Importance of Cybersecurity in 2023

 

5 Key Points About Testing Backups

 Why are the key points to include in a backup testing strategy?

Most business owners are now well aware of the need for regular data backups to overcome unforeseen events such as natural disasters, system failures, ransomware attacks, or accidental deletion of data. A backup ensures that data will be restored in the event of such primary data failure. What most people may not have realized is the fact that backups can also become corrupted or lost. Such a situation when no proper backup is available will lead to loss of time and money and complete chaos. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Wake Forest, shares the importance of having a good backup strategy. 

1. What to test?

Businesses should primarily test their data backup by restoring files from the storage device or cloud. However, this alone will not suffice in the event of a hardware failure or a situation that could damage the whole IT environment. To overcome an electrical or hardware failure, the backup testing should ensure that new hardware can be quickly installed or a backup site is available for failover. 

Businesses should perform both full and partial backup testing and restoring. As repeated complete restoration testing would be expensive, testing the backup of vital data should be prioritized. 

2. How often should testing be done?

Most businesses perform backup testing once annually. However, data experts recommend testing backups of critical applications, data, and systems at least on a  monthly or even weekly schedule. Any new system or application upgrade should first be thoroughly tested before moving to production. New hardware upgrades often lead to application downtime and impact end-users badly.

3. How to make sure that backups work?

Businesses should know how long it takes to restore a backup from a remote site or cloud location. They should ensure that their recovery software can recover data from disks/tapes, remote data centers, and the cloud as expected. During a disaster recovery, physical movement or online movement of data backups will be challenging. Hence, these movements of data must be tested before such an incident to identify weak spots and provide risk mitigation.

4. Checking if recovery is effective.

Once the backup has been restored, it should be tested to make sure that the right data is available in the right place. Individual application experts should perform use case testing of their applications to ensure that the expected result is obtained. Business owners should ascertain that ransomware protections are enforced on the data obtained from remote data centers.

5. Ensuring data and processes are consistent.

Backups should be consistent across various departments of the business to ensure seamless interoperability of departments after a restoration has taken place. 

Taking redundant backups is a good idea. Cloud services generally never fail. However, using multiple services can help if one service becomes unavailable when a full backup restoration is required. In data centers, backups are done on multiple tapes/media, and all of these are tested and stored in different locations. These media must be replaced as soon as any wear and tear are noticed.

The IT support team should keep a record of all test results and share the lessons learned across the board. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT services company in Wake Forest, has a specialized team with a state-of-the-art backup and data restoration system that ensures the best safeguards for customers and the integrity of their data. 

Contact Mobile Computer Services, Inc. Wake Forest at (919) 230-2900 to avail the best data protection services available.

"Have you restarted the device?"

 

Why should devices be restarted regularly?

Technology is extremely important to everyday life now. People are increasingly spending more and more time on digital devices to get daily chores done. Laptops and computers have become indispensable parts of people’s lives. Hence the tendency to leave these devices on without rebooting or shutting them down is also very common. At the end of the day, it is a fact that these devices are machines and that they are prone to wear and tear. Mobile Computer Services, a professional IT services company in Raleigh, shares the importance of rebooting devices regularly. 

1. Improves performance

Performance can be impacted when computers have been running for a very long time. Common issues users face are: the opening of programs becomes slower, searches take longer than they should, functions such as drag and drop do not work, and the cursor gets stuck. These are indications that the system has become slow and needs maintenance. When rebooted, the computer’s operating system and memory get a clean slate which helps to solve many such problems. 

Computers have many moving parts. The CPU, the computer’s brain, has a fan. High-end graphic cards also need cooling systems to work. Shutting a computer down for some time helps to increase their lifespan. The only devices specifically made for long-term uptime with minimal restarts are servers.  Even such servers require regular maintenance to ensure they run effectively for long periods without a reboot.

2. Helps to stop memory leaks

It is very common for users to run into problems with the programs or applications on their computers. Every task done on the computer takes up memory. More open applications consume more memory. When the machine has not been shut down for a long time, applications start to freeze. Most users close or force-quit the programs and reopen them to solve the problem. However, this may not release the whole memory used by the program and leads to memory leaks. These memory leaks impact the performance of the system over time.

