July 2020 – Connected Technology, LLC

Why Should Your Law Firm Hire a Cybersecurity Firm

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 16:03:36 GMT

The Growing Cyber Threat to Law Firms

Because law firms hold valuable information, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting them. Legal data, in contrast to other industries, frequently consists of sensitive personal information, intellectual property, privileged communications, and merger and acquisition information. Hackers find all of these to be very appealing.

More than 29% of law firms reported a data breach or cyberattack in the previous year, per the American Bar Association's 2023 Legal Technology Survey Report. Smaller businesses are not exempt. Actually, because of their outdated security procedures and lack of IT resources, they are frequently viewed as easier targets.

Law firms are vulnerable to the following cyberthreats:

Phishing attempts that deceive staff members into disclosing login information
Ransomware that encrypts important data and requests money to unlock it
Insider threats from irate workers or unintentional data breaches
Attacks on the supply chain by unreliable third-party vendors

Without adequate safeguards, a single successful breach could lead to legal trouble, fines from the authorities, a decline in client confidence, and irreversible harm to your company's reputation.

Why Law Firms Are Particularly Vulnerable

Many law firms are not as prepared for cybersecurity as they should be, despite their responsibility to enforce the law. This vulnerability is caused by a number of factors.

Heavy Reliance on Sensitive Data

Every day, law firms deal with sensitive data. Clients value this data, but hackers who want to sell or exploit it also value it. Lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny under regulations such as the CCPA or GDPR could result from a single breach that exposes hundreds of clients.

Outdated Technology and Practices

Many businesses continue to use outdated software, unencrypted local servers, or unprotected email platforms. These antiquated tools are more vulnerable to intrusions and are more difficult to update or patch.

Limited In-House IT Expertise

Dedicated IT or cybersecurity personnel are frequently absent from smaller or mid-sized businesses. Without specialists on hand, vulnerabilities are overlooked, and incident responses are either inefficient or take too long.

The Consequences of a Data Breach

A law firm cyberattack is more than just a technical problem. It's a crisis of ethics and business. Think about the possible consequences:

Loss of client trust: Customers anticipate privacy. That trust can be destroyed by a breach, which can result in lost revenue and harm to one's reputation.
Legal and regulatory penalties: Depending on the jurisdiction, businesses that violate state privacy laws, GLBA, or HIPAA for healthcare-related cases may be subject to fines.
Disruption to operations: Ransomware has the ability to completely lock down your system, which stops billable work and delays cases.
Professional liability: If carelessness in data protection is demonstrated, a data breach may give rise to malpractice claims.

In severe situations, businesses have had to shut down following a significant cyberattack because of the harm to their finances and reputation.

How a Cybersecurity Firm Protects Your Law Practice

One of the best ways to protect your company is to hire a seasoned cybersecurity company. These professionals contribute specific expertise, instruments, and proactive tactics designed for the legal sector.

Risk Assessment and Compliance

A cybersecurity company performs a thorough audit of your current systems, finding weaknesses and guaranteeing adherence to industry and legal norms like state bar requirements and the ABA Model Rules.

Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention

Cybersecurity companies can identify and stop threats before they cause harm by using intrusion detection systems, firewalls, endpoint protection, and round-the-clock monitoring.

Employee Training and Awareness

One of the main reasons for breaches is human error. Cybersecurity companies offer customized training courses to teach your employees how to spot phishing attempts, create strong passwords, and adhere to best practices.

Incident Response Planning

Breach can occur even with robust defenses. In order to minimize damage, act promptly, and fulfill legal reporting requirements, a cybersecurity company assists you in creating and testing an incident response plan.

Secure Data Management

Cybersecurity professionals make sure your data is protected at every step, from cloud security and data backup solutions to encrypted email and secure file-sharing platforms.

New Title

Cybersecurity is about culture, not just technology. You are not merely purchasing a service when your company collaborates with a cybersecurity provider. You are making an investment in mental tranquility. By doing this, you are letting customers, partners, and authorities know that you take data security seriously.

Furthermore, showcasing robust cybersecurity procedures can give you a competitive edge. Before hiring a law firm, clients—particularly corporations and institutions—are increasingly requesting proof of the firm's security posture.

Final Thoughts: Cybersecurity Is a Professional Responsibility

Lawyers now have an obligation to comprehend the risks associated with technology as part of the American Bar Association's Model Rule 1.1 on competence. This indicates that neglecting cybersecurity is not only dangerous. It might be against professional ethics.

Safeguarding digital assets is essential for your legal practice's operations, client relationships, and reputation. Working with a trustworthy cybersecurity company does more than just protect you from attacks. You are fulfilling your obligation to your clients and your line of work.

Act now rather than waiting for a breach. Now is the time to protect your company. Prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard your information, your customers, and your future.

Don’t Let Outdated Tech Slow You Down Build a Smart IT Refresh Plan

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 14:58:27 GMT

A slow computer or a frozen screen are the worst things that can ruin your day. You've most likely dealt with outdated technology on multiple occasions if you manage a small business. It may seem cost-effective to extend the life of outdated equipment, but the long-term costs are frequently higher.

Due to technological issues like sluggish PCs and antiquated laptops, small businesses lose about 98 hours annually, or 12 working days .

This is why it's important to have an IT refresh plan. It helps you stay safe, prevents unplanned malfunctions, and keeps your team operating efficiently.

Regardless of whether you outsource managed IT services or handle them in-house, a solid refresh strategy can save time, stress, and money down the line.

Why Having a Strategy in Place is Important

It's simple to overlook outdated hardware until it breaks. You are forced to deal with downtime, find better parts, or even explain the slowness to your clients and team when things start to go wrong.

The risks of not planning include:

• Unexpected downtime: Even one broken laptop can stop an entire day of work.

• Productivity tanks: Outdated tech runs slower, crashes more often, and just can’t keep up.

• Security risks go up: Older systems miss out on key updates, leaving you exposed.

• Compliance issues: Especially if your business needs to meet certain tech standards or regulations.

A little planning now can save you from a lot of headaches later.

4 Simple Strategies for a Smarter Refresh Plan

Tech specialists and large budgets won't solve problems by themselves. A realistic plan that suits the size, needs, and speed of your company is what produces tangible results. Here's where to begin:

1. Replace as You Go

With a clever twist, this one is for people who enjoy making things work until they can no longer.

Replace equipment gradually rather than all at once. Replace a machine when it begins to malfunction or reaches the end of its useful life. Uncertain of the exact time? Based on warranty, performance, and whether the device can still run your essential tools, your IT support provider can assist you in determining a reasonable "expiration date" for each device.

This method minimizes surprises and disperses the expenses.

2. Schedule Regular Refresh Cycles

Think about updating your hardware on a regular basis if your team depends significantly on technology or if you'd prefer not to wait for something to go wrong. Small businesses typically do this every three years.

This helps in a few ways:

· You avoid the slow buildup of old, sluggish machines.

· You can plan (and budget) for replacements ahead of time.

· You may be able to score better deals when buying in bulk.

It’s a cleaner, more predictable way to keep your tech current.

3. Watch for Compatibility Issues

Technology doesn't exist in a vacuum. Your outdated laptops may not have enough memory to support a new software update. On an old operating system, a cloud app might not even install.

Your company will go into panic mode if you wait until something breaks or your tools stop working. Rather, have your IT partner perform routine maintenance to ensure that your hardware and software continue to work well together. Consider it your tech's annual physical.

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Leasing

It's not always feasible to purchase brand-new equipment outright, particularly for smaller teams. Leasing might be worth a look if high upfront costs are preventing you from moving forward.

Numerous IT suppliers provide flexible-term leasing options. Some even include support during the transition and simple upgrades every few years. It allows you to purchase the newest technology without going over your budget all at once.

Always Have a Hardware Register

Here’s a simple but powerful tip to keep track of your tech. All you need is a simple spreadsheet that includes:

• What equipment do you own

• When you bought it

• When the warranty expires

• Any issues it’s had

• Who’s using it

This list, often called a hardware register, takes the guesswork out of planning. Instead of saying “I think we bought that laptop a while ago,” you’ll know exactly where you stand.

With a hardware register in place, you can:

• Spot patterns before things break

• Budget smarter

• Negotiate better deals with vendors

• Avoid security risks from forgotten old devices.

The Cost of Waiting Too Long

The harsh reality is that retaining outdated hardware in an attempt to "save money" frequently ends up costing you more. Using outdated technology slows down your team, increases support calls, and increases your vulnerability to online attacks.

Upgrading becomes more challenging once your equipment is truly outdated because everything needs to be changed at once. Therefore, staying just ahead of the curve rather than far behind it is the best course of action.

What to Do Next

If you’re ready to stop putting out IT fires and start thinking ahead, here’s your game plan:

1. Take inventory: Write down what you’ve got and how old it is.

2. Set your goals: Are you hiring? Switching software? Moving to the cloud? Your refresh plan should support where your business is headed.

3. Talk to your IT services provider: They can help you figure out the best timing, budget, and options (including leasing or bulk purchases).

4. Create a simple schedule: Whether you do it all at once or one device at a time, a plan is better than winging it.

5. Review regularly: Check in once or twice a year to stay on track.

Stay Ahead by Refreshing Smart

Technology should be helping your business, not holding it back. With a bit of planning, you can avoid surprise breakdowns, reduce downtime, and keep your team equipped with what they need to succeed.

An IT refresh strategy isn't just about replacing old devices, it's about protecting productivity, improving security, and future-proofing your business. When your tech runs smoothly, so does everything else.

Need help building your refresh strategy? Contact us today.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Your small business needs a clear data retention plan to know what stays and what goes

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 15:47:18 GMT

Does your small business ever feel like it has too much data? This is a fairly typical occurrence. The way small businesses function has changed as a result of the digital world. In addition to customer emails and backups, we now have an overwhelming amount of data to manage, including financial statements, contracts, logs, and employee records.

According to a PR Newswire survey, 72% of company executives say they have stopped making decisions because the information is too overwhelming.

All of this data can easily become disorganized if improperly handled. By implementing the appropriate data retention policy, effective IT solutions assist. A strong data retention policy keeps your company compliant, organized, and cost-effective. Here's what should be deleted, what should be kept, and why.

What Is a Data Retention Policy and Why Should You Care?

Consider a data retention policy as the guide for managing information at your business. This demonstrates how long you keep data and when it's appropriate to discard it. Knowing what should be kept and what should be removed is more important than merely cleaning.

Every company gathers a variety of data. For operational or legal purposes, some of it is necessary. Other parts? Not at all. Although keeping data may seem like a good idea, doing so raises storage costs, clogs systems, and may even put you in danger legally.

Having a policy enables you to responsibly keep what is required.

The Goals Behind Smart Data Retention

Data security and usefulness are balanced in a good policy. Information that is useful to your company, whether for analysis, audits, or customer support, should only be retained for as long as it is actually required.

Here are the main reasons small businesses implement data retention policies:

• Compliance with local and international laws.

• Improved security by eliminating outdated or unneeded data that could pose a risk.

• Efficiency in managing storage and IT infrastructure.

• Clarity in how and where data lives across the organization.

And let’s not forget the value of data archiving. Instead of storing everything in your active system, data can be tucked away safely in lower-cost, long-term storage.

Benefits of a Thoughtful Data Retention Policy

Here’s what a well-planned policy brings to your business:

Lower storage costs: No more paying for space used by outdated files.

Less clutter: Easier access to the data you do need.

Regulatory protection: Stay on the right side of laws like GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX.

Faster audits: Find essential data when regulators come knocking.

Reduced legal risk: If it’s not there, it can’t be used against you in court.

Better decision-making: Focus on current, relevant data, not outdated noise.

Best Practices for Building Your Policy

While no two businesses will have identical policies, there are some best practices that work across the board:

1. Understand the laws: Every industry and region has specific data requirements. Healthcare providers, for instance, must follow HIPAA and - retain patient data for six years or more. Financial firms may need to retain records for at least seven years under SOX.

2. Define your business needs: Not all retention is about legal compliance. Maybe your sales team needs data for year-over-year comparisons, - or HR wants access to employee evaluations from the past two years. Balance legal requirements with operational needs.

3. Sort data by type: Don’t apply a one-size-fits-all policy. Emails, customer records, payroll data, and marketing files all serve different purposes - and have different retention lifespans.

4. Archive don’t hoard: Store long-term data separately from active data. Use archival systems to free up your primary IT infrastructure.

5. Plan for legal holds: If your business is ever involved in litigation, you’ll need a way to pause data deletion for any records that might be - needed in court.

6. Write two versions: One detailed, legal version for compliance officers, and a simplified, plain-English version for employees and - department heads.

Creating The Policy Step-by-Step

Ready to get started? Here’s how to go from idea to implementation:

1. Assemble a team: Bring together IT, legal, HR, and department heads. Everyone has unique needs and insights.

2. Identify compliance rules: Document all applicable regulations, from local laws to industry-specific guidelines.

3. Map your data: Know what types of data you have, where it lives, who owns it, and how it flows across systems.

4. Set retention timelines: Decide how long each data type stays in storage, gets archived, or is deleted.

5. Determine responsibilities: Assign team members to monitor, audit, and enforce the policy.

6. Automate where possible: Use software tools to handle archiving, deletion, and metadata tagging.

7. Review regularly: Schedule annual (or bi-annual) reviews to keep your policy aligned with new laws or business changes.

8. Educate your staff: Make sure employees know how the policy affects their work and how to handle data properly.

A Closer Look at Compliance

If your business operates in a regulated industry, or even just handles customer data, compliance is non-negotiable. Examples of data retention laws from around the world include:

• HIPAA: Healthcare providers must retain patient records for at least six years.

• SOX: Publicly traded companies must keep financial records for seven years.

• PCI DSS: Businesses that process credit card data must retain and securely dispose of sensitive information.

• GDPR: Any business dealing with EU citizens must clearly define what personal data is kept, why, and for how long.

• CCPA: California-based or U.S. companies serving California residents must provide transparency and opt-out rights for personal data.

Ignoring these rules can lead to steep fines and reputational damage. A smart IT service provider can help navigate these regulations and keep you compliant.

Clean Up Your Digital Closet

Your company shouldn't hoard data without a valid reason, any more than you would keep every email, receipt, or post-it note forever. In addition to being an IT requirement, a well-thought-out data retention policy is a calculated step toward cost reduction, legal compliance, and business protection.

IT solutions help you work more efficiently, not just fix malfunctioning computers. Additionally, a little organization goes a long way when it comes to data. Therefore, don't wait for a compliance audit to arrive in your inbox or for your systems to slow down.

Get in touch with us to begin creating your data retention policy right now and take charge of the online presence of your company.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

How to Choose the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 15:50:09 GMT

Selecting the best cloud storage solution can be similar to being faced with an endless buffet of options, each one claiming to be the best. A poor choice may result in lost revenue, compromised data, or even a snag in productivity. The stakes are extremely high for small business owners.

Regardless of your level of experience, we will guide you through this thorough guide to help you choose a cloud storage solution that is specific to your company's needs.

Why Should Small Businesses Consider the Right Cloud Storage?

Digital transformation has taken place in business operations. Cloud storage has become essential due to remote work, mobile-first communication, and the rapid accumulation of data. It is the foundation of resilience and efficiency.

After moving to the cloud, 94% of businesses reported significant security improvements, according to a TechRepublic report. That figure says everything. Every little bit of operational improvement matters for small businesses.

Here are some key benefits that drive cloud storage adoption:

• Cost-efficiency - Pay only for what you use, with no need for bulky servers.

• Built-in security - Most providers offer encryption, permissions controls, and auditing tools.

• Scalability - Add or reduce storage space on demand without purchasing new hardware.

• Remote collaboration - Access files securely from anywhere, on any device.

In short, cloud storage enables small businesses to compete with larger organizations by offering enterprise-level tools without the enterprise-level price tag.

Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business

The methodology and implementation of password spraying set it apart from other brute-force attacks. Password spraying uses a single password across several accounts, whereas traditional brute-force attacks concentrate on trying multiple passwords against a single account. Because of this distinction, attackers are able to evade activating account lockout policies, which are intended to prevent an excessive number of login attempts on a single account.

Know Your Storage Needs

Understand What You're Storing

Prioritize the data that your company truly needs before selecting a storage solution. Not all images or documents require long-term storage. While some files are retained for compliance or historical reasons, other data is mission-critical and used on a daily basis.

Ask yourself:

· How much total data are we currently storing?

· What portion of that is active, and what's archival?

· How fast is our data growing and why?

Doing a basic data inventory helps prevent overpaying for unused storage space while ensuring you don't run out of room when it matters most.

Consider File Types and Use Cases

The storage needs of various industries vary greatly. For example, a small law firm primarily deals with text files and PDFs, which are smaller and require less storage space. A marketing agency or architectural firm, on the other hand, works with large media files that can rapidly increase storage requirements.

Selecting a plan with the appropriate performance and capacity features will be easier if you are aware of the particular file types and workflows you use.

Evaluate Your Budget

Don't Just Look at Monthly Costs

Even though it might be alluring to look for the best monthly deal, many cloud storage options have variable or hidden fees. These may surprise you, particularly if your needs for data storage change over time.

Watch out for:

· Extra fees for large data transfers

· Premium charges for faster access or retrieval

· Security add-ons or compliance upgrades

Think in terms of total cost of ownership rather than just a monthly bill. The cheapest plan could end up costing more if it doesn't meet your actual needs.

Pay-as-You-Go vs. Fixed Plans

Pay-as-you-go pricing might be the best option for your company if you deal with seasonal variations or erratic data usage. These models are adaptable and typically grounded in real-world usage.

A set monthly plan , on the other hand, might provide you with peace of mind and aid in budgeting if you value cost predictability and are certain that your data storage requirements are constant. Before making a commitment, think about comparing prices based on your data requirements over the previous six to twelve months.

Prioritize Security and Compliance

Not only big businesses are concerned about cyber threats. According to Wired, small businesses are the target of 43% of cyberattacks . Data breaches, monetary losses, or even legal action may result from these attacks.

Choosing a secure cloud provider is crucial. Look for the following features:

· End-to-end encryption, covering data at rest and in transit

· Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts

· Automatic backups and disaster recovery protocols

· Compliance certifications like GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001

If your business handles sensitive customer information or falls under data privacy laws, make sure your provider is compliant with relevant regulations.

Make Sure They Have Your Back

Great technology means nothing if support is lacking. Check whether your cloud provider offers:

• 24/7 technical support via chat, email, or phone

• Clear service-level agreements (SLAs) that guarantee uptime and response times

• Disaster recovery support in case of hardware failure or ransomware

When problems arise (and they will) responsive support can make the difference between a minor hiccup and a full-blown crisis.

Think About Scalability

Today's Needs vs. Tomorrow's Growth

A lot of small businesses base their plan on their present requirements, but what happens if their company expands or their storage needs increase?

Scalability should therefore be a given in your cloud strategy. Seek out suppliers who make it simple to:

· Upgrade your storage capacity without major disruption

· Add new users or teams as your company expands

· Access advanced services like automated workflows, AI file tagging, or analytics tools

Scalability isn't just adding more space. It's about building a storage ecosystem that adapts as your business evolves.

Don't Overlook Usability and Integration

How Easy Is It to Use?

Cloud storage should make life easier, not harder. If your team struggles to navigate the interface, productivity can suffer. Look for features like:

• Drag-and-drop uploads

• Ability to sync folders across devices

• User-friendly mobile apps

A clean, intuitive interface will reduce the learning curve and increase adoption across your organization.

Will It Play Nice with Other Tools?

Seamless integration is key. Your cloud solution should work well with your existing software stack. Most businesses benefit from storage that integrates with:

· Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace

· Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems

· Project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Monday.com

Most providers offer free trials or demos. Involve your team in testing a few platforms to see what works best before making a final decision.

Compare Popular Providers

Google Drive

For companies that value affordability and teamwork, Google Drive is a great option. It is a preferred choice for teams already operating within the Google ecosystem due to its smooth integration with Google Workspace tools like Docs, Sheets, and Gmail. It's a good choice for startups and small teams that need to remain flexible because of its generous free storage tiers and affordable upgrade options.

Dropbox

When ease of use and media storage are your top priorities, Dropbox excels. Dropbox is well-known for its intuitive user interface, which makes sharing and syncing files simple. Because of its strong version control and recovery capabilities and exceptional ability to handle large media files, it is a favorite among creative professionals such as marketers and designers.

OneDrive

For companies that are heavily reliant on Microsoft, OneDrive is perfect. OneDrive is integrated with Word, Excel, and Teams if you're already using Office 365. It offers a seamless, recognizable experience across devices and is especially well-suited for Windows users, particularly in hybrid work environments.

Box

Box is a wise choice for companies in regulated sectors like healthcare, finance, or legal services because of its emphasis on security and compliance. It provides comprehensive permission settings, cutting-edge encryption, and compliance with important frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA. Box gives businesses that deal with sensitive data the assurance that their data is secure.

Every one of these platforms has advantages. Your particular priorities—whether they be teamwork, usability, integration, or unwavering security—will determine which is best for your company.

Common Pitfalls When Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business (And How to Avoid Them)

On the surface, choosing cloud storage may seem straightforward (upload, store, and access), but many small businesses make mistakes that can result in significant inefficiencies, lost data, or unforeseen expenses. The following are the most typical pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Ignoring Security and Compliance Requirements

A lot of small businesses believe that the security of cloud storage platforms is the same. As a result, private client or company information is kept on platforms that don't adhere to industry compliance guidelines or have strong security features like end-to-end encryption.

Always check a provider's data encryption techniques and security certifications (such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2). Make sure the provider complies with your compliance requirements (HIPAA, GDPR, etc.) if you work in a regulated sector like healthcare or finance. Never be afraid to question vendors about their incident response strategy and history of data breaches.

Choosing Based on Price Alone

Choosing the least expensive option may seem like a good idea, but low-cost providers frequently compromise on scalability, uptime reliability, and customer support. Additionally, you might run into unstated costs when transferring data or going over storage limits.

Examine more than just the price. Compare features, customer service, and the capacity to expand with your company to costs. Examine the fine print regarding data transfer costs and pricing tiers. Paying a little bit more for a platform that will actually fulfill your needs is worthwhile.

Overlooking Integration with Existing Tools

Some companies select storage solutions that are incompatible with their current software. Time wastage, redundant work, and annoying workarounds could result from this.

Make sure the cloud storage option works well with the systems you already have, such as Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, QuickBooks, or your CRM. Use the integration directories and app marketplaces that many platforms provide as a resource before making a commitment.

Underestimating Scalability Needs

Some small businesses lock themselves into platforms that aren't designed to scale effectively because they underestimate how quickly their storage needs will increase. If the provider is unable to keep up, an unexpected increase in storage requirements may cause problems.

Select a solution that will expand with you. Look for storage providers that provide enterprise, tiered storage, and flexible plans, even if you have a small team today.

Neglecting Backup and Redundancy

Cloud storage does not imply that data is backed up. Data loss from inadvertent deletion or system malfunctions is still possible in the absence of redundancy or a well-defined backup strategy.

Seek out suppliers who have redundancy and backup built in. Inquire about their approach to data replication; your data ought to be kept in several places. A 3-2-1 backup strategy should also be taken into consideration, which consists of three copies of your data, two different kinds of storage, and one offsite location (which could be the cloud).

Choosing the best cloud storage solution isn't about getting a good deal or choosing a well-known brand. Finding a system that supports your team, fits into your workflow, and provides you with peace of mind is the key. Audit your data requirements first, then select a cost model that works for you.

Do you need help navigating the world of cloud storage? Reach out to us today for advice, implementation support, or to discuss tailored solutions that align with your goals.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Complete Guide to Cyber Insurance Coverage: Inclusions, Exclusions & Top Tips

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:42:17 GMT

Cyber threats are a daily reality for small businesses navigating an increasingly digital world; they are not merely an abstract concern. Financial and reputational harm can result from ransomware attacks, phishing scams, or unintentional data leaks. In order to reduce the risks, more businesses are using cyber insurance.

Not every cyber insurance plan is made equally. Many business owners think their policy covers them, but they discover (too late) that it has significant gaps. We'll explain exactly what is and isn't covered in this blog post, along with how to pick the best cyber insurance plan for your company.

Why Is Cyber Insurance More Crucial Than Ever?

Hackers can target you even if you're not a big company. Small businesses are actually becoming more and more vulnerable. The 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report states that small and mid-sized businesses are currently the target of 43% of all cyberattacks . A breach can have crippling financial consequences; on average, smaller businesses must pay $2.98 million . For any expanding business, that could be a serious setback.

Additionally, consumers now expect businesses to protect their personal information, and regulators are stepping up their efforts to combat data privacy violations. A strong cyber insurance policy is an essential safety net because it ensures compliance with regulations such as the CCPA , GDPR , and HIPAA in addition to assisting with breach expenses.

What Cyber Insurance Typically Covers

Protecting your company from the financial consequences of a cyber incident requires a comprehensive cyber insurance policy. First-party coverage and third-party liability coverage are its two primary coverage categories. Depending on the particular requirements of your company and the kind of incident you're dealing with, both offer various types of protection. We describe each kind and the particular coverages they usually offer below.

First-Party Coverage

First-party coverage is intended to directly defend your company in the event of a breach or cyberattack. This kind of coverage aids in your company's financial recovery from the attack's immediate expenses.

Breach Response Costs

One of the first areas that first-party coverage addresses is the cost of managing a breach. After a cyberattack, you'll likely need to:

· Investigate how the breach happened and what was affected

· Get legal advice to stay compliant with laws and reporting rules

· Inform any customers whose data was exposed

· Offer credit monitoring if personal details were stolen

Business Interruption

Cyberattacks that interfere with business operations or bring down networks can cost a company a lot of money. By covering lost revenue during downtime, business interruption insurance lessens the financial impact. It frees you from worrying about daily cash flow so you can concentrate on recovering.

Cyber Extortion and Ransomware

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and they can paralyze your business by locking up essential data. Cyber extortion coverage is designed to help businesses navigate these situations by covering:

· The cost of paying a ransom to cyber attackers.

· Hiring of professionals to negotiate with hackers to lower the ransom and recover data.

· The costs to restore access to files that were encrypted in the attack.

Data Restoration

Important company data may be lost or damaged as a result of a significant cyber incident. Whether your company uses backup systems or a data recovery service, data restoration coverage guarantees that data can be recovered. This keeps your business operating smoothly and reduces disruption.

Reputation Management

In the aftermath of a cyberattack, it's crucial to rebuild the trust of customers, partners, and investors. Many policies now include reputation management as part of their coverage. This often includes:

• Hiring Public Relations (PR firms) to manage crisis communication, create statements, and mitigate any potential damage to your business's reputation.

