Choose when you would like to put inactive browser tabs to sleep to conserve battery power.

Turn Off Unnecessary Apps Hogging Battery Power

Check the apps that are running on your PC in the Task Manager. Do you really need them all to run when you’re unplugged and trying to conserve battery power?

Often processes that aren’t 100% necessary all the time will be running. Such as an update service or cloud storage syncing app. Close the apps you don’t need to use at that time to lengthen battery life.

Keep Your PC Out of Too Much Heat or Freezing Temps

Both excess heat and freezing temperatures can be bad for a computer. This includes shortening the battery life.

You should never leave your laptop in a car on a hot day or when it’s freezing outside. Also, it might not seem particularly hot to you, but if it’s sunny, the inside of a vehicle can heat up pretty quickly. Be aware of the temperature extremes that your laptop is subject to.

Looking for a PC Tune-Up or Battery Replacement?

We can help you with a full system tune-up or a laptop battery replacement if needed. Don’t struggle with short battery life when you can have that fixed in no time!

Contact us today and let’s chat about your Gastonia, Charlotte or surrounding area business IT service needs and how we can help your business thrive and grow.

Article used with permission from Th e Technology Press .

How Microsoft 365 Enables Hybrid Work

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 12:00:02 GMT

“Hybrid office” is the new buzzword you’ll hear used in business discussions. It’s the mix of having employees both working at the office and working from home.

This has become more than a buzzword and is now the reality for many companies.

Are you operating a local business in Belmont, Mount Holly, Dallas or a nearby area that's recently transitioned to working as a hybrid office?

There was a survey of employees with remote-capable jobs. The survey found that as of February of 2022, 42% of them were working a hybrid schedule. And 39% were working from home full time.

The global pandemic brought on this hybrid office transition. It forced companies to operate with teams that could no longer safely come to the office. During this time, employers and employees experienced the benefits of hybrid work firsthand.

These benefits of remote teams included cost savings for both workers and employers. It also allowed the company to operate with more flexibility. Improved worker morale was another advantage.

One fact surprised many employers that feared remote work would tank productivity. It actually increased in many circumstances.

63% of high-growth companies use a “productivity anywhere” hybrid work approach.

In order for hybrid teams to be productive they need to stay connected. No matter where they work, the right technology tools should enable them.

One of the leaders in this space has been Microsoft. The company plans to add several exciting updates this year. These will provide more tools for companies to enable their hybrid teams.

Here are some of the ways you can use Microsoft 365 to optimize a productive hybrid office. Note, that some of these features are already out, and others should release later this year.

Microsoft Teams & Expanded Features

Microsoft Teams is much more than a team messaging app. The application combines the best features of virtual video meetings and messaging channels. It brings them together into a platform designed to be a secure online work hub.

MS Teams has come a long way in the last five years. And the company continues to add more features to enable hybrid offices.

Some of the recent feature updates include:

The ability to do webinar registration
Presenter modes that provide a more professional virtual presence
Increased security through features like smart links and smart attachments
A full business VoIP phone system add-on
The addition of a “metaverse” component called Mesh for Teams

New Meeting Options for RSVP in Outlook

One of the challenges, when everyone isn’t working in the same place, is how to know when to “clock in” and “clock out.” As well as how to let colleagues know whether you are working at home next week or the office.

To help hybrid teams better coordinate, Outlook is getting an update. It will allow users to RSVP to meetings. This can let team members know whether they are attending virtually or in person.

Better Framing for More Engaging Meetings

One thing that can distract from the purpose of a meeting is someone’s background at home. Positioning of the camera can also be problematic. One person might have their face taking up 80% of the video screen. Another may only take up 20% because they’re sitting farther away from their PC’s camera.

A new Surface Hub 2S Smart Camera will allow for better face framing. This will affect when people are meeting virtually in Microsoft Teams. Features include adjusting the room view so people’s faces will be clearer. As well as having more consistent sizing.

The video display will also automatically adjust as people join or leave a physical room.

Get Better Control of Your Video Using PowerPoint to Present

People often share a screen in a video call and present a PowerPoint presentation. It can be difficult to keep everyone as engaged as when you’re presenting in person.

For example, in person, you can maintain eye contact. People can clearly see your facial expressions as you emphasize various things. That’s not always the case when presenting virtually. The app may push your video feed into a tiny box.

There's a new upcoming feature for Teams called Cameo. It will allow you to seamlessly integrate PowerPoint with MS teams. You can decide exactly how you want your video feed to appear in relation to your presentation.

Another addition is Recording Studio. This new feature for PowerPoint allows you to record professional-looking on-demand videos. You can do it right inside the app.

Get Help With Your Presentation Skills

Microsoft has poured a lot of AI capabilities into Microsoft 365 over the last several years. One that will soon help you deliver better virtual presentations is Speaker Coach .

This is a private and personalized coach. It can help you hone your presentation skills. This improves your switch to the differences between presenting online versus in person.

Some of the feedback it can provide include:

Use of repetitive language
Use of filler words (Ummm)
Speaking pace
Pausing for input
Intonation
Speaker overlaps
And more

Ask Us About Improving Your Hybrid Office Capabilities with Microsoft 365

Microsoft 365 has a ton of helpful features. But it does help to have an expert guide to help you navigate these capabilities.

If you're a business in the Gastonia, Charlotte or surrounding areas of North Carolina, contact us today to set up a chat about our Managed IT services and how we can help your business grow.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

6 Important IT Policies for Any Business

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Many small businesses make the mistake of skipping policies. They feel that things don’t need to be so formal. They’ll just tell staff what’s expected when it comes up and think that’s good enough.

But this way of thinking can cause issues for small and mid-sized business owners. Employees aren’t mind readers. Things that you think are obvious, might not be to them.

Not having policies can also leave you in poor legal standing should a problem occur. Such as a lawsuit due to misuse of a company device or email account.

Did you know that 77% of employees access their social media accounts while at work? Further, 19% of them average 1 full working hour a day spent on social media. In some cases, employees are ignoring a company policy. But in others, there is no specific policy for them to follow.

IT policies are an important part of your IT security and technology management. So, no matter what size your business is, you should have them. We’ll get you started with some of the most important IT policies your company should have in place.

Do You Have These IT Policies? (If Not, You Should)

Password Security Policy

About 77% of all cloud data breaches originate from compromised passwords. Compromised credentials are also now the number one cause of data breaches globally.

A password security policy will lay out for your team how to handle their login passwords.

It should include things like:

How long passwords should be
How to construct passwords (e.g., using at least one number and symbol)
Where and how to store passwords
The use of multi-factor authentication (if it’s required)
How often to change passwords

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

The Acceptable Use Policy is an overarching policy. It includes how to properly use technology and data in your organization. This policy will govern things like device security. For example, you may need employees to keep devices updated. If this is the case, You should include that in this policy.

Another thing to include in your AUP would be where it is acceptable to use company devices. You may also restrict remote employees from sharing work devices with family members.

Data is another area of the AUP. It should dictate how to store and handle data. The policy might require an encrypted environment for security.

Cloud & App Use Policy

The use of unauthorized cloud applications by employees has become a big problem. It’s estimated that the use of this “shadow IT” ranges from 30% to 60% of a company’s cloud use.

Often, employees use cloud apps on their own because they don’t know any better. They don’t realize that using unapproved cloud tools for company data is a major security risk.

