Simple steps to protect your online presence
With cyberthreats on the rise, businesses must prioritize online security to safeguard sensitive information and maintain customer trust. The good news is that understanding the basics of online security can go a long way in keeping your data safe from prying eyes. Here are some essential tips to help your business navigate the online world securely. Create strong, unique passwords Passwords are your first line of defense against unauthorized access to your accounts and sensitive information. This is why you should avoid using easily guessable passwords such as “123456” or “password.” Instead, create strong passphrases. A passphrase is a string of four or more random words. This extra length and randomness make them much harder for cybercriminals to crack but still easier for you to remember than a jumbled mess of characters. For maximum security, use a different passphrase for each of your accounts. This way, if one account gets compromised, your other accounts are still safe. Tip: Remembering multiple complex passphrases can be a challenge. Consider using a password manager, which stores all your passphrases in one place. This makes your passphrases easily accessible while keeping them safe from prying eyes. Implement multifactor authentication (MFA) MFA adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring additional verification beyond just a password, such as a one-time code sent to your phone or a fingerprint scan. By enabling MFA, even if someone obtains your password, they won’t be able to access your account without fulfilling the additional verification requirements. Tip: Whenever possible, enable MFA on your important accounts, including email, banking, and cloud services. Keep software and systems updated Cybercriminals often exploit weaknesses in outdated software to gain unauthorized access to systems. To stay protected, regularly update your software, operating systems, and applications because these updates often include essential security patches that fix those vulnerabilities. Tip: Set up automatic updates on all your devices so you don’t have to remember to update manually, and your devices stay continuously protected without any extra effort from you. Use secure Wi-Fi networks When accessing the internet, it’s important to use secure Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi in airports or coffee shops can be targeted by cybercriminals. Instead, use encrypted Wi-Fi connections, which require a password and scramble your data, making it unintelligible even if intercepted. For an extra layer of security, consider using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, creating a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, regardless of the Wi-Fi network you’re on. Tip: Configure your devices to automatically connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks that you know and use. Additionally, disable the option to connect to open networks to avoid accidental connections to unsecured Wi-Fi. Conduct security awareness training for employees Employees are often the weakest link in an organization’s cyber defense, as they may inadvertently fall victim to phishing scams or unknowingly compromise sensitive information. However, regular training sessions can empower your employees to recognize and respond to cyberthreats effectively. Tip: Simulate phishing attacks to test your employees’ preparedness and reinforce training. By following these simple yet effective tips, you can significantly enhance the online security posture of your business and minimize the risk of falling victim to cyberthreats. Remember, investing in online security is not just about protecting your data — it’s also about safeguarding the reputation and integrity of your business in an increasingly digital world.
BYOD vs. CYOD: Selecting the right mobile device management strategy for your business
In today’s mobile-first environment, organizations have a critical decision to make regarding employee device usage. Two prominent strategies exist: bring your own device (BYOD) and choose your own device (CYOD). Evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of each approach will ensure you select the policy best suited to your organization’s needs. What is BYOD? With BYOD, employees use their own devices, such as smartphones and laptops, to connect to the company network, access business data and applications, and perform work-related tasks. Since staff members are already familiar with these devices, your employees can get right to work, which leads to higher efficiency and better employee experience. BYOD also gives employees greater flexibility and increased mobility, enabling them to work anywhere, anytime. They don’t have to be chained to a desk in order to do their tasks. Instead, they can use their smartphones to check emails or their laptops to edit documents even when they’re on the go. Your business stands to gain a lot from BYOD as well. Aside from enjoying enhanced employee productivity, you don’t have to buy new equipment and spend on maintenance and upgrades. The money you save can be invested in other things that further improve your bottom line. However, there are a few risks to consider before implementing a BYOD policy in your workplace. First, there is the potential for data breaches. If an employee’s device is lost or stolen, sensitive company information could be at risk. Additionally, BYOD policies can lead to increased support costs, as employees may need help troubleshooting issues with their personal devices. If you’re considering adopting