• Guidance on how to communicate with affected customers and stakeholders to maintain transparency.

Third-Party Liability Coverage

Third-party liability insurance shields your company from lawsuits brought by outside parties impacted by your cyber incident, including partners, suppliers, and consumers. This coverage protects you financially and legally in the event that a breach or attack affects people who are not affiliated with your business.

Privacy Liability

This coverage protects your business if sensitive customer data is lost, stolen, or exposed in a breach. It typically includes:

· Coverage for legal costs if you're sued for mishandling personal data.

· It may also cover costs if a third party suffers losses due to your data breach.

Regulatory Defense

Regulatory agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other industry-specific regulators frequently monitor cyber incidents. Regulatory defense coverage can assist in the following situations if your company is being investigated or fined for breaking data protection laws:

· Coverage may help pay for fines or penalties imposed by a regulator for non-compliance.

· Mitigating the costs of defending your business against regulatory actions, which can be considerable.

Media Liability

Media liability coverage protects you in the event that your company is the target of a cyberattack that exposes sensitive information (like trade secrets), causes online defamation, or violates copyright. It includes:

· Defamation Claims - If a data breach leads to defamatory statements or online reputational damage, this policy helps cover the legal cost of defending the claims.

· Infringement Cases - If a cyberattack leads to intellectual property violations, media liability coverage provides the financial resources to · address infringement claims.

Defense and Settlement Costs

If your company is sued following a data breach or cyberattack, third-party liability coverage can help cover legal defense costs. This can include:

· Paying for attorney fees in a data breach lawsuit.

· Covering settlement or judgment costs if your company is found liable.

Optional Riders and Custom Coverage

Businesses can frequently add additional coverage to cyber insurance policies according to their unique needs or threats. These add-on riders can provide more specialized protection for particular risks that your company may encounter.

Social Engineering Fraud

Social engineering fraud, which includes phishing attacks and other dishonest strategies intended to fool staff members into disclosing private information, sending money, or granting access to internal systems, is one of the most prevalent forms of cyber fraud that occurs nowadays. Coverage of social engineering fraud helps guard against:

· Financial losses if an employee is tricked by a phishing scam.

· Financial losses through fraudulent transfers by attackers.

Hardware "Bricking"

Some cyberattacks physically harm company equipment, making it unusable; this is referred to as "bricking." The expenses of replacing or fixing devices that have been irreparably harmed by a cyberattack are covered by this rider.

Technology Errors and Omissions (E&O)

This type of coverage is especially important for technology service providers, such as IT firms or software developers. Technology E&O protects businesses against claims resulting from errors or failures in the technology they provide.

What Cyber Insurance Often Doesn't Cover

Knowing what a cyber insurance policy does not cover is as crucial as understanding what it does. Small business owners frequently overlook these common gaps, which exposes them to certain risks.

Negligence and Poor Cyber Hygiene

Strict provisions pertaining to the cybersecurity status of your company are found in many insurance policies. Your claim might be rejected if your business doesn't follow fundamental cybersecurity procedures like using firewalls, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), or updating software.

Pro Tip : Insurers increasingly require proof of good cyber hygiene before issuing a policy. Be prepared to show that you've conducted employee training, vulnerability testing, and other proactive security measures.

Known or Ongoing Incidents

Cyber incidents that were underway prior to the activation of your policy are not covered by cyber insurance. For instance, the insurer will not cover damages resulting from a data breach or attack that started prior to the start of your coverage. Similarly, your insurer might reject the claim if you were aware of a vulnerability but did nothing to address it.

Pro Tip: Always ensure your systems are secure before purchasing insurance, and immediately address any known vulnerabilities.

Insider Threats

While many cyber insurance policies may offer PR crisis management services, they usually don't cover the long-term reputational damage or future business losses that can result from a cyberattack. The fallout from a breach, such as lost customers or declining sales due to trust issues, often falls outside the realm of coverage.

Pro Tip: If your business is especially concerned about brand reputation, consider investing in additional coverage or crisis management services. Reputational harm can have far-reaching consequences that extend well beyond the immediate financial losses of an attack.

How to Choose the Right Cyber Insurance Policy

Assess Your Business Risk

Start by evaluating your exposure:

· What types of data do you store? Customer, financial, and health data, all require different levels of protection.

· How reliant are you on digital tools or cloud platforms ? If your business is heavily dependent on technology, you may need more extensive coverage for system failures or data breaches.

· Do third-party vendors have access to your systems? Vendors can be a potential weak point. Ensure they're covered under your policy as well.

Your answers will highlight the areas that need the most protection

Ask the Right Questions

Before signing a policy, ask:

· Does this cover ransomware and social engineering fraud? These are growing threats that many businesses face, so it's crucial to have · specific coverage for these attacks.

· Are legal fees and regulatory penalties included? If your business faces a legal battle or must pay fines for a breach, you'll want coverage · for these costly expenses.

· What's excluded and when? Understand the fine print to avoid surprises if you file a claim.

Get a Second Opinion

Don't go it alone. Collaborate with a cybersecurity specialist or broker who is knowledgeable about the legal and technical facets of cyber risk. They will guide you through the intricacies of the policy wording and point out any coverage gaps. Having an expert on your side can help you make the best choice for your company and guarantee that you are sufficiently protected.

Consider the Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Policies for cyber insurance have set deductibles and coverage limits. Make sure the coverage limit corresponds to the possible risks facing your company. Make sure your policy limit is appropriate, for instance, if a data breach could cost your company millions of dollars. Examine the deductible amounts as well; these are the expenses you must pay out of pocket prior to your insurance taking effect. In the event of an incident, pick a deductible that your company can afford.

Review Policy Renewal Terms and Adjustments

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

How to Setup and Implement Multi-Factor-Authentication (MFA) for Small Businesses

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:49:07 GMT

Have you ever questioned how susceptible your company is to online attacks? Nearly 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses , frequently taking advantage of lax security measures, according to recent reports.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is one of the most underutilized yet powerful ways to safeguard your business. Even with your password, hackers will find it much more difficult to obtain access thanks to this additional security measure.

The implementation of Multi-Factor Authentication for your small business is explained in this article. Knowing this will enable you to take an important step toward protecting your data and guaranteeing more robust defense against possible cyberattacks.

Why is Multi-Factor Authentication Crucial for Small Businesses?

Let's take a moment to consider the importance of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) before we get started with the implementation process. Cyberattacks can affect small businesses regardless of their size. As a matter of fact, hackers are increasingly targeting them. In actuality, a single compromised password has the potential to cause significant security breaches, data theft, and dire financial repercussions.

MFA is useful in this situation. MFA is a security technique that makes it harder to access a system or account with just a password. It adds more layers, usually in the form of a physical security token, biometric scan, or time-based code. Even if someone manages to get your password, this makes it much more difficult for them to access your systems.

The question now is not whether your small business will experience a cyberattack, but rather when. By putting MFA into practice, you can drastically lower your risk of becoming a victim of common online threats like credential stuffing and phishing.

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

A security procedure known as multi-factor authentication (MFA) asks users to enter two or more unique factors when logging into a system or account. It is more difficult for cybercriminals to obtain unauthorized access with this multi-layered strategy. MFA uses a variety of proof to verify your identity rather than just one, like a password. It is therefore a far safer choice.

To better understand how MFA works, let's break it down into its three core components:

Something You Know

The most conventional and widely used type of authentication (knowledge-based authentication) is the first factor in MFA. Usually, it involves a password or PIN that only the user is supposed to know. Often regarded as the weakest aspect of security, this serves as the first line of defense. Despite their potential strength, passwords are susceptible to phishing, social engineering, and brute force attacks.

Example: Your account password or a PIN number

While it's convenient, this factor alone is not enough to ensure security, because passwords can be easily stolen, guessed, or hacked.

Something You Have

Possession-based is the second component of MFA. In order to authenticate, the user needs to have access to a physical object. The idea is to prevent someone from accessing this second factor even if they know your password. Usually, this component is something you physically carry or something that evolves over time.

Examples:

· A mobile phone that can receive SMS-based verification codes (also known as one-time passcodes).

· A security token or a smart card that generates unique codes every few seconds.

· An authentication app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator,

· which generates time-based codes that change every 30 seconds.

These items are in your possession, which makes it far more difficult for an attacker to access them unless they physically steal the device or break into your system.

Something You Are

Biometric authentication , which depends on your physical traits or actions, is the third component. Because biometric characteristics are so specific to each person, they are very hard to copy or falsify. We call this inherence-based authentication.

Examples:

· Fingerprint recognition (common in smartphones and laptops).

· Facial recognition (used in programs like Apple's Face ID).

· Voice recognition (often used in phone systems or virtual assistants like Siri or Alexa).

· Retina or iris scanning (used in high-security systems).

This feature guarantees that the individual trying to log in to the system is who they say they are. An attacker would still need to duplicate or falsify your distinct biometric characteristics, which is extremely challenging, even if they managed to get your password and access to your device.

How to Implement Multi-Factor Authentication in Your Business

Putting Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) into practice is a crucial first step in improving the security of your company. Even though it might seem like a complicated process, it's actually easier to handle, especially when divided into distinct steps. Here is a quick guide to get you started implementing MFA in your company:

Asses Your Current Security Infrastructure

Understanding your current security posture is essential before you begin implementing MFA. Examine your current security systems in detail and determine which accounts, apps, and systems most require multi-factor authentication. Give top priority to the most delicate aspects of your company, such as:

· Email accounts (where sensitive communications and passwords are often sent)

· Cloud services (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, etc.)

· Banking and financial accounts (vulnerable to fraud and theft)

· Customer databases (to protect customer data)

· Remote desktop systems (ensuring secure access for remote workers)

By starting with your most critical systems, you ensure that you address the highest risks first and establish a strong foundation for future security.

Choose the Right MFA Solution

There are numerous MFA options available, each with unique benefits, features, and costs. The size, needs, and budget of your company will determine which one is best for you. The following well-liked choices can serve small businesses:

Google Authenticator

A user-friendly, free app that creates time-based codes. For the majority of small businesses, it provides an efficient MFA solution.

Duo Security

Known for its user-friendly interface, Duo offers both cloud-based and on-premises solutions with flexible MFA options.

Okta

Great for larger businesses but also supports simpler MFA features for small companies, with a variety of authentication methods like push notifications and biometric verification

Authy

A solution that enables multi-device syncing and cloud backups. Employees can now access MFA codes more easily on a variety of devices.

Take into account aspects like cost-effectiveness , scalability as your company expands, and ease of use when choosing an MFA provider. You are looking for a solution that strikes a balance between robust security and usability for your company and staff.

Implement MFA Across All Critical Systems

Once you've chosen an MFA provider, it's time to implement it across your business. Here are the steps to take:

Step 1: Set Up MFA for Your Core Applications

Apps like email platforms, file storage (like Google Drive and OneDrive), and customer relationship management (CRM) systems should be given priority if they store or access sensitive data.

Step 2. Enable MFA for Your Team

Make MFA mandatory for all employees, ensuring it's used across all accounts. For remote workers, make sure they are also utilizing secure access methods like VPNs with MFA for extra protection.

Step 3: Provide Training and Support

It's possible that some employees are unfamiliar with MFA. Make sure you provide training and clear instructions on how to use and set it up. Offer readily available support materials for any problems or inquiries they might have, particularly for those who are less tech-savvy.

Keep in mind that effective onboarding and clear communication are necessary for a successful implementation so that everyone is aware of the value of MFA and how it safeguards the company.

Regularly Monitor and Update Your MFA Settings

Cybersecurity is a continuous process, not a one-time task. Regularly reviewing your MFA settings is crucial to ensuring your protection remains strong. You should:

Keep MFA Methods Updated

Consider adopting stronger verification methods, such as biometric scans , or moving to more secure authentication technologies as they become available.

Re-evaluate Authentication Needs

Regularly assess which users, accounts, and systems require MFA, as business priorities and risks evolve.

Respond to Changes Quickly

Make sure staff members can easily update or reset their MFA settings in the event that they misplace their security devices (such as phones or tokens). Additionally, if an employee loses access to an authentication device or changes their phone number, remind them to update their MFA settings.

Regularly Monitor and Update Your MFA Settings

Cybersecurity is a continuous process, not a one-time task. Regularly reviewing your MFA settings is crucial to ensuring your protection remains strong. You should:

Test Your MFA System Regularly

It's crucial to test your MFA system frequently after implementation to make sure it's operating correctly. You can identify vulnerabilities, fix possible problems, and make sure all staff members are adhering to best practices by conducting periodic testing. To determine whether staff members are effectively utilizing MFA to prevent unwanted access, this may involve simulating phishing exercises.

It's also critical to keep an eye on the user experience. Employees may seek methods to get around MFA if they find it difficult or inconvenient. Regular testing can assist in maintaining the crucial balance between security and usability.

Common MFA Implementation Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even though MFA has many security advantages, there may be difficulties during the implementation process. The following list of typical obstacles small businesses encounter when putting MFA into practice includes advice on how to get past them:

Employee Resistance to Change

The perceived inconvenience of entering multiple forms of verification may cause some employees to oppose MFA. To get around this, stress how crucial MFA is to defending the company against online attacks. Employee concerns can be reduced by providing assistance and training to help them navigate the setup process.

Integration with Existing Systems

Integration can be challenging because not all systems and applications are MFA-ready. Selecting an MFA solution that works well with your current software stack is crucial. Numerous MFA providers support custom configurations if necessary, or they offer pre-built integrations for well-known business tools.

Device Management

It can be logistically difficult to guarantee that staff members have access to the devices required for MFA, such as phones or security tokens. Think about utilizing multi-device syncing cloud-based authentication apps (such as Authy). Employees can stay connected without depending on a single device thanks to this.

Managing Lost or Stolen Devices

Employees may experience security risks and access problems if their MFA devices are stolen or lost. Create a device management policy that allows for the fast deactivation or reset of MFA in order to address this. Take into account solutions that enable users to remotely reset or recover access. During such incidents, offering backup codes or alternate authentication techniques can help guarantee a smooth access recovery without sacrificing security.

Now is the Time to Implement MFA

One of the best defenses against cyberattacks for your company is multi-factor authentication. You greatly lower the chance of illegal access, data breaches, and monetary losses by implementing that additional layer of protection.

To begin, evaluate your existing systems, choose the best MFA solution, and deploy it throughout your most important applications. To stay ahead of changing cyberthreats, remember to train your staff and update your security settings frequently.

Please get in touch with us if you're prepared to advance the security of your company or if you require assistance putting MFA into practice. Our goal is to assist you in safeguarding your company and the things that are most important.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

AI for Efficiency: How to Automate Daily Tasks and Free Up Your Time (Without a Huge Budget)

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:20:46 GMT

Managing a small business requires a lot of multitasking. These hats include operations management, customer service, and maintaining order. AI-powered automation is a solution that can reduce the workload. Small business owners can now automate tasks that were previously done by hand thanks to technological advancements that have made these tools more affordable and accessible than before.

There's no need to hire a big staff or spend a fortune. AI can manage a large portion of your hectic workload, allowing you to concentrate on more crucial facets of your company. AI can act as your virtual assistant, increasing productivity and simplifying processes, whether you're a small team manager or a solopreneur.

This blog post explores how you can automate everyday tasks and free up your time if you want to learn more about how AI can change your company. We'll demonstrate how to use reasonably priced AI tools to reduce repetitive tasks, save time, and increase business efficiency.

Why Does AI-Powered Automation Matter For Small Businesses?

Large teams and costly enterprise-level software are frequently beyond the means of small businesses. AI can help with that. Small businesses can automate tedious tasks and procedures with the correct tools. As a result, they can decrease the amount of manual labor, minimize mistakes, and boost overall output.

Automation driven by AI allows small businesses to grow without adding more employees. It improves your team's capabilities rather than replaces them, freeing up more time for strategic work that propels expansion. There is an AI solution that can assist with scheduling, marketing, and customer service.

Smart Ways to Automate Daily Tasks and Free Up Your Time (Without a Huge Budget)

AI can be used in a variety of ways to increase productivity on daily tasks and free up more time in your day without going over budget. Small adjustments can have a significant impact, whether they involve automating tedious administrative tasks or utilizing basic AI tools . Here are some clever ways to get going.

1. Automate Customer Support Without Losing the Personal Touch

Although it can take a lot of time, customer service is an essential component of any business. AI can help you save time and energy while maintaining high-quality service. Automating routine tasks without sacrificing customer satisfaction is the aim here.

Use AI Chatbots for First-Line Support

Chatbots with artificial intelligence (AI), such as Tidio or Chatfuel , can automatically gather customer information, schedule appointments, and respond to commonly asked questions. Because these chatbots can react instantly, they can provide round-the-clock assistance without hiring more employees.

The Benefit: AI chatbots save you time by addressing customer inquiries immediately. They're available 24/7, ensuring that your customers never have to wait for a response.

------

Smart Email Assistants

------

AI programs that can read incoming emails, classify them, and even recommend responses include Zendesk AI and Freshdesk . Some platforms even go so far as to be able to automatically respond to frequently asked questions. It enables you to concentrate on more intricate client problems.

The Benefit: These tools help you manage your inbox efficiently, reducing the manual work of sorting and responding to every single email.

------

AI-Enhanced Customer Feedback

------

Artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as Survicate or Qualaroo are able to automatically identify trends and highlight areas for improvement by analyzing customer feedback in real-time. This enables you to respond to customer insights more quickly and efficiently.

The Benefit: You can make data-driven decisions to enhance your customer service, ensuring a better customer experience while minimizing the time spent analyzing feedback.

2. Streamline Scheduling and Calendar Management

Organizing events, appointments, and meetings can easily turn into a logistical nightmare. Numerous hours and headaches can be avoided with AI tools for calendar management and scheduling. Here's how to make scheduling and calendar management more efficient:

------

Let AI Handle Your Calendar

------

AI-driven applications such as Reclaim.ai and Calendly are able to recommend meeting times automatically while accounting for everyone's preferences, time zones, and availability. They can even prevent double bookings and buffer during breaks.

The Benefit: You spend less time on back-and-forth emails trying to figure out when everyone is available. Your calendar stays organized and optimized without you lifting a finger.

------

AI-Powered Appointment Booking

------

Tools such as Acuity Scheduling allow clients to schedule appointments straight from your calendar if you provide services or consultations. Your clients can easily schedule time with you thanks to these tools' syncing with other platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.

The Benefit: Customers can easily schedule meetings or services without the need for human intervention, streamlining the process for both you and your clients.

------

Optimized Time Allocation

------

AI tools like TimeHero or Trello use data and patterns from your calendar to suggest the most efficient way to allocate your time for various tasks. This can help you stay on track, focusing on high-priority work while automating less critical scheduling.

The Benefit: You can optimize your workday based on intelligent time management suggestions, ensuring you make the most of your working hours..

3. Supercharge Your Marketing - Without Hiring an Agency

Although it can be costly and time-consuming, marketing is crucial for the expansion of any business. You can manage and improve your marketing efforts without a full-time marketing department or agency by using AI tools. The following are some ways that AI can boost your marketing:

------

Create Content with AI Writing Tools

------

Email campaigns, social media content, and blog posts can be produced rapidly and effectively with AI writing tools like ChatGPT , Copy.ai , and Jasper AI . With these tools, you can let AI handle the majority of content creation while you concentrate on strategy and creative direction.

The Benefit: AI can write drafts for you, which you can then fine-tune. This saves time, especially when you need to create content frequently.

Automate Social Media Posts

------

Automate Social Media Posts

------

AI is used by social media management apps like Later or Buffer to automatically queue content, recommend the best times to post, and even create hashtags. This makes it simpler to stay active on social media without devoting too much time to it.

The Benefit: AI ensures your social media posts go out at optimal times, driving more engagement and keeping your brand active online without the hassle.

------

AI-Driven Analytics for Better Decision-Making

------

Real-time analysis of your marketing campaigns' efficacy can be done with AI tools like Google Analytics and HubSpot , which can reveal what is and is not working. With the aid of these tools, you can enhance your marketing strategies by making data-driven decisions.

The Benefit: You can optimize your campaigns by understanding what drives engagement and ROI. This allows you to invest in the right areas for growth.

4. Financial Tasks Made Easier

AI tools can take the guesswork and manual effort out of financial management. These help small businesses stay on top of their accounting, invoicing, and payment reminders.

------

Use AI Accounting Tools

------

Accounting software with AI capabilities, such as Xero and QuickBooks Online , automates processes like creating financial reports, classifying spending, and balancing bank accounts. These tools can even forecast future cash flow by learning from your data.

The Benefit: AI helps you manage your finances efficiently, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that your accounts are always up-to-date.

------

Automate Invoice Generation and Payment Reminders

------

You can automatically create invoices and send reminders for payments when they're due with tools like Wave and Zoho Books . AI is able to send follow-up emails and monitor past-due invoices. It helps you avoid the stress and time that comes with following up on payments.

The Benefit: Automated invoicing and reminders help you maintain cash flow and reduce the chances of late payments.

------

Financial Forecasting with AI Insights

------

Using historical data, AI tools can forecast future financial trends. To make sure your company stays profitable, you can forecast sales, monitor spending, and make data-driven financial decisions with tools like Fathom or Float .

The Benefit: You gain a better understanding of your business's financial future. It allows you to plan for growth and prepare for any potential financial challenges.

5. Internal Team Collaboration & Workflow Automation

Teams frequently use a variety of software tools to work together, but this can result in a fragmented workflow. By integrating with current systems, AI tools can automate app handoffs and guarantee that everyone remains in agreement. AI tools can improve workflow automation and team collaboration in the following ways:

------

Automate Repetitive Team Tasks

------

Workflows can be automated and your apps connected with platforms like Make.com and Zapier . When a new customer registers, for instance, their details can be automatically added to your CRM, forwarded to your email list, and paired with the appropriate team member for follow-up.

The Benefit : By automating repetitive tasks, your team can focus on more important work, improving overall efficiency.

------

AI Note-Taking & Meeting Summaries

------

Tools with AI capabilities, such as Fireflies.ai and Otter.ai , can automatically create summaries and transcribe meetings. This eliminates the need for manual note-taking and guarantees that everyone has access to meeting notes.

The Benefit: Save time on post-meeting follow-ups, and ensure no vital details are missed or forgotten.

------

Streamlined Project Management

------

Asana and Monday.com are two AI-enhanced project management tools that can assist you with task delegation, deadline tracking, and project progress tracking. These tools give you a unified, up-to-date picture of your team's workload by integrating with your other business apps.

The Benefit: AI keeps your projects on track by proactively identifying potential bottlenecks and suggesting adjustments to ensure projects are completed on time.

Ready to integrate AI into your business?

This is paragraph text. Click it or hit the Manage Text button to change the font, color, size, format, and more. To set up site-wide paragraph and title styles, go to Site Theme.

A Comprehensive Guide to Authentication and Strong Passwords

kurso@connectedtechnology.com (Kevin Urso) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 15:52:37 GMT

In today's digital world, cyber threats are smarter than ever. Weak passwords or old ways of proving who you are can cost people and businesses money, steal their data, or steal their identities. A strong password is the first thing that will keep hackers out, but it's not the only thing that will work.

This guide goes over the basics of strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and the best ways to keep your accounts safe. We'll also talk about new ways to check things and things you should never do.

Why Are Strong Passwords Essential?

Your password is like a key that lets you into your work and personal accounts online. Hackers can get into accounts with weak passwords by using brute-force attacks , phishing, and credential stuffing. If someone gets your password, they might be able to get in without your permission, steal your information, or even commit fraud.

The majority of people use passwords that are simple to figure out, such as "123456" or "password." These are typically the first options that hackers attempt. Password reuse carries extra risks. A single breach could allow hackers access to all of your accounts if you use the same password for them.

Passwords should contain a combination of capital and small letters, numbers, and special characters, according to today's security standards. However, complexity alone is insufficient. Length is also crucial; experts recommend a minimum of 12 characters. You can create and securely store complex, one-of-a-kind passwords with the aid of password tools. They reduce the likelihood that someone will use the same password twice and make it simpler to remember several.

We'll about how multi-factor authentication adds another level of security in the next section.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Enhance Security?

Before gaining access to an account, users who use multi-factor authentication (MFA) must supply two or more verification methods. Even in the event that a password is compromised, this greatly lowers the chance of unwanted access.

Types of Authentication Factors

• Something You Know – Passwords, PINs, or security questions.

• Something You Have – A smartphone, hardware token, or security key.

• Something You Are – Biometric verification like fingerprints or facial recognition

Common MFA Methods

• SMS-Based Codes – A one-time code sent via text. While convenient, SIM-swapping attacks make this method less secure.

• Authenticator Apps – Apps like Google Authenticator generate time-sensitive codes without relying on SMS.

• Hardware Tokens – Physical devices like YubiKey provide phishing-resistant authentication.

MFA adoption is still low despite its effectiveness because it is thought to be inconvenient. However, when weighed against the dangers of account takeover, the trade-off between security and usability is negligible. We'll then examine new developments in authentication technology.

What Are the Latest Trends in Authentication?

More secure and approachable passwords are gradually taking the place of traditional ones. Using biometrics or cryptographic keys in place of learned secrets, passwordless authentication is becoming more and more popular.

Although biometric authentication methods like fingerprint and facial recognition are convenient, they are not infallible because biometric information can be stolen or spoof. An extra degree of security is offered by behavioral biometrics, which examine mouse movements or typing patterns.

FIDO (Fast Identity Online) standards are another innovation that makes it possible to log in without a password using device-based authentication or hardware security keys. To phase out passwords completely, major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are implementing FIDO.

Even though these technologies increase security, user education is still essential. Human error, such as falling for phishing scams, is the cause of many breaches. We'll go over best practices for keeping secure credentials in the last section.

How Can You Maintain Strong Authentication Practices?

Regularly updating passwords and enabling MFA are foundational steps, but proactive monitoring is equally important. Here’s how to stay ahead of threats:

• Monitor for Data Breaches – Services like Have I Been Pwned notify users if their credentials appear in leaked databases.

• Avoid Phishing Scams – Never enter credentials on suspicious links or emails pretending to be from trusted sources.

• Use a Password Manager – These tools generate, store, and autofill complex passwords while encrypting them for safety.

Businesses should enforce password policies and conduct cybersecurity training. Individuals should treat their passwords like house keys—never leave them exposed or reuse them carelessly.

What Are the Most Common Password Mistakes to Avoid?

Many people unintentionally compromise their own cybersecurity by using bad password practices, even when they mean well. The first step to building a more secure online presence is being aware of these dangers.