A cloud and app use policy will tell employees what cloud and mobile apps are okay to use for business data. It should restrict the use of unapproved applications. It should also provide a way to suggest apps that would enhance productivity.

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy

Approximately 83% of companies use a BYOD approach for employee mobile use. Allowing employees to use their own smartphones for work saves companies money. It can also be more convenient for employees because they don’t need to carry around a second device.

But if you don’t have a policy that dictates the use of BYOD, there can be security and other issues. Employee devices may be vulnerable to attack if the operating system isn’t updated. There can also be confusion about compensation for the use of personal devices at work.

The BYOD policy clarifies the use of employee devices for business. Including the required security of those devices. It may also note the required installation of an endpoint management app. It should also cover compensation for business use of personal devices.

Wi-Fi Use Policy

Public Wi-Fi is an issue when it comes to cybersecurity. 61% of surveyed companies say employees connect to public Wi-Fi from company-owned devices.

Many employees won’t think twice about logging in to a company app or email account. Even when on a public internet connection. This could expose those credentials and lead to a breach of your company network.

Your Wi-Fi use policy will explain how employees are to ensure they have safe connections. It may dictate the use of a company VPN. Your policy may also restrict the activities employees can do when on public Wi-Fi. Such as not entering passwords or payment card details into a form.

Social Media Use Policy

With social media use at work so common, it’s important to address it. Otherwise, endless scrolling and posting could steal hours of productivity every week.

Include details in your social media policy, such as:

Restricting when employees can access personal social media
Noting “safe selfie zones” or facility areas that are not okay for public images

Get Help Improving Your IT Policy Documentation & Security

We can help your organization address IT policy deficiencies and security issues.

Reach out today and contact us to schedule a quick 10-15-minute, obligation-free chat to discuss your IT policy requirements and how we can help you keep safe and protected.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Keeping Safe: Lost Your Mobile Device?

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 12:00:05 GMT

Few things invoke instant panic like a missing smartphone or laptop. These devices hold a good part of our lives. This includes files, personal financials, apps, passwords, pictures, videos, and so much more.

The information they hold is more personal than even that which is in your wallet. It's because of all your digital footprints. This makes a lost or stolen device a cause for alarm.

It’s often not the device that is the biggest concern. It’s the data on the device and access the device has to cloud accounts and websites. The thought of that being in the hands of a criminal is quite scary.

There are approximately 70 million lost smartphones every year. The owners only recover about 7% of them. Workplace theft is all too common. The office is where 52% of stolen devices go missing.

If it's a work laptop or smartphone that goes missing, even worse. This can mean the company is subject to a data privacy violation. It could also suffer a ransomware attack originating from that stolen device.

In 2020, Lifespan Health System paid a $1,040,000 HIPAA fine. This was due to an unencrypted stolen laptop breach.

The Minutes After the Loss of Your Device Are Critical

The things you do in the minutes after missing a device are critical. This is the case whether it’s a personal or business device. The faster you act, the less chance there is for exposure of sensitive data.

What Types of Information Does Your Device Hold?

When a criminal gets their hands on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, they have access to a treasure trove.

This includes:

Documents
Photos & videos
Access to any logged-in app accounts on the device
Passwords stored in a browser
Cloud storage access through a syncing account
Emails
Text messages
Multi-factor authentication prompts that come via SMS
And more

Steps to Take Immediately After Missing Your Device

As we mentioned, time is of the essence when it comes to a lost mobile device. The faster you act, the more risk you mitigate for a breach of personal or business information.

Here are steps you should take immediately after the device is missing.

Activate a “Lock My Device” Feature

Most mobile devices and laptops will include a “lock my device” feature. It allows for remote activation if you have enabled it. You will also need to enable “location services.” While good thieves may be able to crack a passcode, turning that on immediately can slow them down.

What about “find my device?”

There is usually also a “find my device” feature available in the same setting area. Only use this to try to locate your device if you feel it’s misplaced, but not stolen. You don’t want to end up face to face with criminals!

Report the Device Missing to Your Company If It’s Used for Work

If you use the device for your business in Charlotte, Belmont, Gastonia or anywhere else, notify your company immediately.

Even if all you do is get work email on a personal smartphone, it still counts. Many companies use an endpoint device manager. In this case, access to the company network can be immediately revoked.

Reporting your device missing immediately can allow your company to act fast. This can often mitigate the risk of a data breach.

Log Out & Revoke Access to SaaS Tools

Most mobile devices have persistent logins to SaaS tools. SaaS stands for Software-as-a-Service. These are accounts like Microsoft 365, Trello, Salesforce, etc.

Use another device to log into your account through a web application. Then go to the authorized device area of your account settings. Locate the device that’s missing, and log it out of the service. Then, revoke access, if this is an option.

This disconnects the device from your account so the thief can’t gain access.

Log Out & Revoke Access to Cloud Storage

It’s very important to include cloud storage applications when you revoke access. Is your missing device syncing with a cloud storage platform? If so, the criminal can exploit that connection.

They could upload a malware file that infects the entire storage system. They could also reset your device to resell it, and in the process delete files from cloud storage.

ActivATe a “Wipe My Device” Feature

Hopefully, you are backing up all your devices. This ensures you have a copy of all your files in the case of a lost device.

Does it look like the device is not simply misplaced, but rather stolen or lost for good? If so, then you should use a remote “wipe my device” feature if it has been set up. This will wipe the hard drive of data.

Need Mobile Device Security Solutions?

No matter what size company you have, mobile device management is vital.

C ontact us to learn more about our endpoint security solutions for Charlotte and Gastonia area businesses. We offer a quick 10-15-minute, obligation-free chat where we can explore a customized solution.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Is Your Business Email at Risk?

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 12:00:06 GMT

Phishing. It seems you can’t read an article on cybersecurity without it coming up. That’s because phishing is still the number one delivery vehicle for cyberattacks.

A cybercriminal may want to steal employee login credentials. Or wish to launch a ransomware attack for a payout. Or possibly plant spyware to steal sensitive info. Sending a phishing email can do them all.

80% of surveyed security professionals say that phishing campaigns have significantly increased post-pandemic.

Phishing not only continues to work, but it’s also increasing in volume due to the move to remote teams. Many employees are now working from home. They don't have the same network protections they had when working at the office.

Why has phishing continued to work so well after all these years? Aren’t people finally learning what phishing looks like?

It's true that people are generally more aware of phishing emails and how to spot them than a decade ago. But it's also true that these emails are becoming harder to spot as scammers evolve their tactics.

One of the newest tactics is particularly hard to detect. It is the reply-chain phishing attack.

What is a Reply-Chain Phishing Attack?

Just about everyone is familiar with reply chains in email. An email is copied to one or more people, one replies, and that reply sits at the bottom of the new message. Then another person chimes in on the conversation, replying to the same email.

Soon, you have a chain of email replies on a particular topic. It lists each reply one under the other so everyone can follow the conversation.

You don’t expect a phishing email tucked inside that ongoing email conversation. Most people are expecting phishing to come in as a new message, not a message included in an ongoing reply chain.

The reply-chain phishing attack is particularly insidious because it does exactly that. It inserts a convincing phishing email in the ongoing thread of an email reply chain.

How Does a Hacker Gain Access to the Reply Chain?

How does a hacker gain access to the reply chain conversation? By hacking the email account of one of those people copied on the email chain.

The hacker can email from an email address that the other recipients recognize and trust. They also gain the benefit of reading down through the chain of replies. This enables them to craft a response that looks like it fits.