BYOD, you must implement a BYOD security policy to ensure that your company’s assets are well protected. This policy should outline key elements such as: Access rights ‒ What are the apps and data that employees can access from their personal devices? Security requirements – What security measures must an employee’s device have to be deemed fit to be used for work? Mobile device management (MDM) solution – What MDM solution must your IT team use to remotely wipe company data from lost or stolen devices? What is CYOD? CYOD allows users to choose from a list of devices provided by the company. In this regard, CYOD is similar to BYOD — it gives employees freedom of choice. While not everyone may like the selection of available devices, they may appreciate having a say regarding what computer or mobile device they’ll be using for work. You can also offer employees the option to purchase the device from the company, paying in installments or upfront. For businesses, the biggest advantage of CYOD is security. You can equip devices with security features to ensure that sensitive data is properly protected. However, since you own the devices, the responsibility of spending on security and optimization will fall on you. This may not be ideal for small businesses or those with a limited budget. Which policy should your company adopt? Ultimately, the choice between BYOD and CYOD boils down to what your business needs. If you’re operating on a tight budget, a BYOD policy is the right option for you. On the other hand, CYOD is perfect if you want to ensure the security of your data and other company assets. Whichever policy you choose, it is essential to carefully consider the implications before making a decision. Call us today and our IT experts will be happy to guide you.
5 Security measures you need for VoIP
Businesses are increasingly relying on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems due to their cost-effectiveness and enhanced features. However, VoIP systems are not without security risk — these systems are also a potential entry point for cyberattacks. VoIP’s vulnerability to cyberattacks therefore requires stringent security measures. To safeguard your VoIP phones, we recommend implementing the following security protocols. Enhance password security Your passwords serve as the initial barrier against unauthorized access to your VoIP system. While they authenticate your entry to sensitive information, their reliability has diminished over time. Modern hackers possess tools enabling them to easily guess passwords and then exploiting them to initiate attacks. This is why it’s imperative to safeguard your VoIP passwords to bolster defense against various threats. To fortify your security posture, implement measures like multifactor authentication or employ a password manager to create and manage complex passwords for your VoIP accounts. Verify that your VoIP provider uses encryption VoIP systems without encryption are vulnerable targets for cybercriminals. That’s mainly because exploiting VoIP systems doesn’t demand advanced technical expertise; hackers can simply download tools to eavesdrop on your calls. While many VoIP service providers claim to incorporate encryption, it’s best to exercise caution and check the actual security measures your service provider implements. Encryption shields your phone systems, rendering intercepted audio or video call files unreadable to hackers without the decryption key. Turn off the phone’s web interface The web interface of a phone provides users with online access to device settings, features, and accounts via a web browser. Through this interface, users can modify parameters such as passwords, caller IDs, and other critical settings. Disabling this interface is a proactive measure to shield against malicious attacks, as it prevents users from accessing their accounts through a web browser, thereby enhancing security. Work with an IT provider that can monitor your systems 24/7 VoIP security breaches can occur outside regular business hours when establishments are closed. Attackers exploit this window to make unauthorized calls using private accounts or infiltrate call records to pilfer sensitive data. Such breaches can persist undetected for extended periods. To preempt these privacy breaches, work with an outsourced IT provider that can conduct round-the-clock monitoring of network traffic and promptly identify any irregularities in your systems. Use VPNs Virtual private networks, or VPNs, establish a secure connection between two devices, mimicking connectivity to a closed network. Think of it as forging a private, encrypted pathway accessible only to you and the intended recipient of your call. Additionally, VPNs can assist VoIP users in managing challenges related to Session Initiation Protocol trunking, a highly recommended feature for VoIP systems. Implement VoIP firewalls VoIP firewalls, tailored for IP-based telephony, regulate the flow of traffic permitted into your network. Their primary role is to spot suspicious or unusual calling patterns and ensure that each connection is appropriately terminated at the session’s conclusion. While most VoIP vendors offer these protocols, it’s advisable to seek guidance from your IT services provider regarding their management within your organization for added security assurance. VoIP security is just as important as your other cybersecurity priorities. Our experienced IT professionals are ready to assist you in creating the ideal security strategy for your VoIP systems. Contact us today to begin fortifying your communication network.
