Market your business effectively with Twitter
If you understand how Twitter works, it might do wonders for your business. How can you drive traffic and build your brand using Twitter? With all the marketing noise being made on social media, it could be challenging for some businesses to stand out. So what steps can you take to add to your audience’s experience online instead of simply being a disruption? Create a successful strategy and leverage Twitter’s power for your business by trying out these tips. Build a profile that stands out If you’re just starting out on Twitter, you want to make your Twitter handle relevant to your company. If your brand name is already used by somebody else, you can add a CTA or an attractive description at the beginning of your company name. For example, your company name is “LuckyABC”, but another company has the same name and is already using it as their Twitter handle, all you need to do is get creative and pick a handle like “ChooseLuckyABC” or “GetLuckyABC”. Don’t forget to refine your description, website link, and location so that your followers will get an immediate idea of what your business is. Build your Twitter followers You can do this by carefully selecting keywords to target. If your Twitter followers are well-defined, increasing their numbers by engaging them will benefit your business. Additionally, if your followers increase, you’ll also get more engagement and clicks through your website. Tweet regularly Consistent tweeting indicates an active, healthy profile. If you tweet only once a week, or worse, once a month, most of your followers will forget about you. You’ve worked hard to get them to follow you, so make an effort to keep them engaged by interacting with them on a regular basis. Make sure you tweet relevant, useful, and interesting information — content your followers will read, retweet, and like. Come up with a tweet schedule and refer to it when you’re running out of ideas. Follow influencers and trends It pays to stay on top of the latest happenings in your industry. Try to put your business in the light by following relevant influencers, hashtags, and trending topics. This way you’ll always have something new to share with your followers. Following industry leaders gives your audience another perspective of your brand. It gives soul to your profile, so that you don’t appear like a cold, lifeless company to your audience. Also consider adding trending hashtags to your tweets in order to reach new users that have similar interests. Use visuals People tend to understand visual content more than text. Try to create a dynamic experience for your Twitter audience by adding different types of media to your tweets, such as images and videos, which are proven to gain more views, clicks, and shares than plain text tweets. Retweet great content Don’t be afraid to retweet when you see something worth sharing with your followers. Retweeting somebody else’s Twitter content has its own benefits — you create a good relationship with other influencers on Twitter, and it shows your followers that you’re an active member of your online community. Track mentions Know what’s being said about you by tracking brand mentions and keywords. This is a great way to provide distinctive customer service or to reach out to new customers. For instance, when someone is tweeting feedback on your products or services, take the opportunity to respond politely. When you see someone tweet about their needs for a specific service, you can jump into the conversation and introduce your company. Integrate with other marketing efforts Twitter is much more effective when integrated with your other marketing activities, such as email subscriptions. For example, if you’re running a promotion or contest via Twitter, let your email subscribers know about it. Since they signed up, they expect to receive notifications and the latest news about your business. If you want to integrate Twitter into your business’s social media marketing campaigns, get in touch with us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Fix these enterprise security flaws now
As businesses have become more reliant on digital technology for day-to-day operations, they’ve also become a favorite target of internet threats. If you want to protect your organization from cyberattacks, make sure your security is clear of the following flaws. Open wireless networks With one main internet line and a couple of wireless routers, a whole office can go online. A wireless internet connection saves money, but there is an inherent risk that it’s an unsecure network. If you need a secure network, plugging in a wireless router and creating a basic network is not enough. If you don’t set a password on your routers, then anyone within range can connect. With fairly simple tools and a bit of know-how, hackers and criminals can start capturing data that goes in and out of the network, and even attacking the network and computers attached. Therefore, you should take steps to ensure that all wireless networks in the office are secured with strong passwords. Many internet service providers that install hardware when setting up networks will often just use an easy password for the router, such as the company’s main phone number. These need to be changed. Email is not secure Most companies that have implemented a new email system in the past couple of years will most likely be secure. This is especially true if they use cloud-based options or well-known email systems like Exchange, which offer enhanced security and scanning. The businesses at risk are those using older systems like POP, or systems that don’t encrypt passwords (what are known as “clear passwords”’). If your system doesn’t encrypt information like this, anyone with the right tools and a bit of knowledge can capture login information