Rebooting resets the entire computer's memory and hence helps to prevent any leaks and increases speed. 

3. Improves network connectivity

Internet and Bluetooth connectivity can also be impacted in a system that has been running for a long time. Connections to wireless peripheral devices such as keyboards and mouse also may not work properly. Rebooting resets all connections and can clear up problems with wireless connectivity.

Another way to troubleshoot network connectivity issues is by rebooting the router. Rebooting cleans the router’s short-term memory or cache and keeps it running more smoothly. It allows the router to shed unwanted devices from the network and select the least crowded channel, which provides a stronger connection to the devices.

4. Completes updates and installations

New updates for the operating system are auto-downloaded and installed on the machine from time to time. These updates are generally not fully configured and applied until a reboot occurs. Hence, not rebooting a system makes it vulnerable without having the latest security patches applied. 

Rebooting ensures that any software or OS updates are properly installed, keeping the system secure from multiple exploits and threats.

So, the question remains, what is the minimum interval for rebooting computers? And the answer Microsoft gives is to reboot Windows PCs once a week.  It is also suggested to completely turn off devices when they are not in use for extended periods of time. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services provides worry-free PC and mac repair and 24/7 IT support for your business. A managed IT services company in Raleigh, Mobile Computer Services has On-call IT consulting experts who ensure faster repair of broken IT in a budget-friendly manner. The team gives the best customer care and eliminates the need to pay for services the customer doesn't want or need.

To learn more about on-demand IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. Raleigh, contact the team at (919) 830-9448.

How To Recover An Unsaved Microsoft Office File

 

How To Recover an Unsaved Microsoft Office File

A lost document is a common problem in any workplace. The most common reasons are: it was mistakenly deleted, it was accidentally closed before saving, or the work was lost due to a software crash or power outage. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Wake Forest, shares the possible ways to retrieve and restore such lost Microsoft Office documents. 

One important point to note is that to retrieve an unsaved document more easily, it is better to avoid creating new data and new files on the same drive if possible. New data on the drive reduces the chances of recovery of a lost document. The following are solutions that can help in the missing document’s recovery:

1. Check the recycle bin

The first place to check for a missing document is the recycling bin. If the missing document is found there, right-click on it and click “Restore” to move it to its original folder. It can also be dragged and dropped/cut and pasted to any other location. If the document has been permanently deleted, it may still be possible to recover it using a data recovery wizard. An IT services company will be able to provide advice about the recovery of such data. 

2. Recover from temporary files

Word (and other Microsoft Office apps) has a feature called auto-save which saves temporary files at a certain location. To view the temporary documents, click the “File” menu, click on “Manage Documents” and select “Recover Unsaved Documents” from the drop-down list. A folder window opens which shows all unsaved Office documents stored as temporary backup files. Click on the required temporary file to open it and continue working on it. 

3. Using auto recover

Every time Word (or other MS Office apps) starts, it searches for files to be recovered by default. These files to be recovered are saved with a “.asd” file extension. To open these files manually:

• Click on the ”File” menu and click “Options”. 
• Then click “Save” on the page that appears. 
• Copy the “AutoRecover file location” shown. 
• Paste the location in the file explorer to open the folder where “. and” files are present.
• Copy the “.asd” file. 
• Go to the “File” tab on Word again and click “Open” and select the “Recover Unsaved Documents” button at the bottom. 
• Paste the “.asd” file that was copied into the “File name” box and click “Open”.
• If a warning is seen, try the same steps again to open the “.asd” file, but select “Open and Repair” this time from the drop-down menu next to “Open”. 

4. After a system crash

Reopen Word (or other MS Office apps) after restarting the machine. The software will automatically try to recover any unsaved documents before the crash. If it is not able to recover lost files on its own, try the methods of recovery using temporary files or via auto recovery as stated above. A professional IT support company can help in creating regular backups to avoid any such data loss. 