Unlock your team’s peak productivity with Viva Insights
Wondering how your team can get past its productivity plateau? Feeling like there’s untapped potential hidden within your workflows? Your search for answers ends with Viva Insights. This innovative tool from Microsoft uses the power of data to analyze your team’s collaboration patterns and identify areas for improvement. Here’s how you can utilize Viva Insights to unlock new heights of productivity, streamline workflows, and empower your team to achieve more. Enhance collaboration Viva Insights provides teams with comprehensive data on their collaborative dynamics, shedding light on how team members interact, communicate, and collaborate on various tasks and projects. It can then highlight communication gaps and suggest better collaboration tools, enabling the team to take necessary steps to enhance collaboration. Make data-driven decisions With Viva Insights’ data-driven approach, teams can make informed decisions to streamline workflows and optimize productivity. For instance, a team with a high volume of back-to-back meetings might lead to members losing focus and developing burnout. Viva Insights might reveal this pattern and suggest implementing meeting-free days or blocks of dedicated focus time. This data-driven approach allows managers to optimize the team’s schedule, boosting individual well-being and ultimately leading to improved productivity. Identify bottlenecks Viva Insights helps teams identify bottlenecks by pinpointing areas where communication breakdowns or workflow inefficiencies occur. Imagine a design team struggling to meet deadlines due to delays in receiving feedback from the marketing team. Viva Insights might analyze email patterns and task completion times, revealing a bottleneck at the handoff point between the two teams. This could indicate unclear communication about expectations, slow review processes, or overloaded team members on the marketing side. With this data, the teams can collaborate to streamline the handoff process. Conduct more effective meetings Meetings play a crucial role in team collaboration but can also be a source of inefficiency if not managed effectively. Viva Insights analyzes meeting data to provide insights into meeting frequency, duration, and attendee engagement, allowing teams to optimize their meeting practices and ensure that valuable time is used productively. For example, Viva Insights might reveal a high number of recurring meetings with large attendee lists and low engagement. With this data, teams can take steps to ensure their meetings are focused and productive. This can mean implementing an agenda-driven approach, setting clear goals for each meeting, or exploring alternative communication methods such as asynchronous updates for noncritical information. Enhance individual productivity Viva Insights goes beyond team dynamics to focus on individual productivity, analyzing members’ work habits such as focus time, email responsiveness, and after-hours work. This allows for personalized recommendations: a constantly distracted team member might receive suggestions for focus time blocks, while someone overloaded with emails might get tips on prioritization techniques. By empowering individuals, Viva Insights creates a ripple effect, boosting overall team productivity and fostering a thriving work environment. Integrate Viva Insights with existing tools Get a holistic view of your team collaboration across various channels by seamlessly integrating Viva Insights with your existing productivity tools and platforms. Whether it’s Teams, Outlook, or other Microsoft 365 applications, Viva Insights aggregates data from these sources to provide a comprehensive analysis of team productivity and collaboration. Viva Insights is a powerful tool, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. For a comprehensive approach to boosting your team’s productivity and addressing all your tech needs, consider consulting with our knowledgeable specialists. Contact us today.