Using Easily Guessable Passwords

Simple, well-known passwords like "123456," "password," or "qwerty" are still used by many users. In brute-force attacks, these are the initial combinations that hackers try. Even small changes, like "Password123," don't provide much security. Dictionary words, sequential numbers, and private information like pet names or birthdays should never be included in a strong password.

Reusing Passwords Across Multiple Accounts

Using the same password across several accounts is one of the riskiest practices. A hacker can quickly compromise other accounts if they manage to get access to one. Since more than 60% of people reuse their passwords, credential-stuffing attacks are very successful.

Ignoring Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Although not strictly a password error, accounts become needlessly vulnerable when 2FA is not enabled. Although even a strong password can be broken, 2FA serves as an essential fallback protection. Because it seems inconvenient, many users omit this step without understanding the level of risk they are taking.

Writing Down Passwords or Storing Them Insecurely

Strong credentials are useless if they are written down on sticky notes or in unencrypted files. Attackers have immediate access if these digital or paper notes are misplaced or stolen. Because it securely organizes and encrypts login information, a password manager is a far safer option.

Never Updating Passwords

Even after a known data breach, some users continue to use the same password for years. The window of opportunity for attackers is decreased when passwords are changed on a regular basis, particularly for sensitive accounts like banking or email. Important passwords should be changed every three to six months, according to experts.

Ready to Strengthen Your Digital Security?

Being informed is your best defense against cybersecurity, which is a continuous effort. Future secure access is being shaped by emerging technologies like biometrics and passwordless logins; strong passwords and multi-factor authentication are only the first step. Adopting these practices can help businesses and individuals avoid expensive breaches.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Your Business Could Be At Risk of Password Spraying

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 16:18:36 GMT

A sophisticated type of cyberattack known as "password spraying" uses weak passwords to acquire unauthorized access to numerous user accounts. This approach focuses on using a single password or a collection of passwords that are frequently used across multiple accounts. The goal is to circumvent standard security protocols, such as account lockouts.

Password-heavy attacks are highly effective because they target people and their password management practices, which are the biggest weakness in cybersecurity. This ar ticle will describe how password spraying operates, address how it differs from other brute-force attacks, and go over how to detect and prevent it. We will also discuss how businesses can defend themselves against these threats and examine real-world examples.

What Is Password Spraying and How Does It Work?

"Password spraying" is a brute-force attack that attempts to access several accounts using the same password. This approach allows attackers to get around account shutdown policies. Usually, the objective of these policies is to prevent brute-force attacks, which attempt to gain access to a single account using several passwords. Many people must use easily guessed, weak passwords for password spraying to be effective.

Lists of usernames can often be obtained by attackers from public directories or previously disclosed data. They then attempt to access each of these accounts using the same passwords. In order to quickly try every possible combination of username and password, the process will usually be automated.

The attackers' strategy is to select only a few types of popular passwords that are likely to be used by at least a few employees of the target organization. These passwords usually originate from publicly available lists of popular passwords or from group-specific information, such as the company's name or address. Attackers increase their chances of successfully logging in while decreasing their chances of being locked out by using the same set of passwords for multiple accounts.

Because password spraying attacks don't generate as much suspicious activity as other kinds of brute-force attacks, many people are unaware of them. Since only one password is used at a time, the attack appears less dangerous and may not trigger any immediate alarms. However, if these attempts are made on several accounts and are not appropriately monitored and handled, they may have a disastrous outcome.

In recent years, password spraying has gained prominence among hackers, including government employees. It poses a serious risk to the security of both personal and corporate data because it is so simple to do and so effective at bypassing security measures. Understanding and preventing password spraying threats will become increasingly crucial as cybersecurity advances.

In the next section, we’ll discuss how password spraying differs from other types of cyberattacks and explore strategies for its detection.

What Sets Password Spraying Apart from Other Cyberattacks?

The methodology and execution of password spraying set it apart from other brute-force attacks. Password spraying uses a single password across several accounts, whereas traditional brute-force attacks concentrate on trying numerous passwords against a single account. Because of this distinction, attackers are able to evade activating account lockout policies, which are intended to prevent an excessive number of login attempts on a single account.

Understanding Brute-Force Attacks

Brute-force attacks entail meticulously attempting every password combination in an attempt to access an account. Due to the large number of login attempts on just one account, these attacks tend to be resource-intensive and easily detectable.

Compare Credential Stuffing

Another kind of brute-force attack is credential stuffing, which entails attempting logins using lists of stolen username and password combinations. Credential stuffing, as opposed to password spraying, uses credentials that have already been compromised instead of attempting to guess popular passwords.

The Stealthy Nature of Password Spraying

Because they spread attempts across numerous accounts, password spraying strikes are more covert than conventional brute-force attacks and are therefore more difficult to identify. Since they can frequently go undetected until serious harm has been done, their stealthiness is a crucial component of their effectiveness.

In the next section, we’ll explore how organizations can detect and prevent these attacks.

Rootkit Malware

Rootkit malware is a program or collection of malicious software tools that give attackers remote access to and control over a computer or other system. Although rootkits have some legitimate uses, most are used to open a backdoor on victims’ systems to introduce malicious software or use the system for further network attacks.

Rootkits often attempt to prevent detection by deactivating endpoint antimalware and antivirus software. They can be installed during phishing attacks or through social engineering tactics, giving remote cybercriminals administrator access to the system. Once installed, a rootkit can install viruses, ransomware, keyloggers, or other types of malware, and even change system configurations to maintain stealth.

How Can Businesses Recognize and Stop Password Spraying Attacks?

Proactive monitoring and analysis are necessary to identify password spraying attacks. Strong security measures must be put in place by organizations in order to spot suspicious activity early. This involves keeping an eye out for odd login attempts, setting baseline thresholds for unsuccessful logins, and employing cutting-edge security tools to identify trends suggestive of password spraying.

Implementing Strong Password Policies

To stop password spraying attacks, it is essential to enforce strong, one-of-a-kind passwords for every user. Companies should implement policies that ensure long, complicated passwords that are updated regularly. Strong passwords can be created and safely stored by users with the aid of tools like password managers.

Deploying Multi-Factor Authentication

By requiring extra verification steps in addition to a password, multi-factor authentication (MFA) substantially reduces the risk of unauthorized use. To prevent password spraying, MFA must be implemented for all user accounts, particularly those that have access to sensitive data.

Conducting Regular Security Audits

Finding weaknesses that might allow password spraying attacks can be aided by routine audits of authentication logs and security posture evaluations. These audits should to zero in on finding patterns that automated tools might overlook and making sure that all security protocols are current and functional.

In the next section, we’ll discuss additional strategies for protecting against these threats.

What Additional Measures Can Be Taken to Enhance Security?

Organizations can improve their security posture against password spraying attacks through the use of a number of extra measures in addition to the fundamental ones of using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. This entails putting incident response plans into action, teaching users about password security, and setting up security settings to recognize and react to questionable login attempts.

Enhancing Login Detection

Systems for detecting login attempts to numerous accounts from a single host over a brief period of time should be set up by organizations. This may be a blatant sign of an attempt to password-spray. It's also crucial to implement more robust lockout policies that strike a balance between security and usability.

Educating Users

In order to stop password spraying attacks, user education is essential. Users ought to be made aware of the dangers of using weak passwords and the significance of multi-factor authentication. Frequent training sessions can support the reinforcement of security awareness and password management best practices.

Incident Response Planning

Rapidly responding to and lessening the impact of a password spraying attack requires a thorough incident response strategy. Procedures for notifying users, changing passwords, and carrying out comprehensive security audits should all be part of this strategy.

Taking Action Against Password Spraying

A major threat to cybersecurity is password spraying, which uses weak passwords to access numerous accounts without authorization. To defend against these attacks, organizations must place a high priority on multi-factor authentication, strong password policies, and proactive monitoring. Businesses can protect their data and systems from these advanced cyberthreats by comprehending how password spraying operates and putting strong security measures in place.

Consider contacting us to improve the cybersecurity of your company and defend against password spraying attacks. Our specialty is providing knowledgeable advice and solutions to help you improve your security posture and guarantee the integrity of your digital assets. To find out more about how we can help you protect your systems from changing cyberthreats, get in touch with us today.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Essential Backup and Recovery Solutions for Small Businesses [2025 Guide]

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:52:18 GMT

What would happen if tomorrow your company lost all its data? Would your operations come to a complete stop, or would you be able to recover? Data, including communications, financial records, product files, and customer information—is the lifeblood of any small business. However, data security is frequently neglected.

After a disaster, 25% of small businesses close within a year, and 40% never reopen , according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). That represents an incredible 65% failure rate because of inadequate preparation. The good news is here. An enterprise budget and a dedicated IT staff are not necessary for disaster data protection. You can create a backup and recovery plan that reduces downtime and provides you with peace of mind if you have the right approach, the appropriate tools, and a little forethought.

In this blog post, we will discuss practical and easy-to-follow advice to help you protect your most valuable business asset: your data.

How Important Are Regular Backups?

Let's be honest. If you don't have regular backups, your business is one unexpected event away from potential collapse, regardless of the threat—a hard drive failure, an employee error, or a flood that destroys your office.

It's not just about disasters, either. Data loss can be caused by everyday occurrences (such as someone inadvertently erasing a file or clicking on a malicious link). Cyberattacks against small businesses have been increasing steadily over the last ten years, according to TechNewsWorld . Furthermore, sectors subject to regulatory compliance, such as healthcare, finance, or legal services, are prone to severe sanctions if they are unable to provide safe and trustworthy backups during an audit.

Simple Backup and Recovery Strategies

Not sure where to start with protecting your business data? Here are some simple, effective backup and recovery plans that every small business can use.

Know Your Storage Limits

It's easy to think your backups are working until you get that dreaded alert: "Backup Failed - Storage Full." Small businesses often outgrow their storage capacity without realizing it.

To avoid data disruptions:

Audit your storage monthly to track how quickly you're using space.
Enable alerts so you're notified before hitting limits.
Clean up old, duplicate, or unused files regularly.

Pro tip:

Always leave 20-30% of your backup storage free . This buffer ensures there's room for emergency backups or unexpected file growth

Use a Cloud Service

Data protection for small businesses has been shifted by cloud storage. These services provide flexible, safe, and reasonably priced off-site storage that safeguards your data even if your physical office is compromised. Look for cloud services that offer:

Look for cloud services that offer:

Automatic and scheduled backups
End-to-end encryption
Access across all devices
Version history and recovery tools

Popular options include Google Workspace, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox Business, and more robust solutions such as Carbonite, Backblaze, or Acronis.

Cloud backups are your first line of defense against local disasters and cyber threats.

Automate Your Backup Schedule

Manual backups are unreliable. People forget. They get busy. They make mistakes. That's why automation is key.

Set your systems to back up:

Daily for mission-critical data
Weekly for large system files and applications
Monthly for archives

Bonus tip:

Run backups after business hours to avoid interfering with employee productivity. Tools like Veeam, Acronis, and Windows Backup can automate schedules seamlessly.

Test Your Recovery Plan

A backup plan is only as good as its recovery. Many businesses don't test their backups until they're in crisis, and then discover their files are incomplete or corrupted.

Run quarterly disaster recovery drills . These help you:

Measure how fast files can be restored
Identify gaps in your backup process
Ensure key team members know their roles

Two crucial metrics are recovery time objectives (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO). Your RPO is the maximum amount of data loss you can accept, and your RTO is the amount of time it takes to regain operations. During your test runs, define and measure both.

Keep a Local Backup for Fast Access

Although cloud storage is powerful, your speed advantage comes from local storage. During an outage, it may take a while to download large files from the cloud. NAS systems, USBs, and external hard drives can help with that.

Benefits of local backups include:

Rapid recovery times
Secondary layer of security
Control over physical access

Secure your drives with encryption, store them in a locked cabinet or fireproof safe, and rotate them regularly to prevent failure.

Teach Your Team

Your employees can either be your biggest risk or your strongest defense. Most data breaches happen due to human error. That's why training is crucial.

Every employee should know:

Where and how to save data
How to recognize phishing and malware attempts
Who to contact during a data emergency

Hold monthly or quarterly training sessions. Use mock phishing emails to test awareness. Keep an emergency checklist posted in shared areas.

Remember that empowered employees make smarter decisions and make data safer.

Maintain and Monitor Your Backups

Backup systems aren't "set it and forget it." Like any other technology, they need care and maintenance.

Establish a maintenance routine

Review backup logs weekly
Check for failed or missed backups
Update your backup software
Replace aging hardware on schedule

Designate a " data guardian ", someone responsible for oversight and reporting. Regular maintenance avoids nasty surprises when you need your backups most.

Consider a Hybrid Backup Strategy

A hybrid backup approach, which combines local and cloud backups, has proved effective for many small businesses. This method offers performance optimization, redundancy, and flexibility.

Benefits of a hybrid backup strategy:

Fast recovery from local sources
Off-site protection for major disasters
Load balancing between backup sources

For instance, you could automate daily backups to the cloud while also running weekly backups to an encrypted external drive. That way, you're covered from every angle.

Disaster Strikes, What Do You Do?

Disasters can still occur despite having the best backup plans. The true test occurs after the crisis hits, whether it's a ransomware attack, an office fire, or someone inadvertently erasing a whole folder of client files. Here's how to remain composed and take charge when your data is at stake:

Activate Your Recovery Plan

Here's where being prepared pays off. To restore your data, follow the recovery procedures you have written down. Begin the restoration process immediately if you have automated systems or cloud-based backups. To reduce downtime, always begin with the most important systems and data. You should have a clear recovery plan that will help you navigate the process with little confusion.

Keep Your Team In the Loop

Clear communication is essential during a disaster. Notify your team about the situation, especially key departments like customer service, IT, and operations. Assign tasks to staff members, so everyone knows what needs to be done. Regular updates and transparency reduce anxiety, keep morale up, and help ensure that recovery proceeds smoothly without added stress.

Document What Happened

Once everything is over, spend some time recording everything that happened. What was the root cause? How much time did it take to recover? Did anything go wrong? The secret to enhancing your disaster recovery plan is this post-mortem analysis. Your system's resilience can be increased by improving your procedures and preventing future occurrences of the same problems.

Test the Recovery Process

Having a recovery plan on paper is not enough; you also need to ensure that it works in reality. Test your recovery procedures frequently after an incident to make sure backups are operational and can be promptly restored. Before a real disaster occurs, you can find any weaknesses in your plan and fix them beforehand with the help of simulated drills or recurring tests.

The cost of losing data (calculated in lost revenue, reputational harm, and possible fines from the government) far outweighs the initial effort, therefore disaster-proofing your data is a wise investment. Set up local and cloud backups, automate and test your recovery procedures, train your employees, keep an eye on storage, and rotate hardware to protect your company. Your company will be ready to withstand any calamity, including cyberattacks, natural disasters, and even the occasional spilled coffee, if you have a strong backup and recovery plan in place. Act before a crisis arises.

Data catastrophes can happen at any time. Is your company safe? Obtain specialized backup solutions that guarantee immediate recovery, automated security, and zero downtime. Because the best backup isn't an option when a disaster strikes. It's essential.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Does your company have a business continuity plan (BCP)?

Mon, 25 May 2020 02:13:31 GMT

Do you know why some small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) succeed while others fail during the first five years of operation? Poor leadership is one reason, the lack of capital is another. Another big reason is they didn't prepare for major disruptions, such as natural disasters and cyberattacks, that can bring their business to a grinding halt. This is why you need a BCP.

What is a BCP?

A BCP is a predefined set of protocols on how your business should respond in the event of an emergency or natural disaster. It contains contingency plans for every aspect of your organization, including human resources, assets, and business processes.

Key threats to business continuity

Various types of threats can affect SMBs such as:

Natural disasters – These are natural phenomena such as storms, earthquakes, and wildfires.

Man-made disasters – These include cyberattacks, intentional sabotage, and human negligence.

Equipment and utility failures – These include unexpected power failure, internet downtime, and disruption of communication services.

How to build an effective BCP

If your organization does not have a BCP in place, now is a good time to put one together. These steps will help you formulate an effective BCP that will ensure your company keeps running even during a major crisis.

#1 Business impact analysis (BIA)

A BIA will help you determine how a disruption can affect your company's current functions and processes, such as personnel, equipment, technology, and physical infrastructure. This step will help you calculate the potential financial and operational loss from each function and process affected.

#2 Recovery options

This step will help you identify key resources essential to returning your business to minimum operational levels. Some recovery options you can take include letting employees work from home or operating from a secondary location.

#3 Plan development

This step involves assembling your company's continuity team, which will be responsible for developing and implementing your BCP.

#4 Testing and training

Once your BCP is in place, your continuity team needs to perform regular tests to identify gaps and make necessary changes to ensure the plan’s effectiveness. They also need to conduct regular training for your employees so everyone knows their respective roles when a disaster strikes.

Having a foolproof BCP is a great way to ensure your business can quickly bounce back after a major disaster. If you're thinking about creating a BCP for your company but don't know where to start, give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Stay afloat during the pandemic: 5 useful tips

Wed, 06 May 2020 02:17:08 GMT

As the coronavirus disease continues to spread all over the world, more and more businesses are faced with a difficult decision: find a way to adapt to the current situation or close their doors forever. Here are some tips to help your business adjust to the challenges of the pandemic and stay afloat during these tough times.

Reduce expenses

This one is obvious but still bears mentioning: take out your books and find out where and how you can cut costs without affecting the quality of your service.

Putting off non-essential or discretionary expenses, such as repainting your offices or buying new equipment, is a no-brainer. Cutting out fixed expenses such as rent and loan payments is harder, if not impossible, to do. However, it is crucial if your production and revenue are at a standstill.

Try asking your landlord for a reduction or deferment of a portion of your rent. Also, ask your bank if you can put off or skip loan payments for a finite period, or if they can at least waive fees on late or missed payments. (Find out if your bank is one of those offering relief to borrowers amid the pandemic here.)

Learn from your competitors

Observe both your direct and indirect competitors, especially those that are faring better than others. Find out what they’re doing differently and see if this will work for your business. More than adopting these strategies, it’s important to adapt them to your own and your customers’ needs.

It’s also a good idea to look at larger organizations within your industry. SMBs like yours may not be able to compete with bigger players on a scale level, but you can learn a few things about customer service, marketing strategies, and the like from them.

Redefine your business model

Even with coronavirus restrictions gradually being lifted across the United States, it would take a while before things return to normal. It’s crucial to ask yourself if traditional business models would still make sense in a post-COVID-19 world and adjust accordingly.

Determine any changes you need to make to your current business model. This involves identifying who your customers are and what they need, your staff’s capabilities, and any uncertainties and their impacts. Such changes may include finding a way to deliver your products or services to your customers, just like what groceries and restaurants did in the face of lockdowns and shelter-in-place directives.

Connect with your customers

Understand that many of your customers may have been affected in some way by the pandemic — they might have been laid off, for instance, or are caring for a family member who tested positive for COVID-19. They may reach out to you to pause or cancel your services, or to ask for a discount or payment deferral. When speaking to them, demonstrate empathy, whatever their concerns may be. When things get back to normal, it’s likely that those who had a positive experience with you during the pandemic will stick around and keep doing business with you.

Keeping your customers informed throughout these trying times is important. Make sure, though, that what you’re saying is relevant to them. For example, if you run an eCommerce business, let your customers know through email or social media about any shortages in supply and when you expect to be able to fulfill their orders. Doing so reassures customers that you’re doing your best to provide them with the same quality of service pre-COVID-19.

Upskill your staff

Upskilling your employees may be the best way to spend your resources during the current situation. Equipping your team with new knowledge and skills will help them adapt to the changing business environment.

Sharpening your team’s digital skills is especially important now that the COVID-19 crisis is spurring digital transformation. Other areas to focus on are project management, communication, data analytics, and digital marketing. And if you find yourself short-staffed, it might pay to train employees to handle other aspects of your business, ensuring that everything runs smoothly throughout the pandemic and beyond.

The current situation requires swift and decisive action from business leaders. Making smart and proactive decisions now will ensure that you’ll mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on your business, and that you’ll emerge from this crisis stronger than ever. For more tips on how to run your business effectively in times of crisis, drop our experts a line today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Business impacts of the coronavirus disease

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 05:14:13 GMT

Consumers and businesses are already dealing with the huge impact of COVID-19. As governments and private businesses continue to find ways to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, they turn to all available technology resources. In the long term, expect the following changes in the use of technology.

Increased reliance on communications technology

The need for remote interactions and stronger communications technology will inevitably increase. Businesses are expected to immediately adopt things like 5G technology to enhance communication speeds and performance.

Meanwhile, specific industries like healthcare will adopt technologies that optimize current processes. This includes using telehealth platforms that will let healthcare providers diagnose and issue prescriptions remotely. To do that, they need 5G-powered systems that will efficiently facilitate consultations.

Many companies have already shifted to remote work setups. Business leaders now and in the foreseeable future will use more platforms that efficiently facilitate collaboration with colleagues, business partners, and customers. Tools that will let them achieve this include teleconferencing solutions like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and others.

Digital ways to network

Now that many businesses of all sizes have shifted to remote work, it follows that events, conferences, and a variety of gatherings worldwide such as tech conferences have been canceled. This is to curb the fast spread of the coronavirus.

Certain organizations will forgo in-person networking events and business meetings and will explore online avenues to maintain business opportunities. Again, this could mean turning to telecommunications tech that offers reliable connectivity and fast speeds.

A boost in cashless transactions

Paying in cash is quickly becoming a thing of the past due to recommendations of healthcare authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO). This is to limit the spread of the virus that can spread through cash. More than ever, businesses must explore ways to implement measures that restrict cash payments, if not eliminate them altogether.

In other words, contactless payments will now be the norm in many countries around the world. This certainly applies to small businesses, too. Because of the pandemic, businesses across industries are expected to quickly adopt mobile payments and other forms of electronic payments.

Growth in eCommerce

As the general public drastically limits time spent outdoors, brick-and-mortar stores experience less and less foot traffic. Businesses that have adapted to new ways of product and service delivery would find themselves increasingly maximizing online purchase options for their customers.

However, the logistics involved in delivering goods and services could prove overwhelming for many businesses. For instance, they may have to adjust order fulfillment models to align with shifting demands. That could mean increasing the workforce in charge of eCommerce operations. Therefore, those that are able to boost their online shopping operations must take steps to enhance their online selling capabilities to meet unpredictable surges in demand.

In a time of crisis, businesses must explore the many ways technology can help sustain operations; whether it be in terms of maintaining communications, delivering goods and services, and gearing up for a drastically changed future.

Call our IT experts today and let us know how you want your tech resources to aid you in these tough times.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Should you use UPS for your network gear?

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 05:29:51 GMT

Smart business owners use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for emergency situations like a storm, fire, or other disasters. Often, a UPS is deployed for desktop computers to give employees ample time to save their work and prevent losing unsaved work. An even better power-saving strategy in emergency situations, however, is to use UPS for networking equipment.

UPS for network equipment

UPS systems provide backup power in case of outages and protect against power surges, which don’t just damage computers but also make you lose unsaved work. Deploying them for Wi-Fi routers and modems allows you to stay connected to the internet in what is typically a chaotic time.

Moreover, it makes sense not to just keep your PCs powered up, but to also have internet access during a disaster. This strategy works relatively well if your staff are predominantly laptop users, as that means you only need power for your Wi-Fi gear.

Better than generators

Although generators are indispensable for certain businesses, they also require greater upkeep. Small- and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) may not have enough capacity to maintain them because they typically require a utility crew who can manage high-maintenance equipment.

What’s more, extreme mishaps when misused or mishandled could result in generator-related fatalities. On the other hand, misusing a UPS unit could result in the loss of a day’s work, but it’s unlikely to lead to anything as extreme.

Why internet access is important during a disaster

UPS-supported modems or routers help you stay online for as much as 90 minutes, which should be enough time to get your bearings before power finally runs out. Internet service providers (ISPs) are usually prepared for catastrophes and would normally have an emergency power source to stay operational. And if you can stay online via Wi-Fi during an emergency, you get the following benefits:

Internet speed that’s faster than cellular access

No extra telecom costs resulting from overreliance on cellular data

All devices stay online using a stable Wi-Fi connection

Devices don’t have to rely on cellular data-equipped phones for internet connection

Plug in your network gear now

Businesses that aren’t located in disaster-prone areas probably don’t give much thought to installing UPSs for their computers, let alone their modems. But accidents and emergencies are inevitable. And when they happen, you’ll find that having internet access is one of the most important things you need to ensure business continuity.

Think of an emergency power supply source like a UPS as an investment that not just protects your systems from data loss but also keeps your Wi-Fi equipment functioning in emergency scenarios. Call us today for productivity-saving tips and other hardware hacks for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Benefits of technology business reviews

Fri, 14 Feb 2020 05:33:38 GMT

Most small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) don’t possess the resources to run and maintain their IT infrastructure, let alone assess whether it’s still driving value for the company. However, if you want to ensure everything is running smoothly, it’s important to conduct technology business reviews whenever possible.

A technology business review reveals the strengths and weaknesses of your company’s IT framework. It’s often performed by a third-party IT consultant who will give an objective assessment of your technology and provide recommendations to help you meet your goals. If done properly, technology business reviews allow you to:

Save money

Every review starts with a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether an implemented solution is worth the continued investment. If there are technologies costing you a fortune in management and maintenance fees, consultants will advise you to cut them from your budget. The best ones will recommend cost-effective alternatives so you can do more with less.

Increase productivity

System-wide reviews of your IT infrastructure show you what processes are hindering business operations. This allows you to formulate solutions to increase productivity. For example, if employees are mainly sharing files via email, consultants might suggest cloud collaboration platforms, like Office 365 or G Suite, that store data in a centralized location for seamless file sharing.

Enhance security and compliance

Technology business reviews can also uncover security risks within your business. Consultants look for missed patches, poorly configured networks, and other software vulnerabilities that can be easily exploited by cybercriminals.

They’ll then compile their findings to create a more robust cybersecurity strategy, usually, one that involves implementing advanced solutions like intrusion prevention systems (IPS), file access restrictions, and patch management software.

If you operate a business that’s subjected to data regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), consultants will also pinpoint IT practices and solutions that are noncompliant and customize a strategy that ensures the privacy, integrity, and availability of your data.

Implement technologies that fit

Considering that new technologies are released at a breakneck pace, it’s important to pick those that will help you achieve your business goals. Technology business reviews keep you up to date on the latest technology trends and gauge the impact of implementing them so that you can make informed decisions.

Whether your goal is to increase profits, productivity, security, or all of the above, technology business reviews can put you on the right track. Our seasoned IT consultants can conduct these reviews for you and develop a strategy that gives you an edge over the competition. Just give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Identity and access management 101

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 05:47:16 GMT

Whether it be cloud, mobile, or on-premises, every technology you use stores confidential data that are accessed by your employees. So how do you guarantee the safety of said data from cyberthreats like identity theft, phishing attacks, and more? Identity and access management (IAM) is the answer, and here’s why.