For example, they may see that everyone has been weighing in on a new product idea for a product called Superbug. So, they send a reply that says, “I’ve drafted up some thoughts on the new Superbug product, here’s a link to see them.”

The link will go to a malicious phishing site. The site might infect a visitor’s system with malware or present a form to steal more login credentials.

The reply won’t seem like a phishing email at all. It will be convincing because:

It comes from an email address of a colleague. This address has already been participating in the email conversation.
It may sound natural and reference items in the discussion.
It may use personalization. The email can call others by the names the hacker has seen in the reply chain.

Business Email Compromise is Increasing

Business email compromise (BEC) is so common that it now has its own acronym. Weak and unsecured passwords lead to email breaches. So do data breaches that reveal databases full of user logins. Both are contributors to how common BEC is becoming.

In 2021, 77% of organizations saw business email compromise attacks. This is up from 65% the year before.

Credential theft has become the main cause of data breaches globally. So, there is a pretty good chance of a compromise of one of your company’s email accounts at some point.

The reply-chain phishing attack is one of the ways that hackers turn that BEC into money. They either use it to plant ransomware or other malware or to steal sensitive data to sell on the Dark Web.

Tips for Addressing Reply-Chain Phishing

Here are some ways that you can lessen the risk of reply-chain phishing in your organization:

Use a Business Password Manager:

This reduces the risk that employees will reuse passwords across many apps. It also keeps them from using weak passwords since they won’t need to remember them anymore.

Put Multi-Factor Controls on Email Accounts:

Present a system challenge (question or required code). Using this for email logins from a strange IP address can stop account compromise.

Teach Employees to be Aware:

Awareness is a big part of catching anything that might be slightly “off” in an email reply. Many attackers do make mistakes.

How Strong Are Your Email Account Protections?

Do you have enough protection in place on your business email accounts to prevent a breach?

C ontact us if you’d like some help! We have email security solutions for Charlotte and nearby areas businesses, that can keep you better protected. And we offer a quick 10-15-minute, obligation-free chat .

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Top 6 Cybersecurity Risks for Businesses

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 12:00:26 GMT

Cybercriminals can take advantage of various vulnerabilities in your company. Patching them up is crucial to protecting your reputation.

Taking your cybersecurity seriously is essential regardless of your organization. Otherwise, criminals can easily halt your operations.

Take the University of Sunderland as an example.

At first, it seemed like they had a standard IT issue that they would quickly resolve. But they soon realized that they were a victim of a cyberattack.

As a result, the university had to cancel all its online classes. Its employees also had trouble accessing emails. Their telephone lines and website also went down.

It was a significant setback, as the university couldn’t resume its activities.

This proves that even academic institutions have vulnerabilities in their cybersecurity systems, leaving them open to attacks.

Your business might have similar vulnerabilities.

But the main difference is instead of just disruptions to your operations, such attacks and loss of access to emails can cost you thousands of dollars and entail legal ramifications.

Therefore, you need to check for weaknesses in your solutions regularly. And this article will share what you should look out for.

THE SIX VULNERABILITIES

VULNERABILITY #1 - LACK OF ENDPOINT DEFENSES

Many enterprises fail to set up endpoint defense mechanisms such as antivirus tools. This means their organizations are more susceptible to cyberattacks, allowing targets to easily access their servers.

Another problem is inadequate endpoint defenses. Several factors can turn them into vulnerabilities, including the use of signature-based antivirus platforms. They’re no longer efficient since many tech-savvy criminals can quickly bypass them.

Additionally, many programs don’t monitor unexpected or unusual behavior. They may also be unable to investigate or respond to endpoints, especially on larger scales.

The best way to address these issues is to invest in cutting-edge endpoint defense tools that involve next-generation antivirus, response, and behavioral analysis capabilities. They provide a comprehensive evaluation of malicious actions and flexible prevention options.

If you’re operating a traditional antivirus platform, consider upgrading it to a version with in-depth behavioral inspections. You could also use detailed compromise indicators, forensic details, and real-time response functionality.

VULNERABILITY #2 - POOR ACCOUNT PRIVILEGE CONTROL

Limiting the access privileges of your software users is the tenet of controlling vulnerabilities. The less information they can access, the less harm they can do if they have a compromised account.

The problem comes if your company doesn’t control your user account access, enabling practically any user to have administrator-level privileges. It gets even worse if your configuration allows unprivileged members to set up admin-level accounts.

Therefore, you should grant access only to those team members who can’t carry out their duties without the access.

You also need to ensure new accounts don’t have administrator-level access. This helps prevent less-privileged users from creating additional privileged accounts.

VULNERABILITY #3 - COMPROMISED OR WEAK CREDENTIALS

Your password and username may be the most widely used access credentials. And cybercriminals can easily compromise them, exposing your user credentials.

This usually happens when an unsuspecting team member falls victim to phishing and enters their login information on a fake website. And with compromised credentials, an intruder gains insider access.

Even though analyzing and monitoring can help identify malicious activity, these credentials can bypass security and impede detection. The consequences vary, depending on the access they provide.

For example, privileged credentials offer administrative access to systems and devices, posing a higher risk than consumer accounts.

Keep in mind that humans aren’t the only ones who own credentials.

Security tools, network devices, and servers generally have passwords to enable communication and integration between devices. Intruders can utilize them to activate movements throughout your enterprise both horizontally and vertically - their access is almost unlimited.

To avoid this scenario, you should implement stringent password controls. Another great idea is to include longer and complex passwords, as well as frequent changes. Combining these principles is another effective method to prevent compromised credentials.

VULNERABILITY #4 - LACK OF NETWORK SEGMENTATION

Cybercriminals can target inadequate network monitoring and segmentation to obtain full access to your system. This is a huge vulnerability as it enables attackers to maintain their access longer.

One of the leading causes of this weakness is the failure to develop subnet monitoring or outbound activity control.

Overcoming this obstacle in a large company can be challenging if hundreds of systems send outbound traffic and communicate with each other. Nevertheless, solving the problem is a must.

To do that, you should primarily focus on controlling your network access in systems within your subnets and building robust detection strategies for lateral movements. Plus, make sure to pinpoint strange DNS lookups, behavioral traffic trends, and system-to-system communication.

Also, micro-segmentation, firewalls, and proxies can help create restrictive policies for system communications and traffic.

VULNERABILITY #5 - MISCONFIGURATION

Misconfiguration refers to errors in your system configuration. For instance, enabled setup pages and default usernames or passwords can result in breaches.

If you don’t disable setup or application server configuration, hackers can recognize hidden vulnerabilities, giving them extra information. It’s because misconfigured apps and devices are an easy gateway for cybercriminals to exploit.

To prevent this, establish systems and procedures to tighten the configuration process and employ automation whenever possible. Monitoring device and application settings and comparing them to the best practices also reveal potential threats across the network.

VULNERABILITY #6 - RANSOMWARE

Ransomware is cyber extortion that prevents users from accessing their data until the attacker receives a ransom. They instruct the victim to pay a certain fee to obtain their decryption key. The costs can reach thousands of dollars, but many criminals also opt for Bitcoin payments.

Making sure your system is ready to address a ransomware issue is integral to protecting your data. To do that, keep your system up to date with the latest security standards as it reduces the number of vulnerabilities. Another recommended defense mechanism is to stick to trusted software providers only.