Ditch the password! Unlock the power of mobile biometrics
In an age where we carry our lives in our pockets, mobile security is paramount. The standard of typing in a password to unlock or authenticate your mobile activities has endured for decades, but it’s time for a change. Enter biometric authentication, a cutting-edge technology that uses unique biological traits to verify the identity of users. This innovation is not only more secure but also incredibly convenient — and it’s already in the palm of your hand. The password predicament In the past, we’d considered password management a minor inconvenience, but the reality has shifted. With the increased integration of technology into our daily lives, passwords have become necessary for nearly everything we do online. This has led to an explosion of password fatigue and the use of weak or easily guessable passwords, which makes accounts vulnerable to hacking attempts. The rise of biometric authentication Fortunately, the rise of biometric authentication is providing a solution to this problem. Biometric authentication uses physical characteristics such as fingerprints, face recognition, voice recognition, and even iris scans to verify a user’s identity. These unique biological traits are virtually impossible to replicate, making them a highly secure method of authentication. Understanding biometric technology on mobile devices Mobile devices, with their advanced sensors and processing capabilities, have become the ideal platform for these technologies. They enable authentication methods that are not only significantly more secure but also seamlessly integrated into user behavior. With the touch of a finger or a glance at a camera, mobile users can now unlock their devices and authorize transactions with ease. The importance of user privacy As convenient as biometric authentication may be, it’s essential to note that user privacy is still a top priority. Biometric data is highly personal and sensitive information, and its security must be safeguarded. Fortunately, biometric authentication technology adheres to strict privacy standards and regulations, ensuring that user data is protected. Browsing with a new dimension of safety Biometric authentication’s impact is far-reaching, extending even to the browsing experience. By allowing direct website login via mobile device biometrics, users are shielded from the most common online theft methods: phishing and keyloggers. Navigating the web with ease and safety With biometric authentication, the process of logging in to your favorite websites becomes a breeze, eliminating the hassle of having to remember and constantly type in passwords. And because there’s no typing involved, phishers and keyloggers have no information to steal. This makes browsing the web a much safer experience for users. Stopping hackers in their tracks Biometric authentication also adds an additional layer of security to online accounts. With the use of biometric data, it’s virtually impossible for hackers to breach user accounts through traditional methods such as guessing passwords or brute force attacks. In this way, biometric authentication is a highly effective tool in preventing cyberattacks and keeping user information safe. Biometrics as the guardian of your financial footprint One of the most sensitive areas of our digital lives, financial transactions, is now fortified by biometrics. Mobile biometrics adds an extra layer of verification, significantly enhancing fraud prevention. Two-factor authentication (2FA) reimagined By combining something you know (your password) with something you are (your biometric feature), biometric authentication creates a powerful 2FA method. This increases security while also streamlining the login process for users, making it easier to access financial accounts on the go. Preventing unauthorized purchases Biometrics are particularly effective in preventing unauthorized purchases made with stolen credit or debit cards. With biometric authentication, only the authorized user can complete a transaction, eliminating the risk of fraudulent charges. Biometrics: A seamless and secure mobile experience As technology continues to advance, the use of biometric authentication on mobile devices will only continue to grow. With its enhanced security measures and convenient user experience, it’s clear that biometrics are the future of mobile authentication. So next time you unlock your phone with your fingerprint or face recognition, remember that this simple action is helping keep your digital life safe and secure. Stay ahead with the latest advancements in biometrics-related innovations that can benefit your company. Contact us today to learn more.
