Technology Archives - Page 2 of 2

January 3, 2017April 27, 2018

Security in the Age of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, which includes any object or computing device that connects to the internet, is growing fast and providing unique security challenges for businesses. In fact, it’s reported that 43 percent of businesses use IoT, with the number of connected devices expected to reach 13.5 billion by 2020.

These devices provide businesses with new capabilities, as they perform tasks and gather data they couldn’t in the past. Yet there are some security concerns, especially in the business environment.

A large number of IoT-enabled devices are left completely unsecured, which creates optimal conditions for cyber-criminals. But what are these risks, and how do they affect your business?

Check out a few of the common vulnerabilities:

Out-of-date security. When your desktop, smartphone or tablet requires a security update or a patch, the device alerts you. The appropriate update or patch is quickly installed without much effort on your part. But this isn’t always the case with the IoT, which can leave you vulnerable to attack.

Lack of encrypted communication. Many IoT devices aren’t encrypting communication, which creates a significant concern in the business environment and could put data at risk.

Difficulty detecting intrusions. Currently, most IoT devices don’t have the technology in place to know that an intrusion has occurred. As a result, device owners don’t realize their IoT device has become an entry point for a cyber attack.

Weak or ineffective passwords. Most people don’t think of their device as posing a security threat, so they are relaxed about changing the default password and continuing to change the password in the future for additional security. But not being diligent about IoT passwords provides an easy way for cyber-criminals to get access to these devices.

The best way for businesses to minimize this vulnerability is to make sure that any IoT devices used in the workplace are purchased from manufacturers that have the strongest security safeguards. Employees should change default passwords and continue to change those passwords with the same regularity as they do for their other work devices.

Cyber-criminals are always looking for that next big vulnerability, and with the proper safeguards in place, you can prevent them from making IoT-enabled devices on your network the target.

Do you have questions about security solutions? If so, we can help. For more information, contact InfoManage online or call 212-931-0705.

December 11, 2016April 27, 2018

Do I Need an MSP if I Use SaaS?

Software is a critical part of business operations, with recent adoption rates sharply increasing. In fact, the global Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) market is projected to grow to $67 billion in 2018, with cloud applications forecasted to account for 90 percent of worldwide mobile data traffic by 2019.

Remote access, collaboration functionality, and business continuity are just a few of the reasons for increased adoption. But when adopting SaaS solutions, there are still technology struggles, questions, and help that is required. Many companies do not enlist the assistance of MSP providers when it comes to software as a service — should you?

Here are 4 factors to consider when deciding whether you need an MSP to assist with your SaaS solutions:

Single point of contact. As your business grows, you may adopt numerous SaaS solutions, but managing these solutions and requests for help can get complicated. An MSP provider can eliminate this complexity by providing a single point of contact for all solutions, including representing you and “going to bat” for you when problems with these solutions arise.

Around-the-clock monitoring. Monitoring all SaaS solutions around the clock is difficult with limited IT staff resources; however, the MSP business model is built around 24/7 monitoring, so partnering with an MSP ensures that all systems are up and running so employees have the applications they need in order to complete business-critical tasks.

Handling upgrades and managing patches. A key benefit of using SaaS solutions is the ease with which software updates and enhancements are deployed to you. Some of those upgrades are critical to the security of the SaaS solution, but managing all those upgrades is time-consuming. Once again, an MSP provider ensures these tasks are handled in a timely manner and with little or no impact on your business.

Fast resolution to challenges. Even the best SaaS solutions don’t work perfectly all the time. Employees will still have questions, and often need help troubleshooting and resolving issues. MSP providers are experts at these solutions, and their Help Desks are designed to handle end-user questions and issues. When employees need help, they can get the answers they need much faster — and get back to work.

Do you have questions about the benefits of using an MSP to manage your SaaS solutions? If so, we can help. For more information, contact InfoManage online or call 212-931-0705.

December 4, 2016April 27, 2018

Cloud-Based Backup Saves Time and Money When Disaster Strikes

When fire breaks out, flooding occurs or another natural disaster strikes, SMBs enter crisis mode. They immediately deploy their business continuity plan to keep business operations running smoothly. A great plan not only helps you get through the current disaster but also ensures your continued success in the future. In fact, 40 percent of small businesses that experience a disaster do not reopen their doors.

Having a plan in place, however, is just the start. Consistent review of that plan and asking the question “How can this plan be better?” are key. Asking this question is leading many SMBs to use cloud-based backup services, but what are the benefits?

Here are five ways that cloud-based backup saves you time and money:

Data is stored out of harm’s way. Data is the lifeblood of a business, so it’s important to safeguard this asset during an unexpected event. Cloud solutions house data off-site at a secure location. So even if an event strikes, data is safe and secure.

Anytime, anywhere access. Depending on the type of disaster, whether it’s a fire, flood or natural disaster, it may be days or even months before the office can reopen. When data is safely stored in the cloud, employees can access business-critical applications and data immediately to communicate with customers and start conducting regular business.

Automatic backup. The best backup solution is one that operates automatically without requiring any action by employees. Cloud solutions make this possible, with regular backups occurring quietly in the background without disruption or additional resources required from employees.

Speedy recovery. In the past, SMBs may have used recovery tapes. During an unexpected event, a person would need to recall the tape, load it and locate the relevant data. File recovery from the cloud is much faster and doesn’t require physically transporting the data from an off-site location. As a result, files can be restored quickly.

Reasonable cost. If you’re like most small to medium-size businesses, you have a budget, and it may not include a large chunk of resources for capital expenditures on IT resources. Cloud storage allows you to tap into data backup for a reasonable fixed, monthly cost.

Do you have questions about the benefits of cloud backup solutions? If so, we can help. For more information, contact InfoManage online or call 212-931-0705.

November 27, 2016April 27, 2018

Managed IT Services Benefit Small Businesses

Small businesses face many challenges — among these: maximizing each and every dollar that they spend. Small businesses must keep customers happy while ensuring that employees are maximizing resources and efficiency.

Some small businesses think that managed service providers (MSPs) are only for large businesses, but this isn’t the case. In fact, MSPs can be valuable resources for small businesses that want to grow and thrive in the future.

What are the major benefits of Managed Service Providers (MSPs) for small businesses?

Here are five (5) major benefits of MSPs for small businesses:

Minimized downtime. The cost of downtime is high. In fact, IDC reports the price tag at $137 to $427 per minute. When downtime occurs, business becomes paralyzed; even worse, if customers are adversely affected, the effects could be long-lasting. Working with an MSP allows you to handle issues quickly, and identify and prevent issues before they occur.

Reduced labor costs. Tapping into the required IT skills can be time- consuming and costly. But when using an MSP, you can tap into the exact skills you need quickly, easily and at a fraction of the cost of employing a full-time staff member.

Proactive IT planning. MSPs understand your IT infrastructure inside and out. As a result, they can assist with solving complex challenges and coming up with the right solutions quickly and easily.

Higher ongoing efficiency. Employees are slowed down by technology challenges, which are expensive for small businesses. Small businesses that are working with an MSP provider can focus on what matters most — their core business. The MSP provider handles any glitches and technology challenges quietly in the background.

The ability to control costs. MSPs allow you to pay for only what you use. As a result, you can ensure that costs are predictable and consistent.

Moving Forward with Greater Efficiency

The services that MSPs provide for small businesses aren’t one-size-fits-all. They are tailor-made to fit the unique challenges that small businesses face. If you have questions about the benefits of MSPs for small businesses, we can help. For more information, contact InfoManage online or call 212-931-0705.