Erase with ease: A guide to securely wiping your Android device
Before you decide to sell, donate, or discard your old Android device, it’s important to make sure that all your personal or business data stored on it has been securely erased. Leaving it intact poses significant privacy and security risks, as your files, photos, emails, and other sensitive data might land in the wrong hands. Read this step-by-step guide on how to wipe your Android device clean, ensuring that your information is safely removed and not recoverable even with the latest data recovery tools. Step 1: Back up important data Before erasing your mobile data, ensure that all your significant data is backed up. Android devices offer built-in backup options to Google Drive. However, you can also use external storage devices or cloud services such as Dropbox or OneDrive to save your data. Backing up your data is crucial, as once it’s erased, there will be no way to retrieve it. So take the time to go through all your data and back up what you want to keep. Step 2: Encrypt the device The next step is to encrypt your Android device. Encryption adds an extra layer of security by converting your data into a code that can only be accessed with a decryption key. This process can take several hours, so ensure that your device is fully charged or plugged in while encryption is in progress. To encrypt your device, go to the Security section in Settings and look for the “Encryption” or “Encryption & credentials” option. Alternatively, type “encrypt” into the search bar in Settings to find the encryption option. Step 3: Perform a factory reset Performing a factory reset is the most common way to erase data on an Android device. It resets your phone to the original factory settings, essentially wiping all data and personal information from the device. On most Android devices, you can find the factory reset option in the Settings menu. Look for the “Backup & reset” or “System” option, and select Factory data reset. From there, follow the prompts to erase all data on your device. Step 4: Use a third-party data erasure app For an extra layer of security, consider using a data erasure app. These apps use advanced algorithms to permanently erase data from your device, making it nearly impossible for anyone to recover it. Before using any app, make sure it is reputable and has good reviews from other users. Also, be aware that some apps might require root access to your device, which can potentially void your warranty. Step 5: Destroy the physical device (optional) If you want to go the extra mile in ensuring your data is completely irretrievable, physically destroying your device is an option. This can include shredding, drilling, or even melting the device in extreme cases. However, this should only be done as a last resort and with appropriate safety precautions. Make sure to also dispose of the device’s battery properly, as it can be hazardous to the environment. Step 6: Remotely wipe the device (in case of loss or theft) In the unfortunate event that your device is lost or stolen, it’s still possible to protect your data by remotely wiping it. Android’s Find My Device feature allows you to erase all data on your device from any location, as long as the device is connected to the internet. First, you’ll need to visit the Find My Device website on another device and sign in to the Google Account linked to the lost or stolen device. Select the lost device, and then select Erase Device. This will completely erase all data, returning your device to its factory settings. Keep in mind that if the device is offline, the erase command will take effect once it’s next online. After the data is erased, you won’t be able to locate it. Therefore, use this feature only as a last resort when you’re confident you won’t be able to retrieve your device. For more advanced users, you can also set up a remote wipe through your device’s mobile management system or with a third-party app. It’s essential to take these precautions when you part ways with your Android device, whether it’s for personal or professional reasons. With the increasing threat of cyberattacks and data breaches, securing your mobile device is more critical than ever. Get in touch with our experts for more information on mobile security and how to keep your data safe.