6 Common disaster recovery myths every business should know
Cyberattacks, system failures, and natural disasters have become a common occurrence, and they’re becoming increasingly more disruptive as businesses continue to digitize their operations. Having a disaster recovery plan is the best defense against these risks, but a shocking number of businesses are misinformed about what it takes to effectively recover from a disaster. Here are six myths about disaster recovery that every business should know. Myth 1: Disaster recovery is only necessary for large corporations News outlets often report on major disruptions and disasters that impact big corporations because they make for great headlines. After all, corporations that are typically presumed to have several safeguards falling victim to disasters is a gripping story. However, this has led to the misconception that only large corporations need disaster recovery plans. Cyberattacks, technical issues, and natural disasters affect businesses of all sizes, and no organization is immune to the potential damages. Whether it’s a small business with limited resources or a large corporation with an extensive IT infrastructure, having a disaster recovery plan in place is essential for keeping operations running smoothly. Myth 2: Data backups are all you need for disaster recovery Despite being a crucial component of disaster recovery, data backups are not sufficient on their own. A comprehensive disaster recovery plan encompasses backup solutions along with other critical elements such as disaster response protocols, alternate infrastructure options, and communication strategies. Companies with mission-critical systems may even need to set up a secondary worksite to ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster. Without a well-rounded plan in place, businesses risk losing valuable time and resources trying to piece together a recovery strategy in the midst of a disaster. Myth 3: Disaster recovery is expensive and complex While implementing a robust disaster recovery plan requires investment, it is not inherently prohibitively expensive or overly complex. Cloud-based data backups and disaster recovery solutions from managed IT services providers have made it more affordable and manageable for businesses of all sizes to have a comprehensive disaster recovery plan in place. Plus, the cost of a disaster recovery plan is significantly lower than the potential losses a business could face in the event of a disaster. Myth 4: Only IT departments are responsible for disaster recovery Disaster recovery planning should involve the entire organization, not just the IT department. While the IT team plays a critical role in implementing and maintaining disaster recovery solutions, it is essential for all employees to understand their responsibilities in case of a disaster. Business continuity planning should involve cross-departmental collaboration, awareness training for employees, and clear communication protocols during emergencies. Myth 5: Achieving zero downtime and data loss is always feasible for disaster recovery Although zero downtime and zero data loss are ideal scenarios for disaster recovery, they may not always be practical or achievable for every business. The cost and complexity of implementing such high levels of resilience can be prohibitive for many organizations. Instead, businesses should establish realistic recovery objectives based on their specific needs and prioritize the most critical systems and data for recovery. Less critical systems and data may have a longer recovery timeframe, but as long as the most vital functions are restored quickly, the business can continue to operate. Myth 6: Disaster recovery planning is a one-time task Disaster recovery planning isn’t something that can be checked off a to-do list and forgotten about. Business environments evolve, new threats emerge, and technology advances, making it crucial to revisit and revise the recovery plan periodically. Conducting regular assessments, testing procedures, and incorporating lessons learned from simulations or real incidents are essential for maintaining an effective disaster recovery strategy. If you want a truly effective disaster recovery plan that’s not based on myths and misconceptions but rather on hard data, contact us today. We provide comprehensive disaster recovery planning and solutions that can help your business mitigate risks, reduce downtime, and ensure minimal loss in case of a disaster.
Understanding the role of cyber insurance
The evolving cyberthreat landscape poses a significant risk to small businesses. Cybercriminals often target such businesses due to the valuable data they possess and possibly less advanced security measures. To protect themselves, small businesses often implement safeguards including firewalls, data backups, and ongoing cybersecurity training for employees. However, these solutions alone may not be sufficient to mitigate all cyber risks. Cyber insurance can help you recover financially in the event of a cyberattack. What is cyber insurance? Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is a form of insurance that specializes in damages a business incurs due to cyberattacks or data breaches. It can cover losses because of the cyberattack and costs pertaining to the recovery process. By integrating cyber insurance into their cybersecurity strategy, businesses can significantly reduce their overall cyber risk profile. How cyber insurance benefits your business There are many advantages to implementing cyber insurance, such as: Financial loss coverage Cyber insurance provides valuable financial protection that covers various forms of financial loss, such as legal expenses from customer and employee lawsuits following a data breach, regulatory fines, and loss of income due to downtime. However, you should always check what forms of loss your cyber insurance provider actually covers and to what extent. Ransomware payment assistanceConsider the unsettling scenario where a cybercriminal uses ransomware to obtain critical data such as your employees’ Social Security numbers or your clients’ credit card details. Recognizing the potentially