Boost online security with browser extensions
Protecting yourself, your employees, and your business when you’re using the internet is necessary if you want to remain safe, productive, and profitable. Given the proliferation of phishing attacks, hacks, and online fraud, we all need to ramp up our online security measures. Here are some ways to bolster security using browser extensions. Prevent browser tracking If you don’t like the idea of a third party being able to track your browsing habits, try installing a tool that offers private browsing. These programs offer protection against tracking by blocking third-party cookies as well as malware. Some extensions also boast secure Wi-Fi and bandwidth optimization and can guard against tracking and data collection from social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook. Some examples include Disconnect, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery. Blocking ads While online ads may seem harmless, the truth is that they can contain processes that might send your data back to a third party. A decent ad blocking program, like AdBlock Plus and uBlock Origin, will block banner, rollover, and pop-up ads, and also prevent you from inadvertently visiting a malicious site. Many blockers contain additional features such as the ability to disable cookies and scripts used by third parties on websites, the option to block specific items, and even “clean up” Facebook, and hide YouTube comments. The major blockers work with Google Chrome, Safari, and Firefox, and you’ll be able to find everything from user-friendly solutions to more advanced tools that are customizable down to the tiniest degree. Consider installing a VPN A VPN (virtual private network) browser extension is a simple way to connect your web browser to a VPN server. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, effectively shutting out anyone who may be trying to see what you’re doing, and then routes it through the server to hide your location and IP address. Commonly used in countries such as China where the internet is heavily censored by the government, a VPN enables users to access blocked sites — in China’s case, that’s anything from blogs criticizing the government to Facebook and Instagram. There are a huge number of VPN browser extensions in the market, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, so do a little research and find one that suits you best. If you’d like to know more about staying safe on the internet or would like to schedule a security assessment for your company, get in touch with us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Technology tips to increase efficiency
Successful businesses make technology work for them, not the other way round. When used correctly, technology can make every task much faster to execute. So, if you’re looking to increase staff efficiency, consider the following methods to implement technology into your day-to-day business operations. Change office communication To increase efficiency, set up instant messaging software such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. This allows employees to communicate anytime, anywhere instead of having to get up from their desks to see whether the person is available. Of course, if you need to discuss big projects or issues, face-to-face communication is likely the best choice. But you can simply send a quick message for more trivial conversations, saving precious minutes and allowing you to get more work done. Install video conferencing Traveling to offsite meetings and training sessions takes time. Rather than commuting for hours outside your office, opt for a networked phone solution that offers video calls and conferencing. This way, you can hold a video conference to discuss business matters from the comfort and convenience of your office. You can also take things up a notch and equip the conference room with tools to pull up documents and have them displayed on a big screen so that everyone in the meeting can follow the conversation with ease. Upgrade workstations Outdated technologies and workstations limit your business’s progress and are a hindrance to developing clued-up, efficient employees. Aging systems and slow networks can frustrate your team and bring productivity to a standstill. That’s why it’s important to take the time to assess your current workstations, applications, hardware, and tools. This doesn’t mean that you have to buy a set of entirely new workstations. But you should replace obsolete equipment with more up-to-date machines. In addition, make sure all software and applications are up-to-date to ensure maximum efficiency and employee satisfaction. Implement ERP software Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a business process management software that allows organizations to automate processes and centralize data in order for employees to collaborate more efficiently. ERP software provides employees with up-to-date business information that they can easily access and use. What’s more, ERP also eliminates redundant data entry and reduces the number of spreadsheets that are used to record critical business data, by storing information in a centralized database. To get the maximum return on your technology investment, it’s also important to partner with a knowledgeable and reliable service provider. Get in touch with our tech experts today to find out how we can implement technology to help your employees become more efficient and productive. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The biggest threat to your IT infrastructure: Your own employees
The biggest threat to your I.T infrastructure: Your own employees Did you know that your employees often unwittingly ‘help’ cybercriminals gain access to your system? Often, employees play a part in compromising the security of your IT infrastructure, even without them realizing it. For example- When your employees use their own devices for work purposes such as to access emails, to connect to work servers or to work on office files. In the event their device gets infected by a malware or hacked, the virus or the hacker gets access to your data as well. Your employees may put your network at risk by connecting to unauthorized networks, downloading unauthorized software, using outdated antivirus programs etc, on their personal devices and then using it to access work files.Then, there’s the chance of them losing their devices such as smartphones, laptops or tablets putting your data at risk. Your employees may also fall victim to phishing messages and scams and expose your network to the biggest risks out there, unintentionally. Plus, there’s always a slim chance that a disgruntled employee looking to make a few quick bucks may actually compromise on confidential business data intentionally. So, what can you do to keep your IT safe? Train your employees through drills, workshops and classroom training sessions that help them identify possible IT security threats Establish clear IT usage policies related to password management, use of personal devices, data sharing and internet access Conduct timely audits and have positive and negative reinforcements in place to ensure policy adherence Install physical and virtual security mechanisms like CCTVs, biometric access, software programs to track employee activities when they are accessing your network and data, etc., IT is the lifeblood of your business and when you let your employees access your IT network, you are, in a way, trusting them with your business. Make sure they are trained and trustworthy enough.
Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to know
It’s undeniable that using keyboard shortcuts activate computer commands faster than dragging a touchpad or a mouse. To that end, if you’re using Windows 10, there are a couple of new keyboard shortcuts worth trying. Windows Snapping If you’ve never used Windows Snapping, you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Known as Aero Snap on Windows 7, the snapping feature allows you to snap windows vertically on top of each other. You can even snap windows to a 2×2 grid for better multitasking. Simply use these keyboard shortcuts: Windows Key + Left – Snap current window to the left side of the screen Windows Key + Right – Snap current window to the right side of the screen Windows Key + Up – Snap current window to the top of the screen Windows Key + Down – Snap current window to the bottom of the screen You can also combine these shortcuts to snap your current window into a corner like top left, top right, and more. Task Views This window management feature allows you to see all your opened windows so you can quickly return to a specific program or document. This is particularly useful if you have multiple windows open at once. In addition to clicking the Task View button on the taskbar to open it, these keyboard shortcuts will do the trick: Windows Key + Tab – Open a new Task View interface with windows from your current virtual desktop appearing in the Task View list. To switch between virtual desktops, simply use the virtual desktop switcher at the bottom of the screen. Alt + Tab – While not a new keyboard shortcut per se, it allows you to switch between open windows on all virtual desktops. Ctrl + Alt + Tab – This is similar to Alt + Tab but the thumbnails stay on the screen even after you release all the keys. Virtual Desktop A great way to stay organized, this nifty feature lets you use an unlimited number of virtual desktops so you can dedicate each of them for certain functions. For instance, one could be used solely for work with all your business software and the other for entertainment. Some keyboard shortcuts to help you quickly manage your virtual desktops include: Windows Key + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktop and switch to it Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 – Close current virtual desktop Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right – Switch to the virtual desktop on the left or right If you’re looking for ways to boost productivity, or have any questions about how Microsoft Windows can help streamline your operations, just give us a call. Our IT experts are more than happy to help. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
The basics on 2-step and 2-factor authentication
Cybersecurity is a vital component to businesses these days. You need to make sure that criminals cannot just hack into your network. When it comes to verifying users’ identity, there are two types of authentication used: two-step and two-factor. These two are so similar, many confuse one with the other. Learn the difference between the two, so you’re more knowledgeable on keeping your network secure. If you want to improve your business’s cybersecurity for you and your customers, you should look at your authentication process. Two-step and two-factor authentication are two of the most commonly used options in cybersecurity. Many businesses use the terms two-step and two-factor authentication interchangeably. There are, however, subtle differences between the two. Two-step authentication A two-step authentication process requires a single-factor login (such as a password or biometric reading) as well as another similar type of login that is essentially sent to the user. For example, you may have a password for your first step and then receive a one-time-use code on your cell phone as the second step. Two-step authentication adds an extra step in the verification process, making it more secure than single-step authentication (i.e., just the password). However, if a person or business is hacked, it won’t be enough to stop hackers from getting a hold of whatever they are looking for. Two-factor authentication On the other hand, there is two-factor authentication (sometimes referred to as multifactor authentication), which is significantly more secure. This type of authentication requires two different types of information to authenticate a user’s identity. For example, it could be a combination of a fingerprint or retinal scan as well as a password or passcode. Because the types of information are different, it would require a hacker a great deal more effort to obtain both forms of authentication. The difference between the two In essence, every two-factor authentication is a two-step authentication process, but the opposite is not true. With this information in mind, make sure that you are using the right type of authentication in your business to keep your company and customer information as secure as possible. Your network needs the best security technology has to offer. The type of authentication you should use is just one of hundreds of choices that must be made to achieve that end. To take the stress out of securing and protecting your network, call us today for all the help you could ever ask for. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to protect yourself from cryptojacking