5. Configuring Auto-save 

Users can configure various auto-save features such as where the temporary files are stored, how often they are saved, and whether a temporary backup is taken when a file is closed without saving. To configure these options-

• Click on the “File” menu and click “Options”.
• On the “Options” page, click “Save” and then configure the “Save Documents” section. These settings will help to recover a document that was closed without saving. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services, a professional IT services company in Wake Forest,  in Wake Forest, provides reliable PC help and repair as well as online computer support, software help, computer help, IT Help, computer tech support, and computer diagnostics.

 

Call Mobile Computer Services, Inc. Wake Forest at (919) 230-2900 to know more about the IT support that one can rely on. 

Mobile Computer Services: Types of Data Breaches That Lead To HIPAA Fines

 

Data Breaches that cause HIPAA violations in dental practices 

As almost all data is now electronic, data breaches have become a significant threat to the healthcare industry. These breaches cause patient information to end up in the wrong hands. Any such unauthorized disclosure or use of PHI (Protected Health Information) is a HIPAA violation which can lead to large penalties. The highest annual penalty is $1.5 million per violation. A HIPAA violation can ruin the practice and tarnish its good name. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh, talks about the potential threats of data breaches and how IT consulting can help.

1. Hacking

Hacking is the main cause of data breaches in dentistry and other healthcare services. Hackers target ePHI and use these electronic medical records for the wrong purposes. 

Hacking can be prevented by:

1. Enforcing two-factor authorization for access
2. Storing files in encrypted form
3. Using strong passwords that are regularly changed
4. Not accessing data over a public Wi-Fi
5. Performing security risk analysis to identify threats and vulnerabilities

2. Data stored on unprotected devices

Medical personnel might use their own devices for work. These devices may not be password protected and data can easily be compromised in case of device theft. 

Effective methods to prevent such a data breach are:

1. Ensuring that data is not stored locally, but only on secure cloud networks
2. All data that need to be available on the device locally is encrypted and password protected
3. Ensure that data can only be accessed using a secure network which requires authorization

3. Ransomware

Ransomware is a software program that is received via spam mail or a malicious link. The software in turn downloads malicious code that encrypts the file in the device or locks the device. The owner of the device is asked to pay a ransom before a deadline for retrieving access to the files. Such ransomware or malware in a medical practitioner’s machine can cause huge data loss of patient records. A good managed IT services company can help prevent this by:

1. Ensuring all devices are protected by up-to-date antivirus software
2. Performing data backups regularly and storing the backup at a remote location for risk mitigation
3. Migrating all sensitive data to a secure cloud server

4. Improper disposal of records

When an electronic device needs to be repaired or is at the last stage of its life cycle, it has to be ensured that all patient data on it must be erased permanently. Data should not be present as retrievable files in the recycling bins.   

5. Use of personal email for office correspondence

Healthcare professionals may email ePHI to their personal emails. This could be to catch up with work or to have a detailed study of the case. However, emailing ePHI to a personal email address is a HIPAA violation though it seems to be a harmless routine practice. Ways to avoid such violations are:

1. Using a service that encrypts emails while being sent to the recipient
2. Using a cloud-based HIPAA-compliant email server where all senders and recipients have accounts. This prevents emails from going through external servers. 
3. Using an EMR platform that provides patient details so that the healthcare practitioner can log in and access the required data. This eliminates the need for emails to a personal mailbox. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT services company in Raleigh, has helped numerous healthcare practices safeguard their data by providing robust cyber security, email protection, and virus removal services.

Call Mobile Computer Services, Inc. Raleigh at (919) 830-9448 to know more about ways to bulletproof PHI.

Mobile Computer Services: Best Practices for Working From Home

 

Best practices for the work-from-home culture

The pandemic has brought tremendous changes in the work culture of Americans with the vast majority of employers and employees now opting for a hybrid work model. As more and more employees start working from home, businesses need to establish policies and security protocols to streamline the process. Although work-from-home seems to be a great option for employees, it also comes with the extra hassles of time management, data security, and connectivity issues. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh, shares some best practices for working from home. 