devastating impact this could have on your business, you’re prepared to spend whatever is necessary to avert such a disaster. However, the amount demanded in the ransom can be steep, and meeting it could have consequences further down the line, such as being unable to purchase assets necessary for growth. Luckily, cyber insurance can assist in covering the costs of such demands. Notification costs support In situations where customer information does get stolen, your business has a legal obligation to inform your customers. You may also need to inform your suppliers, business partners, and stakeholders. Depending on the number of notifications and the geographic range of your business (local, regional, national, or international) this can incur significant costs. Fortunately, cyber insurance can potentially help cover the costs of your notifications. Data recovery services Should your business find itself the victim of a data breach that has corrupted or destroyed your data, it becomes essential to restore what has been lost. Depending on your coverage plan, your cyber insurance provider might cover the cost of data recovery services. Without the specialized tools and expertise these services provide, recovering your data can take years. How to get cyber insurance There is more to getting cyber insurance than simply signing on to a coverage plan. In particular, you must meet an insurance provider’s qualifications. Generally, providers look at two things when considering a client: the strength of their cybersecurity and their adherence to compliance regulations. The more secure and compliant your business’s IT (especially for highly regulated industries such as finance or healthcare), the more likely a cyber insurance provider will accept you as a client. If it appears that your company takes a lax approach to cybersecurity or fails to comply with regulations, then the provider may reject your application. How to make cyber insurance affordable If you are worried about the costs of cyber insurance, there are ways to make you more eligible for a reduced rate. Take proactive security measures such as company-wide employee training, regular assessments of your security posture, and scheduled data backups with recovery plans. Implement and submit incident response reports to prove how well your cybersecurity responds to emergencies. Research the cybersecurity preparedness of any third parties your business regularly interacts with (such as business partners or vendors). Showcasing the strength of their cybersecurity also reflects well on you. These steps and others make your company appear as less of a risk to insurance providers. Learn more about cyber insurance and other methods to secure your systems and data by speaking to one of our experts. Contact us today.
How to maximize your MacBook’s battery life and life span
In today’s fast-paced business world, a reliable battery is a must-have for staying connected and productive. Whether you’re in the office or on the go, knowing how to make your MacBook battery last longer can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you squeeze every last drop of power from your MacBook, ensuring you stay powered up and ready to tackle any task. How to keep your MacBook charged for longer There are many things you can do to maximize your MacBook’s battery life: Keep your OS up to date It’s important to ensure your MacBook is updated with the latest macOS, as these updates often include improvements to battery efficiency. To check for updates, simply click the Apple menu on the top left corner of your screen, then select System Preferences. Look for the Software Update option and see if you’re running the latest version. It’s best to set your software updates to automatic to ensure you’re always running the most recent macOS version. Adjust your energy settings Your MacBook intelligently adjusts power usage based on whether it’s plugged in or running on battery. To extend battery life, it uses features such as dimming the screen. However, you can customize these settings in the Energy Saver preferences for a bit more control. Simply click the Apple menu on the top left corner and select System Preferences. Look for the Battery icon and click on it. Here, you’ll find various settings you can adjust, such as screen brightness and automatic sleep settings, as well as the option to prioritize performance or battery life. Remember, prioritizing performance will drain the battery faster. Dim your screen Reducing screen brightness is an effective way to stretch battery life. Adjust the brightness to a comfortable level for your eyes. For example, when you’re working in a brightly lit room, you probably won’t need maximum screen brightness to work on your documents. Turn off your Wi-Fi connection Wi-Fi uses battery power even when you’re not actively connected to the internet. To squeeze the most out of your battery life, simply turn it off when you don’t need it. You can do this quickly through the Wi-Fi menu in the top bar or by going into Network preferences. Manage peripherals and programs Disconnect external devices such as hard drives when you’re not using them, as they continue to draw power even on standby. Similarly, many programs continue to run in the background even when minimized. Close any programs you’re not actively using to prevent them from draining the battery. Look for their icons in your dock and right-click on them. Select Quit to close the programs entirely. Charge smartly When charging other devices via USB using your MacBook, ensure it is plugged in and powered on to prevent excessive battery drainage. If another device is connected to your MacBook while it’s off, in sleep mode, or in standby mode, that device could potentially drain your MacBook’s battery. How to extend the life span of your MacBook battery Maximizing battery life is important, but so is keeping your MacBook battery healthy in the long run. Here are some tips to ensure your battery delivers optimal performance for years to come: Use battery health management features Your MacBook is equipped with intelligent features to slow down the natural aging process of the battery. One such