Microsoft Teams and Google Meet: A comparison of video conferencing platforms
Remote collaboration and virtual meetings have skyrocketed due to the increase in telecommuting. To facilitate face-to-face communication, companies often turn to popular video conferencing solutions like Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. However, these platforms are not created equal. To help you figure out which tool is best suited for your needs, we will take an in-depth look at the features offered by both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. Pricing For those on a tight budget, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams both offer a free version with limited features, which include basic video conferencing, screen sharing, and chat capabilities. However, most businesses may require more advanced features and may need to opt for paid plans. Google Meet’s pricing structure is slightly simpler with its three-tiered plan: Basic ($6/month), Business ($12/month per user), and Enterprise ($18/month per user). Each tier offers additional features such as larger participant limits, meeting recording, and advanced security options. Similarly, Microsoft Teams offers a range of plans, including Microsoft 365 Business Basic ($6/month per user), Microsoft 365 Business Standard ($12.50/month per user), and Microsoft 365 Business Premium ($22/month per user). Higher tiers include more advanced features such as advanced security and compliance tools, phone system integration, and flexible cloud storage. In terms of pricing, both platforms offer fairly similar options, with Microsoft Teams having a slight edge in terms of features offered for its more premium plans. Call features Google Meet and Microsoft Teams offer standard call features such as HD video, screen sharing, chat, meeting recording, and live meeting transcriptions on paid plans. Both platforms also provide joining restrictions, hand raising, and background replacement settings for a more organized virtual meeting. When it comes to video conferencing, you can’t go wrong with either platform, but if you’re looking for a more advanced calling experience, Microsoft Teams offers Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone systems. These features enable companies to make and receive internal and external calls through Teams. Plus, they get robust business phone system features such as automated attendant features, music on hold, call queues, call forwarding, and so much more. Number of participants If you tend to have virtual meetings with a large number of participants, Microsoft Teams may be a better option. While Google Meet allows up to 500 participants in a single meeting, Microsoft Teams allows up to 1,000 participants in a call session for higher-tier subscriptions. This can be particularly useful for those conducting webinars or virtual events with a large audience. Meeting length On the free plan, Google Meet and Microsoft Teams limit meeting lengths to 60 minutes, which is sufficient for short team meetings or catch-ups. Meanwhile, paid plans on both platforms allow longer meeting times, with Google Meet offering up to 24 hours and Microsoft Teams allowing a maximum of 30 hours. This is more than enough for virtual conferences, seminars, and online events. User interface While the intuitiveness of a platform’s user interface is subjective, both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams offer clean and organized layouts. Those already familiar with Microsoft’s ribbons, side menus, and tabs layout may lean toward Teams. The downside is that it can look cluttered to new users. On the other hand, Google Meet maintains a simple and straightforward interface with a minimalistic design. This layout makes Meet easy to navigate and doesn’t require a steep learning curve, especially if users are already familiar with the Google Workspace ecosystem. Native integrations Google Meet and Microsoft Teams are both part of larger ecosystems, which allow for integration with other tools and apps. Google Meet is part of Google Workspace, formerly known as G Suite, which means seamless integration with other popular tools such as Gmail, Calendar, and Drive. In contrast, Microsoft Teams is part of the Microsoft 365 environment, allowing for easy integration with Outlook, OneDrive, and other Office productivity apps. It also includes Power BI for data analytics, Planner for task management, and Viva for employee engagement. When it comes to integrations, it all comes down to personal preference and which ecosystem your team is already using, but Microsoft’s more extensive range of native integrations may give it an edge over Google Meet. Security Google and Microsoft both take security seriously, and have implemented various measures to ensure secure virtual meetings. Meet and Teams, in particular, come with advanced security features like end-to-end encryption, multifactor authentication, access controls, and data loss prevention policies. Although Microsoft’s ecosystem also includes notable security features such as mobile device management, device encryption, and Windows defender antivirus. Google’s security measures may fall short on paper, but they have been fairly unscathed when it comes to security breaches unlike Microsoft. It’s clear that both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams offer robust video conferencing solutions, each with its own unique strengths. Your choice will largely depend on your specific business needs and the ecosystem you’re already familiar with. But if you’re still unsure, contact our team today to discuss which platform would be the best fit for your business.