NEUTRALIZE THREATS FOR PEACE OF MIND

Successfully running a company with poor cybersecurity measures is virtually impossible. The risk of losing precious data and reputation is just too high.

To ensure your small business (whether its in the Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly, Dallas, Charlotte, Cramerton, Lowell, Stanley, Bessemer City, Kings Mountain, Shelby, or Lincolnton areas) aren't sitting ducks for cyberattackers - you must implement reliable defense strategies.

If your IT provider can’t take appropriate precautions, know that you’re taking a gamble. You might be paying them a tremendous amount of money for security tactics that aren’t fruitful to your business.

If you need help in minimizing your cybersecurity vulnerabilities, contact us for a quick 10-15-minute, obligation-free chat. Let’s discuss how NB Technology can help you enhance your cybersecurity and reduce your risks.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

7 Tips for Organizing Your Desktop to Improve Productivity

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:00:05 GMT

Increasing productivity in your business doesn’t just entail optimizing your equipment and sharpening your attention. Decluttering your computer desktop is also essential.

A clutter-free office is paramount to improving your productivity. Piles of stationery on your desk can cause you to waste a lot of time searching for a critical document. As a result, you’re less likely to meet deadlines.

Clutter can affect you in various indirect ways, too.

It can dramatically reduce your cognitive abilities, impairing your decision-making and relationships with your team members. In addition, it can have an adverse effect on your anxiety, focus, sleep, and eating choices. All of these can reduce your workplace performance.

However, this clutter problem doesn’t just affect your desk or office.

Your computer desktop can also be cluttered. Disorganized folders and a lackluster display impact your productivity as much as physical clutter. To avoid this scenario, you need to declutter your computer as well.

This article will share seven tips on decluttering your computer desktop.

THE 7 TIPS

TIP #1 - DEVELOP A FOLDER SYSTEM WITH FILE NAMING CONVENTIONS

The most important thing you should do to prevent clutter on your computer is set up an intuitive folder system. You can use several categories, such as file type or name, depending on what suits your research or work best.

Regardless of your approach, be sure to choose well-established naming conventions that let you quickly navigate through your documents. The system should also be easy to use for many years to come, so consider your plans when creating it.

You can place these folders in your file share tools (e.g., Google Drive and Dropbox), hard drive, or desktop if you back them up regularly.

With a fully functional structure, you can bypass your desktop by simply downloading new documents to designated folders. Afterward, you can rapidly locate them with the search command on your computer. Type in the name of your folder, and you’ll reach the desired file within seconds.

TIP #2 - MAKE YOUR DESKTOP ATTRACTIVE TO YOU

Besides making your computer desktop fully functional, you should also enhance its appeal. So, select a meaningful or beautiful background. It needs to be enjoyable to look at, motivating you to keep your computer tidy.

To take the aesthetics to the next level, set gridded or lined images as the background to organize files that end up there more easily.

Another great idea is to use a motivational background. Images with powerful messages encourage you to work harder and remain focused. This type of coaching also enables you to organize your desktop and stay on top of clutter.

TIP #3 - CONSIDER SECTIONED DESKTOP WALLPAPER

Sectioned desktop wallpapers are a great way to enhance your desktop organization further. For instance, you can include a section for your vacation or pets.

There are millions of wallpapers online that can help you declutter your desktop. They complement folder naming conventions to improve your workflow.

TIP #4 - CONSOLIDATE YOUR MOST USED APPS/SOFTWARE

Having quick access to your most used programs or software is a must. It allows you to start working immediately without wasting time searching for apps.

To consolidate efficiently, you should first determine which software matters most to you. Your portfolio may comprise two or three apps you use daily or an entire suite of programs that provide the necessary functionality.

Once you’ve assembled your list, you may be able to merge multiple programs with a comprehensive solution. It puts them in one place to streamline your productivity.

The taskbar is an effective alternative, as program icons are often responsible for the bulk of your clutter. Keeping the essential icons in the taskbar makes them quickly accessible since you won’t need to browse.

TIP #5 - DELETE OR RELOCATE UNUSED FILES

After categorizing vital apps, you also need to address unused programs. Here’s a tip: if you can’t recall when you last used certain software, uninstall it. Do the same if you don’t think you’ll need a particular application for an upcoming project.

Since this may be a hard decision, you may want to create a folder for these rarely used apps and files instead. Tuck them away until you figure out if you wish to proceed with the deletion.

For this wait-and-see approach, you can make use of several folders, such as “miscellaneous” or “to be archived.” In doing so, you won’t accidentally uninstall or remove a crucial program.

Now, if you take this approach, make sure to check the folders regularly. Determine which files and apps are no longer needed in your business and delete them to avoid clutter.

To avoid falling behind with your cleaning, set a reminder on your calendar. It can be a monthly or weekly event, depending on your workload.

TIP #6 - CATEGORIZE NEW CONTENT

Dumping new files and programs onto your desktop may be tempting if you’re in a hurry. However, this method is ill-advised because it inhibits your organization.

Try to allocate a few minutes to organize all new apps and files appropriately, according to your naming conventions. A quick way to do so is to use automatic file sorting by date or alphabetically. It doesn’t take long, yet it can significantly reduce clutter on your computer.

TIP #7 - EMPLOY FENCES

Digital fences group files in specific regions of your desktop to make them more visually accessible. This method works much better than burying all your files in one or two folders. Plus, many people consider it more user-friendly than gridded backgrounds.

For example, the Stacks feature automatically categorizes content by type or any other specific feature. It’s available for free on Macs with Mojave.

Likewise, PCs have a similar feature called Fences. It enables you to designate and move fences around the desktop for improved maneuverability. The only downside to this is that it’s not free.

DON'T LET CLUTTER GET OUT OF HAND

Decluttering your computer desktop is one of the best ways to advance your productivity.

Once you’ve organized it appropriately, you’ll be able to find the necessary files and programs effortlessly. You’ll then feel rejuvenated, and your mood may improve dramatically, allowing you to overcome mental obstacles during your workday.

It might take some time to optimize your desktop, but it’ll be well worth it.

You can also assign this job to your IT provider. However, they may not understand your needs and that of your business correctly, and their services might be insufficient.

In that case, let’s have a 10-15-minute chat and see if we can resolve your problem. Give us a call and we’ll do all we can to help you increase office productivity in your business.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Finding the Right IT Provider for Your Business: Avoid These 8 Mistakes

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 12:00:06 GMT

Your business can benefit a lot from working with an IT provider. However, you need to avoid several key mistakes when choosing your team.

Time spent on trying to figure out the technology you use in your business can be costly. While doing that, you can’t focus on your business needs, which can then result in poor customer satisfaction.

This is where IT providers come into play.

They enable you to outsource hardware and computing-related services, such as managed IT security and cloud computing. IT providers can also provide a robust IT infrastructure so that you can direct your attention to revenue-generating activities.

While there are numerous IT providers to choose from, not all of them may accommodate your business’s specific needs. And integrating with the wrong team can raise your spending due to irrelevant services, recurring security issues, data backup problems, and downtime.

Therefore, you need to be extra careful when selecting your team. The only way for Charlotte area businesses to avoid disappointment is to avoid these eight common mistakes when looking for the right IT provider.

THE EIGHT MISTAKES

MISTAKE #1 - INSISTING ON THE NEWEST TECHNOLOGY

Many advertisers want to trick you into believing that the latest technology will resolve all your issues. While the newest virtualization or cloud offerings can boost operations in many enterprises, they might not suit your business.