1. Connect over a VPN 

VPN provides a protected network connection while using public networks. All data, which goes via the VPN, is in encrypted form and hence is much safer from being stolen or tracked. Companies must require employees to connect over a VPN. This way, employees can protect their online data just as it were in the company’s private network.

 2. Use Cloud Services to store and manage applications and data

Companies can migrate their business applications to the cloud to achieve cost reduction by eliminating the need to purchase IT infrastructure upfront. In addition, it helps in better scalability and aids in remote working. Employees should also be encouraged to store their data in the cloud rather than storing it locally on their devices. This minimizes the risks of data loss in the event of device damage and helps in easier data collaboration and sharing. Few of the popular cloud service providers are:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Microsoft Azure
•  Google Cloud 

3. Promote BYOD policies

Businesses must outline a BYOD (bring your device) policy as more and more employees start to work remotely using their own devices. The BYOD policy must clearly state the following:

• The types of permitted devices
•  Any software that the company considers a threat must not be installed on the device
• Timely audits of the device
• Timely software updates
•  Scheduled virus scans
•  How to manage company data during employee exit.

4. Maintain Email security

Emails are often used to hack into users’ devices and steal confidential data. Phishing attacks can manipulate users to reveal their personal information such as passwords. An IT support company can be engaged to support email security.

5. Train Employees on best practices

Employees should be periodically trained about the best practices as well as email and data protection. Regular communication from the IT support team should advise them about the recent cyber-attacks.

6. Have a work-from-home policy in place

A work-from-home policy encompassing all the above points should be created.  It must also contain eligibility and approval criteria for working from home. Additionally, the policy should also include any information about additional allowances, and insurances provided by the company for remote employees.

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services can help to streamline the ‘hybrid’ working model and keep the business going. A managed IT services company in Raleigh, Mobile Computer Services provides solutions for remote desktop as well as customer support at the user’s location. They also provide data as well as email security services.

To know more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. Raleigh, call (919) 830-9448 today.

5 Most Common Problems that Are Reported to IT Support

 

Few Tips for common IT problems 

Almost all companies, big and small, use technology to run their businesses. However, employees of the businesses that use technology extensively may not always be tech-savvy. Many employees struggle with tech problems that leave them frustrated. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Wake Forest, shares some of the common problems that people face while using technology.

1. Unable to log in

Some of the most common reasons that a user is not able to log in to their device are:

• The caps lock key is on and the password is entered incorrectly.
• If the employee is working remotely using his device, it is possible that the device might have multiple profiles. Similarly, office devices can be configured to log into different domains. Confirm that the user is logging in to the right domain or profile.
• Companies can force employees to reset their passwords at regular intervals as a security measure. To prevent being unable to log in, users must reset their passwords as advised by the company.

The IT support team will be able to reinstate access and reset the user’s password.

2. Internet is too slow

Users can firstly contact the Internet Service Provider (ISP) to verify that there are no planned outages in that area. Additionally, users working from home can try restarting their router and the modem. Also, make sure that the device is within the range of its wireless router.

Contact IT support to update the device drivers of the network card or re-route the router to another channel.

3. Machine is too slow

The most common cause of a slow machine is having too many programs running on it at the same time. Close some of the programs to speed up the computer.

Machines can become slow when they run out of space. Personal photos and videos can be moved to secure online storage to free space. Unwanted files and programs can be deleted.

Computer viruses can also slow down the machine. A full scan of the computer can be done using Antivirus software such as Malwarebytes, McAfee, and AVG.

IT services can mitigate risk by cleaning up the machine, making it virus-free, and creating space to make it faster.

4. Pop-ups are blocking the screen

Users might have installed adware on their machine, which is the cause of the problem. Adware can generate pop-ups and block the screen. Adware can generally be removed by virus scans, which help to remove malware.

Pop-ups appearing in the web browser can be stopped by enabling the pop-up blocker on the browser.