Powering productivity: The optimal internet speed for remote work
For employees working remotely, a reliable and robust internet connection has become indispensable. However, with a vast array of internet plans and varying bandwidth speeds available, determining the ideal bandwidth for your remote work needs can be a daunting task. This article will guide you through this maze and help you find the perfect internet connection to support your remote work productivity. The bandwidth basicsBefore delving into specific bandwidth requirements, let’s first try to understand the concept of bandwidth. Bandwidth, often referred to as internet speed, measures the amount of data that can be transferred over an internet connection in a given amount of time. A higher bandwidth indicates a faster connection, allowing for smoother and more efficient data transfer. The impact of workload on bandwidth requirementsThe amount of bandwidth you need for remote work depends on the type of work you do and the applications you use. Simple tasks like checking emails, browsing the web, or using basic productivity software typically require minimal bandwidth. However, more demanding activities like video conferencing, uploading large files, or using cloud-based applications can significantly increase your bandwidth Here’s a quick overview of the recommended bandwidth for different types of remote work activities: Basic web browsing and email: 5–10 Mbps Video conferencing: 10–25 Mbps per participant Uploading large files: 10–100 Mbps Using cloud-based applications: 10–50 Mbps Additional factorsApart from the type of work you do, several other factors can influence your bandwidth needs. These include: Number of simultaneous users: If multiple people in your household are using the internet for work or other activities, you’ll need higher bandwidth to accommodate everyone’s needs. Data usage patterns: If you tend to download or upload large files regularly, you’ll require higher upload speeds. Internet service provider (ISP) reliability: Even with a high-speed internet plan, consistent performance depends on your ISP’s infrastructure and service reliability. Choosing the right internet bandwidth planOnce you’ve assessed your bandwidth needs, it’s time to select an internet plan that meets your requirements. Here are some tips: Evaluate your actual usage: Track your internet usage for a few days to get a better understanding of your peak bandwidth demands. Consider future needs: If your workload is likely to increase in the future, choose a plan that can accommodate your growing bandwidth requirements. Compare ISP options: Research different ISPs in your area to find the best combination of speed, price, and reliability. By understanding your bandwidth needs and selecting the right internet plan, you can avoid frustrating lags, buffering, and connection drops, ensuring that your remote work environment is as efficient and productive as iyour office network. If you want to learn more about choosing the right internet bandwidth for your remote workers, give our experts a call today.
Don’t fall for these common social engineering tricks
In an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape, experts tirelessly develop new defense systems to safeguard individuals and businesses from the relentless pursuit of hackers. But hackers have found an effective way to circumvent even the most robust network security systems: They capitalize on human vulnerabilities, tricking people into divulging sensitive information. To avoid becoming the next target, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the most common social engineering scams. Phishing Phishing is a type of social engineering attack where criminals use emails, phone calls, or text messages to trick people into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers. These attacks often involve sending emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks, credit card companies, or government agencies. Oftentimes, phishing messages contain urgent requests for information or offer too-good-to-be-true deals. If a victim clicks on a link in the message or opens an attachment, they will be directed to a fake website that looks like the real website of the company or organization (this is called a spoof). The attacker’s goal is to fool the victim into unwittingly sending their sensitive information through the spoofed site. Baiting Baiting is a type of social engineering attack that involves leaving something of value, such as a USB drive, in a public place. When someone picks up the bait and they insert it into their computer to check its usability, their device may be infected with malware or directed to a malicious website. Quid pro quo This social engineering attack involves offering something of value in exchange for information or favors. For example, a social engineer may offer to help someone with a technical problem in exchange for their login information. Pretexting In pretexting, a false scenario is created in order to gain someone’s trust. For example, a bad actor may pose as a customer service representative and call a victim to ask for their account information. Spear phishing Spear phishing is a type of phishing attack that is targeted at specific individuals or organizations. Spear-phishing attacks are often more sophisticated than traditional phishing attacks, and they may be more difficult to detect. Whaling Whaling is a type of spear phishing attack that targets high-level executives or other wealthy individuals. Whaling attacks are often very well-planned and executed, and they can result in significant financial losses. Watering hole A watering hole attack is a type of social engineering attack that targets a website or application that is frequented by the intended victims. When a victim visits the watering hole website, they may be infected with malware or directed to a malicious website. Smishing In smishing, or SMS phishing, cybercriminals send text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, usually offering too-good-to-be-true deals or requesting sensitive data. Clicking on a link in the message may direct the victim to a fake website or one infected with malware. Vishing Vishing, or voice phishing, involves making phone calls that appear to be from legitimate sources. The caller may request for the victim’s information or offer deals that are too good to be true. If a victim provides the caller with their personal information, the criminals can steal it. Despite the advancements in security measures, the threat of fraudsters and their social engineering tactics still looms large for businesses. Therefore, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and prepare for potential attacks. To safeguard sensitive information, arm yourself with knowledge and exercise caution. Remember, if an offer or request seems too good to be true, it probably is. Safeguard your business from the ever-evolving threat of social engineering. Contact our experts today for a comprehensive assessment and protection plan.
Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network in your office
Does your office regularly get visitors? Chances are that many of these visitors ask to connect to your Wi-Fi for different reasons. In any case, an improper Wi-Fi setup can lead to a frustrating experience for them, and worse, it can put your sensitive data at risk of falling into the hands of malicious entities. The question is, how can you ensure your Wi-Fi is set up correctly? Why you should keep guests off the primary Wi-Fi network While granting guests access to your primary company’s Wi-Fi may appear convenient, it’s a practice you should avoid. Even individuals with modest technical skills could potentially breach your company’s network security, gaining access to sensitive data. This includes confidential documents, proprietary information, and even customer data. Moreover, in the event that any of your visitors’ mobile devices have been compromised, there is a risk that they could introduce malware to your entire network. To mitigate these security risks, it’s advisable to establish a separate guest Wi-Fi network that provides internet access while maintaining a strict separation from the company’s main network. This way, guests can enjoy connectivity without jeopardizing the security and integrity of the internal network. Methods for establishing secondary Wi-Fi access for guests If your router is equipped with built-in guest Wi-Fi functionality (which can be verified with a simple web search), you have the option to establish a distinct “virtual” network. This approach ensures that guests can enjoy internet access without directly linking to your company’s primary network. In case your router lacks the capability for multiple Wi-Fi networks, you can opt to deploy a separate wireless access point that operates independently of the rest of your network. This direct connection to the internet effectively safeguards your company’s private data from intrusion. It’s important to note that guest Wi-Fi relies on your ISP connection, so it’s advisable to impose restrictions on the bandwidth usage within your guest network. If your visitors stream videos while connected to your network, your internet connection can slow down, potentially impacting your employees’ productivity. In relation to this, you might want to encourage your employees to use the guest Wi-Fi on their mobile devices to reduce the risk of them monopolizing company bandwidth for personal activities. Bear in mind that your guest Wi-Fi should exclusively offer external users internet connectivity and nothing beyond that. While the correct configuration isn’t overly complex, it can be a time-consuming task. So if you require a team of professionals to handle this for you, or if you have any inquiries about optimizing your hardware for improved efficiency and security, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Things to consider when deciding between cloud and on-premises VoIP systems
The decision to adopt Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) systems is a transformative step for any business, enhancing communication, collaboration, and efficiency. However, the choice between cloud-based and on-premises VoIP solutions can be daunting, as each option comes with its unique advantages and challenges. Whether you prioritize cost savings, control, or ease of management, understanding the nuances of these deployment methods is crucial in making a strategic business choice. Security Cloud-based VoIP services often come fortified with robust security measures. Encrypted data transmission, multifactor authentication, and regular security updates are inherent features of cloud solutions. On the contrary, on-premises VoIP systems provide businesses with direct control over their security protocols. By managing their own firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption methods, businesses can tailor security measures to their specific needs, ensuring a personalized and stringent defense against potential threats. Cost-effectiveness Understanding the financial implications of both options is essential for businesses striving to optimize their communication infrastructure without exceeding budget constraints. Small and medium-sized enterprises often find cloud-based solutions more budget-friendly due to the lower upfront costs and reduced maintenance burden. On the other hand, larger enterprises with substantial IT resources might opt for on-premises solutions to leverage their existing expertise and achieve cost savings in the long run. Scalability The scalability of VoIP systems plays a pivotal role in accommodating business growth. Cloud-based solutions offer unparalleled scalability, allowing businesses to scale up or down effortlessly. The cloud’s elasticity ensures that resources are readily available, making it an ideal choice for businesses with fluctuating communication needs. In contrast, on-premises systems have finite capacities dictated by the hardware in place. Scaling requires substantial investment in additional infrastructure, making it a more laborious and costly process. Understanding your organization’s growth trajectory is key: if rapid scalability is a priority, the cloud proves to be the more agile solution. Customization and flexibility One of the primary advantages of on-premises VoIP solutions lies in the level of customization and control they offer. Businesses can tailor the system to their precise needs, integrating it seamlessly with existing software and hardware. This high level of customization ensures a tailored communication experience, aligning perfectly with organizational workflows. Cloud-based VoIP solutions, while convenient, may have limitations in customization due to standardized offerings. However, many cloud providers now offer a range of customizable features, striking a balance between convenience and flexibility. When deciding between the two, businesses must weigh the importance of customization against the convenience of cloud-based services. Maintenance and support Cloud-based services alleviate the burden of maintenance, as providers handle updates, patches, and technical issues. This outsourced assistance frees up internal resources, enabling internal personnel to focus on core operations. On the flip side, on-premises systems demand in-house expertise to manage updates, troubleshoot problems, and ensure seamless operation. This approach provides businesses with direct control, but requires a dedicated IT team to handle the technical aspects. Choose the option that best makes sense for your organization. For instance, if you have a highly capable IT team, consider hosting your VoIP systems on site. If you have limited resources, outsourcing may be the better option. The decision to host VoIP services in the cloud or on premises is a nuanced choice that demands a careful evaluation of your organization’s priorities, resources, and growth aspirations. Ultimately, a well-informed decision ensures that your business’s communication infrastructure not only meets immediate requirements but also adapts seamlessly to future challenges and opportunities. For more VoIP and other tech tips, get in touch with us.