Hence, don’t let the hype surrounding new products dazzle you.

Carefully consider the results your IT provider will help you achieve and determine if the investment enables you to fulfill them. Your provider shouldn’t confuse you with state-of-the-art features – they should guide you and allow for seamless integration.

MISTAKE #2 - FAILURE TO CONSIDER THE RESPONSE TIMES

Determining the response times of your prospective IT providers is essential. You need to ask them how long they usually take to reply to queries and resolve problems. Be sure to gauge their onsite support efficiency, too.

Not inquiring about their availability is another grave error. Your IT team should provide round-the-clock services, including specialists that will monitor your system.

Constant monitoring and availability can help ensure you can detect IT issues early. With this, the provider can immediately administer patches and updates to safeguard against disasters.

Furthermore, your IT provider should offer simple access to their desk support. You should be able to contact them via email, phone, and chat for instant guidance.

MISTAKE #3 - NEGLECTING THE SECURITY ASPECT

Disregarding the security features of your IT provider might be the most severe mistake. Teams with improper defense mechanisms can’t shield your system from cyber attackers, increasing the risk of losing data and access to resources.

To avoid this, look for IT providers that can protect you from malware and other threats. They also need to prioritize protecting your business’s confidential data, like trade secrets and customer information.

When it comes to specific security measures, your IT provider should have features that prevent data intrusions instantly upon detection. The list includes phishing attacks simulations, web content filtering, DNS security, endpoint protection, mobile device management, and dark web protection.

In addition, responsible teams should eliminate point-of-sale and network intrusions before they compromise your system. Making sure they abide by security compliance and government regulations is also paramount.

MISTAKE #4 - FORGETTING THE BUDGET

Many IT companies operate under pay-as-you-go pricing schemes. Although this helps you minimize upfront investment, adopting a large number of technologies simultaneously without considering the recurring costs can cripple your finances.

Thus, think twice before signing on the dotted line.

Research your providers thoroughly and draft your budget with professional assistance. These steps can prevent considerable frustration down the line.

MISTAKE #5 - NOT DETERMINING SCALABILITY

One of the biggest impediments to growing your company is choosing an IT provider with poor scalability.

By contrast, scalable IT teams allow your business to evolve and grow. They can continually extend their services to accommodate your company’s goals, even if these goals change.

MISTAKE #6 - OPTING FOR A NON-RESPONSIVE SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT

Service level agreements (SLAs) hold IT providers accountable for their services. It establishes standards for responsibilities, quality, scope, and delivery time in writing. Without it, you’ll have no way of ensuring transparent collaboration.

When selecting your IT provider, find one with a responsive agreement. It can help guarantee the SLA scales with their services while rendering continual improvement.

MISTAKE #7 - LACK OF TEAM TRAINING AND FEEDBACK

The story doesn’t end once you’ve found and partnered with a trustworthy IT provider. New technologies won’t magically increase your bottom line and decrease outputs.

To accomplish your goal, your employees will still need to understand how to use your new tech solutions. But bear in mind that not every team member may be able to grasp new tools easily. Some may even prefer the existing platforms.

Fortunately, you can hire IT experts to train them. These professionals should simplify any complex steps and advise your staff on making the most of your new investment.

Also, some enterprises set up regular training but fail to monitor their team’s performance. This is a huge mistake, as it keeps you from assessing your employee’s response to new technologies.

So, conduct questionnaires and other forms of feedback collection to determine and address any weaknesses.

MISTAKE #8 - IGNORING EXPERIENCES WITH PREVIOUS CLIENTS

Choosing an IT provider is similar to buying standard products and services. Failure to check user reviews can lead to disappointment.

To get a clear picture of your IT team’s capabilities, analyze their current and previous clients from similar industries. Look for reviews, testimonials, and ask the provider for a list of projects and references.

After doing your due diligence, you should be able to tell whether an IT provider is an ideal match for your company.

However, keep in mind that every IT team is different. For instance, they might be well-versed in the healthcare industry but have no experience working with retailers. That’s why as mentioned, stick to IT providers servicing your industry to get the best results.

FIND THE RIGHT FIT

Nobody wants to end up with a poor IT provider that can’t deliver great results, leaves your company open to cyberattacks, and causes other vulnerabilities. Your investment goes down the drain, and your operations suffer.

Luckily, we can show you a way out.

Let's arrange a 15-minute, no-obligation conversation . We can discuss more ways on how to find the right IT provider for you and ensure you get your money’s worth.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

How To Choose Your VPN To Help Protect Against Cyberattacks

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 12:00:02 GMT

Public networks expose your business to security threats. Switching to a VPN can greatly help in reducing those threats.

Many companies rely on public networks for communication and data sharing. It allows them to cut costs and allocate their funds elsewhere.

However, it also raises several security issues.

For starters, the network provider might be monitoring the activity, which gives them access to customer details, emails, and critical files. As a result, sensitive information can end up in the wrong hands, compromising the organization’s reputation.

Another potential consequence is losing access to bank accounts, credit cards, and invaluable resources. These issues can lead to huge losses for any business.

Your business might be facing the same risk whenever a team member connects to a public network. Even local area businesses are vulnerable in this way.

To eliminate it, you need to switch to a virtual private network (VPN) or secure global network (SGN). Both offer online anonymity and privacy, enabling you to conduct your operations away from prying eyes.

Still, you can’t go for just any VPN or SGN. This article features the 10 factors to consider when choosing the right one.

THE 10 FACTORS

FACTOR #1 - LOCATION

The location of your VPN or SGN servers is essential for a few reasons.

For example, the greater the distance between your server and your business, the higher the chances of facing latency issues. That’s why to ensure a seamless surfing experience, stick to the nearest server available.

Furthermore, you can also consider a VPN or SGN from the same place as the content your team needs to access to overcome geographic restrictions. If your work requires research from the UK, for example, find servers from that country.

FACTOR #2 - PRICE

Using free VPNs or SGNs might be tempting, but they deliver a lackluster experience. To start with, they can log you out of internet activities and are often chock-full of disruptive ads.

You’re much better off investing in a paid platform. They come with various robust features, a larger number of servers, and configurations to bolster your security.

FACTOR #3 - DEVICE COMPATIBILITY

Another detail you should consider is the compatibility of your VPN or SGN.

In most cases, you need software that can work with several devices, such as your smartphone, laptop, and tablet. Otherwise, cross-platform work will suffer.

FACTOR #4 - CAPACITY

Before choosing your VPN or SGN, make sure to determine the amount of data you can use. That means if your operations warrant tons of online resources, you should pick a solution that supports considerable data allocation.

Moreover, check the number of online servers. The higher the number, the more efficiently your platform can support resource-intensive tasks.

FACTOR #5 - PROTOCOL SUPPORT

Protocols are rules that stipulate connections between the client (software on your device) and the server.

There are different protocols, but the most widely used ones include PPTP, OpenVPN, IPSec, SSL, SSH, and SSTP. Each offers varying speeds and levels of security, both of which are vital to your company.

For instance, OpenVPN is an open-source protocol and one of the safest options for enterprises. It runs on 256-bit encryption keys and advanced ciphers, offering robust protection against cyberattacks. Plus, it features excellent firewall compatibility.

FACTOR #6 - DATA LOGGING POLICIES

VPNs and SGNs log user data to streamline customer support and limit available connections. However, you need to consider what information they’re logging.