Hackers use cryptojacking to mine cryptocurrencies, and this process can cause PCs to run below optimal speeds. If you have a relatively new computer but are experiencing performance problems after clicking a link or visiting a website, you might be a victim of cryptojacking. Here’s what to do. Hijacked hardware Instead of paying for computing power themselves, hackers opt to secretly use thousands of compromised computers to generate cryptocurrency. They gain control of a victim’s PC by using phishing emails to lure them into clicking on a link, which then runs malicious cryptomining programs on the computer. Any cryptocurrency produced then gets delivered to the hackers’ private server. But wait, there’s a more insidious tactic hackers use: infecting websites with ads and plugins that run cryptojacking code. By doing so, any visitor who loads the web page instantly gets infected with the malware, which sends their computer’s processor into overdrive as it tries to generate cryptocurrency. If there’s a silver lining here, it’s that cryptojacking software won’t compromise your data unlike most malware do. However, it will hijack your hardware’s processing power, so you’ll experience decreased PC performance while your electricity bills increase. Surge in cryptojacking The biggest reason why cryptojacking is becoming so popular is that it’s a low-risk, high-reward scheme. Instead of extorting money directly from the victim, hackers can secretly generate digital currencies without the victim knowing. And even if it’s detected, it’s almost impossible to track down who initiated the attack. Moreover, since nothing was actually “stolen” (other than a portion of computing power), victims have little incentive to apprehend the culprit. Cryptojacking is also a cheap investment. For as little as $30, anyone can purchase a cryptojacking kit from the dark web to force other computers to generate Bitcoin or Monero for them. And while it’s difficult to tell how much exactly are hackers earning by cryptojacking, we can only surmise that it’s more than the initial $30. Because of these reasons, there’s a good chance that this type of attack will be as popular as ransomware was in 2017. According to several reports, even sites like The Pirate Bay, Openload, and OnlineVideoConverter are allegedly using cryptojacking exploits to diversify their revenue streams. Prevention and response Prevention is always better than cure, so include cryptojacking in your monthly security training sessions. If employees practice extra caution in dealing with unsolicited emails and suspicious links, then hackers will have no way into your systems. Using ad-blocker or anti-cryptomining extensions on web browsers is also a great way to stay protected. Beyond prevention, network monitoring solutions should also be used to detect any unusual computer behavior. For example, if you notice a significant number of PCs running slower than usual, assume that cryptojacking is taking place. And once it’s confirmed, advise your staff to close browser tabs and update browser extensions as soon as possible. Because cryptojacking doesn’t steal data, it may seem less threatening than some malware, but in reality, its effects are just as severe — it can incur real power, cooling, and performance costs to your business when several systems are compromised. To make sure your business stays in top form (and that you don’t end up enriching any hackers), contact us today. Our hardware solutions and cybersecurity tips will keep your business safe and sound. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
3 things your Managed Services Provider (MSP) wants you know
3 things your Managed Services Provider (MSP) wants you know Are you considering bringing a MSP on board? Or perhaps you already have one. Either way, for you to truly benefit from your relationship with a MSP, you need to build a solid bond with them. As a MSP who has been in this business for long, I can tell you the 3 important steps that will help you get there. Share, share, share Your MSP is your IT doctor. Just as you would share everything about your health with your doctor, you need to share everything related to your business that impacts your IT, with your MSP. Give us an overview of your business and answer questions such as What you do exactly as a business Who are your key clients Which industry verticals do you serve What are your peak and lull seasons, if you have them What are the core regulatory codes that apply to you based on the industries you work for What are your business expansion plans for the near future and in the long run Sometimes clients shy away from discussing all these things because they don’t trust the MSP enough. There is a fear of the MSP sharing business plans and other confidential information with their competitors. As a MSP, I can tell you that we work best with clients who trust us. When you are trusting us with the lifeblood of your business–your IT infrastructure, you should be able to trust us with your plans for your business. Let’s talk often While it’s great that you outsource your IT completely to us, it is still important that we meet and talk. Your business needs may change over time and we don’t want to be caught off-guard. We know you are busy, but set some time aside every month or even every quarter to catch up with us and discuss your IT challenges and needs. Take us seriously Your IT is our business, and we take our business very seriously. So, when we tell you something, such as–to implement strong password policies, limit data access, upgrade antivirus, etc., please take notice! Teamwork forms the core of any successful relationship. Same holds true for your relationship with your MSP. Trust us, pay attention to us and hear us out. We’d love that…and we’d love to work with you!