Securing Microsoft 365: A guide to mitigating key risks
With more and more businesses shifting toward cloud computing solutions such as Microsoft 365, understanding the potential security risks and how to mitigate them is essential. While Microsoft 365 offers a suite of productivity tools integrated with advanced security measures, it is not immune to threats. In this guide, we will delve into some key Microsoft 365 security risks and some strategies your organization can take to mitigate them. Infected file synchronization File synchronization is a convenient feature in Microsoft 365 that allows you to access your files from anywhere, on any device. However, this convenience can also pose a significant security risk if an infected file is synchronized and spread throughout your organization’s network. To mitigate this risk, follow these steps: Educate users – Training your employees on the importance of file hygiene and the potential risks of syncing infected files is crucial. Encourage them to scan all files for malware before uploading them to the cloud. Implement antivirus or anti-malware software – Make sure to have robust antivirus or anti-malware software installed on all devices that are used to access Microsoft 365. This will help in detecting and preventing the spread of infected files. Enable advanced threat protection (ATP) – Microsoft 365’s ATP features provide an additional layer of security by scanning email attachments and files shared in OneDrive and SharePoint. Configure and monitor these settings to ensure maximum protection. Security risks in dormant applications Many users may not be aware that they have access to certain applications in Microsoft 365, or they may forget about them over time. These dormant applications pose a security risk, as they may contain sensitive data that is no longer needed. The following strategies will help you mitigate this risk: Regularly review applications – Conduct regular reviews of all applications in Microsoft 365 to determine which ones are necessary and which ones can be removed. This will not only reduce the risk of potential security breaches but also optimize your organization’s licensing costs. Limit access to applications – Not everyone in your organization needs access to all the applications in Microsoft 365. Limiting access based on job roles and responsibilities can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Monitor activity – Set up alerts to notify you of any unusual activity in dormant applications, such as unexpected logins or data being accessed after a long period of inactivity. Doing so will allow you to take immediate action if there are any potential security threats. Unprotected communication channels Microsoft 365 offers various communication channels, such as email, chat, and video conferencing. However, if these channels are not secured properly, they can become a gateway for cybercriminals to intercept sensitive information. Here are some strategies to mitigate this risk: Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) – MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to their phone, before accessing communication channels. This helps prevent unauthorized access and protects sensitive data. Encrypt communications – Implementing encryption for all communication channels in Microsoft 365 will ensure that any intercepted messages or files cannot be read by malicious actors. Train employees on phishing and social engineering attacks – Cybercriminals often use phishing emails or social engineering tactics to trick users into providing sensitive information. Educating your employees on identifying and reporting these attacks can help prevent data breaches through communication channels. Vulnerabilities in SharePoint Many businesses use SharePoint to store and share files within their organization, which makes it all the more important to secure this platform. Here are some strategies for addressing vulnerabilities in SharePoint: Regularly update and patch SharePoint – Make sure to regularly check for updates and patches for SharePoint. These updates often include security fixes that can help protect against vulnerabilities. Enable versioning – Enabling versioning in SharePoint allows you to track changes made to documents and restore previous versions if necessary. This can help mitigate the risk of accidental or malicious modifications to sensitive files. Implement access controls – Limiting access to sensitive documents on SharePoint to only those who need it is crucial in mitigating the risk of unauthorized access or data leaks. Review and update access controls regularly to ensure they are still appropriate for each user. Mitigating security risks in Microsoft 365 is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, education, and the right security measures. By addressing these key areas of risk and implementing effective strategies, your organization can better protect its data and maintain a secure environment for collaboration and productivity. If you are interested in learning more about Microsoft 365 security and how to protect your organization from cyberthreats, get in touch with our experts today.