In most cases, this includes session times and IP addresses. But some providers can also log your software, downloaded files, and web pages you visit.

When looking for a suitable VPN or SGN, be sure to read the data logging policy to determine the information the app will store. You should also verify the company is transparent; if someone tries to deceive you, turn down their offer.

FACTOR #7 - AVAILABILITY OF A KILL SWITCH

No cybersecurity measure is fail proof – VPNs and SGNs are no exception. Overloaded platforms can trigger IP leaks, interrupting your private connection and exposing your true address when online.

To avoid this scenario, look for platforms with a built-in kill switch. It disrupts your devices’ access to the internet in case of IP leaks. The kill switch stops transfers of unencrypted information and can help prevent cybercriminals from obtaining your data.

FACTOR #8 - UPDATES

Your VPN or SGN provider needs to roll out regular updates to ensure you can perform your operations safely and efficiently.

If they don’t openly specify the update frequency on their webpage, find out when the last update was on your app store. It should give you a clue on how frequently the updates get sent out.

FACTOR #9 - CENTRALIZED MANAGEMENT

Centralized management enables you to control VPN or SGN distribution more easily, allowing you to manage access permissions and user accounts. Some of the best apps even feature gateway or role-based access management. It permits users to access only those segments of the network they need to perform their jobs.

Another important consideration here is control from your console. IT administrators should have permission to open and delete accounts as well as check the devices linked to the platform.

Lastly, your organization might benefit from VPNs or SGNs with IP whitelisting. They allow administrators to approve the IP addresses of your enterprise to ensure only members with a verified IP can use corporate resources. This feature provides granular control over network accessibility.

FACTOR #10 - CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Customer support might be the most significant factor. Your provider should be easy to contact through different portals, such as telephone, live chat, and email.

Easy accessibility lets you inform the VPN or SGN developer about various issues. For instance, they can help restore your network if it goes down and prevents unwanted exposure.

Most client support teams are highly accessible, but make sure to verify this by reading customer reviews.

SAFEGUARD AGAINST CYBERATTACKS WITH A BULLETPROOF VPN

The digital world is rife with challenges, especially if your business uses public networks. Loss of data can happen at any time, which can give your competitors the upper hand and tarnish your reputation.

That’s why switching to a VPN or SGN is one of the wisest investments you can make.

To make the most of your service, find an app with dependable security features, customer support, and suitable configurations for your operations.

You’ll also want to patch up any other cybersecurity vulnerabilities. And we can help you make that happen.

If you'd like a quick, non-salesy chat to discuss your cybersecurity and find out where you might have any potential risks, contact us today for a 15 minute consultation .

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Why Your Business Needs a Continuity Plan

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 12:00:09 GMT

Your business faces all sorts of threats that can disrupt your operations. A comprehensive continuity plan can help address them.

Carrying on with business as usual is easy when nothing out of the ordinary is happening. But the fact is, crises can strike anytime. And when it happens, you need to be ready to pivot your operations quickly, safely, and efficiently.

That’s where a well-thought-out business continuity plan comes into play.

It prepares you for the worst, such as market nosedives and governments shutting down entire countries. And in these cases, your plan allows you to embrace remote work, enabling you to keep functioning and servicing your clients. It also lets you support your team at home and make them feel comfortable through various predicaments.

These are just some of the key benefits that a business continuity plan can bring to your business. And this article will delve deeper into its significance and explain how to create one for your company.

WHY YOUR BUSINESS NEEDS A CONTINUITY PLAN

A business continuity plan details a process that your company should take to neutralize and recover from different threats. It can also help protect your business’s assets and personnel during disasters, allowing them to function uninterruptedly.

Business continuity plans are usually developed as part of a company’s overall risk management. This means you should consider creating this plan ahead of time, not in the middle of a crisis.

The most significant benefit of creating a business continuity plan is that it provides a clear picture of how to proceed should those threats happen. It also tells you how those circumstances can impact your operations and how to implement procedures to mitigate them. Furthermore, it helps you check if the systems work and are up to date.

Another tremendous advantage of having a continuity plan is its ability to ensure secure and continued access to your systems. It dictates how your team and IT service provider can reach critical platforms, the available bandwidth, and whether you need to boost their network capacity.

The overall effect can be a reduced risk of losing your business and team members.

It can safeguard against financial loss, lost productivity, and a damaged reputation. On top of that, it helps protect your employees from injuries or death in case of threats.

But what specific threats can you address with a continuity plan?

Here’s a quick list:

THREAT #1. PANDEMICS

As we've seen over the past few years, pandemics can affect your business plans in numerous ways.

For example, they can force your employees to work from home, increasing demand for some services, and reducing demand for others. Moreover, they can prevent you from distributing your offerings due to supply chain problems.

A business continuity plan can help you overcome these bumpy periods.

It formulates how your team will communicate throughout the period and perform business off-site. And it can also provide several options in terms of service distribution.

THREAT #2. NATURAL DISASTERS

Natural disasters are extreme geographic phenomena, including tornados, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and earthquakes. They’re tricky because they’re hard to predict and can leave disastrous consequences within seconds.

Like global pandemics, they can disrupt the supply chain in affected areas, which is why you need a business continuity plan.

THREAT #3. UTILITY OUTAGES

Water shutoffs and loss of communication lines or power can hinder your daily operations. It’s especially true if such outages are predicted to last long.

Without a continuity plan, the risk of asset damage and productivity loss is drastically higher.

THREAT #4. CYBERSECURITY

Cyberattacks are computer-based attacks on your technical assets. The most common examples include data theft, ransomware, distributed denial of service, and SQL injections.

In the best-case scenario, your infrastructure will function less efficiently until you resolve the issue. But in the worst-case scenario, you could lose access to all business data.

CREATE THE BEST CONTINUITY PLAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Developing a foolproof continuity plan requires a systematic approach. Here’s what your strategy should involve:

#1. IDENTIFYING GOALS

Business continuity doesn’t just comprise your IT systems. It encompasses all essential business functions, like public relations, human resources, and operations.

Since your company is unique, you’ll need to create a plan according to your specific goals.

So, determine the most important processes and figure out how to back them up with recovery strategies.

#2. SETTING UP AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GROUP

Choose several cross-functional managers and anyone else who can contribute to the plan, such as your IT service provider.

Determine the emergency response leader and make it clear they’re in charge of moving things forward when disaster strikes.

#3. BUSINESS IMPACT ANALYSIS AND RISK ASSESSMENT

Identify, research, and analyze your potential threats thoroughly. Discuss them with your team and see what would happen if you had to reduce, eliminate, or modify certain services.

Make sure to document all issues along the way.

#4. FOCUSING ON CUSTOMER SERVICE

Your clients need empathy and transparency during crises. And the only way to meet their expectations in such trying times is to ensure your customer support team understands your continuity plan.

If necessary, hire more people to answer client inquiries.

#5. ADDRESSING BUSINESS FUNCTION

Your plan should incorporate critical business functions. These include business risk, impact on customers and employees, emergency policy creating, community partners or external organizations, and financial resources during disasters.

This is vital to ensure business operations are functioning asap.

#6. STAFF TRAINING AND PLAN UPDATES

Present your continuity plan to stakeholders and promote a proactive approach through trial runs to verify the plan works. This way, you can pinpoint any weaknesses or missing aspects. Then, based on your findings and feedback, train your staff to make the implementation smoother.