5. Printer is not working

Ensure that the printer has enough paper and ink. Also, make sure that the paper is in the right slot and that there is no paper jam. Turning the printer on and off can also solve the problem. Contact IT support to solve connectivity issues with the printer.

#1 Remedy to most common computer problems

Reboot your computer!  For the health and longevity of your devices, a nightly or regular reboot and restarting of your devices will repair and resolve a majority of minor issues.  

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT services company in Wake Forest, provides solutions for remote desktop as well as customer support at the user’s location.

Call Mobile Computer Services, Inc. Wake Forest at (919) 230-2900 to know more about their services.

The Importance of Mobile Device Lifecycle Management

 

Benefits of Device Lifecycle Management

With the hybrid and remote work models prevalent today, IT teams are finding it hard to manage device lifecycles. The new trend has put a humongous strain on in-house IT teams that find themselves immersed in reactive device maintenance and support services, while their ability to focus on strategic priorities is diluted. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh, explains the benefits of device lifecycle management for a business. 

1. Better visibility

With device lifecycle management, businesses can keep track of every mobile device across the organization. Businesses can ensure that the devices are properly provisioned, audited, and in prime working condition. 

2 Enhance end-user productivity

A malfunctioning device directly impacts the productivity of an employee. When a business keeps track of the devices and ensures they are patched in time and updated regularly, work will flow smoothly and the organization will prosper. 

3. Simplification

The mobile device management system makes all these processes such as procurement, allocation, logistics, security, insurance, and e-waste management simple by bringing them all under one system. It becomes easier to track and manage the devices at different stages of their lifecycle. The complexities of recovery, renewal, and disposition are removed for good.

4. Enable security

When all the processes are under one system, it becomes easier to deploy security and compliance policies in tandem with industry-leading strategies that complement different work environments. This allows the data to remain secure no matter where the device is.

5. Smart budgeting

With adequate information and data available, it becomes easier to predict hardware purchase and warehousing costs. This in turn allows the business to streamline the accounting and cost planning. Moreover, since the IT team knows the real-time status of every mobile device, procurement planning and budgeting become simple and effective.

6. Seamless onboarding experience 

An effective device management system assures timely delivery of the right device, with the right configurations, irrespective of the employee’s location. A seamless onboarding experience for new hires is important to keep the productivity levels high from day one. 

7. Sustainable

Since the mobile device management system knows the status of every device, it becomes easier to regulate new purchases, reuse old devices, and recycle e-waste. This in turn reduces an organization’s contribution to chip shortages as well as supply chain shocks, making it more environment friendly.

Mobile device management is a time-consuming task and therefore it makes sense to outsource this task to a managed IT service provider so the core IT team can focus on important IT strategies. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services offers a comprehensive array of solutions that take away IT headaches. A managed IT services company in Raleigh, Mobile Computer Services works with local businesses, overseeing their entire IT infrastructure and operations - from daily IT tasks to long-term strategic technology decisions. 

It provides businesses with an assigned, dedicated team of certified engineers who don’t provide the business with just technology but also manage that technology. 

Learn more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Raleigh. Call now at (919) 830-9448. 

Different Phases of Mobile Device Lifecycle Management

 

5 Phases of Mobile Device Lifecycle Management

Mobile device lifecycle management (MDLM) is the secret to keeping productivity and employee morale high in organizations. When endpoint devices are accounted for, managed, and supported by MDLM, IT teams can focus on their core strategic tasks. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company, shares the various phases and processes included in MDLM.  

Device lifecycle management usually includes the following 5 phases: 

1. Device Procurement

The procurement of a new device is the first phase of a mobile device lifecycle. The purpose is to solve a problem efficiently and cost-effectively. After ascertaining the purpose and specifications of a device needed, it is procured from a vendor or designed as well as tested by an engineer. The procurement process also includes device staging, integration, and kitting to ensure that end-users receive devices that offer optimum functioning. 