Avoiding Office 365 migration failure
Office 365, the cloud-based version of Office, is one of the most popular software suites used by small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) today. With an ever-increasing number of companies migrating to this solution, it’s not surprising that many others are considering making the move. However, there’s always a chance of migration failure. Learn how to avoid this by knowing the five most common ways that Office 365 migration can fail. 1. Slow internet connection speeds To avoid this, ask an Office 365 provider to test your existing network connections to ensure that your internet connection can handle the migration and day-to-day operation of Office 365. If not, they should be able to offer you a more efficient solution. Because Office 365 is primarily cloud-based, you are going to need a connection with a solid bandwidth. When migrating your files and system over to Office 365, you will likely need to consume a large quantity of bandwidth. This demand will often be enough to tax most small business lines, resulting in slower internet speeds all around during the process. Employees might struggle to do their jobs properly if they’re reliant on the internet, so it is recommended to do migrations during off hours. Beyond this, Office 365 is most often delivered over an internet connection, rather than in-house servers. This means that the day-to-day demand for bandwidth will increase. If you are already noticing slow speeds and service interruptions before implementing Office 365, you will likely see these issues compounded after implementation. 2. Mailboxes and files are too big While the business versions of Office 365 come with 100 GB of email storage and over 1 TB of file storage per user, getting your emails and files online could take a while, especially if you have users whose inboxes are approaching the storage limit. As a general rule of thumb, larger files will cause the migration of files to take longer. If you don’t prepare for this, then you could see migration affecting work or even causing recurring issues of unavailable data when it’s needed. To avoid this, encourage your staff to archive their email inboxes and either delete or remove emails with large attachments that aren’t necessary. 3. Uninformed users The average Office 365 migration takes around one to three days, depending on the size of the business and the amount of data being carried over. If you start migration without informing users that some files and emails won’t be accessible during this period, or that some systems may not be working, you could end up with employees unable to do their jobs and creating resentment for the new platform. Instead, inform your employees about how the migration will run and what they can expect during the process. Beyond this, you should run training sessions on how to use the new systems to ensure that everyone is briefed before they start to use them. This will increase the overall chance that the platform migration and subsequent use will be successful. Older, less compatible software installed on systems While many versions of Office 365 do come with subscriptions to the latest version of Microsoft Office, there’s built-in support for systems that are running slightly older versions of Office. If your business is using a version older than Office 2010 (e.g., Office 2003), you won’t be able to properly use Office 365. Beyond this, you’ll also need to use the latest version of your internet browser. If you use Chrome or Firefox, this won’t be a problem. However, if you use Internet Explorer, you may run into issues, as Microsoft has already discontinued the program in favor of Microsoft Edge. The good news about Office 365 is that actual systems requirements are low, so almost every business will be able to integrate it. We recommend that in order to be able to use all of Office 365’s features, ask your provider to ensure that your software and systems are compatible with it. 5. DIY migrations On paper, migrating to Office 365 is a fairly simple and straightforward process. What many companies find when they do the migration themselves is that the process is much more difficult than expected. They come across unexpected issues that require an IT expert to solve. In order to ensure a smooth migration, it’s a good idea to work with an IT provider like us. We can ensure that your systems are ready and the migration is smooth. Contact us today to learn more. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Manage transactions better with an OMS