What is IAM?

Identity and access management is a system that secures, stores, and manages user identities and access privileges. It ensures that users are who they say they are and will grant access to applications and resources only if they have permission to use them. System administrators can make it so that employees can only access apps and data they need for work.

Other solutions that go into identity and access management include single sign-on (SSO) and multifactor authentication (MFA). The former allows users to securely log in to multiple applications that they are authorized to access. Meanwhile, MFA sets an additional method of user verification other than passwords. This includes fingerprint scans, facial ID, or a one-time security code from an SMS.

These security solutions are designed to protect digital assets even if users attempt to access company accounts through mobile devices and the cloud.

Centralize access control

Too much access to certain systems is risky, while too little can hamper productivity and frustrate users. IAM strikes the perfect balance by letting you set centralized policies for the right access privileges. For example, you can deny your design team access to the accounting system while granting it to your CFO.

Each user’s role and attribute can be used to determine which resources they’re allowed to access and to what extent. This not only offers better security, but also more flexibility and ease of management.

Lower chances of data breaches

With SSO and MFA, your employees will no longer have to remember multiple passwords. Instead, they’ll be able to prove their identity using evidence-based authorization such as answering a personal question that only they would know. IAM also comes equipped with advanced encryption tools to protect sensitive data, reducing the risk of compromised user credentials.

Improve user experience

Customers today interact with your company across multiple channels, whether in the cloud or via third-party applications. This is where IAM helps provide a better experience through SSO, self-service capabilities, and unified customer profiles that make communication processes quick and easy.

Your employees, on the other hand, will be able to access the information they need securely and conveniently no matter where they are. This means productivity will no longer be confined to their office desk.

Achieve regulatory compliance

Businesses today must meet the constantly changing regulatory requirements concerning data access governance and privacy management. IAM was designed with just that in mind and provides control over who can access data and how it can be used and shared.

Reduce IT costs

IAM automates and standardizes many aspects of identity, authentication, and authorization management. This means you’ll be able to minimize significant labor costs associated with keeping your business environment secure.

An identity and access management solution equips you with much-needed security without compromising on usability and convenience. To operate in a digital business environment, it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” you’ll adopt IAM within your company.

If you’re looking to enhance company-wide security, whether with IAM or other solutions, why not give us a call? We’re sure we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Business continuity in the cloud

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 05:49:35 GMT

Are you weighing the pros and cons of the cloud for business continuity? Let’s take a closer look at why the cloud is best for this strategy.

Better uptime

Backing up to an internal drive or an external hard drive won’t completely secure data. If someone steals your device, you instantly lose the backup it contains. Natural disasters, cybercrime, or man-made errors will also likely destroy your backups. As a result, your company could face expensive downtime.

With cloud-hosted backup, however, things are different. The entire purpose of a cloud backup is to make sure your data is available when you need it. Top cloud service providers will offer redundancy, which means they will make a backup of your backups. This increases uptime and ensures optimum levels of data availability.

Fast resource provisioning

When backups are being implemented, spikes in user activity or cloud environment accessibility can slow down a website or other running systems. This is where a cloud hosting provider comes in handy. By closely monitoring user activities, providers can see spikes either before or as they are happening. The provider will provision more resources and virtual machines to manage the influx of users. This type of flexibility is particularly useful when data backups are in process.

Backup frequency

Most companies work on files and update information throughout the day, so it’s important to have a real-time backup plan ready in case an unexpected disaster occurs. When you back up data in the cloud, you will no longer have to worry about managing the frequency of your backups.

Most cloud-hosted providers offer round-the-clock or other fixed backup frequencies, while others let you set your own backup schedule. Some of the services offered by these providers will back up files as you make changes, so you’ll know that the very latest version of files and data are always backed up.

Distributed infrastructure

Cloud-hosted backup means the delivery of data backup to users all over the world. Selecting the right type of cloud hosting partner is equally as important as having a cloud backup plan in the first place. If international users are trying to access database or download applications through your business website, latency will become a factor — the closer the user is to the data, the faster they’ll be able to access information.

A suitable cloud hosting partner will be able to provide backup servers at a location that best suits your company’s business continuity needs. Distributed infrastructure is beneficial if you’re looking to support a large number of worldwide users.

Businesses everywhere are utilizing cloud backup solutions, so don’t be the one left behind. If you’re looking for a managed cloud backup service to protect your business data, give us a call today to see how we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

BI is for small businesses too

Thu, 28 Nov 2019 05:57:22 GMT

Business Intelligence (BI) has conventionally been limited to big business; only they can afford pricey experts with specialist knowledge who can leverage BI’s value. But the rise of self-service BI tools has leveled the playing field, allowing small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to get in on the game too. And with SMBs now producing far greater volumes of data than in the past, there’s never been a better time to put BI to use in your organization. Here’s what you need to know about BI.

You’ve already got the data you need

It’s easy to underestimate the amount of data your SMB already has at its disposal. In every area of your business, from finance and sales to customer relations and website management, the software packages you use to simplify your everyday operations are packed with reams of information that most of us don’t even think twice about. By talking to key stakeholders in your organization’s various departments, you can get an idea of the kind of data you already have, how it’s generated, and where it’s stored. You can then start to think about using BI tools to transform that information into meaningful business insights that will inform your decision-making. No need for you to invest in time-consuming data generation from scratch!

Self-service BI tools are plentiful — and affordable

The emergence of self-service BI puts useful business analytics within reach of smaller business owners who lack the fancy-pants budgets of larger corporations. In fact, there are numerous self-service BI tools that you can use to get started in this area without even spending a dime. Microsoft Power BI is a powerful application that’s pleasingly user-friendly, and most businesses will find the functions they need in the free version. Zoho Analytics has a low entry-level cost, too, and the slightly pricier yet still affordable Tableau is another option that’s worth exploring.

It’s easy to get started

BI is an intimidating term, especially for the average business owner. But by taking small steps, it’s easy for anyone to get started — and before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the benefits of having data-driven, intelligence-based insights that will enable you to make better business decisions.

Most self-service BI tools come with built-in suggestions for reports that businesses commonly run and find useful. Other worthwhile statistics to explore include the percentage of your clients who cancel within a set period, website landing pages that generate the longest visits, your most profitable individual products or services, the days or months in which you generate your highest revenues, and which of your clients bring in the most revenue and profit.

Truly harnessing data is the future of the business world — it’s how companies like yours can make smarter decisions that increase efficiency and profitability. And having self-service tools available means SMBs no longer need a crazy budget to be able to afford the benefits of BI. To find out more about putting in place the tools that can help you do smarter business, just give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Benefits of CRM for businesses

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 06:00:09 GMT

At the end of the day, the success of any business comes down to whether it’s making a profit. That’s why building and maintaining relationships with your customers — your primary source of revenue — is extremely crucial. To respond to this need, savvy business owners are implementing customer relationship management (CRM) systems as a part of their business operations.

What is a CRM system?

CRM is a system that allows businesses to manage, record, and evaluate their customer interactions to provide better services and boost sales. You can use CRM to store customers’ contact details, accounts, leads, and sales opportunities all in one place.

What are the features of a CRM system?

Data management – When customer data is recorded, the CRM system centralizes the data into one file, called a master file. Everyone within the company then has access to this data source, preventing confusion from inaccurate or duplicated data.
Collaboration – Nowadays, clients demand quick and efficient customer service, so all involved departments must work together to quickly resolve client concerns. CRM systems enable collaboration by enabling the sharing of customer information among departments. This way, everyone is on the same page on clients’ circumstances and requirements.
Customer segmentation – A CRM system arranges your customers into groups based on criteria such as age, gender, location, and even their likes and dislikes. This allows you to target marketing messages to your customers more accurately, potentially increasing your sales numbers.
Task tracking – CRM systems have task tracking features that enable your employees to stay on top of important tasks, such as contacting customers via email or phone and following up on leads. CRM systems also send reminders to employees about their assigned tasks so that nothing falls through the cracks.
In-depth reporting – CRM systems provide a thorough analysis of your customer base. Its reports give details including an overview of product sales numbers, marketing strategy performance, most successful products or services to date, and even a prediction of whether your sales target will be met at the end of the month.

If you’re looking to improve customer service and increase sales conversion using a CRM system, contact us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

What companies get wrong about business continuity

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 06:02:19 GMT

Every business owner knows that having a business continuity plan is crucial to the success of their organization. However, when the unexpected does happen, companies tend to overlook how well employees can stick to the plan. To make sure your plan doesn’t go up in flames, here are five critical mistakes you must avoid.

Mistake #1: Failing to plan for employees

Companies that survive unexpected incidents are the ones that thought about their employees’ needs. Make sure you plan out everything from evacuation routes to emergency communication plans to make sure your employees have everything they need to survive the worst.

Discuss your strategy with your employees to let them know that you will be there to support them and their families in the event of a crisis. This way, your employees will have peace of mind knowing you and the company are there for them, and in turn, they will be there to support you.

Mistake #2: Using only words, not actions

Once you’ve documented your business continuity plan, you need to think about the small stuff to ensure your plan is executable. This includes logistical considerations like medical aid and monetary support.

Walk the walk and ensure your medical providers have made arrangements in advance. Have an assistance program in place to make sure your employees have access to people who can give them support in the event of an incident. Staff will remember if you provided them with care and support, and will remember even more clearly if you didn’t.

Mistake #3 : Not showing your employees how the plan will work

While many business owners worry about downtime, they overlook the fact that explaining the plan and its execution to employees is critical to minimizing lost productivity.

As part of your maintenance program, include your employees in the testing process. Execute a live test to show your employees how they’re supposed to respond during a crisis incident. Who are they supposed to contact during a natural disaster? What are they supposed to say to clients? Where will they work when the primary office is down? These are just a few questions you need to have answered by the end of the live test.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to check on people after the incident

When an incident occurs, the first assessment most businesses make is to determine the impact it has on the company. But how do you execute that process without people? When disaster strikes, your employees will naturally want to be taking care of their families, not your business.

Ensure your crisis management team addresses people issues first. Where are they? What do I need to do for them? Are there any special employee needs you must address?

Mistake #5 : Reacting rather than communicating

The most important thing to get right during a crisis is communication. It is imperative that your employees know you can provide them with the most up-to-date information.

Set up a toll-free hotline so your employees can call in for regular updates or create emergency channels where they can communicate with one another directly. With that, you provide consistent messaging, and you eliminate secondhand information and employee guesswork.

If your business continuity plan prioritizes your employees, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your team is still standing strong even if the worst should happen.

Want to learn more about business continuity and how it can help your business? Contact us today to see how we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

How to improve data collection practices

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 06:10:02 GMT

As businesses of all sizes continue to adopt more apps and tools, the amount of available data grows exponentially. However, not all of that information is important or even useful. It’s critical that as you collect more data you keep it organized and relevant. The collection process is the best place to start.

Before we jump into our tips for data collection, we have to address the elephant in the room: customer privacy. Despite all the recent regulatory frameworks for protecting people’s private information, there are still a number of opportunities for you to collect data without running afoul of the law. However, honesty is the best business policy. Never ask for a customer’s personal information unless you are absolutely sure that they are aware of the exchange.

With that out of the way, let’s get to it!

1. Collect identifiers

Whether you’re creating an online survey or a signup form, collecting identifying information (i.e. names, date of birth, age, gender, address, etc.) is crucial. This information will form the foundation for future analysis and segmentation.

2. Track customer interactions

Next is to define important customer interactions. For example, if you own an online store, you need to know how your customers arrived at your site, the items they clicked on, items they added to their cart, and what they eventually purchased. Tracking each step of their journey — from learning about your business to becoming a customer — will give you insights into what your customers need and want.

3. Gather behavior-related data

Don't focus solely on customers who made a purchase. Think about what other indicators produce meaningful data. In our online store example, you might want to track how many receive your email newsletter, how many pages they visited on your site, or how much time they spent on each page. Analyzing this information will help you determine which aspects of your efforts are most effective.

4. Automate data collection

When gathering customer data, you must minimize the risk of human error. The most effective strategy is to automate as much of the collection process as possible. Apps and tools such as online forms and optical character recognition systems feed information directly into your database and eliminate paper-centric processes that often lead to mistakes.

5. Integrate your systems

Redundancies and errors are also common when there are multiple databases managing the same information. You can prevent these issues by working with an IT provider to integrate all your apps, databases, and software solutions. This way, data collected in one database will be synced and consistent across other platforms, reducing manual data entry.

6. Consider who will view the reports

Inevitably, you’ll need to turn data into business intelligence reports. It’s a good idea to identify who will read your reports and highlight the most relevant insights. For instance, sales managers want to see quarterly sales figures, and human resources teams want to see labor costs compared to revenue. Using the right tools to generate these reports will save your team several hours of work.

7. Update data in real-time

It’s difficult to imagine any company in operation today that doesn’t need up-to-the-minute data accuracy. Business intelligence dashboards collect, organize, and filter data at the click of a button. This way, you’ll never have to wait a day or more to receive information that’s critical for a company decision.

Looking for technologies that can help you optimize data collection? Call our IT consultants today. We’ll recommend best-of-breed technologies that track the information you need to grow your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Avoid these 5 things when investing in IT

Mon, 23 Sep 2019 06:12:52 GMT

Small- and medium-sized business owners have a lot to do. Aside from managing their staff, exploring new opportunities for growth, and keeping clients happy, they have to oversee investments in new technology. Being busy, they can easily commit mistakes when choosing the right IT solution. Here’s a list of common IT investment missteps that owners like you should avoid.

Spending without finding the perfect fit

Advertisers like to make you believe that the newest technology will solve all your problems. While the latest cloud or virtualization offering is likely to make things better for many companies, they won’t work for everyone.

Don’t let the flash and hype of new products deceive you. Take time to think about the results you want to achieve with technology. Make a list of your goals and check if they can be fulfilled with your new IT investment. A good IT provider should guide, not confuse you. That provider should see to it that you make the best choice.

Believing everything will magically work together

As technology evolves, it becomes easier to use. User-friendly products help people work better and faster. However, not all products follow that route, and many business owners wrongly assume that the new technologies they invest in will work well with the other IT systems they already have. This mistaken belief can get them in trouble.

While many technologies are compatible with one another, those that don’t work together can result in massive and costly downtimes that can cripple your business. So, don’t push your luck. Be smart, do some research, or consult an IT professional before making a purchase.

Not training your team

Now that you’ve found the perfect fit technology that will integrate with your current IT, go ahead and purchase it. After that, you think you can relax and let your sparkly new IT solution power your company to new levels of success and profits, right? Wrong!

Don’t forget that not all employees will be comfortable with your new investment. Nor will everyone know how to use it. That’s the time to consult an IT provider for support and training. If this is not possible, look elsewhere or think twice before buying anything.

Forgetting your budget

More and more IT solutions are packaged with pay-as-you-go monthly pricing. While this is a great way to help you avoid a large upfront capital investment, implementing too many different technologies quickly without thinking about recurring costs can eat up your money.

Think carefully before opening your wallet. Do a little research, draft a budget, or get help from a consultant. This will spare you a lot of frustrations.

Not getting feedback

It’s wise to consult employees who will be using the new technology on a daily basis. Do this even before you make a purchase.

Remember that not everyone may feel at home with the new product. They might even discover some downsides you aren’t aware of. Talk to people to get important feedback, or you may find it difficult to convince them to use it.

Need an IT professional to create a complete technology solution for your business? We’re happy to serve you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

4 Data backup solutions to consider

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 06:14:08 GMT

The modern business uses data in almost every aspect of its operations. Without immediate and constant access to it, a business will come to a grinding halt. What’s more, in the event of a disaster, it risks losing valuable data if it doesn’t have a backup strategy in place. Here are four data backup solutions you can implement to prevent such a scenario.

When it comes to data backups, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. As such, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of each before making a choice.

USB flash drives

USB flash drives are basically miniature hard drives that you connect to your computer using a USB port. Aside from being inexpensive, USB flash drives are also portable. They can be used to back up data from several computers.

However, because of their size and portability, USB flash drives are easy to misplace, which is why they’re not recommended for long-term storage of crucial information. They are best used for intermediate backups.

External hard drives

As a backup storage medium, external hard drives have the lowest cost per gigabyte compared to other backup devices. Since an external hard drive has the same plug-and-play functionality as USB flash drives, you can just plug it into your computer and start selecting the files you want to back up. The transfer rate is also very fast, and you can back up a large amount of data within seconds.

One of the drawbacks of using an external hard drive is that you’ll need to update your backups on a regular basis, or else new files won’t be included. There’s also the risk of the device being misused or stolen. For example, an employee might use the drive for storing personal files or take it with them when they quit.

Network attached storage (NAS)

NAS is a dedicated server for storing data, and it can also be used as an email server. It has its own IP address and can operate either wired or wirelessly. NAS offers data redundancy, which means it will generate a backup of your backups, so you can ensure your files are fully protected.

On the downside, NAS can’t be scaled beyond the limits of the system. This means you have to purchase additional hard drive bays when you need more capacity. You also have to take full responsibility for data security if you’re implementing NAS.

Cloud storage

Cloud storage is becoming more and more popular among businesses of all sizes because of its many benefits. It gives users anytime, anywhere access to data and lets them work with the most current hardware and up-to-date software. It’s also affordable since businesses pay for what they use only. Additionally, cloud computing is convenient, because service providers take care of the installation, management, and maintenance processes.

However, some cloud service providers don’t employ sufficient security measures on their systems, so your data could be exposed to potential cybersecurity threats. For this reason, cloud storage is not always the ideal solution for medical practices, law firms, and other organizations that handle sensitive data. If they want to use cloud storage, they must find a service provider that implements top-of-the-line cybersecurity protocols and specializes in data regulations compliance.

Choosing the best backup solution has far-reaching impacts on your business. Each method or device has trade-offs, which is why you need to select the one best suited to your business’s needs. Enlist the help of our experts to ensure you make the right choice.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

5 Ways you can benefit from business dashboards

Tue, 20 Aug 2019 06:15:31 GMT

Data dashboards have become increasingly popular for businesses over the past few years. They are a great data visualization tool that gives you an overview of your business at a glance. Dashboards can cater to a wide variety of users, from marketing staff to project managers. Let’s take a look at how dashboards can support your business activities.

Marketing insights

An organization's marketing department typically analyzes a significant amount of data from various channels. Whether the purpose is to forecast monthly sales, predict trends, or build marketing strategies, marketing officers use dashboards to compare, sort, and analyze raw data to churn out meaningful information presented in an easy-to-understand format. This allows key decision makers to easily make decisions using that information.

Tracking sales opportunities

Sales dashboards are perfect for tracking products and services. They help you identify sales opportunities by monitoring top-selling products and comparing the growth in revenue on a periodical basis. They sync to your raw data, so your charts are always up to date, thus eliminating the need to spend hours manually entering and preparing sales reports and charts.

Social media management

Social media management is more than just posting regularly on your business’s social media accounts. And in most cases, your social media platform’s default dashboard doesn’t give you deep insight into your social media campaigns. What’s more, managing multiple social media accounts can quickly become a cumbersome process since you have to use several login credentials. Instead, you can manage your accounts all at once through a comprehensive social media dashboard, saving you valuable time and effort.

Financial reports

Presenting financial data is so complex that it often leads to misinterpretation and misunderstanding of critical data. Dashboards make creating financial reports much easier, and financial analysts can take advantage of dashboards to display sensitive data in a comprehensible graphical format — be it customer invoices, progress toward revenue goals, or business expenses.

Project collaboration

Businesses of all sizes require their employees to collaborate on projects, whether on-site or online. Project supervisors need to get their teams together to give them projects’ requirements, deadlines, and responsibilities, and to get progress updates. With the help of project collaboration dashboards, members will see the complete workflow of the project, allowing for a more efficient and collaborative working environment.

Dashboards eliminate the complications of presenting complex business data and make your team more efficient. If you’re looking to implement dashboards and other cutting-edge tools to make your job easier, contact our consultants today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Engaging types of video content for your customers

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:17:34 GMT

We have entered a post-text world. This means multimedia has dominated every channel making written content like standard blogs out of style. This means you need to update or completely reinvent your video content such as video blogs (vlogs), which are being used to engage customers. Take a look at these types of video content.

Business introduction/Behind-the-scenes

If your company lacks an online presence, one of the best things you can do is give customers direct access to your staff and your product. Take your viewers on an office tour and show them how a product is made, or even broadcast your business’s launch event.

Make sure to invite as many viewers as you can, but remember most live broadcasts can be saved and viewed later. You’ll likely want to keep the video available after it’s finished.

News and trending topics

Current and live events are great not only because they’re fresh but they also give your audience something to share.

Facebook Live and Instagram stories allow people and businesses to share recent information, trending news, and other relevant stories. For example, a live coverage of your cooking show would allow you to engage your viewers by inviting them to participate in a live Q & A activity.

These features could instantly reach millions of viewers in a span of a few seconds.

Ask me anything (AMA)

Depending on your product or service, you may be getting a lot of conceptual questions about innovative ways to use it, what direction the company is heading, and so forth. There’s no better way to address these questions than to do so in a personal and unscripted AMA segment.

If there’s a good turnout, make sure to keep questions and answers moving in relevant and interesting directions. There’s nothing wrong with updating everyone on what you had for breakfast, but addressing service bugs or product feature requests is going to be a lot more beneficial for wider audiences.

How-tos

Whether it’s a soon-to-be-released product or a simple rehash of an existing one that’s getting lots of support requests, there’s no better way to guide customers than thorough how-to videos.

Not only do these show existing clients the best way to use your product or service, it also allows potential customers to see both your product and your customer service philosophy in action. Saving these videos can be invaluable as you continue to get questions on the product or service outlined in these videos — it’s an easy way to build a video reference library for sales and support.

Webinars

Webinars are events held on the internet and are attended by an online audience. They allow for online participation thanks to audio and video feeds.

In addition to video images, presentation slides can be broadcast and run in sync with the rest of the presentation. You can also make use of the screen capture functionality to show your viewers an application or website. Webinars also offer various interactive opportunities such as chat, polls, surveys, and tests,

Live broadcast announcements

Whether on Twitter or Facebook, post live broadcast updates about an upcoming product or service to make your announcement far more interesting and personal than a press release or faceless status update.

Text-based announcements and pre-recorded videos severely limit how you address the "fine print" questions from customers. Think of live broadcasts as a chance to hold your own personal press briefing and address questions after your scripted announcement.

Social media reports that Facebook users spend three times longer watching live broadcasts than pre-recorded video. Combine that with Facebook’s announcement that live videos are more likely to be promoted to the top of news feeds and you’d be crazy not to utilize live broadcasts.

There are a handful of different services to use for live video broadcasting and deciding which one is the best for you can depend on a lot of different variables.

Promotional videos

Use social media to promise a special promotion to anyone who tunes in to a live broadcast. Your promotional videos should portray your business in a positive light and make people want to buy from you.

Many companies use influencers nowadays to attract more people. This is a quick way to gain the attention of potential customers, especially those who are hearing about your product or service for the first time. A familiar face is almost always a quick way to earn someone’s trust.

Remember that promotional videos should be straight to the point and should last no longer than 10 to 15 minutes at most.

Call us with any of your questions and we’ll be happy to assist you in adding value to your business with today’s best live video services.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Prioritizing data backups with analytics

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 06:26:39 GMT

Staggering amounts of information is generated every day and many businesses would struggle to operate without their databases. In fact, experts agree that by 2020, there will be 1,700 gigabytes of data generated per person on the planet. If you’re a business that’s worried about protecting its data, analytics tools are a great place to start.

An excess of information

Nowadays, too much data may sound like a good thing. But for many organizations, creating backups in real-time isn’t economical. So if you’ve wondered how you should structure your backup plan to prioritize the critical files, we have an answer: Analytics tools.

Analyzing vast amounts of data quickly and affordably has never been easier for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The key is working with experienced IT professionals to customize a solution to meet your needs. As an MSP (managed IT services provider), we’ve spent years designing business continuity and disaster recovery plans, often for SMBs that couldn’t create backups every hour.

A smarter solution

Depending on your needs, we can set up sophisticated analytics tools that determine what is most essential to your business’s day-to-day operations. These solutions prioritize data in order of importance and translate that to a backup structure that ensures the right data is safe and sound should disaster strike.

These tools integrate with your existing data-backup solution but provide it with a map of what to save first, and what to leave for later. That results in faster recovery times in the event of untimely outages or disruptions. Furthermore, using analytics increases efficiency and decreases overall backup costs by providing a better picture of what is unimportant versus what is unnecessary.

SMBs have been the drivers of innovation for decades because, as they say, “necessity is the mother of invention.” So whether you’re interested in top-of-the-line IT solutions or just need to get a better handle on disaster recovery, we’re ready to create a customized backup solution, just for you. Take a second to analyze that, then give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Choosing the right business dashboard

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 06:30:55 GMT

Dashboards have become extremely useful tools for companies to make the most of their raw data. With proper implementation, a dashboard can display essential information in an easy-to-understand format, allowing business owners to easily make informed decisions. But a dashboard can say a lot of things depending on its setup, and it’s important to choose one that can best serve your purpose. Here are three types of business dashboards to consider.

Strategic dashboards

Ideal for senior managers and executives, strategic dashboards are designed to help identify potential opportunities for business expansion and improvement. This type of dashboard gives a bird’s-eye view of your business and track performance metrics against enterprise-wide strategic goals.

They summarize performance over set time frames: past month, quarter, or year. They can contain anything from overall sales numbers to sales and revenue comparisons to inventory levels, making it easy for executives to understand the overall health of the organization and monitor the long-term company strategy.

Operational dashboards

Business owners use operational dashboards to monitor and measure in real time the effectiveness and efficiency of their employees’ progress in relation to their targets. Since these dashboards focus on tracking operational processes, they are often more detailed than strategic dashboards and are usually viewed by junior levels of management multiple times throughout the day.

They are also commonly found in departments that need to respond to critical information quickly, such as marketing and operations. They help departments stay proactive and ahead of problems. For example, marketing teams can use this type of dashboard to monitor their campaign’s metrics such as cost per acquisition, total number of clicks, total acquisitions gained, and the total amount spent. Any significant changes would immediately alert the team. The operations team of manufacturing firms, on the other hand, may use this to track products manufactured, number of defects, complaints, and returns. They are then alerted right away when performance falls below targets.