Following this tactic doesn’t leave much room for error.

Besides helping you maintain business operations and the supply chain, it also builds customer confidence. If your response to emergencies is effective, your customers will appreciate it. This allows you to preserve your brand, prevail over your competition, and mitigate financial loss.

DON’T LET CRISES CRIPPLE YOUR BUSINESS

Disasters can be the ultimate test of your leadership abilities.

That’s why instead of leaving your company to chance, create an in-depth business continuity plan before emergencies arise. Make sure everyone is on the same page, and you’ll be able to come out stronger after any predicament.

If you need more insights into developing a continuity plan, get in touch with us today. Let's schedule a 15-minute, no-obligation conversation with our team today to get started.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

8 Ways to Give Your Older PC New Life

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:00:00 GMT

Purchasing a new computer is a big investment. Especially in today's economy, many small businesses and home PC owners end up struggling with older systems because they want to get as many years out of them as possible.

Have you found yourself banging on your keyboard in frustration? Have you tried every tip and trick you found online, only to still struggle with a slow PC?

There are some promising upgrades you can do that will cost much less than the price of a new computer, while making your PC feel like new again.

Here are some of the options you can try to improve the performance of an older computer.

UPGRADE TO A SOLID-STATE DRIVE (SSD)

Prices for solid-state drives have come down quite a bit in the past few years, making them an affordable upgrade that can breathe life back into an older PC that might be slowing down.

Unlike hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs do not have any moving parts and use a flash memory that allows for a quicker response time. You can improve your time to boot and your experience when searching files, opening applications, and other activities.

Some of the advantages of upgrading your computer’s hard drive to SSD include:

SSD read/write speeds up to 2500 MB/second compared to HDD at up to 200 MB/second
SSD access time of 0.1ms as compared to HDD at 5.5-8.0ms
SSDs use between 2-5 watts of energy compared to HDD at 6-15 watts

INCREASE THE RAM (MEMORY)

One upgrade that is very low-cost and can mean a significant increase in performance is a memory upgrade. If your PC was one of the cheaper ones that only had 4GB of RAM when you bought it, you likely have trouble opening too many tabs in your browser or using any graphics-heavy program.

Upgrading your RAM, if your PC has available memory slots, to 8GB or 12GB can make it seem like you have an entirely new computer due to the big increase in speed.

UPGRADE THE GRAPHICS CARD

If you play computer games or work in any type of video, imaging, or 3D software, an outdated graphics card can ruin your experience.

Instead of replacing your entire computer, just upgrading the graphics card to a more robust model can improve your PC’s performance and give you several more useful years from it.

REPLACE YOUR PC COOLING SYSTEM

Heat is an enemy of your computer’s internal parts. If your cooling system is getting worn out and not working the way it should be, then excess heat can be building up inside your device.

When this happens things can get strange, with programs crashing or your system rebooting on its own.

If you suspect excess heat may be an issue, have your computer’s fan and cooling system checked out to see if it needs replacing.

CONNECT AN EXTERNAL MONITOR TO A LAPTOP

If you’re working on a laptop and having a hard time multi-tasking due to limited screen real estate, consider getting an external monitor rather than replacing your entire PC.

Monitors are just a fraction of the cost of computers, and having a screen twice the size of the one on your laptop can make all the difference in the world and improve productivity due to the additional screen space.

REPLACE YOUR KEYBOARD

Older keywords can stick, lose keys, and have the writing rubbed off the keys, making it more difficult to tell a “prt screen” from a “delete” button. If the performance of your PC is hampered by a frustrating keyboard, an upgrade can be a very inexpensive way to improve your equipment.

GET AN EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE

Computers can slow down and be more difficult to use when the hard drive fills up with data. Over the years, files build up, and many users never take the time to go through and delete those that are unnecessary.

Buying an external hard drive can allow you to offload files that may be slowing you down, while still keeping them easily accessible.

Another benefit of an external hard drive is that it’s portable and can easily be carried between home and work and used in both places.

GET A PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER TUNE-UP

Those free PC cleaner tools you find online aren’t going to give you the type of tune-up that a professional IT provider can give. We will go through things like the Windows Registry, duplicate system files, internal errors, and more to clean up your system and remove all the “junk” that has built up over the years.

We can also do a maintenance check for things like failing parts, and provide expert guidance on your most impactful upgrade options.

GET HELP IMPROVING YOUR COMPUTER'S PERFORMANCE TODAY!

Don't struggle with an older PC! We can help you with cost-effective upgrade options that will fit your system and budget perfect. Schedule your free consultation today .

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

Should You Update to Windows 11? Here Are the New Features in the OS (And Some Missing Ones)

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 12:00:07 GMT

Getting used to Windows 11 shouldn't be too challenging. On the contrary, the OS comes with several intuitive features to enhance productivity.

Microsoft recently introduced Windows 11 as the company’s latest operating system. And compared to Windows 10, this OS has various features that can increase your productivity and provide a better user experience.

As soon as you start using Windows 11, you’ll see a marked improvement over its predecessors.

For example, it has refined several household features, such as video conferencing and video management. You also get enhanced note-taking, data input, and a user-friendly interface that should help you complete your duties more efficiently.

Many other features can help boost your productivity, and this article will talk about them in detail. We’ll also look at some features Microsoft didn’t include in the new version.

WINDOWS 11 – WHAT'S NEW?

FEATURE #1. NEW TASKBAR

Previous Windows versions feature an iconic taskbar, but it can sometimes get clunky. Windows 11 deals with the cruft and provides a streamlined solution.

The new taskbar is perfect for expediting work, as it can contain a list of recent cloud and local files. You can also pin various apps to improve access and utilize a search bar that allows for convenient web browsing.

Another highlight of the taskbar is clean lines and widgets that display essential information (e.g., weather, photos, and news). This should be a tremendous upgrade from the busy display of Windows 10.

FEATURE #2. WINDOWS GROUPING AND SNAPPING

The enhanced Snap Group and Snap Layout features allow you to resize and manage windows more easily. You also get to keep essential apps grouped to maintain high productivity.

Using the feature is relatively straightforward: Just hover the mouse over the maximize button on the desired app to reveal your layout options. You can choose between several arrangements, such as four-app grids and side-by-side layouts.

And if your team needs to perform basic window management, they can still grab and pull windows to the edge of their screen.

This feature improves desktop organization, which is especially useful for people working with two or more monitors. They can reduce clutter rapidly, enabling them to focus on their tasks.

FEATURE #3. IMPROVED ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS

Windows 11 follows in the footsteps of many smartphones to simplify setting changes and make them easily accessible. Pulling up your control panel now only requires one tap or click in the taskbar coroner, replicating Apple’s Control Centre.

Furthermore, Windows 11 apps feature aesthetic, curved corners, and your Settings incorporate more options you can tweak. For instance, blind or vision impaired users can take advantage of cutting-edge audio cues. There are also desktop themes to help reduce eye strain, which is essential if you work long hours.

On top of that, the new operating system has revamped voice typing. You can activate this with a simple keyboard shortcut. This feature supports most major languages, including English, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, and Portuguese.

Windows 11’s better accessibility means your team will no longer have to keep relying on your IT service provider to set things up for them.

FEATURE #4. BETTER APP STORE

Many apps can enhance workplace productivity, but you’ll first need to find them on your PC’s app store. Fortunately, Windows 11 came up with an organized and coherent platform to make the search easier.