and compromise your systems and data. If you are using an older email system, it is advisable to upgrade to a newer one, especially if it doesn’t use encryption. Mobile devices that aren’t secure enough Mobile devices offer a great way to stay connected and productive while out of the office. However, if you use your tablet or phone to connect to office systems but don’t have security measures in place, you compromise your networks. Imagine you have linked your work email to your tablet but don’t have a screen lock enabled, and you lose your device. Anyone who picks it up will have access to your email and all your sensitive information. The same goes if you install a mobile device app with malware on it. Your infected device will spread this malicious program to your entire network and cause major disruption to your business. Take steps to ensure that employee devices have adequate security, such as passcodes, and that your company has sufficient security policies in place to govern their use. Lastly, mobile device management solutions are specifically designed to prevent your bring your own device (BYOD) policy from being a risk with employee devices causing havoc to your network. Anti-malware software that isn’t maintained These days, it is essential that you have anti-malware software installed on all devices in your company, and that you take the time to configure these properly. It could be that scans are scheduled during business hours. If you install these solutions onto your systems and they start to scan during work time, most employees will just turn the scanner off, leaving your systems vulnerable. The same goes for not properly ensuring that these systems are updated. Updates are important for software, especially anti-malware applications, because they implement new databases that contain recently discovered threats and the fixes for them. Therefore, anti-malware software needs to be properly installed and maintained if they are going to even stand a chance of keeping systems secure. Lack of firewalls A firewall is a network security tool that can be configured to block data traffic from entering and leaving the network. For instance, it can protect data from being accessed from outside the network. While many modems or routers include firewalls, they are often not robust enough for business use. What you need is a firewall that covers the whole network at the point where data enters and exits (usually before the routers). These are business-centric tools that should be installed by an IT partner like a managed services provider (MSP), in order for them to be most effective. How do I ensure proper business security? The best way a business can ensure that their systems and networks are secure is to work with an IT partner like us. Our managed services can help ensure that you set up proper security measures in place and that they are managed properly. Tech peace of mind means your focus can be on creating a successful company instead. Contact us today to learn more. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Safeguarding your Android device
You don’t need advanced technological know-how to protect your Android phone or tablet. Our guide shows how to safeguard your device from digital and physical threats. All it takes is a simple tweak to your device settings and downloading the right protection software. Protecting your Android device from digital risks and theft should be a priority as most hackers continue to exploit Android’s vulnerability. However, you don’t need to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device. Most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free. Here are ways to secure your Android devices. Buy devices from vendors who release Android patches quickly Beware of handset makers who don’t immediately release Android updates. By delaying the patches, these vendors allow your device to be vulnerable for the time being. Always keep your software updated Google releases security patches fairly regularly, and most newer phones automatically inform you of updates. Update your device and apps as soon as security patches are released. Make sure to lock your screen You can lock and unlock your Android device’s screen in multiple ways. These provide an extra layer of protection as they require you to unlock a device with either a unique code, pattern, or face recognition. The simplest way is to use a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure you don’t use 1-2-3-4-5 or some easy-to-guess combination. For newer Android devices, you can set up a fingerprint unlock. Downloads apps only on Google Play Store Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but these can be malicious and certainly not worth the risk. Sometimes bogus apps make it into the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps. These will usually tell you if an app is legitimate. Use Google Play Protect Google has a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Play Store and in your device. Make sure it’s on by going to Settings > Google > Security > Play Protect. Use on-device encryption This feature encrypts all your device’s sensitive data, rendering them unreadable until you enter your PIN or passcode. Activate it by going to Settings > Security > Encrypt Device. Use a virtual private network (VPN) When connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone connected to the same network is intercepting your connection. Using a VPN encrypts your information, so even if someone steals it, it’s protected. There are numerous VPNs on the Google Play Store that are free and simple to use. Compare their rankings and reviews before picking one. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account. Add another layer of protection to your account by enabling 2FA. Just go to My Account > 2-Step Verification, then follow the prompts. You can choose to get verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice. Keep an eye on your device as you would your valuable items Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Avoid using your device in crime-prone areas so as not to attract attention and get robbed. Exercise vigilance in opening emails and avoid shady websites, as hackers may be phishing for your personal data such as login information or credit card details. Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. You don’t want your device and the sensitive data in it to end up in the wrong hands. If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about your Android device, call us now. We are here to help. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