Order management systems (OMSs) nowadays are more powerful and more intuitive than ever, which is the main reason why a growing number of businesses deploy one. What are the benefits of having one for your e-business? First off, we need to clarify that inventory management systems (IMSs) are not the same as OMSs. The former is a solution for analyzing your sales history and forecasting demand for your product and the materials you will need; in contrast, the latter is all about the here and now, as it tackles transactions as they happen. What can an OMS do for you? A complicated-but-necessary part of running an eCommerce store requires juggling sales, each at completely different stages in your shipping process and at varying rates of arrival every day. An OMS service is all about organizing product orders into a coherent and manageable workflow. Here are just some of the difficulties it helps you wrangle: Your eCommerce store can be connected to your inventory. If a certain product runs out of stock, it can be reflected on your site so customers aren’t misled about the availability of your product. Payment authorizations can be automated and integrated with your shipping services. You can provide reports to your customers about their order’s shipping status. From intra-warehouse movements to on-the-truck updates, one page will provide all the information they need. Products and materials can be automatically restocked once they dip below a certain threshold. Refunds and returns can be automatically processed by your OMS. And like any industry, there are dozens of OMS platforms with niche functionalities that may be better for specific business models regardless of the industry. The most important thing is that you find a solution that reduces the most tedious organizational tasks for tracking your store’s orders. The cloud-based OMS The cloud is generally one of the most reliable ways to add value to your business. There are dozens of cloud-based platforms, just like OMSs, that require virtually no hardware and allow you to pay for exactly what you use. Cloud-based OMSs expand the capabilities of your business because they serve multiple purposes: To monitor your business on mobile/on the go; To store data in a more efficient and less costly manner; To make sure that your data is protected in the event of a disaster The cloud isn’t the future of business anymore — the cloud is the backbone of business now. It allows business owners and managers to run their enterprise in a cheaper, more efficient, and more flexible manner. For advice on which solutions are best for your business and how to deploy them, give us a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Tips for removing malware from your Android device
The Android operating system is open source, which makes customization and app development easy. The problem is that cybercriminals can also access Android’s programming code, find vulnerabilities, and distribute malware through app stores. Here are some things you must do to avoid an infection. Confirm the malware infection Android devices usually exhibit strange behaviors when they’re infected with malware. A device may suddenly slow to a crawl or the battery may drain faster than expected. Other telltale signs include an abundance of pop-up ads, unusual apps installed on your home screen, unexplained data usage, and unauthorized in-app purchases. However, it’s not always easy to tell if your device was compromised, especially since hackers are becoming more proficient at concealing their actions. The best way to check for malware is to run an antivirus scan with a mobile security solution. How to get rid of malware If malware has infected your device, the most important thing to do is quarantine the threat as soon as possible. Start by rebooting your device in safe mode, which can be selected when you hold down the power button. Not all versions of Android are the same though, so if this isn’t an option, try restarting your device and holding the volume-down button when the manufacturer’s logo appears. Once you’ve entered safe mode, go to Settings, then Apps, and uninstall any suspicious apps. A quick Google search or a conversation with your cybersecurity technician should help you determine whether or not an app is dangerous. If you can’t uninstall the software, it might have administrative privileges. To fix this, open the Advanced settings menu from the Settings app, then select Security, then Device administrators, remove any app that shouldn’t have privileged access, and return to the Apps menu to uninstall it. Mobile security software should also be able to remove malicious programs hiding in your device. If the malware persists, you’ll have to do a factory reset. This option is usually located in the Backup & reset configurations within the Advanced settings menu. Keep in mind that you’ll lose the apps and files stored in your device, so it’s important to back up your data beforehand. Protecting your device from malware After you’ve successfully recovered from a mobile malware infection, make sure to update your device and security software to prevent another infection. Enabling Google Play Protect from within the app store also safeguards your device from rogue apps. When all is said and done, the best defense is to develop good security habits. Be cautious of everything you see online. Make sure to thoroughly vet apps before downloading them and don’t click on links from unsolicited texts and emails. Also, avoid public Wi-Fi networks or, at the very least, use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure the connection. Malware attacks can be devastating to your bottom line, but these tips should mitigate the risks. If you want to learn more about how you can safeguard your Android devices, our experts are always willing to assist you. Contact us today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.