Besides universal apps, you can check out the applications compatible with your devices. The platform can also handle programs from third-party stores and manage app installation on the internet.

FEATURE #5. SMOOTH NOTETAKING

If you’re using a touchscreen device, taking notes in Windows 11 should now be highly satisfying. This feature offers haptic feedback to generate physical sensations when drawing lines on the screen or checking boxes with your pen.

Moreover, the Ink Workspace allows you to add preferred apps instead of using the standard snipping tool and Whiteboard. It gives you easy access to creativity tools the moment you pull out your pen.

WHICH FEATURES WERE LEFT BEHIND?

Overall, Windows 11 should work great for your business. But bear in mind that Microsoft left out some features that were a staple in previous versions:

EXCLUDED FEATURE #1. TASKBAR CUSTOMISATION

Windows 10 users can move their taskbar from the horizontal position to the left, right, or upper part of their screen. In contrast, the Windows 11 taskbar is fixed at the bottom of the display, and you can’t customize the dimensions.

The taskbar customization feature would have been helpful because it would let you use space more efficiently.

Another significant change is that you can no longer move the Time and Date on your taskbar. Windows 10 didn’t have this problem since you could toggle off the Clock feature in your Settings.

The default taskbar layout might be fine, but some users prefer higher customizability than what Windows 11 offers.

EXCLUDED FEATURE #2. DRAG-AND-DROP FEATURES

Windows 10 and some earlier versions allowed you to drag several items to change their position. For example, you could drag a Word document onto your Word icon on the taskbar to open it.

This function is disabled in Windows 11. There’s no way to drag and drop or save any program or file onto your taskbar.

EXCLUDED FEATURE #3. CORTANA

Cortana is a voice assistant counterpart of Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. Many people are used to it and may be disappointed to hear that it’s not a part of the Windows 11 system setup. You can’t even locate it in your start menu.

The good news is that the Cortana application can still be found - it’s just hidden away. And you can enable it by visiting Settings and navigating to Apps & Features.

A WISE INVESTMENT

While Windows 11 isn’t perfect since it removed many valuable features, it’s still an excellent platform to help increase your productivity.

Whether you need to organize your desktop more conveniently or take enjoyable notes, the OS won’t let you down. Plus, you get a revamped taskbar and powerful Voice Typing compatible with most major languages.

Overall, Windows 11 can be a terrific asset for your business.

If you want to find out more about upgrading to Windows 11 or improve productivity in your organization, contact us today. We can have a 15 minute chat to help you today.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .

7 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Productivity

Office@nbtechllc.com (Blogger Admin) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:00:01 GMT

Low productivity can be a massive obstacle to growing your business. Luckily, there are many ways to solve this problem for local Charlotte area businesses.

Many people struggle to finish the task at hand. No matter how long they've been in the business, productivity seems to evade them regularly.

And this probably happens to you, too, even if you're an experienced business owner.

Your to-do list is long… but you can’t focus when you try to get down to work.

You try to concentrate… but you can't make any headway.

You might have been doing something all day… but none of your tasks are finished.

Simply put, you've been busy but not productive.

Luckily, there are many methods to get out of the slump. You need to work on your productivity, and this article will provide some of the best ways to do so.

7 METHODS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

METHOD #1. IMPROVE YOUR FOCUS

When you have many obligations, you can easily get overwhelmed by the sheer number. As a result, you end up sitting idle and unable to do anything.

Instead of tackling many things at once, choose the most important task. Hone in on it, and don't let anything else distract you. Your mission should be to complete the job to make your day successful.

Once it's out of the way, you'll get a powerful sense of accomplishment that will drive you to keep going.

METHOD #2. DON'T FORGET THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SLEEP

One of the main reasons affecting your productivity is a potential lack of sleep. Working while feeling sleepy is counterproductive, and the only way to combat it is through this:

Get some sleep.

Experts recommend getting at least seven hours of sleep every night to improve workplace productivity. It lets you wake up fresh and ready to take on your office assignments.

Furthermore, avoid going to work as soon as you get out of bed. Prepare yourself mentally for about half an hour before starting your workday.

You should also figure out your ideal bedtime. Most people go to sleep early and wake up early, but that may not be effective for you. You'll need to determine the most suitable timing.

METHOD #3. GIVE INTELLIGENT PLANNING A SHOT

Intelligent planning teaches you how to boost productivity by enhancing your time management. Research suggests your working intervals shouldn't last more than 1.5 hours. Rest periods should be distributed between, allowing you to recharge your batteries.

That said, trying to leave work early might be tempting, but it's usually counterproductive. You skip your rest time, and job quality plummets.

To remain productive and focused throughout the day, clear your mind by doing exercises. They can improve your performance while benefiting your mental and physical health massively.

Some of your best options include yoga and a short gym session. They help reset your brain and fill you with positive energy to help you handle the rest of your workload.

METHOD #4. GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS

Another great way to increase productivity is to weed out distractions, such as chatting with your team members and surfing the web. The urge might be strong, but you'll need to resist it to enhance your workplace efficiency.

To do so, turn off computer and smartphone notifications. You may still encounter some interruptions, but they won't be caused by social media or other trifles.

METHOD #5. DO THE MOST CHALLENGING TASKS FIRST

Most productive days start by taking care of the most difficult task first.

You're at your best in the morning, which is the perfect time to address the biggest problem for the day. It’s during this period where your mental energy surges and you're more likely to produce innovative ideas to solve tough challenges.

After tackling the most complex tasks, the rest of the day will be much easier. You'll be left with routine activities (e.g., checking and answering emails) that require no creative efforts.

METHOD #6. DON'T WORK WITHOUT A BREAK

This might sound counterproductive, but you need to take breaks during your workday. Remember, you're not a machine that can work non-stop and produce impressive results. And if you try to be like one, your productivity is bound to plunge.

To avoid mental exhaustion and productivity lapses, get up from the desk and stop working for a couple of minutes.

As previously mentioned, you can perform a few exercises to refresh your energy. Another option is to have a cup of coffee or go for a walk. You should return more focused and ready to complete your tasks.

But don't go overboard with your breaks. Try to limit them to about 30 minutes and avoid watching YouTube or going to entertaining websites. It can lead to further procrastination and less productivity.

METHOD #7. LEARN TO DELEGATE

Everyone needs help, even the most skilled business owner.

So, delegating your assignments should be a staple of your workday, as it helps you save time and remain productive. Best of all, it allows you to focus on complex duties that can make or break your business.

The easiest way to delegate duties is to assign them to trustworthy team members.

After entrusting your responsibilities, don't supervise your workers closely. Otherwise, you may start micromanaging them, which may cripple their motivation and confidence.

Instead, provide your employees with all resources necessary to complete the task and let them work in peace. If possible, teach them how to automate the assignment using modern technology.

Again, this can help take your productivity to new heights by enabling you to deal with essential duties only.

DON'T LET YOUR WORKPLACE PERFORMANCE SUFFER

Running a company is satisfying, but you need to perform consistently to obtain the best results. Hence, your productivity should remain high, and we've given you the seven best ways to increase it.

The key takeaway is to eliminate distractions, take appropriate breaks, and tackle the most daunting tasks early. Don't forget to allocate some of your workload to your team members and get a good night's sleep to keep a sharp focus.

For more tips on staying productive in your office, contact us today. Let's arrange a 10-15 non-salesy chat to figure out the biggest productivity challenges your business faces and how to overcome them.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press .