What you need to know about virtualization
Keeping costs low and productivity high are keys to business success, but these aren’t easy to achieve if you’re relying on traditional in-house servers. Virtualization is one solution to this challenge, so let’s take a closer look at how it works. What is virtualization? Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of a device or resource, anything from a server to an operating system. This allows you to turn one physical server into a group of virtual servers that all share the same resources. How is it different from other systems? If you’re paying a provider for access to virtual IT resources, you have instant access to nearly limitless computing resources. It also gets rid of haphazard IT rooms, cables, and bulky hardware, reducing your overall IT overhead and management costs. While many people confuse virtualization with the cloud, it’s better to think of virtualization as one of the many tools that enables cloud technology to function. For example, if you wanted to simultaneously run Windows and Mac OS X on the same computer, virtualization could do that. This improves overall application performance due to technology that can balance resources, and provide only what the user needs. When should you virtualize? Virtualization can be a solution for many businesses, but not for all. The key is to know exactly when to virtualize. Here are four situations where a business should make the leap: Virtualize if you rely on technology – Companies that are dependant on technology often end up with more hardware than they actually need. Virtualization prevents this from happening with more efficient use of IT. Virtualize if your company exceeds 20 employees – Tech experts agree that there is no need for virtualization if you employ fewer than 10-20 employees. With that number, traditional servers are more than enough to cater to your needs. Virtualize if you can cover the costs – While virtualization is meant to reduce costs, it still requires an initial investment. The cost of virtualization can be high for small businesses to implement, but you have the option of working with an IT partner like us. We can help you realize cost-savings or even a return on investment. Virtualize if you want more space – Certain business operators throw away a big chunk of their budget on extra office space to house large server racks, wires, or even IT personnel to maintain them. In this situation, virtualization can save space while reducing hardware costs. There are several reasons why businesses look into virtualization. Like any type of technology, it’s a tradeoff between practicality and money. If you think you’re ready to move your systems to a virtual world or are looking to learn more about virtualization solutions, contact us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Here’s how you can lock your Mac
Your Mac holds plenty of important files that you simply cannot risk losing or exposing to unauthorized parties. One of the best ways to protect your computer and all the data it contains is to lock it with a password when it’s not in use. It’s not enough to log off your Mac Some people “lock” their Mac computer by logging off or shutting down the device. If you’re stepping away from your desk to use the bathroom or do something quick, both of these methods may prove to be time-consuming and downright impractical. But what can you do to prevent others from snooping on your computer? Protect it with a password, of course. Setting a password is easy Locking your screen and setting a password with which to unlock it is easy. Go to the Dock or the Apple menu and from there, launch System Preferences. Click on the Security & Privacy pane. Go to the General tab and check the option that reads, “Require password after sleep or screensaver begins”. A dropdown menu will appear — choose Immediately. This series of steps locks your computer every time you put it in sleep mode. To “awaken” your Mac, just input the password you set. Get your Mac to sleep on command The quickest way, by far, to put your Mac to sleep is to go to the Apple menu and click Sleep. You may also use these keyboard shortcuts: Option + Command + Power button — Puts the computer in sleep mode Option + Shift + Power button — Makes the screen go to sleep mode For Mac models with a Touch ID sensor, you can use the same key combinations but replace the Power button with the Media Eject button. You can also activate Hot Corners, which puts your monitor to sleep when you move your cursor to a specific corner of the screen. Access this feature through the following steps: In the Apple Menu, click on System Preferences. Click on Desktop and Screen Saver. Click on the Screen Saver tab. In the bottom right corner, select Hot Corners. Select which corner you’d like to use when putting your Mac in sleep mode Looking for more Mac OS tips? Curious to learn about our Mac services? Call us today to learn more. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
BYOD and CYOD: What’s the difference?