2. Implementation

Before the devices are delivered to the end-users, there are some more actions required to make the device ready for use. The device would need to be enrolled into the organization’s existing technology platforms and applications such as a mobile device management system. The security settings would need to be configured. User accounts will be created, and privileges and access rights will be assigned. After all this, the device will be delivered to employees for use. End-user training and device monitoring are conducted during this implementation phase to ensure swift deployment and problem resolution.

3. Maintenance

Maintenance is one of the most crucial phases of device lifecycle management because when devices malfunction, the repair costs go up while employee productivity goes down. The ongoing operability of a device is of utmost importance and it makes sense, therefore, to have a system in place that will allow seamless management of the device repair, return, and replacement process. 

4. Reporting

Tracking and analyzing device performance and health can be a time-consuming project. Therefore, businesses must streamline the generation and review of performance reports and measure them against the business objectives. Any red flags or flaws in the device can be addressed swiftly when the data is being constantly monitored.

5. Decommissioning

A piece of equipment should be re-purposed or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, and adequate security measures must be followed to re-purpose/dispose of the device. Retiring devices correctly is necessary to stay compliant with healthcare regulations and also protect confidential data. E-wasting of devices also enhances the sustainability of a business and helps maintain the right reputation.

The above-mentioned stages of the mobile device lifecycle are ongoing and continue in a loop for businesses. Managing these stages requires constant monitoring and action. Businesses can outsource this tedious yet crucial task to managed IT companies like Mobile Computer Services and free their core IT teams to work on other priorities.

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services offers a comprehensive array of solutions that take away IT headaches. A managed IT services company in Wake Forest, Mobile Computer Services works with local businesses, overseeing their entire IT infrastructure and operations - from daily IT tasks to long-term strategic technology decisions. 

It provides businesses with an assigned, dedicated team of certified engineers who don’t provide the business with just technology but also manage that technology. 

Learn more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Wake Forest. Call now at (919) 230-2900.

Mobile Computer Services Shares The Importance of Cyber Insurance for Businesses

Why should SMBs invest in cyber insurance?

In today’s digital economy, frequent cyberattacks are putting confidential data at risk and causing immense business losses. SMBs are at the highest risk of cyber attacks due to their limited resources. Therefore, SMBs that aspire to succeed in these uncertain times, must include cyber liability in their security infrastructure to protect their business against the risk of cyberattacks. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Wake Forest, discusses why cyber insurance is so important for small businesses today.

Statistically, 25% of organizations file for bankruptcy and 9.7% go out of business after a successful cyber attack. According to DataStream, 89% of businesses that have cyber insurance said that it covered their losses and that they were very glad they did have it.

A strong cyber security plan is necessary for any organization today. However, with constantly evolving and advanced cyberattacks, no cyber security protocol is foolproof. Cyber insurance covers 1st party and 3rd party cyber losses such as investigation costs, hardware, and software damage costs, fines incurred by lost data, lost revenue, lawsuits from individuals due to data loss, and so on. 

In scenarios where security is breached, cyber insurance serves as a big safety net offering the following advantages:

• Covers data breach 

It is the legal responsibility of an organization to inform affected parties of a data breach. Not only does the organization now have its own data breach costs to bear but also the legal costs of a client data breach. 

• Business interruption loss reimbursement

A cyberattack means disruption of operations due to a probable IT failure. In such a case loss of income and time due to this interruption can be massive. Cyber insurance offers coverage for the loss of income during these disruptions and may also include the increased cost of business operations after the cyber attack.  

• Cyber extortion defense

The purpose of ransomware is to extort a ransom from the organization in return for the stolen data. Cybercriminals can threaten to misuse the stolen data or encrypt the company’s data thereby preventing access to it. The company may need to pay a steep ransom to retrieve its data from cybercriminals. These losses can be covered by cyber liability insurance.  

• Investigation cost

Once a cyber attack is discovered, an organization needs to investigate the extent of the breach and the vulnerabilities in the system that led to it. These forensic costs that an expert would charge are also covered in cyber insurance policies. Right after the breach, a cyber insurance policy may also cover round-the-clock support from cyber specialists. 