Analytical dashboards

When it comes to creating and implementing strong business strategies, understanding the trends and events in your data is crucial. Analytical dashboards use volumes of data collected over time so you could compare current against historic data, enjoy in-depth analysis, identify patterns and opportunities, and determine why processes are working in certain departments. These dashboards present complex data, utilizing complex models and what-if statements, so they are commonly just used by staff with advanced training such as business analysts.

How do I know which dashboard to choose?

To help you choose which dashboard best suits your needs, you can ask yourself the following questions:

#1. What business problems are we trying to solve?

Strategic dashboards – Top-line organizational KPIs

Operational dashboards – Data awareness and time-sensitive data

Analytical dashboards – Trends or deeper insights

#2. Who will be using the dashboards?

Strategic dashboards – Executives, directors

Operational dashboards – Business managers

Analytical dashboards – Business analysts, data analysts

#3. What are our goals?

Strategic dashboards – Strategic goals, such as achieving KPI targets

Operational dashboards – Employee awareness and tracking against goals

Analytical dashboards – Analytic goals, such as visibility into key processes

Dashboards concentrate all data, metrics, and parameters in one place, bringing a totally new dimension to business intelligence. Your company can significantly benefit from the right dashboard. If you’re looking to implement dashboards for the first time or to enhance the functionality of your current dashboard, get in touch with us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Boosting SMB marketing with automation

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 06:33:47 GMT

Small business marketing has often been a difficult endeavor for small business owners. Marketing involves a great deal of time and effort, and can require a significant financial investment. Previously, only large corporations could afford marketing automation, but that’s no longer the case. Read the five most profitable benefits of this new IT innovation here.

Instant responses to email requests

If a customer or prospect sends your business an email via your website or a “Contact Us” form, any delay in response could ultimately cost you a client. But if you have a marketing automation plan in place, you can customize automatic email responses to respond to these leads as soon as an email is received. This either provides potential customers with the information they requested or informs them that you will be responding in greater detail soon.

Stop leaving voicemails and start closing deals

There’s a reason most people prefer to communicate via email: Keeping in touch over the phone can be tough if both parties are always busy. An automated system solves this by logging when you’ve contacted leads and automatically emailing them about follow-up times. The call, email, and its response are all logged in your CRM and calendar without a single minute wasted on inputting mundane information.

Inbound lead assignment

When you have phone calls, emails, and meetings piling up, it’s hard to keep track of which customer goes where and who is working with them. With marketing automation software and tracking, customer service representatives are automatically assigned to inbound leads based on specialties and demographics so they can begin working on building profitable rapport right away.

Give and you shall receive

Potential clients and leads get dozens, sometimes hundreds, of business emails every day. You need something to set your business apart from the rest. By offering valuable content such as how-to guides and total cost of ownership tools in exchange for contact information, you can provide prospects with content they actually want.

All it takes is a web form and some creative writing that ultimately leads visitors back to your products and/or services. Your automation software delivers content to anyone who provides contact information, and it downloads metrics that can be tracked and analyzed by your solution.

Never type another phone number again

Networking events mean new contacts and new leads. They used to mean having to keep track of thick stacks of business cards, but cutting-edge marketing tools now make it possible to take a picture of contact information and automatically store it as part of a cloud-based database. Call-ins, scanned business cards, and received emails all get organized into a single digital Rolodex with recommendations on whom to contact and when it is best to do so — without one minute of tedious data entry.

Every business owner knows that automating mindless tasks is a worthwhile investment. But not everyone knows just what sort of tools are available to help you cut down on wasted work. Our team specializes in using technology to add value to your business, and we believe that if you’re not utilizing any of the solutions above, that’s the best place to start. Get in touch with us today to make your marketing technology work for you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Connected Technology President Kevin Urso to speak at Creative Plan Designs breakfast on Cybersecurity

info@engageyourbiz.com (Engage Team) — Fri, 31 May 2019 03:38:13 GMT

Our speakers

Kevin Urso, President, Connected Technology

Jim Doran, Area Vice President Gallagher Insurance

Tuesday, June 11 th, 2019

8:00am-10:00am

Hamlet Golf and Country Club

One Clubhouse Drive, Commack NY 11725

Please RSVP to Rachelle Neuwirth, VP Business Development

Creative Plan Designs by June 6th

rneuwirth@cpdltd.com or 516-742-6123 ext 232

Space is limited and RSVP is a must

Disaster recovery during hurricane season

Wed, 29 May 2019 06:36:00 GMT

There’s no telling when natural disasters will occur. When they do, certain regions in the country often bear the brunt of their impact, like when Hurricanes Harvey and Irma hit certain states in 2017. With a well-designed disaster recovery (DR) plan, your business can be spared from total devastation.

Determine recovery hierarchy

Certain parts of your IT are more mission-critical than others. Ask yourself which systems or data must be recovered in minutes, hours, or days to get your business back to running efficiently.

For example, you may find that recovering sensitive customer information and eCommerce systems take priority over recovering your email server. Whatever the case may be, prioritizing your systems ensures that the right ones are recovered quickly after a disaster.

Pay attention to location

First and foremost, your backup site should be in a hurricane-free zone. Ideally, your off-site facility should be located at least 100 miles away from your main location. If this isn’t possible, make sure it is built to withstand wind speeds of 160 mph (as fast as Category 5 storms), and is supported by backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies.

You should also request an upper floor installation or, at the very least, keep critical IT equipment 18 inches off the ground to prevent water damage.

Use image-based backups

Unlike fragile tape backups, image-based backups take “snapshots” of your systems, creating a copy of the OS, software, and data stored in it. From there, you can easily boot the virtual image on any device, allowing you to back up and restore critical business systems in seconds.

Take advantage of the cloud

The cloud allows you to host applications and store data in high-availability, geo-redundant servers. This means your backups can be accessed via the internet, allowing authorized users to access critical files from any device. Expert technicians will also watch over and secure your backups, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of enterprise-level backup facilities and IT support.

Back up your data frequently

Back up your data often, especially during disaster season. If your latest backups were created on the 15th of September and the next storm makes landfall on the 28th, you could lose nearly two weeks of data.

Get in the habit of replicating your files at the end of each day, which should be easy if you’ve opted for image-based backups.

Test your DR plan

After setting up your backups, check whether they are restoring your files accurately and on time. Your employees should be drilled on the recovery procedures and their responsibilities during and after disaster strikes. Your DR team should also be trained on how to failover to the backup site before the storm hits. Finally, providers, contractors, and customers need to be notified about how the hurricane will affect your operations.

As cell towers and internet connections may be affected during this time, make sure your company forums are online and have your employees register with the Red Cross Safe and Well website so you can check their statuses.

It’s nearly impossible to experience little-to-no disruptions during disasters like Harvey or Irma, but with the right support, you can minimize downtime. If you’re concerned about any natural disasters putting you out of business, call us today. We offer comprehensive business continuity services that every company should have.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

4 ways to boost staff efficiency

Mon, 13 May 2019 06:38:14 GMT

Technology enables businesses to work remotely, collaborate more efficiently, and manage their time more effectively. But to achieve these benefits, you need to implement technologies that align with your business’s needs. Here are some things to consider.

Change office communication

To increase efficiency, set up instant messaging software such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. This allows employees to communicate anytime, anywhere instead of having to get up from their desks to see whether the person is available.

Of course, if you need to discuss big projects or issues, face-to-face communication is likely the best choice. But you can simply send a quick message for more trivial conversations, saving precious minutes and allowing you to get more work done.

Install video conferencing

Traveling to offsite meetings and training sessions takes time. Rather than commuting for hours outside your office, opt for a networked phone solution that offers video calls and conferencing. This way, you can hold a video conference to discuss business matters from the comfort and convenience of your office. You can also take things up a notch and equip the conference room with tools to pull up documents and have them displayed on a big screen so that everyone in the meeting can follow the conversation with ease.

Upgrade workstations

Outdated technologies and workstations limit your business’s progress and are a hindrance to developing clued-up, efficient employees. Aging systems and slow networks can frustrate your team and bring productivity to a standstill. That’s why it’s important to take the time to assess your current workstations, applications, hardware, and tools. This doesn’t mean that you have to buy a set of entirely new workstations. But you should replace obsolete equipment with more up-to-date machines. In addition, make sure all software and applications are up-to-date to ensure maximum efficiency and employee satisfaction.

Implement ERP software

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business process management software that allows organizations to automate processes and centralize data in order for employees to collaborate more efficiently. ERP software provides employees with up-to-date business information that they can easily access and use. What’s more, ERP also eliminates redundant data entry and reduces the number of spreadsheets that are used to record critical business data, by storing information in a centralized database.

To get the maximum return on your technology investment, it’s also important to partner with a knowledgeable and reliable service provider. Get in touch with our tech experts today to find out how we can implement technology to help your employees become more efficient and productive.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

How OMSs help empower eCommerce

Thu, 02 May 2019 06:42:09 GMT

Talk of business trends usually revolves around process optimization and efficiency rather than just volume. As such, order management systems (OMSs) are gaining popularity, thanks in large part to their ability to provide immediate results.

First off, we need to clarify that inventory management systems (IMSs) are not the same as OMSs. The former is a solution for analyzing your sales history and forecasting demand for your product and the materials you will need; in contrast, the latter is all about the here and now, as it tackles transactions as they happen.

What can an OMS do for you?

A complicated-but-necessary part of running an eCommerce store requires juggling sales, each at completely different stages in your shipping process and at varying rates of arrival every day. An OMS service is all about organizing product orders into a coherent and manageable workflow. Here are just some of the difficulties it helps you wrangle:

Your eCommerce store can be connected to your inventory. If a certain product runs out of stock, it can be reflected on your site so customers aren’t misled about the availability of your product.
Payment authorizations can be automated and integrated with your shipping services.
You can provide reports to your customers about their order’s shipping status. From intra-warehouse movements to on-the-truck updates, one page will provide all the information they need.
Products and materials can be automatically restocked once they dip below a certain threshold.
Refunds and returns can be automatically processed by your OMS.
And like any industry, there are dozens of OMS platforms with niche functionalities that may be better for specific business models regardless of the industry. The most important thing is that you find a solution that reduces the most tedious organizational tasks for tracking your store’s orders.

The cloud-based OMS

The cloud is generally one of the most reliable ways to add value to your business. There are dozens of cloud-based platforms, just like OMSs, that require virtually no hardware and allow you to pay for exactly what you use. Cloud-based OMSs expand the capabilities of your business because they serve multiple purposes:

To monitor your business on mobile/on the go;
To store data in a more efficient and less costly manner;
To make sure that your data is protected in the event of a disaster

The cloud isn’t the future of business anymore — the cloud is the backbone of business now. It allows business owners and managers to run their enterprise in a cheaper, more efficient, and more flexible manner.

For advice on which solutions are best for your business and how to deploy them, give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

BCP tactics to keep your business running

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 06:48:43 GMT

Whether your business is hit with a brief power outage or by a natural disaster, any kind of interruption to your organization’s productivity cuts into your profits. A business continuity plan (BCP) is critical to ensuring your organization stays open. Here are some of the key strategies many companies rely on.

Backup your data, applications, and servers

Today, companies are more dependent than ever on IT and data. If these critical components suddenly become inaccessible, there’s little chance your business will survive. Regularly backing up these elements ensures they can be restored quickly in the event of a disaster, security breach, or damage to IT equipment.

In the past, most businesses would create backups on-site and with tape backups, but today more and more businesses are using the cloud, and here are several reasons why:

Cloud backups are affordable and cost much less than onsite backups

Backups can be automated, therefore saving you time

Cloud providers usually back up your data to multiple locations (so if one of their facilities goes down, your backups are still safe at another site).

Backups can be accessed from anywhere, whether it’s at an employee’s home or at an alternate office.

If you need to access them, backups can be restored quickly

Virtualize servers and desktops

When you virtualize your servers or desktops, they can be used at any location – be it at your workplace, home, or a coffee shop in the Bahamas. In terms of business continuity, this is useful in case your main office suddenly becomes unusable due to hostile weather conditions.

Have a backup power supply

No electricity means zero productivity and money down the drain. Having a backup power supply will ensure that when the electricity goes down, your employees can continue working.

A good solution is an uninterrupted power supply (UPS), which gives employees a fair amount of time to finish their work as if nothing ever happened. Also, if you have a server room, a UPS will ensure your vital servers stay cool.

Utilize social media

Whether it’s Facebook, Twitter, or Google+, most people are on at least one social network these days. And if there is any kind of outage or disaster, social media is usually one of the first places customers, colleagues, staff, and vendors will check the status of your business. So when it comes to business continuity, keep at least one social media account active to keep your customers and followers informed.

Implement unified communications

Unified communication (UC) creates a virtualized communication infrastructure. That means instead of your communication tools – like phones, instant messaging, and video calls – all being stored locally at your workplace, you can access them anywhere. So if your office is inaccessible, employees can still use your phones and other communication tools from their homes. What’s more, UC tools can route business calls to your employees’ smartphones. That means they’ll never miss an important call, even if they’re not in the office.

Keep in mind that these are only the first few items you have to address in your business continuity plan. You’ll also need to consider things like training employees and having a communications plan for informing stakeholders. If you want more advice on these areas or need top-class business continuity tools, contact us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Automate mundane emails to get more done

Tue, 02 Apr 2019 06:53:14 GMT

Everyone wishes we had more time to spend in a day. Between repetitive emails and seemingly endless meetings, it’s hard to find time for important tasks. Thanks to the increasing affordability of enterprise-level IT, however, SMBs can start getting at least half of those problems under control with email automation.

What is email automation?

Usually included in customer relationship management (CRM) software, email automation centers around the idea of integrating your business data into emails to customers and prospects. This allows you to draft templates with placeholders for names, addresses, and other variables that the platform will match with individuals from your email list.

What’s more, you can personalize how and when your emails go out to clients. Automatically inserting customer data into an email is great, but it still requires that you draft the content that surrounds it and hit Send. Email automation grants you the ability to create templated emails that are automatically merged with client data and sent when certain conditions are met.

Examples of email automation

To really get an idea of how valuable this solution is, it’s important to see what it looks like in action. Say you own an e-commerce site that sells complementary goods, such as golf clubs and golf balls. You could create a campaign wherein anytime someone buys a set of clubs, pre-written emails automatically go out one month later on how high-quality golf balls improve your handicap.

You’re not limited to two-step workflows either. Take a look at this example:

Step 1: Send a personalized email with a special offer on golf balls for existing customers.

Step 2: Send a follow-up based on how customers interacted with the offer email:

If a customer cashed in on the offer, send a thank you email.

Step 3: Follow it up with a similar offer three months later.

If a customer visited the promo page but didn’t convert, send a promotional email for another type of product, like golf bags.

Step 3: Follow it up with either a thank you email or another promo for golf clothes.

If a customer didn’t even open the email, send a survey email asking about their interests.

Step 3: Follow it up with email campaigns based on what they selected.

Email automation means there’s no need to micromanage your customer relationships. As long as you define the path to purchase for high-volume products, you can program workflows to nurture customers and prospects automatically.

For as little as a couple of hundred dollars per month, your customer outreach campaigns can compete on the same level as your corporate counterparts with little effort from your team. Throw an expert IT provider into the mix and you have the ability to blow the competition out of the water. To learn more, contact us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

ERP: the software your business needs

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 06:58:37 GMT

Managing a business is complicated enough: different departments like accounting, management, and sales each have its own software and systems. Don’t you just wish there was a less difficult and more efficient way to manage your enterprise? Wish no more, because enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can solve management problems for you. Read on to find out how.

ERP explained

ERP is a program that integrates all your systems into a single database, so if you want to take a look at human resources, accounting, or sales, you only need to access one system instead of three. In practice, this means that everyone, regardless of department, will be able to access the same information. This also means that employees will no longer have to re-enter data onto their department-specific database, because all databases will already have been linked.

Deeper insight

Simplicity isn’t the only merit of an ERP, however. A single database lets you see all information across every branch of your business and gain actionable insights that enable you to make more informed decisions. Financial reporting, for example, benefits a lot from ERP, since general ledgers, revenue recognition, and tax reporting functionality are built into most ERP software solutions.

In addition to this, ERP systems come equipped with business intelligence features that provide intuitive analysis into your operations and forecast the growth of your company. This helps you and other executives identify bottlenecks and business opportunities.

Better customer service

ERP makes better and faster customer service possible. For instance, if a customer asks whether or not an item is still in stock, customer service representatives can easily access the ERP database and provide a quick answer, instead of having to ask the supply manager.

Simplified compliance

With an ERP, meeting stringent data management regulations is much easier. That’s because the software generally comes with audit functionality, giving you full visibility into your processes. It also provides templates and guidance to help you meet regulations within your industry, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the International Financial Reporting Standards.

Streamlined workflows

ERP streamlines workflows by eliminating redundant and time-consuming tasks through automation. For one, you can set your ERP to instantly reorder materials when stock levels have reached a certain threshold. This ensures that your enterprise won’t have to deal with out-of-stock or overstocking incidents. Moreover, you can even assign workflows that route invoices and reimbursements to the right accountant to make sure tasks are handled quickly and efficiently.

Rich integrations

One of the most beautiful things about ERP is its integration capabilities: you can integrate it with other services to extend its capabilities. For example, if you need to track customer information and sales figures, you can combine ERP with customer relationship management software or pair it with e-commerce services to streamline web-based purchases. This way, your processes will be seamless and everything you need will be at your fingertips.

As your business grows, your business needs change as well. ERP systems can adapt to your ever-changing needs by giving you unparalleled business management solutions. If you need to add further value to your business, call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Disaster recovery audit fail: A few lessons

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 07:08:07 GMT

In talking about disaster recovery plans (DPR), it’s best to illustrate with real-world scenarios to help you understand things better. They offer concrete examples of successes and failures, and you can learn a lot from them. Here’s an example of a DPR audit and the lessons it offers.

Hosting certain types of data and managing a government network legally bind you to maintain DRPs. After an audit of the Michigan Department of Technology and Budget, several failures led to a trove of helpful tips for small- and medium-sized businesses attempting to create a bulletproof disaster recovery plan.

Update and test your plan frequently

What was one of the first and most obvious failures of the department’s DRP? It didn’t include plans to restore an essential piece of their infrastructure — the department’s intranet. Without it, the employees are unable to complete even the most basic of tasks.

The reason for the oversight? The last time the plan was updated was in 2011, leaving out more than six years of IT advancements. If annual revisions sound like too much work, just consider all of the IT upgrades and improvements you’ve made in this year alone. If they’re not accounted for in your plan, you’re destined to fail.

Keep your DRP in an easy-to-find location

It may seem a bit ironic that the best way to store your top-of-the-line business continuity solution is in a binder, but the Michigan Department of Technology and Budget learned the hard way that the alternatives don’t work. Auditors found the DRP stored on the same network it was meant to restore. Which means if something had happened to the network, the plan would be totally inaccessible.

Your company would do well to store electronic copies on more than one network in addition to physical copies around the office and off-site.

Always prepare for a doomsday scenario

The government office made suitable plans for restoring the local area network (LAN), but beyond that, there was no way for employees to get back to work within the 24-hour recovery time objective.

Your organization needs to be prepared for the possibility that there may not be a LAN to go back to. Cloud backups and software are the best way to keep everything up and running when your office is flooded or crushed beneath a pile of rubble.

Your DRP is more than just a pesky legal requirement. It’s the insurance plan that will keep you in business when disaster strikes. Our professionals know the importance of combining both academic and real-world resources to make your plan airtight when either auditors or blizzards strike. Message us today about bringing that expertise to your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Best practices to maximize your CRM

Fri, 25 Jan 2019 07:13:36 GMT

Customer relationship management (CRM) software can add value to your business in many ways. Next to being a very important sales improvement tool, CRM software strengthens your company's professional image in the market. However, not all CRM users utilize the software a hundred percent. Here's what you can do with CRM to get the job done:

Always update customer information

A CRM system is only effective when the data it provides is current. If the customer’s address, company name, or preferred method of contact has changed, your staff should update the information immediately, so your sales and marketing teams are always equipped with the right information and will know how to respond accordingly.

Use purchasing history for upselling opportunities

It’s easier to sell to existing customers than acquiring new ones. With your CRM, you can boost your sales performance by analyzing your existing clients’ purchasing history and designing promotions or events just for them. For example, if they recently purchased a razor from your online store, you can program your CRM to recommend related products like shaving cream or aftershave. Not only does this widen your profit margins, but it also makes your customers’ lives a lot easier and promotes repeat business.

Automate your processes

Since many of the tasks associated with data entry can be automated, take advantage of the workflow automation features in CRM apps to eliminate time-consuming and repetitive functions. For instance, when new leads are added to your CRM (via newsletter subscriptions or website visits), you can program your CRM to send follow-up emails, offer promotions, and push other marketing efforts to keep your business at the forefront of their attention and to help them remember your brand. This saves you from writing the same canned responses while also making sure that you’re engaging your clients throughout the entire sales process.

Learn from analytics

CRM can analyze customer trends and behavior. If you notice a spike in demand for certain products and services during the holidays, be more aggressive in pushing them out the next year. If certain email campaigns were more successful than others (e.g., higher open rates, click-through-rates, and potential customers), understand what elements were responsible for that success, and try to replicate them the next time you send a newsletter.

Customer data should also be used to shape sales and marketing tactics. A salesperson that already knows the client’s name, location, and preferences can deliver more targeted sales pitches and has a better chance of closing a deal. The point is this: If you’re not learning from your data, your business growth will be limited.

Integrate CRM with other business software

Incorporating CRM software to other programs makes it even more powerful. Integration with accounting software combines customer and financial data, eliminating redundant manual data entries and providing more insightful reports. When used alongside a VoIP system, your staff will get relevant customer information from multiple databases displayed on one screen when they’re about to make a call.

Get some CRM support

Work with a CRM provider that offers 24/7 support. Ideally, your provider should keep your data safe, update your software regularly, and advise you on how to use complex CRM features.

This may seem like a lot, but remember: like every technology investment, CRM requires active participation from executives, managers, and frontline staff. If you need more advice on keeping customers happy or want to know what technologies can add value to your business, call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Will you put UPS in your network equipment?

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 07:16:51 GMT

When a power outage occurs, smart business owners use an emergency power system to keep workstations from suddenly shutting down. This prevents data loss and keeps computers operational. Connecting your networking equipment to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system will also keep your employees productive during a power outage.

UPS for network equipment

UPS systems provide backup power in case of outages and protection against power surges, which don’t just damage computers but also make you lose unsaved work. Deploying them for Wi-Fi routers and modems allows you to stay connected to the internet during these typically chaotic instances.

Moreover, it makes sense to not just keep your PCs powered up, but to also have internet access during a disaster. This strategy works relatively well if your staff are predominantly laptop users, as that means you only need to juice up your Wi-Fi gear.

Better than generators

Although generators are indispensable for certain businesses, they also require greater upkeep. Small- and mid-sized businesses may not have enough capacity to maintain them because they typically require a utility crew who can manage high-maintenance equipment.

What’s more, misusing or mishandling generators could result in generator-related fatalities. On the other hand, misusing a UPS unit could result in the loss of a day’s work, but it’s unlikely to lead to anything as extreme.

Why internet access is important during a disaster

UPS-supported modems or routers help you stay online for as much as 90 minutes, which should be enough time to get your bearings before power finally runs out. Internet service providers are usually prepared for catastrophes and would normally have an emergency power source to stay operational. And if you can stay online via Wi-Fi during an emergency, you get the following benefits:

Internet speed that’s faster than cellular access

No extra telecom costs resulting from overreliance on cellular data

All devices stay online using a stable Wi-Fi connection

Devices don’t have to rely on cellular data-equipped phones for internet connection

Plug in your network gear now

Think of an emergency power supply source like a UPS as an investment that not only protects your systems from data loss but also keeps your Wi-Fi equipment functioning in emergency scenarios. Call us today for productivity-saving tips and other hardware hacks for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Add hours to your day with these hacks

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 07:50:08 GMT

There are only so many hours in a workday, so making the most of your time is vital. If distracting websites, unorganized files, and cluttered inboxes prevent you from getting work done, consider these tips to better manage your time and stay productive at work.

Monitor productivity levels

Start by tracking how much work you complete on an average day. There are useful apps for this such as Google Chrome Extensions like RescueTime, which record your most frequently visited sites and track how much time you spend away from your computer. Running the app will provide you with a productivity rating and a detailed log of how you spend your time at work.

If you discover you’re wasting a huge portion of your time on social networking and other productivity killers, you’re more likely to make conscious adjustments on how you manage your time.

Get rid of clutter

You can also decrease distractions and increasing output by deleting old files, uninstalling unused programs, and organizing documents into appropriately labeled folders. This makes files easier to find and improves your computer’s performance.

As for the clutter in your email inbox, Gmail and Outlook both have features that filter out unimportant messages. Simply enable Priority Inbox on Gmail or Clutter on Outlook to get a clean, spam-free inbox.

Block time-wasting sites

Visiting non-work-related websites hinders productivity. A quick five-minute break to check your Facebook feed may not seem like much, but a few of those per day add up to a lot of time.

If you and your employees have trouble staying away from social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, it’s a good idea to block access to them using URL filters.

Alternatively, you can use apps like StayFocusd or Strict Workflow. These allow you to set a limit on how long and how many times users can visit non-work-related sites.

Stay on track with to-do lists

To-do lists help you break down large projects into manageable, bite-sized tasks. Crossing things off the list is surprisingly satisfying since it gives you and your employees a sense of accomplishment and total visibility of your progress.

You can choose from a wide variety of digital to-do lists like Google Tasks or Trello. These platforms allow you to set deadlines for small tasks and write clear instructions for each. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to use and are great for keeping track of your workflow.

Use keyboard shortcuts

Mastering keyboard shortcuts will make it easier to perform simple functions. There are more than a hundred useful shortcuts, but some that you should always keep in mind are:

Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + X – to copy, paste, and cut selected items

Ctrl + Z – to undo changes

Ctrl + T – to open a new tab on your web browser

Alt + Tab – to switch between open windows

Alt + F4 – to close the program

For many more like these, take a look at this list of advanced shortcuts for Windows.

In this digital age of short attention spans, focus is key to achieving business success. Drop us a line today if you’d like to know more about how tech can induce focus and improve overall productivity.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Ugly websites cost your business big bucks

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 07:52:35 GMT

According to a recent survey of 1,800 consumers, 42% said they’re “very unlikely” to buy from unprofessional or ugly websites. If you’re wondering whether or not your site could fall into that category, check out these key indicators.

A variety of professional photos

From pictures of your products to team photos, high-quality images are arguably the most important thing on your website. Blurry, outdated, or irrelevant pictures tell your site visitors that you don’t care about their browsing experience. In-house photos are the best option, but stock images shouldn’t cause any problems as long as they are optimized for mobile viewing and relevant to your content.