Many of us are comfortable using computers and devices we’re familiar with. This is the reason companies are now offering their employees a bring your own device (BYOD) option. However, there’s a new concept that is also starting to catch on: choose your own device (CYOD). Below is a brief overview of BYOD and CYOD. BYOD This policy allows employees to bring their own devices to the office and use them for work-related tasks. While it focuses mostly on mobile devices, some companies allow users to bring their computers as well. Companies cut costs on purchasing and maintaining computers when they adopt this policy. This also leads to higher productivity since employees are familiar with their own devices, eliminating the time and effort needed to adjust to a new operating system or technology. The main drawback of this policy is the risk involved when you allow employees’ devices to access corporate resources. Companies adopting this policy need to ensure that they have a solid system in place that deals not only with security but how the devices should be used. CYOD CYOD allows users to choose from a set of devices approved by the company. These devices come with pre-installed business applications and protocols before an employee selects them. The main benefit of this policy is that the devices offered are highly compatible with the company’s current setup and come with security features to ensure that sensitive information is properly protected. Depending on the policy, a company can either keep the device after an employee leaves or an employee can own the device after paying for it upfront. Some employees may not like the selection of available devices; that’s the major drawback of this policy. Unfortunately, hardware costs are also not completely eliminated, and employees will have to shoulder the costs for maintenance and repairs. Which policy should companies adopt? Companies should think about what works best for their current setup before choosing whether to adopt a BYOD or CYOD policy. A BYOD policy is ideal for companies operating on a tight or limited budget, while CYOD is perfect for companies who want to ensure their data is fully secure. Contact us today to see how we can help you choose the right policy for your company. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
What you need to know about your VoIP’s QoS
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) has become a popular communications solution for small- and medium-sized businesses. There are so many providers and services to choose from, but how do you pick the right one? One crucial factor you should look into is a vendor’s Quality of Service, or QoS. What is QoS? VoIP providers and IT experts define “Quality of Service” as the overall performance of a VoIP system or network. This performance is usually measured by looking at objective statistics like bandwidth use, transmission (call) delay, error rates, etc. Subjective data, like what the end users think of the system’s performance, are also factored in. Why does QoS vary from provider to provider? QoS does not just apply to VoIP, but also to traditional phone systems. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the quality of landline calls are near perfect. This is because all traditional phone network providers invested in physical networks and connections that offer high QoS. That means switching from one provider to another doesn’t affect the quality of the calls. But investments in physical networks were expensive, and customers ended up shouldering the costs. The high cost of maintaining the transmission network (phone lines, switches, etc.) is also why there are only a couple of phone providers in your area. In other words, it’s just too costly for small companies to launch a traditional phone network system. In comparison, VoIP systems are a lot cheaper to set up and maintain. This has led to a high number of VoIP providers. And because anyone with capital can set up their VoIP systems without having to adhere to a standard, the QoS amongst providers can vary drastically. To find the provider with the best QoS, ask them these three questions: How much of the network infrastructure do you own? Almost every VoIP provider will rely on public infrastructure in order to transmit data. The rule of thumb is, the bigger the company’s share in the infrastructure, the higher its QoS is. This is because the provider will have more control over the technology. One of the best options is to look for facilities-based providers. These companies own almost all of the network that carries VoIP calls and can therefore offer better services and quality. How much traffic will run over public internet? The answer to this will vary among providers. Some of the most popular solutions like Vonage will use almost 100% public internet for their traffic. Other companies will use a mixture of public and private networks, often using public internet for more affordable packages and private internet for high-end users. If you often use VoIP for functions that require heavy bandwidth like conference calling, then you may need to sign up for more expensive packages so the QoS doesn’t drop. What level of quality can you guarantee? Good providers will be able to guarantee a QoS that is comparable, or even better, than traditional phone networks. This is especially important for businesses that are looking to switch to a full VoIP solution. Ask your prospective provider to run a few tests on your network and to give you a quality assurance. If the numbers are too low for your business needs, look for another provider. Do you want to know more about how to pick the best VoIP provider and how VoIP can benefit your business? Get in touch with our experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Office 365 Groups: Your apps under one roof