Proven business continuity strategies to safeguard your operations
Businesses operate in a volatile world where unforeseen events such as cyberthreats and natural disasters can strike at any moment. To ensure your company’s survival, it’s essential to have the following business continuity strategies in place. Back up your data The most effective way to ensure business continuity is to back up your data regularly. Having a comprehensive data backup strategy is like having insurance for your most valuable digital assets. If any of your systems fail, become corrupted, or are inaccessible, these backups will allow you to quickly recover and minimize downtime. When backing up your data, it’s important to consider off-site backups in addition to on-premises solutions. This will ensure that your data is safe in the event of a physical disaster, such as a fire or flood at your primary location. Additionally, cloud-based backup solutions can provide added security and accessibility for your data during times of crisis. Virtualize your IT infrastructure Virtualization is the process of creating a virtual version of a physical IT resource, such as a server or desktop. The virtualized resources are put into a virtual machine, which can be easily replicated and migrated to other physical machines as if it were a simple file. This allows for quick and efficient disaster recovery, as virtual machines can be easily backed up and restored to new hardware if necessary. Virtualization essentially provides flexibility and scalability, making it easier to recover your systems and maintain operations without extended downtime. Install a UPS Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are essential components of your business continuity strategy. They offer protection against power interruptions and surges, allowing your systems to continue running even during electrical outages. A UPS provides a buffer period for you to shut down your systems safely or transition to backup power sources, reducing the risk of data loss and downtime. Consider a secondary recovery site or temporary hot desk arrangement In scenarios where your primary business location becomes inaccessible due to natural disasters or other crises, having a secondary recovery site or temporary hot desk arrangement is a lifesaver. This tactic ensures that your employees can continue working, even when the primary workspace is unavailable. Establish agreements with co-working spaces or set up an alternative location where your team can temporarily relocate and access the necessary resources to keep your operations running smoothly. Implement cloud solutions for remote work The cloud has revolutionized the way businesses operate and has become a vital component of modern business continuity plans. Cloud solutions provide the flexibility to enable remote work, allowing your team to access essential applications and data from anywhere with an internet connection. This is particularly valuable during unforeseen disruptions, as your employees can work from home or any location, maintaining productivity and business operations. If you want to ensure business continuity, we can help you develop and implement a comprehensive business continuity plan. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
5 Tips for secure customer data collection
Much of business centers on giving people what they want. This means understanding customers’ interests and needs by accumulating and organizing customer data. However, the methods you use to collect that data need to abide by data privacy laws. Breaching those laws can incur fines, penalties, and loss of reputation. Here are five tips for secure customer data collection. How do you collect customer data securely? There are five key points to consider when collecting customer data in a way that balances effectiveness with regulation compliance. Adhering to these enables you to obtain the information you need while still respecting customer privacy. 1. Prioritize security Investing in robust security systems and providing your employees with training in data privacy best practices is a nonnegotiable step. Modernizing your security measures is also essential to protecting customer data effectively. Establish rigorous protocols for handling and disclosing customer data, and enforce strict consequences for any policy infringements. 2. Exercise ethical data collection According to the Cisco 2022 Consumer Privacy Survey, 81% of consumers believe a company’s approach to personal data is a reflection of their approach to customers. Seventy-six percent said they would not buy from a company they did not trust with their data. Such statistics emphasize the importance of honesty and transparency in regard to collecting customer data. This necessitates creating clear and comprehensive privacy policies that allow customers to decide what information they want to share, and clearly stating how their data will be used. 3. Collect only the data you need There is a vast ocean of data out in the digital world. Most of the data a business collects serves no purpose, wasting resources to obtain and taking up storage. Sorting through all that data can overwhelm analysts and delay informed decisions. Therefore, it’s vital to establish guidelines before data collection, including: Identifying the information of utmost importance Ensuring alignment with your business objectives Planning how the data will be analyzed Determining how this data can enhance your business 4. Back up all data Your efforts in collecting customer data would be in vain if it’s lost due to cyberattacks, natural disasters, or IT failures. Thus, a solid backup and data recovery plan is a necessity to safeguard this valuable information. 5. Update customer data regularly Outdated or incorrect data, such as phone numbers, emails, and addresses, can hinder your ability to nurture customer relationships. To avoid this issue, regularly review and remove unnecessary data, duplicates, and inactive contacts. If you’re seeking reliable IT solutions to optimize your data collection efforts, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.