Navigation

Aside from one subpar imagery, linking to nonexistent pages is one of the best ways to turn site visitors away. Make sure it’s easy to navigate your site and remove outdated or irrelevant pages. You can’t sell 404 pages to customers, and if that’s all visitors can find, it’s game over.

Clear copywriting

The last thing you want to do is to confuse your customers, so it’s important to keep all of your product or service descriptions as straightforward and simple as possible. If what you’re selling has detailed information, such as dimensions or technical requirements, make sure it’s easy to find but not obtrusive.

Promises to site visitors

Any website that ships products should make its returns policy as visible as possible. This establishes trust early and some online shoppers make purchase decisions based solely on the clarity of a return policy.

If you don’t run an eCommerce site, you also need to prominently display privacy commitments, such as those mandated by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

About page

Your brand needs a story behind it that customers can relate to. Every company website should have an About Us page that describes your team, its culture, and what sets you apart from the competition. Whatever your story is, make sure it’s accessible from any page on your site.

Design

Not everyone is a web design expert, but in today’s gig economy one is never too far away. If your budget is tight, there are DIY site builders specifically geared toward small businesses. Or with a relatively low monthly expenditure, you can hire a managed website provider.

With more revenue originating online, small- and medium-sized business owners can’t afford to overlook the importance of creating a fully functional website. For more information on building a modern website, call us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Why you should back up your mobile devices

Thu, 22 Nov 2018 07:57:04 GMT

Almost every modern mobile device allows you to send and receive emails, download and upload media files, store data, and even close business deals. As mobile devices have become indispensable in everyone’s personal and professional life, the security risks have also increased — and backing them up has become more critical than ever.

Malware on mobile

More than two-thirds of the world’s population use a mobile phone with internet connection, so dangers in these handy devices are to be expected. Scarier than the thought of being offline is being online and exposed to malware.

If you use your mobile devices as extensions of your work computers, backing them up is a must. Mobile phones have become as vulnerable to malware as laptops and desktops are, especially if you consider the fact that many professionals and business owners use them for emailing confidential documents and storing business-critical files.

Device disasters

Malware isn't the only disaster that can hurt your smartphone. Because you carry it wherever you go, your device can easily be stolen, misplaced, or damaged. They may be easily replaceable, but the data they contain is not. Here are some security threats to look out for:

Data leakage

Something as simple as transferring files onto a public cloud storage service, or pasting confidential information in the wrong place could compromise your business. In fact, according to specialist insurance provider Beazley, “unintended disclosure” accounted for 41% of data breaches reported by healthcare organizations during the first three quarters of 2017.

Social engineering

Tricking people online into handing over their personal and financial data is no longer confined to desktops, as this trend is already happening on mobile devices. In a report by IBM, it was found out that users are three times more vulnerable to fall for phishing attacks on mobile devices compared to desktops. This is because phones are where people will most likely see a message first, making them a popular attack vector by cybercriminals.

Wi-Fi interference

When we connect our devices to public Wi-Fi networks, we are putting critical information at risk. According to Wandera, nearly a quarter of devices in 2017 connected to potentially insecure networks, and some even encountered a man-in-the-middle attack, where someone anonymously intercepts communication between two parties.

Out-of-date devices

A vast majority of manufacturers, most particularly on the Android front, are ineffective at providing updates for their devices. This can inconvenience end users, as this exposes them to the many threats lurking online. Some smartphones and tablets may receive a security patch from time to time, but manufacturers eventually stop doing so after a while.

Physical device breaches

While this may seem unlikely for some, lost or unattended devices can still become a major security risk, especially if they are not employing proper security measures such as PIN codes and encryption.

Backup options

Performing backups on iOS and Android devices is a quick and painless process. For example, companies that use Office 365 or Google's G Suite enable company-wide backup settings from a single dashboard. Apple's backup settings usually need to be configured on each device, but it's a pretty simple process.

There are also robust third-party options to back up all your organization’s mobile devices. The best of these are cloud backup services that sync devices and back up contacts, photos, videos, and other critical files in one neat system. These mobile backup tools are offered on monthly or lifetime subscription schemes, which provides small businesses with enough flexibility to ensure long-term protection.

Our experts can provide practical advice on security for your business’s computers and mobile devices. Call us to ask about mobile backup and other security solutions today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Why a technology business review is vital

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 08:00:18 GMT

Identifying opportunities in all areas of business is vital for growth, but one area that’s often overlooked is technology. Although it’s easy to adopt an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude with IT, conducting regular technology business reviews is a must.

What is a technology business review?

A technology business review reveals the strengths and weaknesses of your company’s IT framework. It’s often performed by a third-party IT consultant who will give an objective assessment of your technology and provide recommendations to help meet your goals. If done properly, technology business reviews allow you to:

Save money

Every review starts with a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether a solution you’ve implemented is worth the continued investment. If there are technologies costing you a fortune in management and maintenance fees, consultants will advise you to cut them from your budget. The best ones will even recommend cost-effective alternatives so you can do more with less.

Increase productivity

System-wide reviews of your IT infrastructure show you what processes are hindering operations and propose solutions that let you work faster and smarter. For example, if employees are mainly sharing files via email, consultants might suggest cloud collaboration platforms like Office 365 or G Suite that store data in a centralized location for seamless file sharing.

Enhance security and compliance

Technology business reviewers also uncover security risks within your business. Consultants scan for missed patches, poorly configured networks, and other software vulnerabilities that make it easy for cybercriminals to hack your systems.

They’ll then compile their findings to create a more robust defense strategy, usually one that involves implementing advanced solutions like intrusion prevention systems, file access restrictions, and patch management software.

If you operate a business that’s subjected to data regulations like HIPAA or PCI-DSS, consultants will also pinpoint IT practices and solutions that are noncompliant and customize a strategy that ensures the privacy, integrity, and availability of your data.

Implement technologies that fit

Considering that new technologies are released at a breakneck pace, it’s important you pick the ones that make sense for your operation, its goals, and the bottom line. Technology business reviews keep you up to date on the latest technology trends and gauge the impact of implementing them, so you can make informed decisions.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

How to protect your Mac computer

Thu, 25 Oct 2018 01:41:15 GMT

As a business owner, you work hard to succeed. But that can be difficult when you’re up against stiff competition and notorious cybercriminals. The future may be unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you should take the security of your Mac device for granted. Protect it with these helpful tips.

The basics

First, let’s start with the basics and head over to the Security & Privacy pane in System Preferences. Here, you’ll find the General, FileVault, Firewall, and Privacy tabs, which control various aspects of security. To change your security settings, click on the padlock icon on the bottom of the screen and type in your username and password.

Firewall

Enabling the firewall will block unwanted incoming network connections. All you need to do is click Firewall in the System Preferences > Security & Privacy pane, click the padlock icon on the bottom left, enter your username and password, and click Turn On Firewall. Don’t forget to enable Stealth Mode by clicking Firewall Options then clicking Enable Stealth Mode in the dialog box — this makes your computer invisible on public networks.

Passwords

Make sure to set strong passwords for your user accounts if haven’t already. To do this, go back to the General section of the Security & Privacy settings. In this section, you should also consider setting the Require Password field to “immediately.” This will require you to re-enter your login credentials to unlock your Mac when it goes to sleep mode or when a screensaver is on.

Automatic login

It’s best to disable this function, especially if you are using a mobile Mac. If your Mac gets stolen, you don’t want to give thieves a free pass to your private data.

Applications

At the bottom of the General Settings tab, there are three options that authorize which apps can run on your Mac. The safest option is to allow only apps from the App Store to run, and the least secure option is to allow apps downloaded from unauthorized stores. Get the best of both worlds by choosing the option of running apps from the App Store and from developers known to Apple.

FileVault

The FileVault tab enables you to encrypt all the files in your account. To decrypt them, you must enter either your account password or the recovery key you created when you switched FileVault on. It might be tedious to type in a password every time to access a file, but it helps keep your vital data under lock and key.

In this digital age, ensuring the protection of all your devices is crucial to your business’s success. Feel free to give us a call and we’ll help prepare your business for choppy waters.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Is CRM software essential to your business?

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 08:02:19 GMT

The right technology investment can lead to business success. With customer relationship management (CRM) software at the helm of your sales and marketing efforts, you can nurture long-lasting business relationships and improve your bottom line. If you need more convincing, we’ve compiled five more reasons why your business needs CRM.

Grows with your business

The ol’ Rolodex may have been useful for managing a few clients, but you’ll need a much better solution if you plan to maintain relationships with hundreds, possibly thousands, more. CRM scales with your business, meaning it can handle larger data sets and more clients as you expand your sales operation.

Organizes your data

CRM software acts as a central database for all your sales records and transactions. This means important customer information can be retrieved in just a few clicks rather than by rifling through thousands of documents, sticky notes, and disorganized cabinets. And since CRM is hosted in the cloud, sales data, customer interactions, and other actionable information are available for the entire company.

Improves customer service

Your sales team could be the most persuasive individuals in the world, but this means nothing if they can’t recall anything about their clients and their preferences. When your sales staff follows up on leads or existing customers, CRM will automatically retrieve contact history, past purchases, and customer preferences from your client database and display them on a single page during the call.

Armed with detailed customer information, sales representatives will be able to recommend products and services that meet the client’s needs. So instead of struggling through a sales call, marketing employees can focus on delivering a professional sales pitch.

Streamlines your sales funnel

CRM comes equipped with workflow management functions, supporting your sales pipeline in a number of ways. For example, you can configure your CRM to send instant follow-up emails when a lead visits a particular product page. You can even use automation to track where certain leads are in the sales pipeline and delegate the task to one of your sales closers.

Analyzes sales data

With real-time sales information, business managers can track marketing campaigns and adjust their strategy accordingly. For instance, you might notice that click-through-rates for promotional emails and company newsletters are higher during Tuesday afternoon than Friday night. Having this information can help you focus your marketing efforts and message to generate more leads.

In addition, you can use CRM to analyze customer calling activity, market demographics, lead conversion rates, and key performance indicators to influence future business decisions.

Understanding your customers can put you several steps ahead of the competition. If you need to manage contacts, eliminate time-consuming procedures, and improve your sales performance, CRM is the perfect business solution.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Forget these disaster recovery myths

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 08:04:43 GMT

Disaster recovery (DR) isn’t what it used to be. Long gone are the days when a DR solution cost over a hundred thousand dollars and relied predominantly on tape backups. Cloud computing has dramatically changed the DR landscape. Unfortunately, there are still many misconceptions about DR. Here are a few of the myths that no longer apply.

Tape backups are the best DR solution

Backup tapes are physical objects that deteriorate over time. Don’t believe us? Try listening to a cassette tape from the ‘90s. Over time, tape backups become distorted and stop working. Deterioration is slow and may only affect some files in the early stages, so don’t settle for a mere cursory check.

Aside from backups in your office, another set of tape backups needs to be stored outside your premises. In case a natural disaster damages your office, not all your data will be wiped out. But if your storage space isn’t safe from the elements, this could also be a problem.

Unlike tape backups, a cloud-based backup saves you time. Data is automatically backed up online, and you don’t need to spend time managing boxes of tapes. Your time is better spent on your assigned tasks, not IT management.

The RTO you want will be too expensive

Recovery time objectives (RTO) are essential to any DR plan. You need to get everything up and running again as quickly as possible to avoid serious losses. In the days before the cloud, a swift recovery time could cost you well into six figures. Today, cloud and virtualization solutions have made this much more affordable, and faster than ever before.

Most DR providers can back up your critical data in an hour or two. And if you ever need to recover it, most services can do so in less than a day. That’s the power of the cloud. And when it comes to DR, it truly has changed everything.

Disaster recovery is for big business, not SMBs

The cloud has made this valuable service affordable for businesses of all sizes. From dental offices to small retail operations, SMBs can now take advantage of the best DR solutions on the market. Advances in IT and the cloud have eliminated the obstacles of complexity, costs, and insufficient IT resources.

We hope that by dispelling these myths, we’ve convinced you that disaster recovery is more affordable and efficient than ever. If you’d like to learn how our DR solutions can safeguard your business, send us a message and we’ll gladly fill you in.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Cash in on tech trends with these 5 tips

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 08:07:06 GMT

What recent tech fads has your SMB dismissed as silly? 3D printing, internet of things…Pokémon GO? Juvenile as they may seem, these trends helped a lot of businesses make money. Navigating them may seem like a lost cause, but with the right know-how, you can earn profits by exploiting current tech trends. Let’s take a look at five strategies to make that happen.

Get in early

One of the biggest indicators of your SMB’s success in monetizing a new trend is how early you get in. Fads, especially in the tech world, come and go in no time. Be careful investing in resources with a long-term commitment like new logos or graphics. Focus instead in low-cost workarounds like special promotions and social media campaigns that put you at the forefront immediately. Once the popular kids have moved onto a fresh fixation, you’ll be ready to move forward without skipping a beat.

Use existing tools

How can you get up to speed quickly without investing too much in permanent resources? The trick is to hijack existing opportunities and strategies for your own message. For example, John Deere has been selling farming equipment for over 150 years, with no signs of slowing down. But with a creative combination of existing GPS technology and mobile devices, they quickly jumped to the forefront of the “Internet of Things” craze by connecting their vehicles to crop planning practices.

Participate in the narrative

So you’ve identified a trend you want to capitalize on and commandeered existing tools to help sell your product. How else can you gain momentum? Social media is everywhere and doesn’t seem like a dying trend. However, it’s no panacea; simply posting “We’ve got a promotion on all seasonal products #inserttechfadhere” won’t bring obsessed customers to your doorstep. Take a minute to understand the mechanics of what pulls everyone away from work, friends, and family, and show participants you’re one of them. Is it competitive? Polarizing? Take a stand or pick a team and invite customers who are “on your side” to get a discount.

Merge the fad with your business model

With a little creative brainstorming, most business models can actually integrate their product or service with a passing trend. Chatbots have been shoring up the “deep learning” revolution, and clothing retailers have come up with a really creative way of employing them to drive sales. By simply providing their chatbots with a fashion tree, the bots can ask basic questions that whittle down clothing recommendations to those that align with customers’ tastes.

Address difficulties presented by the fad

What if you can’t find a way for your products or services to directly interact with the blazing new trend? The next best thing is to provide solutions to problems presented by it. Does interacting with the popular app or activity eat up a lot of mobile device battery? Remind passersby your outlets are available for customers, or that you sell mobile battery packs. Does it require driving all over town? Remind customers of your latest car rental promotion. Sometimes just associating yourself with the trend is enough.

Not sure how to integrate your business with the latest fads? We’re the experts on all things technology related, from the most recent to the ancient. As a small- to medium-sized business owner, getting the most value out of your technology investments is crucial to getting your foot in the door and working your way toward bigger profits. From machine learning to Pokémon GO, no question is too trivial — ask us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

How business continuity plans can fail

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 08:09:26 GMT

Just because your IT provider has a plethora of awards and certifications under its belt doesn’t mean that you can blindly hand over your business’s future to them. Often times, there are some aspects in your business continuity plan that tend to be overlooked by your provider. We have rounded up some of these issues on your business continuity plans.

Over-optimistic testing

The initial testing attempt is usually the most important. It’s when IT service providers can pinpoint possible weak points in the recovery plan. However, what usually happens is that they test the system in full, instead of via a step-by-step process. This results in them missing out specific points, with too many factors overwhelming them all at the same time.

Insufficient remote user licenses

A remote user license is given by service providers to businesses so that when a disaster strikes, employees can log in to a remote desktop software. However, a provider may only have a limited number of licenses. In some cases, more employees will need to have access to the remote desktop software than a provider’s license can allow.

Lost digital IDs

When a disaster strikes, employees will usually need their digital IDs so they can log in to the provider’s remote system while their own system at the office is being restored. However, digital IDs are tied to an employee’s desktop, and when a desktop is being backed up, they are not automatically saved. So when an employee goes back to using their ‘ready and restored’ desktop, they are unable to access the system with their previous digital ID.

Absence of a communications strategy

IT service providers will use email to notify and communicate with business owners and their employees when a disaster happens. However, this form of communication may not always be reliable in certain cases, such as when the Internet is cut off, or there are spam intrusions. Third-party notification systems are available, but they are quite expensive, and some providers sell them as a pricey add-on service.

Backups that require labored validation

After a system has been restored, IT technicians and business owners need to check whether the restoration is thorough and complete. This validation becomes a waste of time and effort when the log reports are not easy to compare. This usually happens when IT service providers utilize backup applications that do not come with their own log modules, and have to be acquired separately.

These are just some reasons why business continuity plans fail. It is important for business owners to be involved with any process that pertains to their IT infrastructure. Just because you believe something works doesn’t necessarily mean that it works correctly or effectively. If you have questions regarding your business continuity plan, get in touch with our experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Why businesses need web monitoring

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 08:11:43 GMT

The internet is indispensable for improving business productivity, but it’s also an outlet for procrastination. With unfettered access to the internet, it’s easy to stray away from your important work responsibilities. Fortunately, web monitoring can ensure your employees don’t overuse non-work-related sites.

Time-saving measures

Internet monitoring software saves employees from visiting entertainment, gaming, or online shopping sites by restricting access to them. Internet monitoring software doesn't necessarily block access to social media sites, but it lets your employees know that you’re monitoring their internet activity. This is aimed at discouraging them from taking prolonged visits to their Facebook, Twitter or Instagram page.

Avoid harmful websites

The internet hosts plenty of unsavory links and websites. Employees who haphazardly click phishing links or access malware-ridden pornography sites can put your business at risk. Working with infected machines can slow down the entire system and, in some cases, completely halt operations. By using internet monitoring tools, you can restrict access to dangerous websites and identify reckless employees who access them and remove their internet privileges, if necessary.

Control bandwidth usage

Even while using the internet for the right purposes, bandwidth can be used up quickly. Internet monitoring gives you up-to-the-minute reports on staff’s bandwidth usage. Once you have a clear understanding of your company’s overall bandwidth usage, you can better control internet expenditure. Ultimately, this feature allows you to prioritize bandwidth for critical business applications and reduce bandwidth for less necessary websites.

Increase productivity on the internet

Internet monitoring software may be a powerful tool, but it should be used responsibly. As a business owner, you need to walk a fine line between over-surveillance and under-surveillance. What you should do is establish a clear internet policy, which should explicitly define the disciplinary measures to be dispensed on anybody who goes against the company’s internet policy. You should also deal with time-wasting employees on a case-by-case basis because it’s unreasonable to remove everyone’s Facebook privileges because one or two abused theirs.

Employee productivity can be difficult to achieve, especially with the proliferation of the so-called “procrastination software.” But with web monitoring software, you can truly get your business — and your employees — back on track. Looking for more ways to increase business productivity with technology? Give us a call. We’ll be happy to make suggestions.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Tips on adding value to your business data

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 08:13:42 GMT

Data is incredibly valuable. The more of it your business generates, the easier it is to predict market and customer behaviors. Analytics solutions aren’t always the right fit for small businesses, but that doesn’t mean their data isn’t valuable. Here are some ways to add real value to your business by harnessing the power of data.

Many businesses shy away from data analytics due to the perceived costs and resources required to get anything of value. However, even the most humble mom-and-pop stores and home-based entrepreneurs have access to a broad range of worthwhile information.

It doesn’t make sense to spend half your week mired in spreadsheets and charts if you’re not extracting information that helps increase revenue. Basic data analytics solutions from companies like Microsoft and Google offer solutions to streamline the collection and examination of company information. But with an array of different tools to choose from, what should you consider before investing in one?

How easy is it to use? There’s no point investing in a dashboard solution if you don’t understand the way the insights are presented. Analysis functions must be straightforward and user-friendly.

Are the results actionable? Great insights are worthless if applying them requires another staff member that you can’t afford. Test drive an analytics solution before investing to ensure that its insights are easy to understand and apply.

Does it save you time? If you’re already relying on data analysis for growth, your first priority should be boosting productivity. Look for solutions that will enable you to complete your current analytics tasks in less time.

Is it compatible with other apps? You need a solution that cuts down on manual data entry and doesn’t add steps to any existing processes. Make sure any analytics software you’re considering can integrate with your existing solutions before signing on the dotted line.

Whether your aim is to attract new customers, retain existing clients, expand your services, or decide on a new location, your data is an indispensable asset. It’s there in good times and bad times, just waiting for you to take a closer look.

If you’d like to learn more about adding value to your business with data analysis, or want to explore data analysis software options, get in touch with us today – we’ll be happy to recommend options based on your needs and requirements.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Tips to reduce risks after a security breach

Thu, 28 Jun 2018 08:16:40 GMT

No company is completely safe from data breaches. For proof, look no further than companies like Yahoo, AOL, and Home Depot, which compromised millions of personal customer information. That said, no business is completely helpless, either. The following steps can minimize the risks to your business in the event of a large-scale data breach.

Determine what was breached

Whether its names, addresses, email addresses, or social security numbers, it’s critical to know exactly what type of information was stolen before determining what steps to take. For example, if your email address were compromised, you’d take every precaution to strengthen your email security, which includes updating all your login credentials.

Change affected passwords immediately

Speaking of passwords, change yours immediately after any breach, even for seemingly safe accounts. Create a strong password comprised of alphanumeric and special characters, and make sure you never reuse passwords from your other accounts.

Once you’ve changed all your passwords, use a password manager to help you keep track of all your online account credentials.

If the website that breached your information offers two-factor authentication (2FA), enable it right away. 2FA requires two steps to verify security: usually a password and a verification code sent to a user’s registered mobile number.

Contact financial institutions

In cases where financial information was leaked, call your bank and credit card issuers to change your details, cancel your card, and notify them of a possible fraud risk. That way, banks can prevent fraud and monitor your account for suspicious activity.

Note that there are different rules for fraudulent transactions on debit cards and credit cards. Credit card transactions are a bit easier to dispute because they have longer grace periods. Debit card fraud, on the other hand, is more difficult to dispute, especially if the fraudulent transactions happened after you’ve notified the bank.

Place a fraud alert on your name

Hackers who have your personal information can easily commit identity fraud. To avoid becoming a victim, contact credit reporting bureaus like Equifax, Experian, or Innovis and request that a fraud alert (also called credit alert) be added to your name. This will block any attempt to open a credit account under your name and prevent unauthorized third parties from running a credit report on you.

Putting a credit freeze on your name might result in minor inconveniences, especially if you have an ongoing loan or credit card application. Still, doing so will greatly reduce your risks of getting defrauded.

These steps will ensure you don’t fall victim to identity theft in the event of a large-scale data breach. If you want to take a more proactive approach to protect your sensitive information against breaches, contact our cybersecurity experts today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Highlights from the Apple WWDC 2018

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 08:19:27 GMT

Apple’s yearly Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) has come to a close. Engineers from Apple met and exchanged ideas with developers in the event, while consumers looked forward to updates on existing products and news about future innovations. Here are the highlights that stole the show.

A more personal, faster iOS 12

Apple has focused on improving the operating system’s performance so that iPads and iPhones become more responsive and work faster. The good news is that older devices that can still run iOS 11 will be compatible with iOS 12.

Developers tweaked the software to make apps launch quicker, especially the keyboard and camera. The latest version of iOS is designed to optimize its system when it is under load, so that Apple products run faster when the user demands higher performance.

Fresh features aimed at impressing consumers include the Memoji, an Animoji that users can customize to their preferences. Group Facetime supports video conferences of up to 32 individuals, and these fun tweaks can be used in both Facetime via the Effects camera and in Messages.

A smarter Siri

Apple’s signature digital assistant can now answer queries about motorsports, food, and famous people. There is a new Shortcuts feature integrated in the Workflow app, which allows users to automate various tasks in first- and third-party apps, to be triggered through Siri voice commands.

Both Shortcuts and suggestions by Siri appear on the Lock screen, and third-party Shortcuts integration will let Siri do more when the user pulls the Lock screen down to search. A dedicated Shortcuts app will be available later this year to give users a quick way to build Shortcuts from dozens of preset options.

An alternative to Google Photos

The iOS Photos app may be useful to Apple product users, but it may seem too basic for some. Once iOS 12 is released however, a clever Photos app will showcase most of the features that Google Photos has.

The Search feature has been improved – users can look for images based on general terms such as “park” or even business names, and multiple terms can be searched (such as images from Africa during a particular month). All pictures will be arranged by place and time in case the user wants to perform searches with those variables.

A new tab labeled “For you” will contain the auto-generated albums which Photos makes, and is sorted with any shared albums. Speaking of sharing, the enhanced Photos app will proactively advise users on what images to share according to who is in the pictures.

A refined WatchOS

Apple’s upcoming WatchOS 5 will introduce users to new ways of connecting to the world while staying active. It may not be a radical revision for the wearable device, but the apps and features it provides will be more helpful and fun for the user.

The highlight of WatchOS 5 is the Walkie-Talkie app, an innovative method of communicating by combining the natural flow of messaging with real-time voice discussions. Just like the conventional product that the app is based on, users simply press and hold down a virtual Talk button to converse with friends and family.

Hiking and Yoga have been added to the list of workout types, while users can keep track of their Outdoor Runs more effectively with support for cadence, the custom pace alert, and the rolling mile pace. Automatic workout detection will make sure that the Apple Watch will always stop or start recording user activity while exercising. This feature works with Open Water Swim, Pool Swim, Rower, Elliptical, Indoor Walk, Outdoor Walk, Indoor Run, and Outdoor Run.

To get users motivated to work up a sweat, WatchOS 5 has a Competition feature that allows friends and family to challenge each other in a contest to see who can get the most activity points within a week. The watches will post regular progress reports to let contestants know how they are doing, and the winner will get a special award.

These updates can change at any time, and will be released by Fall this year. If you need more information on making use of Apple devices and software, or if you have other computer-related concerns, feel free to contact us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Highlights from the Apple WWDC 2018

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 01:48:19 GMT

A more personal, faster iOS 12

A smarter Siri

An alternative to Google Photos

A refined WatchOS

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Should you worry about the new IoT malware?

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 08:22:52 GMT

A malware infection is one of the worst things that could happen to your Internet of Things (IoT) devices. But some users don’t even know there are IoT-targeted attacks that threaten computers, networks, and data. Rebooting an IoT device is a simple way to remove malware, but for those already infected with the latest strain, it’s not that simple.

What is the Hide And Seek malware?

The Hide and Seek (HNS) malware has created a "botnet" by quietly infecting thousands of devices using advanced communication methods. Without getting too technical, a botnet adds or “recruits” computers to their network to carry out malicious acts, such as overloading a network by telling every infected device in the botnet to try and connect at the same time.

The new HNS can’t be removed by resetting the infected device, which is the solution for most IoT malware strains. The new strain can also exploit a greater variety of devices and in less time than its predecessors. Experts believe it has already compromised more than 90,000 IPTC cameras and other devices.