People often have dozens of tabs open in their web browsers to access services that help them with work or catch up on social media. As a result, it’s difficult to keep track of all of them and get the information you need. Office 365 Groups solves this problem with Connectors, a new feature that lets you connect to third-party applications within the Outlook page. So if you want to declutter your taskbar, try out Connectors for your Groups. What can it do? Office 365 Connectors enable users to access third-party apps and services within their Outlook groups, rather than having to scour through dozens of tabs to access a specific application. For example, your team members can be informed about a particular hashtag your company is following on Twitter without having to separately open the app. Groups aren’t limited to one particular service. With connectors, you can use Twitter, Trello, Mailchimp, Bing, UserVoice, and over 50 other services. Small organizations can also take advantage of connectors. Office 365 lets you develop your own connectors by embedding the Connect to Office 365 button on your site. This allows users to connect to your service and get updates on your company, as they would with other third-party services. Your Office 365 client basically becomes a hub for third-party apps that keeps your company in sync to get more work done. Connector card Connector cards offer a user-friendly way to interact with external applications. If a particular connector is added to a Group, connector cards are generated within the group’s activity feed. While most cards will display events in plain text, some applications like Twitter and Trello provide formatted actions to interact with the card. Trello, for example, allows you to Assign or Comment on an event card. Who can create a connector? Office 365 Group members can configure and use a number of connectors. Once you configure a connector for a Group, that app will be also be available for other members. However, the person who added a connector to that Group is the only one who can modify that app. How do you access Office 365 Connectors? Any Office 365 Mail user can use Connectors for Groups. Simply navigate to a Group from your Outlook page and click on the Connectors tab at the top of the page. From here, you can connect the available third-party services on offer to any of your Outlook groups. You can even configure the settings of your apps without having to leave Office 365. Remember to pull in the applications that you think your group will be using the most. As your business grows, you’ll need more services to be more productive. By aggregating them all in one place, you save time shifting around apps to find the needed information. So the next time you create an Office 365 Group, help your team members work more efficiently by setting up some connectors. If you’re interested in learning about the latest Office 365 updates, contact us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Browser security for business data
The internet isn’t for the naive. It’s a wild place populated by dangerous creatures like malware, scams, and hackers. And as any business owner today would know, data is everything. If you or your employees browse the net unprotected, this valuable resource is threatened by cyberattacks. One way to protect your business’s data is to secure your browsers. It is easy enough for every small- and medium-sized business (SMB) to do. Prevent browser tracking If you don’t like the idea of a third party (reputable or otherwise) being able to track your browsing habits, enable private browsing using built-in tools in your internet browser such as Chrome’s incognito mode. This offers protection against tracking by blocking third-party cookies as well as malware. Some browser extensions also boast secure Wi-Fi and bandwidth optimization and can guard against tracking and data collection from social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Block adverts While online ads may seem harmless, the truth is they can contain scripts and widgets that send your data to a third party. A decent ad blocking program will stop banner, rollover, and pop-up ads, and prevent you from inadvertently visiting a site that may contain malware. Many blockers contain additional features such as the ability to disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on sites, the option to block specific items, and options to “clean up” Facebook, and hide YouTube comments. Consider setting up a virtual private network (VPN) Unfortunately, browser tracking and adware are not the only internet nasties that you need to be concerned about. Hackers can intercept sensitive data between two parties, allowing them to steal and corrupt valuable information such as bank details, login credentials, and other personal information. Installing a VPN can help solve this problem. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, effectively shutting out anyone who may be trying to see what you’re doing. Install antivirus and anti-malware software Finally, it goes without saying that having antivirus and anti-malware software installed on your PC, tablet, and smartphone is crucial if you want to ensure your online safety. These software programs are your first defense against malicious parties intent on stealing your data. Is browsing at your workplace secure? Would you like a more comprehensive security system for your business? We can tell you all about it and help protect your business from online threats. Get in touch with us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How business continuity plans fail
In the event of a disaster, businesses must make sure their servers and data are safe. But simply backing up your data doesn’t guarantee business continuity. Here are the mistakes that companies should avoid when preparing for the worst-case scenario. 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.