feature is Optimized Battery Charging (available on macOS Big Sur and later). This clever tool learns your daily charging habits and delays charging to 100% until just before you typically need it. This reduces wear and tear on your battery, keeping it performing at its best. Your MacBook also protects itself from extreme temperatures. If its environment gets too hot or cold, charging might pause temporarily. Charging will resume automatically once the temperature returns to normal. To see if these features are already enabled, head to System Preferences > Battery > Health. Avoid extreme temperatures Do not leave your MacBook in direct sunlight or hot environments (above 95° F), as this can permanently reduce how long your battery holds a charge and even damage it further while charging. Extremely cold temperatures can also affect battery life, but thankfully, this is temporary. Once your MacBook warms back up, performance will return to normal. For optimal battery health, it’s best to use and store your device in an area where the temperature is between 62° F and 72° F. Let your MacBook breathe while charging Some MacBook cases, particularly those made of thicker materials, can trap heat during charging. This heat can be harmful to your battery. So if you notice your MacBook getting warm while charging, remove the case first. This will allow for better airflow and keep your battery cooler. Also, consider using a case made from breathable materials or one that has vents specifically designed for heat dissipation. Store your MacBook properly If you plan to store your MacBook for a long time, partially charge it to around 50% first. A fully discharged battery can lose its ability to hold a charge, while a full one can degrade over time. If you’re storing your MacBook for more than six months, consider charging it to 50% every six months to maintain optimal battery health. Before storing it, make sure your MacBook is completely powered off to prevent unnecessary battery drain. Choose a cool, dry location for storage, ideally below 90° F, as heat can damage the battery even when not in use. After extended storage, your battery may be depleted. Allow around 20 minutes of charging with the original adapter to get your MacBook back up and running. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your MacBook battery delivers optimal performance for years to come. This translates to increased productivity and fewer worries about running out of power at critical moments. If you have any questions or concerns about your MacBook battery or other IT needs, don’t hesitate to contact our managed IT services team. We’re here to
Tips for enhancing your productivity with an Android tablet
The rise of mobile workforces has led to a surge in the adoption of Android tablets. However, managing these devices across a distributed team can present challenges. To address this need, we’ve compiled a concise guide outlining best practices for Android tablet use within your organization. Do: Use separate profiles – Recent versions of Android allow you to set up multiple accounts on one device. This means you can have a personal account and a work account on the same device without the two crossing over. Each account can be protected with a unique password and has its own apps and layout, an ideal setup for staff who use their personal devices for work. Pick responsibly – Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, and with different versions of the operating system. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some research before you buy one for your business. Take the time to try and identify what you will be using the device for, what features you would like, and most importantly, if the device is compatible with your existing systems. We strongly recommend going with one of the big-name brands like Google, Samsung, or Asus. Develop a usage and management plan – Before you integrate the device into your system, plan ahead for how the device will be used and managed. Will each employee be in charge of managing their own device, or will your IT partner manage the devices for you? Develop a list of approved apps for work, including important ones like email and messaging. Then, make sure employees are trained to use these business apps properly and securely. Look into accessories – One common factor many businesses forget to look into when deploying Android devices is the numerous accessories available for tablets. In order to extend the life of the devices, it is a good idea to get protective cases and screen covers. Also, look and see whether or not the device you have chosen has a removable battery or SD card. If it does, you may want to invest in extra batteries and memory cards. Don’t: Skimp on security – As Android tablets become more popular, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. You must mandate security measures on all devices. This includes an antivirus scanner and daily checks for app updates. Also, educate staff on how to spot fake apps, how to enable secure browsing on the web, and why they should avoid unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. Allow third-party app stores – Android is an open-source operating system, meaning you can install apps from almost any location. This has resulted in many third-party app stores (stores not run by Google) popping up. Some of these stores host a wide array of apps, including ones that may contain malware. To keep your business safe, prevent employees from installing apps from third-party stores and only allow apps that have been thoroughly vetted on Google Play. Worry about fragmentation – Yes, Android is very fragmented — devices are running different versions of Android. While this may seem like a big deal, it doesn’t have to be. We recommend limiting your tablet purchase to those with the most recent version of Android. Once you get used to the tablet, the issue of fragmentation will usually disappear, especially if everyone in the office is on the same version. If you are looking for help in selecting and managing an Android device for your office, contact us today. We have a team of Android experts who can support you at any time.