IoT devices are easily hacked if they connect to the internet, which is home to opportunistic cybercriminals. And because businesses and consumers are expected to acquire and use more IoT devices (the market is expected to reach $1.7 trillion by 2020), it’s imperative to take cybersecurity precautions.

How can I protect my IoT devices?

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your devices -- and ultimately your network and data -- safe from HNS and other forms of malware.

-Turn off your IoT devices when not in use to reduce their exposure to fast-spreading malware.

-Take simple precautions to keep your WiFi networks safe, like changing your network’s default settings (including your network’s name), and using complex passwords that are changed from time to time.

-For those who use a large number and variety of devices, install a threat management system that will block intruders and secure common threat entry points.

With HNS and other malware strains expected to increase in number and complexity, it’s more important than ever to take a multi-layered approach to security. Call us today to learn more about which cybersecurity solutions are right for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

The dangers of app overload in businesses

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 08:25:00 GMT

Apps are supposed to make life easier in the workplace. But if you use too many of them working at one time, things can get messy. This is a familiar problem in many small businesses that rely on several apps and software for daily operations. The confusion drains funds and reduces employee productivity, as a recent study shows.

How app confusion occurs

A new study conducted by CITE Research shows that a surplus of apps is causing a great deal of confusion in the workplace. Among the 2,000 workers from the US, UK, and Australia surveyed, 69% wasted as much as 32 days a year navigating between apps — that’s an hour of productivity lost every single day.

The same research — entitled From Work Chaos to Zen: How Application Overload Redefines the Digital Workplace — reveals the biggest problem is with communication apps and channels. On average, a single worker juggles four communication apps every day, which is pretty much like holding four conversations at one time. It’s even worse for 20% of the respondents who said they use six or more.

Furthermore, the average worker flips between apps as frequently as 10 times per hour, which means more time wasted. 56% of respondents felt that searching for information stored across different apps was disruptive while 31% said it caused them to lose their line of reasoning. It's tempting to see each individual app as a problem-solver, but when looking at the bigger picture, it could be causing problems.

Coming up with a solution

Clearly, app overload has an immense effect on productivity, and the gap between executive perception and employee perception doesn’t help. Before signing up for yet another app, give your workflow a second look and consider the impacts of disruptive activities and employee preferences.

In the CITE Research study, workers agree that having only one communication app would clear up all the confusion. Regardless of what the best solution is, it's probably more affordable than most small business owners realize. A managed IT services provider like us can provide guidance that puts you on track for long-term success. Give us a call today for more info.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

AI-powered advances in customer support

Mon, 28 May 2018 08:27:16 GMT

High-quality products and services can make a business successful, but exceptional customer service is what makes customers come back. This is why companies constantly try to innovate their customer service strategy -- and some do it by adding artificial intelligence (AI) into the mix.

How AI capabilities enhance customer service

AI has two capabilities that enhance customer service: machine learning and natural language processing.

Machine learning studies historical customer data in your systems and equips your customer service staff with all the information they need to address concerns much faster and provide personalized product suggestions, discounts, and offers. It’s the same mechanism that enables Facebook to suggest friends and brands to add or follow, and allows Amazon to personalize product recommendations.

On the other hand, AI’s natural language processing capabilities make it possible for businesses to deploy computerized customer service systems that don’t require human support staff. AI-enabled systems can ‘talk’ to customers via software similar to that of Apple’s Siri, Google’s Alexa, and Windows’ Cortana.

Automated, accurate, and agile responses

Although well-trained employees can multitask and solve customer problems, humans make mistakes. Automated systems like chatbots provide accurate and quick responses because they can be programmed to respond rapidly and accurately, handle large volumes of queries, and be available 24/7.

For example, a restaurant chain that often receives queries about a branch’s opening hours can use a chatbot to handle questions about store hours, reservations, and other simple concerns. A retail store chatbot can also make online ordering seamless by answering questions about product sizes and/or availability.

Overall, AI-enabled chatbots can reduce or eliminate pain points commonly encountered with human customer service representatives, such as long wait times, inefficient escalation of complex concerns, and negative human emotions from irate customers, all of which affect customer satisfaction levels.

Cost-efficient support

Businesses spend thousands of dollars to hire and train customer service representatives. But based on studies, the high attrition rates in the call center industry cost them a lot of money. Some companies even let operations staff handle customer support, which then affects productivity and reduces profitability.

AI-powered platforms reduce the time and money spent on customer service because you don’t need to hire more support staff in case of business expansion. Instead, you can reprogram customer service software so that queries about new products or new business locations can be easily addressed.

Many customers still prefer to have their problems solved by humans. And for banks, hotels, hospitals, and businesses where complicated concerns require human customer service agents, an AI-powered support system can facilitate seamless issue resolutions.

Fortunately, there are plenty of technology options to make customer service and other functions more efficient. Call us today for innovative business technology solutions.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Be Smart and Back Up Your Valuable Data

Thu, 10 May 2018 08:31:00 GMT

Storing copies of your business data in the cloud will help you avoid the risks associated with broken hard drives, lost or stolen devices, and human error. That’s because entrusting your data to an expert cloud provider means you’ll have trained professionals handling the backup of your business assets online.

How should you go about choosing a cloud backup provider? Let’s take a look:

Learn more about their storage capacity

Before partnering with a cloud backup provider, ask them where they store their data. Many providers use cloud servers over which they have little control, which could be hazardous as it makes it harder to monitor activity and respond to anomalies. To avoid this fate, choose a backup service that operates their own cloud-based servers.

Next, you will have to determine whether your business assets can be backed up, since some cloud storage providers do not have the capacity to save bigger files like videos or other multimedia files. By asking these questions, you can find a cloud backup service that fits your business needs, and more importantly, can take care of all your files.

Get details on their security

It will be important for the cloud backup provider to explain in no uncertain terms how they will store your files. They should be encrypted and stored on multiple servers because redundant storage ensures your data has multiple copies saved online and can be retrieved at will. Even if an uncontrollable disaster befalls your company or the backup provider’s system, you’ll still be safe.

Compare your budget and backup costs

Before considering any cloud backup provider, you need to know how much the service is worth to you. How much money would you lose if your server crashed and all the data it stored was irretrievable? Compare that amount with the cost of a provider's service, which could be charged by storage tiers, per gigabyte, or on a flat-fee unlimited plan.

When asking about the price of cloud backups, make sure to clarify any service limitations or restrictions. For example, how quickly can your storage capacity be upgraded? Is it possible to run out of storage? These are not things you want to discover in the middle of hurricane season.

Clarify data recovery timelines

Although storage availability is important, how quickly backups can be created and restored is also an essential factor. Ask providers how often backups will be created (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly), and how long it will take to restore them (e.g., hours, days, etc.). If those timelines are too long, it may be time to look for a better provider.

The most important thing is to know your needs before meeting with a potential provider. Let them know your business needs, budget, and recovery timelines. Our solutions and pricing are flexible and customized to your needs so you're not stuck in a cookie-cutter plan.

Give us a call to find out more about cloud backup service and other dynamic ways to protect your data.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

5 tips on keeping mobile workers connected

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 08:33:51 GMT

Due to increasing connectivity and technological advances, mobile workers are increasingly becoming the norm in almost every industry. Business owners need to ensure these workers stay connected, so we’ve got some helpful tips in how to effectively apply mobile performance management.

The ability to manage the workforce out in the field requires a modern support infrastructure called mobile performance management. It includes the top five tips to keep field workers connected: optimizing traffic, applying control, measuring performance analytics, simplifying data security, and identifying the root cause of connectivity issues.

Optimize

Although the latest apps on the market can maximize productivity for the mobile workforce, these apps come with a certain risks: stability issues that could lead to the apps crashing while out in the field. If you are your company’s IT decision-maker, be cautious of untested apps, and consider blocking heavy bandwidth apps to streamline data flow when signal strength is weak.

Control

Another thing you can do with mobile performance management solutions is blocking personal apps and unsafe WiFi networks. Both of these create serious security risks that could lead to costly data theft or loss.

Analyzing performance

Field workers mostly rely on GPS location data for more efficient scheduling, route-planning, and effective control of fuel consumption. This is possible only if there are reporting tools that confirm that the GPS capability is working. Performance analytics show you what mobile workers are experiencing, gaining access to robust data, network and app usage reports, inventory analysis, coverage maps and device maps as needed.

Simplify security

IT should tightly restrict access without making security complicated for mobile workers. IT administrators need to create a highly flexible and programmable secure mobile strategy. You must be able to restrict which apps can access company data and remotely wipe data from the device if it is lost or stolen.

Identifying the root cause of connection issues

Obviously, field workers are not IT experts, so organizations need to be fully prepared for connectivity issues involving their mobile devices. Organizations of all sizes should be able to afford remote diagnostics to gather complete troubleshooting information to allow IT to identify the root cause of the problem quickly, without relying on workers, who have no idea about how to run tests and answer questions regarding these issues.

For any organization with workers in the field, the ability to implement performance management structures and policies is a must. For other tips on how to keep your employees connected, engaged, and efficient, give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Blockchain is much more than Bitcoin

Tue, 10 Apr 2018 08:36:18 GMT

Blockchain technology is very complex. So instead of diving in to what makes it work, we want to first showcase what it’s capable of. The primary purpose of blockchain is faster and more secure information exchanges, which has led to some incredible advances in small-business technology. Read on to see what you might be missing out on.

What is blockchain?

Blockchain, like the cloud, is more of a concept than a specific piece of software or hardware. It’s the idea that if you store a spreadsheet or ledger on a hundred different computers -- each of which receive automatic and encrypted updates -- it’s nearly impossible to create a fraudulent entry. If someone adds a line of false information to one spreadsheet, 99 others can confirm it is not in their copy and is therefore inaccurate.

In the Bitcoin ledger, each line represents the transfer of funds from one account to another. So if John wants to transfer money to Jane, he sends a request to Bitcoin’s blockchain and thousands of computers confirm his account information is correct and he has sufficient funds. The money is transferred, both account balances are updated, and the whole process takes less than an hour with almost no human interaction. Much faster than the 5-7 business days of most banks.

There are countless applications for decentralized, real-time record keeping beyond financial transactions, though. And very soon, blockchain won’t be synonymous with Bitcoin.

Blockchain’s potential

Although this technology has been around since the ’90s, it lacked the popularity and computing power necessary to become a mainstream solution...until now. With the rise of cryptocurrencies in 2017, blockchain started seeping into other industries, such as:

Law - “Smart contracts” create agreements that automatically execute when their terms are met. For example, an attorney could agree to pay a courier $100 after the delivery of documents to the defendant in a case. The contract and the payment sit in the blockchain until the courier uploads a GPS-tagged photo of services rendered, at which point the money is transferred and the contract archived.

Agriculture - Supply chain blockchains can track every ingredient throughout the production process. If several people get sick from the same food item, ingredients could be traced back to their source and products that share the same ingredients could be recalled preemptively.

Real estate - Blockchain is being used to automate escrow account transactions, property title transfers, and insurance claims, so they aren’t reliant on slow and error-prone humans. Buying a home could eventually be as easy as finding the one you want, signing a contract, transferring your down payment, and receiving the title -- no middleman necessary.

Most blockchain -based solutions are too new to trust with sensitive information. But you can do a few things to get out in front of your competitors. You can work with us to invest in business intelligence software that helps you collect more data, and start experimenting with risk-free blockchain solutions.

As long as you have certified technicians like ours at your disposal, you’ll be sure to see gains in no time -- give us a call today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Prep for IT incidents with external support

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 08:38:53 GMT

Regardless of your best office IT strategies, it's nearly impossible to thwart every type of cyberattack. And when they do happen, most businesses depend primarily on their internal resources and personnel. On the other hand, some organizations have realized the risks and complexities involved and have sought external support from leading industry specialists. Here are reasons why you should, too.

Access to new technologies and industry experts

Managed Services Providers (MSPs) are equipped with resources most small businesses can’t afford. They employ teams of experts in fields ranging from cybersecurity to data management to networking -- all available for you on an outsourced basis. For example, an MSP provides advanced security software and applications that can help your business avoid the risks of cyberthreat.

They also work with industry tech leaders who provide insights into upcoming hardware and software products in the market. This ensures you receive updated recommendations on the latest technologies so you can use them in your business, and they often come with deals and discounts that you wouldn’t normally have access to.

Knowledge from past breaches

External IT support providers have been helping businesses recover from all kinds of tech disasters since the dawn of hackers. They now have enough knowledge to prepare Data Backup and Disaster Recovery plans for you. This way, you and your team would still be up and running after suffering from an IT emergency without disrupting much of your business operations.

External support providers' experience with data protection will ensure your systems are monitored around the clock so your security systems are always functioning properly to keep cybercriminals at bay.

Run your business with ease

You don’t specialize in technology, so you don’t have the skill or the experience in dealing with digital felons. You also know how vulnerable your business is online and won’t dare do anything to jeopardize it. That’s why external support is such a great asset -- you’ll be able to manage your business without any worries because your external IT provider will keep it protected.

In the end, you also have to be cautious in your search for an external support provider. Conduct your research thoroughly, read through all their testimonial pages, and verify whether their business objectives coincide with yours. To put your mind at ease and to make sure that your business’s technology is in good hands, you can always send us a message and we’ll provide you all the references you need.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Google Drive upgrade: Commenting on MS Files

Thu, 08 Mar 2018 08:40:48 GMT

Google constantly strives to boost user experience by regularly updating their series of tools and applications. This time around, they added a new feature to Google Drive wherein users can add a comment directly on the ‘Preview' pane of Microsoft Office files, images, and PDFs. Read on to find out how this can benefit your business.

To reduce the hassles

Google Drive allows your team to seamlessly share files in the cloud and work on the go. The tech giant knows that businesses require all types of tools and files to finish certain tasks and responsibilities efficiently. This is why they eliminated the stresses of converting a document into a G Suite equivalent file just to allow commenting.

To ease your responsibilities

Google decided to enable comments directly on Microsoft office documents, images, and PDFs without any need for conversion. This is particularly helpful when you’re working with another firm, negotiating a sales transaction with a supplier, or discussing a contract with a customer. In each case, you'd likely deal with different file formats.

To improve collaboration

The most recent update allows you to comment on various file formats in Google Drive, akin to how you do it in Google Docs. In Drive’s ‘Preview’ pane, you can assign tasks, mention colleagues, or add notes, and your team will be able to respond even if they don’t use G Suite.

For instance, when one of your colleagues opens an MS Word document on a Windows computer, he or she will automatically see the comments you added and have the chance to respond to it. Commenting on the ‘Preview’ pane won’t require you to open other applications or browsers just to finish your task. Instead, you can just open documents in its preview form, provide feedback, and get back to work.

Every now and then, Google releases new features on their host of tools and applications -- and it’s always for your benefit. Make sure you take advantage of these upgrades by regularly updating your G Suite. If this sounds too technical for you, or you really don’t have enough time to stay up to date, don’t hesitate to give us a call. It is always our pleasure to help you reach your bottomline in any way that we can.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Cortana Improves Business Productivity

Wed, 21 Feb 2018 08:42:49 GMT

With so many affordable IT tools on the market, it's a great time to be a small-business owner. Most of them are basic and won’t require much training, too, so you don’t have to be tech-savvy to use them effectively. All you have to do is find the right one for your particular goals and needs.

To take advantage of Cortana, you should enable it on your desktop first. The process is easy: Just press the Windows Key, type "cortana" and click on "Cortana settings.” From there, you can change whether it responds to your voice or get activated by a keyboard shortcut, and you can set other personal preferences.

Voice Reminders, Notes and Alarms

As soon as you enable “Hey, Cortana” on all your gadgets, you can begin using it to dictate notes, set alarms, and create reminders. Thanks to advancements in AI, Cortana should be able to recognize most natural-language requests, like "Wake me up at 9am tomorrow," or "Remind me to pick up my dry cleaning tomorrow."

Meanwhile, you can use it as a voice recorder during meetings instead of writing down notes. Just say, "Hey Cortana, make a new note in OneNote," and whatever is recorded will automatically be saved to OneNote!

AI-Scheduled Meetings

With Microsoft's new Calendar.help feature, you can issue commands to a group email chain by saying things like, "Hey Cortana, can you help us book a 30-minute call next week?"

Calendar.help will work with Cortana to contact each attendee individually, find out what times they are available, and pick the best option for the group. You would only need to email the details, including duration, agenda and location, before you cc Cortana and forward it to the people involved. At that point, Cortana will send invites and handle all email exchanges. For now the project is still in preview/beta, so you will need to sign up.

Quick Conversions and Calculations

There are times when you need to make some calculations, but Googling or using your phone's calculator just takes too much time. Cortana can answer complicated math problems, even if they are stated in plain language. What's more, Cortana is able to convert temperature, time zone, weight, and volume.

Cortana will not only improve your business processes, but also help create a more relaxed workplace. And when employees are less stressed, everyone experiences more rewarding workdays.

We’re experts in traditional office IT, but we're also pretty savvy with exciting new tools like Cortana. Send us a message today to learn more tips on improving productivity in your workplace.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Virtual DR: The best anti-ransomware tool

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 08:45:04 GMT

From CryptoLocker to WannaCry, ransomware has grown in sophistication and scope over the past few years. And given its widespread success with hackers, more ransomware attacks will likely be developed further into 2018. In anticipation of these attacks, many experts are saying that virtualized disaster recovery solutions may be the best way to defend against future ransomware.

Virtual DR

Virtual DR solutions allow you to create point-in-time copies, or “snapshots,” of operating systems, data, and virtual machines as they appear at a given point in time. These snapshots can then be loaded onto any workstation with everything still intact. In the event of a ransomware attack, administrators can essentially roll back the system to a point before the malware hit.

What’s great about point -in-time copy features is that they are automated. Just schedule the snapshots, and your virtual DR software will do the rest. And although virtual DR solutions vary, most of them have the capacity to store thousands of point-in-time copies, giving you plenty of restore points to choose from.

Why virtual DR trumps traditional DR

Traditional DR methods don’t have these features. Even though most computer operating systems have a system restore functionality, modern ransomware strains are designed to disable them. On the other hand, virtual DR software isolates point-in-time copies and restore functionality from virtual machines, which means they can’t be affected if one virtual machine was compromised with ransomware.

Another reason why traditional DR is not a great option is because there is a lot of manual labor involved. You have to copy all your data into a backup drive, reinstall applications, and reconfigure hardware. By the time you’ve recovered from the ransomware attack, the financial and reputational damage caused by downtime will have taken its toll on your business.

When recovering your system, you want as little hassle as possible. With virtual DR, you can load a clean, ransomware-free snapshot onto your system in less than 30 minutes.

However, implementing virtual DR can be complex, especially if you don’t have much IT expertise. But if you partner with us, this won’t be a problem! Call us today to get robust solutions that guarantee business continuity.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Gear up your network equipment with UPS

Thu, 18 Jan 2018 08:47:19 GMT

During a power outage, responsible business owners use emergency power to keep desktop computers from unexpectedly shutting down. While that’s certainly a good strategy for keeping machines operational and preventing data loss, there’s something else you can do to ensure that your staff remains productive while weathering a storm: uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for networking equipment.

UPS for network equipment

Better than generators

Why internet access is important during a disaster

UPS-supported modems or routers help you stay online for as much as 90 minutes, which should be enough time to get your bearings before power finally runs out. Internet service providers are usually prepared for catastrophes and would normally have an emergency power source to stay operational. And if you can stay online via Wi-Fi during an emergency, you get the following benefits:

Internet speed that’s faster than cellular access

No extra telecom costs resulting from overreliance on cellular data

All devices stay online using a stable Wi-Fi connection

Devices don’t have to rely on cellular data-equipped phones for internet connection

Plug in your network gear now

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

It’s not too late to cash in on 2017’s IT trends

Tue, 02 Jan 2018 08:49:22 GMT

“Fad” is a dirty word for many small-business owners. Whether it’s what they’re selling or what they’re investing in, business owners need long-term and reliable investments to secure their future. With 2017 in the rearview mirror, we finally know what was a fad and what was a smart investment. See for yourself!

Small businesses love the cloud

According to research from IDC, more than 70% of businesses with 10-99 employees took advantage of cloud technology in 2017, and that number is expected to rise this year. This is largely due to IT providers demonstrating that the cloud is just as, if not more, secure than on-premises solutions. The list of possibilities for what can be hosted in the cloud on a small-business budget is getting longer every day -- if you’re not devoting resources to this technology, it’s time to jump onboard.

Mobile payments earn users’ trust

Like the cloud, making credit card purchases using a mobile device suffered from a trust deficit in its early stages. For good reasons, consumers have been conditioned to treat IT security with caution, and storing financial information on a smartphone that could wirelessly transmit that information to cashiers sounded dangerous.

However, after two years of availability without any major incidents, the number of users who have used smartphone-based wallets like Apple Pay has doubled. Accepting these payments is relatively simple for small businesses and opens up new business opportunities.

Cybersecurity becomes affordable for SMBs

Ransomware had yet another year of explosive growth, and small businesses were a primary target. Thankfully, managed IT services providers met the increased demand for cybersecurity services with intelligent data backup and network protection solutions tailored for SMB budgets. There will be even more ransomware attacks in 2018, which means you should be investing in more cybersecurity services than you did last year.

The Internet of Things gains popularity

Just a couple years ago, Internet of Things (IoT) devices were novelty gadgets for people with money to burn. Everything was being connected to WiFi networks: egg trays, pet-activated video chats, belts, you name it. But due to more useful applications in 2017, nearly a third of US businesses are now taking advantage of IoT gadgets. Connected thermostats, door locks, and AI assistants make it easy to save money, increase security, and boost productivity.

“Artificial Intelligence” is widely adopted

Although we’re still far from building computers that can truly think for themselves, 2017 was the year that computers got much better at creatively organizing and interpreting data for us. From digital assistants that answer your phones to customer relationship management platforms that intelligently uncover sales opportunities, IT solutions for business are getting significantly cheaper and smarter. Experts predict that more than 30% of businesses will use AI by next year and we recommend you join their ranks.

Technology investments are no different from any other investment. There will always be risks and you should always consult with an industry expert first. When you’re ready to get more value out of your IT, give us a call and we’ll get started on your 2018 plan!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Why your business need IAM

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 08:51:30 GMT

You might not be interested in learning about IT, and we don’t blame you, you didn’t start your business to master the ins and outs of servers. But whether you like it or not, your business relies heavily on technology to survive. This is why there are certain aspects of IT that you can’t afford to ignore and IAM is one of them.

What is IAM?

Some of the most common IAM solutions include single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and access management, all of which can be deployed on-premises or in the cloud.

Why is it so important?

Modern technology enables businesses to be more agile and efficient than ever before. For instance, the cloud lets your employees work from anywhere at anytime on any device. However, this means that your workforce has moved beyond the protections of on-premise security.

That’s why you need to embrace another security solution, one that focuses on identity rather than physical or network security, which is exactly what IAM was designed for. It makes sure that your employees, customers, and partners are who they say they are and are only able to access the resources they need, nothing more. And that’s just scratching the surface on how IAM can benefit your company.

Centralize access control

Too much access to certain systems are risky and too little can hamper productivity and frustrate users. IAM strikes the perfect balance by letting you set centralized policies for the right access privileges. For example, you can deny your design team access to the accounting system while granting it to your CFO.

Each user’s role and attribute can be used to determine which resources they’re allowed to access and to what extent. This not only offers better security but also more flexibility and ease of management.

Lower chances of data breaches

With SSO and MFA, your employees will no longer have to remember multiple passwords. Instead, they’ll be able to prove their identity using evidence-based authorization such as answering a personal question that only they would know. IAM also comes equipped with advanced encryption tools to protect sensitive data and so reduces the risk of compromised user credentials.

Improve user experience

Achieve regulatory compliance

Reduce IT costs

Identity and access management solution equips you with much-needed security without compromising on usability and convenience. To operate in today’s digital business environment, it’s not a matter of “if” but “when” you’ll adopt IAM within your company.

If you’re looking to enhance company-wide security, whether with IAM or other solutions, why not give us a call? We’re sure we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Make work easy with Microsoft’s new apps

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 08:53:41 GMT

Connections, Listings, and Invoicing are the most recent additions to Microsoft’s software lineup and they’re finally out of the beta testing phase. These apps come with every Office 365 Business Premium subscription and are perfect for companies with fewer than 300 employees. Installing and using them is a breeze, see for yourself.

Microsoft Invoicing

Word and Excel have hundreds of templates for generating company invoices, but this new app does much more than just create documents. Invoicing allows you to store the names, descriptions, and prices of your products and services in a connected database. You can also store your tax information, company logo, and a click-to-pay PayPal badge, which means half of the necessary information is automatically filled out the moment you click Create.

In addition to clean and professional looking documents, Invoicing also makes it easy to organize, store, and search past invoices thanks to a built-in QuickBooks integration. Last but not least, all of this is easily accessible from Microsoft’s mobile app.

Microsoft Listings

With its centralized dashboard, Listings allows you to manage and update company details displayed by Google, Facebook, Bing, and Yelp. It also helps you monitor your company’s online reputation by tracking page-views, company reviews, and Likes.

Microsoft Connections

Connections is the perfect app for small business email marketing. Similar to the Invoicing platform, Connections stores your company information and uses it to create personalized email marketing campaigns with the click of a button.

For example, templates for newsletters, referrals, and promotions include customizable discounts and offers that trigger pre-written follow-up campaigns. Connections tracks and analyzes the performance of all your email-based campaigns to make refining and improving your content a breeze, whether it’s from your desktop or the mobile app.

How to enable Invoicing, Listings, and Connections

As long as you have an Office 365 Business Premium subscription, accessing these apps requires only a global admin login. From the Admin Center, click the Settings tab on the left-hand side of the screen, followed by Services & add-ins and then Business apps. In this menu, you can grant specific users permission to use Microsoft’s newest programs.

Setting up these apps is fairly easy. However, it’s even easier to have your Office 365 account managed by us. We could have remotely installed Invoicing, Listings, and Connections for you almost a month ago, and with our information security expertise and unlimited IT support requests, there’s no limit to the value we can add to your Office 365 subscription. Give us a call to get started!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

An easy way to accept reservations online

Thu, 16 Nov 2017 08:55:34 GMT

Over the past year, Google has been giving business owners more control over what information is displayed in the search results. At first, the options were limited, but now Google is opening up opportunities for advanced features that greatly improve customer service.

How to edit your business’s Google listing

When someone types your business’s name and location into Google.com, a “Knowledge Panel” is displayed on the righthand side of the search results with information about your office. If your business doesn’t have a Knowledge Panel, you can change that by opening a free Google My Business (GMB) account.