How to boost cybersecurity when working remotely
Remote work has become the norm, and it brings a host of benefits to both employees and employers. However, working outside of a traditional office environment introduces unique security challenges. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to improve your and your employees’ cybersecurity while working remotely. Create clear remote work policies Your company should have clear policies in place that outline the security measures that employees must follow when working remotely. This includes using strong passwords, connecting to secure networks, and being careful about what information they share online. Make sure to communicate these policies to all employees and that they understand and adhere to these. Secure home networks for remote workers Home Wi-Fi routers are often less secure than business routers, so remote workers need to take extra steps to secure their home networks. These steps include changing the default router password, installing the latest firmware updates, and using WPA2 encryption settings. Use a virtual private network (VPN) A VPN is a crucial cybersecurity tool for remote workers, especially when they need to connect to public Wi-Fi networks. It encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server, making it harder for cybercriminals to track your online activity or intercept your data. Use a password manager A password manager stores all your passwords securely so that you don’t have to remember all of them. It can also generate strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts, so you won’t be tempted to use weak passwords or reuse the same password for multiple accounts. Weak passwords are easy for cybercriminals to crack, and if you reuse them across multiple accounts, all of your accounts at put at risk if even just one account becomes compromised. Implement firewalls and anti-malware software Equip all work devices used by remote workers with firewalls and anti-malware software. Firewalls monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic. They can be configured to block specific types of traffic, such as traffic from known malicious IP addresses or ports, or traffic that is associated with known malware. Firewalls can also be used to create whitelists, which allow only specific types of traffic to pass through. On the other hand, anti-malware software scans files and devices for malicious programs, such as viruses, Trojans, and spyware. It can also block malicious websites and emails, and remove or quarantine malicious programs that have already infiltrated devices. Keep your software up to date Software updates often include security patches that address known vulnerabilities. It is important to install software updates as soon as they are available. You can configure your devices to automatically install software updates to make sure you are always protected. Alternatively, your company can use patch management software to track patches on all registered devices and deploy the most recent updates across all of them. Back up your data Regularly backing up your data can help you recover from a data loss event due to device failure, theft, or other unforeseen circumstances. There are two main types of data backups: Local backups: Local backups are stored on a physical device, such as an external hard drive or a USB flash drive. Local backups are relatively inexpensive and easy to set up, but they are also more vulnerable to physical damage or loss. Cloud backups: Cloud backups are stored on a remote server. Cloud backups are more convenient than local backups because you can access them from anywhere, but they can be more expensive and may require a reliable internet connection. It’s best to use a combination of local and cloud backups for the best protection. This will ensure that you have a copy of your data even if one backup fails. Be careful of phishing scams Phishing scams typically involve emails or messages that look like they are from legitimate companies, such as banks or government agencies, to trick victims into revealing personal information, such as passwords or credit card numbers. To reduce your chances of falling for a phishing scam, follow these tips: Check the sender’s email address carefully. Phishing emails are often sent using email addresses that are slightly altered versions of those of legitimate companies. Be wary of clicking on links or opening attachments in emails or messages, especially if they seem suspicious or come from unknown senders. Look for signs of a fake website, such as a misspelled URL or a missing lock icon in the address bar. Don’t enter personal information into a website that you are unsure is legitimate. If you are not sure if an email is legitimate, contact the sender directly to verify its authenticity. Remote work setups can pose many cybersecurity risks, but you don’t have to address them alone. Our technology experts can provide IT guidance, implementation, and maintenance to help you protect your business and its data. Contact us today to learn more.