Unified communications: Top advantages for SMBs
If you want to streamline your company’s operations, unified communications (UC) might be the solution you’re searching for. UC offers numerous benefits to your business’s information system, many of which you may not know. In this article, we highlight how your business can harness cost-effective UC solutions to drive growth. Unified communications defined Unified communications refers to the consolidation of various communication tools within a single platform. UC encompasses a variety of communication mediums, ranging from traditional voice communication methods, such as voicemail, phone calls, and voice memos to modern multimedia services such as video chat and web conferencing. Additionally, UC facilitates real-time communication functionalities, such as call screening and call conferencing. What’s more, data services and transactions, such as eCommerce and online banking, can be incorporated into a UC system’s framework. How small businesses can benefit from unified communications The primary advantage of UC for businesses lies in its ability to enhance communication and collaboration among employees. With UC, you gain a comprehensive and adaptable infrastructure that simplifies and improves business communications while effectively managing all related components. Here are the additional benefits of implementing a UC system: 1. Enhanced mobility With UC, your team enjoys access to files across various mobile devices, including laptops, smartphones, and tablets. This capability enables seamless office setup and customer assistance from any location, fostering real-time collaboration opportunities and supporting remote work. 2. Increased efficiency UC empowers employees to be more efficient at communication primarily via productivity-boosting communication features, such as call information and routing. Features such as web and video conferencing facilitate immediate interactions and enhance collaboration. Moreover, UC helps reduce response delays and bridge communication gaps among dispersed teams. 3. Enhanced data analysis Data analytics plays a crucial role in informed decision-making for businesses, and UC plays a vital role in this regard. UC platforms provide direct access to advanced data analytics, which, in turn, enables your organization to generate insightful business reports and pinpoint areas for improvement. Moreover, access to advanced data analytics facilitates a deeper understanding of your customer base. With client data readily available to your entire team, it ensures quicker and more personalized customer service interactions. 4. Instant updates UC offers a real-time presence update feature where users can share their location and contact details (with permission). This facilitates easy communication with the appropriate person when needed. 5. Centralized contact Defined contact points ensure stakeholders can reach you through various channels such as email, phone, and SMS, regardless of whether they contact you via a softphone, IP phone, email, or instant messaging. 6. Cost savings More often than not, reliance on stand-alone communications results in duplication of applications. Apart from the inefficiency of managing numerous tools, it results in unnecessary expenditure due to overlapping applications. UC reduces phone expenses by utilizing internet-based calling. It also minimizes the requirement for costly on-site hardware, as a single UC server enables connectivity for all users through various communication tools. Additionally, it eliminates travel expenses by enabling remote participation in meetings from home or the office. UC has become the modern-day standard for business communications. If you want to explore how UC or VoIP can revolutionize your business, feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to address your inquiries and assist you in developing an integration plan tailored to your business requirements.