The GMB platform lets you link to your website, update office information (address, hours, phone number, etc.) and choose which photos Google associates with your company. GMB also gives you data about how many people:

Saw your business’s Knowledge Panel in search results

Visited your website by clicking somewhere in the Knowledge Panel

Asked for directions via the Knowledge Panel

What’s new with GMB?

In the summer of 2017, Google announced that business owners could customize “Posts” in their Knowledge Panel. Posts are made up of a 100-300 word caption, an image and a call-to-action button, such as Learn More, Sign Up, Buy, etc. Posts automatically expire after seven days, which makes them perfect for sales, events and content marketing.

More recently, Google added another exciting feature: the ability to schedule appointments from inside the Knowledge Panel. If your website uses one of the 22 accepted plugins, you can connect it with GMB to make it easier for searchers to book a reservation at your location. Google is in the process of rolling out this feature to gyms, beauty salons and restaurants, but a wider release is on the way.

How do I enable Bookings?

Adding this feature to your GMB page is an easy four-step process:

Click on the Sign Up For Bookings icon below your business’s profile

Choose your booking provider from the list of approved vendors and sign up on its site

Check back in a few days and start tracking your appointments with GMB!

If your business accepts reservations, this feature will be an indispensable tool for improving your customers’ experiences. For more information on low-cost technology solutions that add value to your business -- give us a call today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Cisco utilizes AI and Machine Learning

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 08:57:42 GMT

IT systems are becoming increasingly complex to manage, so much so that humans alone can no longer make sense of them. As such, there is a growing demand for technologies that can help simplify and automate business IT. According to Cisco, the inception of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning has accelerated that ability even further, leading to outstanding long-term potential.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are extremely useful in helping us sift through massive amounts of information, and networking behemoth Cisco recently announced that they will be incorporating these technologies with two of their services.

Business Critical Services

This suite of services uses AI-powered automation, compliance, security, and machine learning analytics tools to reduce the complexity of IT systems management. It helps monitor the health of your business services and mitigate risks via automated compliance and remediation audits.

You can also replicate your network to improve reliability between your hardware and software components, and deploy features with automation capabilities.

Cisco High Value Services

This product support model provides network, software, and solution support using advanced analytics and best practices to access infrastructure performance and remediate issues. Cisco aims to improve business continuity and reduce resource constraints with remote monitoring, automated incident detection, and high SLAs.

Some of the services you can expect include software analysis, workflow integration, customer benchmarking, and predictive network analysis.

Using cutting -edge technologies as well as networking and hardware expertise, Cisco is gearing up its attempt to predict IT failures before they happen. That said, we assume it’s only a matter of time before other major developers follow suit, and when they do, you’ll be the first to know.

If you’d like to learn more about how to predict IT failures before they happen, or stay protected and operational when they do, just give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Top productivity hacks for computer users

Tue, 17 Oct 2017 08:59:37 GMT

We’re all obsessed with finding new ways to become more productive. Business gurus often emphasize the importance of time management and taking breaks to avoid burnout. But aside from motivating yourself to work more efficiently, there are plenty of tools that increase your daily output. If you use a computer all day, check out these productivity hacks.

Monitor productivity levels

Start by tracking how much work you complete on an average day. Google Chrome Extensions like RescueTime record your most frequently visited sites, and track how much time you spend away from your computer. Running the app will provide you with a productivity rating and a detailed log of how you spend an average day.

If you find out you’re wasting a huge portion of your time on social networking, you’re more likely to make conscious adjustments on how you manage your time.

Get rid of clutter

Another way to increase output is by deleting old files, uninstalling unused programs, and organizing documents into appropriately labeled folders. This makes your work easier to find and improves your computer’s performance.

Block time-wasting sites

Visiting non-work-related websites is a surefire way to hinder productivity. A quick, five-minute break to check your Facebook feed or watch a YouTube clip may not seem like much, but a few of those per day add up to a lot of time.

If you and your employees have trouble staying away from sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, it’s a good idea to block access to them using URL filters.

Of course, if you want your employees to take occasional breaks during the day, you could use apps like StayFocusd or Strict Workflow. These allow you to set a limit on how long and how many times users can visit non-work-related sites.

Stay on track with to-do lists

To-do lists help you break down large projects into manageable, bite-sized tasks. And perhaps the most satisfying aspect is crossing things off the list, giving you and your employees a sense of accomplishment and total visibility of your progress.

There are wide variety of digital to-do lists available today like Google Tasks or Trello. These platforms allow you to set deadlines for small tasks and write clear instructions for each item on the list. What’s more, they’re incredibly easy to use and are great for keeping track of your workflow.

Use keyboard shortcuts

Last but not least, mastering keyboard shortcuts will make it easier to perform simple functions than if you're stuck looking for them in the toolbar. There are more than a hundred useful shortcuts, but some that you should always keep in mind are:

Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + X - to copy, paste, and cut selected items

Ctrl + Z - to undo changes

Ctrl + T - to open a new tab on your web browser

Alt + Tab - to switch between open windows

Alt + F4 - to close the program

For many more like these, take a look at Windows’ list of advanced shortcuts.

These are just some of the tips every user should know to stay productive. If you need more ideas on how to get more out of your technology, call us today. We provide enterprise-level tools and advice that will make your life a lot easier.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

How can ERP improve your business?

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 09:01:45 GMT

Small- and medium-sized businesses constantly struggle with different areas of business, whether it’s accounting, inventory, or strategic planning. This is because SMBs often lack the tools to manage these systems efficiently. However, enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can come in handy. If you’re looking to improve business performance, read on.

What is ERP?

Simply put, ERP software integrates various aspects of your business -- from accounting and human resources to production and sales -- into one system where you can easily manage tasks and process data.

The key feature of any ERP system is a central database that gives users a complete summary of financials, sales figures, and other important metrics. In practice, this means employees in different departments can rely on the same information without your having to reenter that information into a different database.

But simplicity is only one of many benefits.

Enhanced reporting

With business information consolidated in one location, you can generate comprehensive reports and analytics at any time.

One of the most popular uses for this feature is financial reporting. General ledgers, revenue recognition, and tax reporting functionality are built into most ERP software solutions, allowing you to balance the books in seconds.

Better customer service

Access to up-to-date business information also makes it easy to provide high-quality customer service. Suppose a customer inquired whether or not an item was still in stock. Rather than wasting five minutes asking your supply manager, who then checks his or her own records, representatives can access the ERP database to provide the customer with information in half the time.

Simplified compliance

Until recently, most organizations were forced to rely on impractical spreadsheets and manual processes to meet compliance requirements; but with ERP, you can easily and consistently achieve this.

ERP software generally comes with audit functionality, giving you full visibility into your processes. What’s more, it provides templates and guidance to help you meet regulations within your industry, such as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the International Financial Reporting Standards.

Streamlined workflow

Another key feature is automation. Repetitive tasks that eat a huge chunk of your time can be eliminated by programming automated workflows. For example, you can set your ERP to instantly reorder materials when stock levels have reached a certain threshold. This ensures that your shop never experiences out-of-stock or overstocked incidents.

You can even assign workflows that route invoices and reimbursements to the right accountant to make sure tasks are handled quickly and efficiently.

Rich integrations

The beauty of ERP software is that you can integrate it with other services to extend its capabilities. If you need to track customer information and sales figures, you can combine it with customer relationship management software or pair it with e-commerce services to streamline web-based purchases.

ERP systems can adapt to your ever-changing needs, which is incredibly valuable for your rapidly growing business. If you need more ideas or solutions that can add value to your business other than ERP, call us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

28th Annual B2B Tradeshow & Conference

Tue, 17 May 2016 03:49:02 GMT

Win our dog on 5/19 @ the 28th Annual B2B Tradeshow & Conference presented by #HIA-LI! Stop by our booth 224 to meet the Fire Department of your Network, the Real Face of Cyber Crime and our favorite Dalmatian!!! Look for us by the 8 foot tall Firewall (Seriously, you won’t be able to miss us… until you are walking away!) See footage from our last event: http://www.connectedtechnology.structuredchannel.com/video-LIBExpo

Event Highlights – Cyber Crime Seminar by Connected Technology, LLC.

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 03:43:38 GMT

I would like thank everyone for attending yesterday’s Cyber Security breakfast. I hope it was informative and everyone had a chance to build some business relationships. Special thanks to Michael Korten from Cisco for sharing his years of experience in the security field. If you would like a copy of his presentation you can download it from this secure Datto Drive link.

https://ct-ny.dattodrive.com/index.php/s/ugRyMszO0qBvg1Z

If you would like to take advantage of the Free Network Security Assessment or the Free 45 day trial of the Cisco Cyber Security Firewall that I offered yesterday please reach out to me directly or give us a call.

The Network Security Assessment is a comprehensive audit of your network and security position. We will scan and analyze your systems and provide you with a detailed report on the areas of your network which are in good shape and areas that maybe putting you at risk. This service is valued at over $1,000.00 so don’t pass it up!

The Free 45 day trail of the Cisco Firewall will provide you with a snap shot of your network security position. You will learn what security threats you may be missing and you will receive detailed information about applications used on your network, internet usage, and details about malware and spam that your current firewall may be letting onto your network.

Pictures of the event can be found here:

https://ct-ny.dattodrive.com/index.php/s/AWKpyKELE2guiWL

Free Cyber Crime Seminar

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 05:48:33 GMT

When: February 25, 2016

Breakfast and Networking: 8:00-8:30am

Session Time: 8:30-10:30am

Where: The Business Corners, 200 Motor Parkway, Suite B13, Hauppauge, NY 11788

The seminar is free, including breakfast, but seating is limited so registration is required to attend.

Education Webinar – You’ve Already Been Hacked. Now What? Cisco Next-Gen Security Can Help

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 06:06:00 GMT

When: February 3, 2016

Session Time: 1:30 ET

Join our this free webinar on Feb 3rd @ 1:30 ET - Duration 1 Hour

Educational Webinar – “Learn the 5 Keys to disaster recovery planning”

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 06:04:48 GMT

Disasters, which strike businesses every single day, are equal opportunity offenders. Across the globe, companies of all sizes and across all industries are at risk. So what can you do to prepare your business for the inevitable? Be proactive. Create a disaster recovery and business continuity plan before it's too late.

Connected Technology, LLC has partnered with Datto, Inc. and disaster recovery expert, Donna R. Childs, for a special webinar that will dive into the 5 key elements of disaster recovery and business continuity planning.

Secure your seat today and learn how to develop an action plan that keeps you prepared for anything. RSVP HERE

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, February 4th

2PM ET | 11AM PT

SPEAKERS

Disaster Recovery Expert - Donna R. Childs

Donna R. Childs

Author & Founder

Prisere LLC

Christine Gassman - Datto, Inc.

Christine Gassman

Manager, Partner Development

Datto, Inc.

Connected Technology along with Cisco and Fuller Lowenber & Co. host a Cyber Security Seminar

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 06:06:58 GMT

When: November 19 2015

Breakfast and Networking: 8:00-8:30am

Session Time: 8:30-11:00am

Where: The Business Corners, 200 Motor Parkway, Suite B13, Hauppauge, NY 11788

Click here for information and registration.

Connected Technology along with TheCHAIN hosts a networking charity event to benefit Ride For Life

Wed, 05 Aug 2015 06:09:24 GMT

“The Ride for Life charity event is a fundraiser to not only spread awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or “Lou Gehrig’s Disease”, but it is also an event to raise money for research towards a cure. The event is sponsored by The Chain, an organization that Connected Technology is an active member in that helps promote the growth of businesses across Long Island. One of The Chain’s major objectives is community outreach as well, so its members participate in various community charity programs such as The Ride for Life. There will be food, cash bar and raffles. We would like to see all of you there Wednesday, August 5. It should be fun!“

Tips to enhance your website’s look

Wed, 24 Jul 2002 01:57:21 GMT

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” the cliche goes. But in marketing, looks /do/ matter. Take, for example, your website. It is often the first opportunity to make a good impression on customers and potential customers. You don’t want to squander that opportunity just because your site’s looks aren’t up to par. Here’s how to avoid getting your website judged.

A variety of professional photos

Navigation

Aside from subpar images, linking to nonexistent pages is one of the best ways to turn site visitors away. Make sure it’s easy to navigate your site and remove outdated or irrelevant pages. You can’t sell 404 pages to customers, and if that’s all visitors can find, it’s game over.

Clear copywriting

The last thing you want to do is to confuse your customers, so it’s important to keep all of your product or service descriptions as straightforward and simple as possible. If what you’re selling has detailed information such as dimensions or technical requirements, make sure the description is easy to find but not obtrusive.

Promises to site visitors

Any website that ships products should make its returns policy as visible as possible. This establishes trust early. Explicitly stating terms of return is also important because some online shoppers make purchase decisions based solely on the clarity of a return policy.

Even if you don’t run an eCommerce site, you also need to prominently display privacy commitments, such as those mandated by the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

About page

Design

Not everyone is a web design expert, but in today’s gig economy, one is never too far away from such a career. If your budget is tight, there are DIY site builders specifically geared toward small businesses. Or with a relatively low monthly expenditure, you can hire a managed website provider.

With more revenue originating online, small- and medium-sized business owners can’t afford to overlook the importance of creating a fully functional website.

For more information on building a modern website, call us today!

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Here’s how you can wow website visitors

Wed, 03 Jul 2002 01:59:21 GMT

Much like how we’re turned off by professionals who look disheveled, we leave websites that look ugly and messy. Follow our tips to get your website cleaned up nicely and make it ready to convert customers.

Make a statement with professional photographs

Before site visitors read what’s on your website, they assess it by checking out your images. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words, but are those words truly what you want to convey to your audience?

Blurry, outdated, or irrelevant pictures tell your site visitors that you don’t care about their browsing experience. In-house photos are the best option, but stock images shouldn’t cause any problems as long as they are optimized for mobile viewing and relevant to your content.

Help visitors find what they want with search tools

If your set of offerings is not expansive, a simple navigation menu ought to help visitors find what they need. However, the deeper your catalog gets, the more you’ll need additional tools. One way is to affix a search bar in your header so that people can use keywords to scour your site. Another way is to engage visitors via chat. You can preprogram a chatbot to ask questions that narrow down a visitor’s intention, or you can have a live agent address a visitor’s concerns in real time.

The more helpful your website is, the more it will foster trust in your brand and make visitors more likely to do business with you.

Extra tip:

Reduce the number of clicks a visitor has to make to achieve their objectives. For instance, eschew using the “Read more” link on product descriptions on product details pages. Visitors dive into a product page because they’re interested in fully learning more about the product, and the “Read more” link just hinders them from doing so.

Present your case clearly with good copywriting

The last thing you want to do is to confuse and frustrate your customers, so it’s important to keep all of your product or service descriptions as straightforward and simple as possible. If what you’re selling has detailed information, such as dimensions or technical requirements, make sure that they’re easy to read and are typed out.

Don’t use screenshots of information tables because web visitors compare offerings by collating information from different sellers. If your information is displayed in the form of an image, you’ll force users to type the info themselves. You’ll immediately lose the ones who don’t want that sort of hassle.

Let visitors get to know your company better in the About Us page

Your brand needs a story behind it that customers can relate to. Every company website should have an About Us page that describes your team, your company culture, and what sets you apart from the competition. Whatever your story is, make sure it’s accessible from any page on your site.

Hire a professional web designer

If your budget is tight, there are DIY site builders specifically geared toward small businesses. Or for a relatively low monthly fee, you can hire a managed website provider. A website provider will take care of:

Form – They’ll make your site look impressive on any screen size.

Function – The provider will ensure that your site is easy to use and works as expected, whether you’re using a keypad and mouse or just your finger or stylus.

Fixes – If something in your site is broken or you want to make changes to it (such as integrating an appointment scheduling app), they will handle it for you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

Ways MSPs are empowering businesses amid a global crisis

Sat, 15 Jun 2002 02:01:08 GMT

To make it through the heightened economic uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses are protecting their cash flows and focusing on their core competencies. Managed IT services providers (MSPs) are lending a hand, too — by empowering remote teams and helping small businesses leverage technology to keep operating despite the myriad challenges. Here’s exactly what MSPs are doing.

Providing infrastructure and service desk capabilities

In today’s digital work landscape, MSPs are keeping their noses to the grindstone to fulfill customer demands and help keep businesses running. While many small companies have taken the first step of transitioning to remote work, they still need help managing the logistics.

Right now, MSPs are providing customers with IT infrastructures and taking on a host of network tasks, including configuring hardware, establishing remote connections, and managing backup and storage options, among other activities. These all help to ensure that company networks are reliable enough to facilitate a remote workforce.

MSPs are also offering service desk capabilities, providing companies with a centralized resource for employees, customers, and business partners to answer questions, troubleshoot problems, and facilitate solutions. Appropriate and timely support is crucial, especially in times of great uncertainty.

Simplifying cloud adoption

Cloud solutions are ideal if IT environments must be quickly modified to meet changing demands or difficulties, which is why MSPs are now helping businesses leverage a variety of cloud technologies and even move their data and applications online.

And because cloud migration can get complex, many MSPs are also offering managed migration plans that help companies transition key workflows and processes to the cloud safely and efficiently.

Offering remote support where possible

The current travel restrictions and social distancing measures make work-related travel difficult and risky. And with highly distributed workforces, many companies would rather source local service technicians for break/fix assistance, cabling, and other IT solutions.

Partnering with MSPs ensures that systems and networks are protected all the time and critical support is provided within 24 hours. What’s even better is that some providers have technicians in different locations, making it easy to provide tools, resources, and support even in hard-to-reach areas.

Delivering flexible solutions

As business needs continue to shift, MSPs must move in lockstep and provide support wherever they can. Here are some other ways MSPs are helping their clients navigate these trying times:

Assisting with IT projects

Because of how broad and challenging IT projects can be, it’s not uncommon for companies to lack the right skills and resources to handle them. MSPs are helping them by providing the expertise and technologies needed to pursue these projects, allowing companies to keep moving forward.

Foregoing long-term contracts

Some companies need IT support and services but can’t afford to commit to long-term contracts. Similarly, some want to augment their IT only for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. What's great is many MSPs are providing flexible IT solutions, giving customers all the services and support they need, when they need them.

Offering faster response times

Especially now that downtime could likely spell the end of a business, companies seek quick turnaround times. Since MSPs typically offer 24/7 support and tout specialists with a wide range of experience and knowledge, they can proactively address issues and ensure that IT infrastructures are working as efficiently as possible.

Providing better customer service

As many businesses are still adjusting to the new normal, providing positive customer experiences will go a long way to earning trust and ensuring customer loyalty post-crisis. By being compassionate and empathetic to the situations of their customers, MSPs are showing companies that they're navigating these trying times together.

Call our IT experts today to help configure the perfect remote work setup for your business.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

How working from home is becoming the new norm

Mon, 15 Apr 2002 02:21:22 GMT

For many businesses, remote working seemed impossible for a multitude of operational and financial reasons. But with the COVID-19 pandemic relentlessly plaguing the world, working from home has become the new standard. How will this change the corporate setup?

Enforced flexibility

A pandemic is one of the most socially, economically, and politically disruptive events that could ever happen. Infections and fatalities constantly increase, business operations are shut down, and scientists race against time to find a cure.

Companies lucky enough to remain operational still face a significant challenge: maintaining business continuity. For most, the simplest way to achieve this is by moving their business resources online and adopting an effective remote work strategy.

With resilience and careful decision-making — as well as the right tools and processes — you might just find your employees more productive, less stressed out by work, and expressive as ever.

A wealth of benefits

Remote work offers several benefits for both employees and employers. In addition to saving time and eradicating commute-related stress, remote work can improve employee productivity. A number of studies reveal that the freedom to create a comfortable environment and schedule encourages employees to perform at their best.

At the same time, employers benefit from reduced overhead expenses while also having access to a wider pool of applicants. Because workplace flexibility is among the top considerations of many young job seekers, remote work arrangements would be right up their alley.

Employers can also hire outside of reasonable commuting distance, as employees won’t have to report to the office as frequently, if not at all. What’s more, mandatory daily attendance is going out of fashion — more businesses are now prioritizing performance over hours clocked in. Many prefer focusing on the quality of outputs rather than just keeping people in the office from 9 to 5.

Businesses reap great rewards for recognizing performance instead of just presence. This approach makes for more engaged, efficient, and satisfied employees, consequently creating a healthy and progressive company culture.

Encouraging development

Many businesses believe that a traditional office setup helps bring about better relationships and collaborations. However, data actually points out that interpersonal behavior and communication — not solely proximity — are the key drivers of trust and teamwork.

Traditional work arrangements also make it easier for managers to look after their employees — it’s easy to see who is and isn’t at their workstation during office hours. However, mandating work hours and location makes sense only for time-sensitive and location-dependent jobs like retail, manual labor, and healthcare, where employees need to be physically present.

Meanwhile, for knowledge workers whose jobs involve non-routine problem solving, an office cube isn’t always the most conducive environment for devising solutions and innovations. Sometimes, the best and most unique ideas come from exposure to the surroundings, people, and events outside the confines of an office.

Embracing change

Being forced to adopt a work from home policy in the face of a global crisis isn’t an ideal circumstance to test the waters. Full-time remote work doesn’t and won’t work for all businesses. But this shouldn’t stop you from accomplishing projects and sustaining productivity and efficiency. Leverage your resources to help you weather the storm and emerge stronger than before.

Though we have yet to see if remote work is here to stay, it’s currently a nonnegotiable aspect of the corporate setup, and we should learn how to make the most out of it.

Having a strong strategy in place and the right tools and equipment are crucial to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and management. Our experts can help you configure the perfect remote working setup for your business. Call us today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Ways virtual reality saves businesses time and money

Sun, 27 Jan 2002 05:36:51 GMT

Virtual reality (VR), the technology that immerses users in digitally created simulated experiences, is experiencing a surge in growth. There are now many more uses of VR than first realized. These include applications in academic research, engineering, design, the arts, and entertainment. It is also helping businesses save time and money. Find out how.

Create your own VR prototypes

With the help of VR, you’ll no longer have to rely on manufacturing when you want to see what your product physically looks like and how it might work. These virtual products allow you to make any changes before production. Model creation in VR, for example, can save company resources, as these virtual prototypes allow manufacturers to examine a product and make changes without the time and money of building a physical model.

VR for engineers

As with manufacturing, VR is also time- and cost-efficient for engineers, architects, and other professionals who work with building large structures. It replaces traditional approaches, such as rendering small 2D models, and offers a more immersive experience that helps in designing structures.

Virtual tours

Let’s say that you’re a real estate agent showing houses to potential buyers. Your buyers may be in a different state or simply don’t want to spend time going from house to house. VR allows customers to see what the property looks like in a three-dimensional setting without them having to actually be there.

Showing all the angles of a product

In order to entice buyers into making a purchase, you must first give them an idea as to what your product actually looks like, and they need to see as many angles as possible. With VR, customers see your product from all angles without touching it. Furthermore, it allows customers to see a product in action. Shoppers can thoroughly examine a product before purchasing it.

Take customers on an adventure

If you are in a tourism or adventure-based business, you can use VR to give customers a taste of what to expect from the attractions. Imagine that you have an amusement park, and you want to attract customer attention. You can offer a short VR simulation of one of your rides so people can see whether or not they’d like it. Or if you own a resort or campground, you’ll also be able to create VR versions of whatever activities you offer.

If done properly, VR has the potential to take your small- and mid-sized business to the next level. If you have any questions about how you can mesh VR with your company, don’t hesitate to send us an email or give us a call. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source .

July 2020 – Connected Technology, LLC

Why Should Your Law Firm Hire a Cybersecurity Firm

The Growing Cyber Threat to Law Firms

Why Law Firms Are Particularly Vulnerable

Heavy Reliance on Sensitive Data

Outdated Technology and Practices

Limited In-House IT Expertise

The Consequences of a Data Breach

How a Cybersecurity Firm Protects Your Law Practice

Risk Assessment and Compliance

Advanced Threat Detection and Prevention

Employee Training and Awareness

Incident Response Planning

Secure Data Management

New Title

Final Thoughts: Cybersecurity Is a Professional Responsibility

Don’t Let Outdated Tech Slow You Down Build a Smart IT Refresh Plan

Why Having a Strategy in Place is Important

4 Simple Strategies for a Smarter Refresh Plan

1. Replace as You Go

2. Schedule Regular Refresh Cycles

3. Watch for Compatibility Issues

4. Don’t Be Afraid of Leasing

Always Have a Hardware Register

The Cost of Waiting Too Long

What to Do Next

Stay Ahead by Refreshing Smart

Your small business needs a clear data retention plan to know what stays and what goes

What Is a Data Retention Policy and Why Should You Care?

The Goals Behind Smart Data Retention

Benefits of a Thoughtful Data Retention Policy

Best Practices for Building Your Policy

Creating The Policy Step-by-Step

A Closer Look at Compliance

Clean Up Your Digital Closet

How to Choose the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business

Why Should Small Businesses Consider the Right Cloud Storage?

Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business

Know Your Storage Needs

Evaluate Your Budget ﻿

Prioritize Security and Compliance

Think About Scalability

Don't Overlook Usability and Integration

Compare Popular Providers

Common Pitfalls When Choosing the Right Cloud Storage for Your Small Business (And How to Avoid Them)

Ignoring Security and Compliance Requirements

Choosing Based on Price Alone

Overlooking Integration with Existing Tools

Underestimating Scalability Needs

Neglecting Backup and Redundancy

Complete Guide to Cyber Insurance Coverage: Inclusions, Exclusions & Top Tips

Why Is Cyber Insurance More Crucial Than Ever?

What Cyber Insurance Typically Covers

First-Party Coverage

Third-Party Liability Coverage

Optional Riders and Custom Coverage

What Cyber Insurance Often Doesn't Cover

Negligence and Poor Cyber Hygiene

Known or Ongoing Incidents

Insider Threats

How to Choose the Right Cyber Insurance Policy

Assess Your Business Risk

Ask the Right Questions

Consider the Coverage Limits and Deductibles

Review Policy Renewal Terms and Adjustments

How to Setup and Implement Multi-Factor-Authentication (MFA) for Small Businesses

Why is Multi-Factor Authentication Crucial for Small Businesses?

What is Multi-Factor Authentication?

Something You Know

Something You Have

Something You Are

How to Implement Multi-Factor Authentication in Your Business

Asses Your Current Security Infrastructure

Choose the Right MFA Solution

Google Authenticator

Duo Security

Okta

Authy

Implement MFA Across All Critical Systems

Step 1: Set Up MFA for Your Core Applications

Evaluate Your Budget