• Legal fees

When confidential data is stolen it may spiral into legal suits by the impacted parties such as customers. Penalties can be levied by the federal or foreign government for the breach of data privacy. This would require organizations to expend certain legal fees to hire lawyers which are also covered in cyber insurance policies. 

• Errors and Omissions

When the business operations are disrupted due to a cyber attack the company is likely to fail in fulfilling certain contractual obligations that are time-bound. This inability to deliver a service or a product can lead to legal allegations based on negligence or breach of contract. The legal fees and the associated compensation can be covered by cyber insurance policies.

• More than a general liability policy

General insurance policies cover the loss of physical assets, not losses caused by data breaches. Since data is of much more value than physical assets in today’s age, general insurance barely covers the possible losses a company may face in the event of a data breach. Peace of mind and the continued protection of the company’s finances and reputation are achieved with a cyber insurance policy. 

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services offers a comprehensive array of solutions that take away IT headaches. A managed IT services company in Wake Forest, Mobile Computer Services works with local businesses, overseeing their entire IT infrastructure and operations - from daily IT tasks to long-term strategic technology decisions. 

It provides businesses with an assigned, dedicated team of certified engineers who don’t provide the business with just technology but also manage that technology. 

Learn more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Wake Forest. Call now at (919) 230-2900.  

Mobile Computer Services Shares 6 Email Security Practices for Businesses

Best email security practices for businesses

Email is one of the most widely used tools of communication within organizations as well as with outside entities such as vendors, customers, and other stakeholders. Emails are also most prone to cyberattacks such as malware, phishing, and spam, through which crucial financial and legal data can be extracted and misused. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh, shares some important email security practices for businesses. 

1. Email Encryption 

Email encryption is a great way to protect users and confidential data from cyber attacks. The main idea is to ensure that intended recipients only receive emails with all data protected, even when sent over the cloud. Various email encryption services can be applied to every size of the business while keeping cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and employee goals in mind. 

2. Employee Security Training

Training employees about the dangers of cyber attacks and the importance of following email security policies is critical to successful email security. Regular reminders on signed-off policies from HR or IT can ensure employees understand the importance of these policies. A standard, easy-to-follow procedure can help employees stay secure.

3. Email Defenses

Phishing attacks use email fraud, impersonation, and social engineering to trick users into clicking on malicious content and unwittingly sharing confidential information. Security awareness training can simulate phishing and train the users to identify malicious emails. To prevent phishing attacks, businesses can implement a Secure Email Gateway and use attachment sandboxing and URL threat defense technologies. Post-delivery protection is a machine learning algorithm that detects and automatically removes phishing attacks and alerts the user about suspicious emails.   

4. Secure & Productive Email Features

Email security must go hand-in-hand with productivity. Employees must never feel that email security is hampering their work and delivery. This can discourage them from following the security protocols. Some of the things to consider when adding email security features are:

• Will employees be able to send secure emails on the phone?

• Are employees feeling secure and compliant in sending mails?

• Are employees assured that their secure emails are successfully being delivered, especially if they are time-sensitive? 

5. Better Password Management

Same passwords are often used across multiple accounts by employees. Since phishing attacks leverage these passwords, funds that hold company data, consumer data, and financial information are jeopardized. 

Businesses can implement strong password management policies to ensure all users use strong and unique passwords for each account. This mitigates the risk of all accounts getting compromised by a phishing attack. Business Password Management solutions are one such platform that can be used to monitor employee password security. 

6. Anti-Virus For Endpoint Protection

Endpoint anti-virus protection is a critical practice that protects all endpoint devices from getting infected by email ransomware and malware. This solution scans all files and websites for any malicious content and helps remove the malware found on the systems.

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services offers a comprehensive array of solutions that take away IT headaches. A managed IT services company in Raleigh, Mobile Computer Services works with local businesses, overseeing their entire IT infrastructure and operations - from daily IT tasks to long-term strategic technology decisions. 

It provides businesses with an assigned, dedicated team of certified engineers who don’t provide the business with just technology but also manage it. 

Learn more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Raleigh. Call now at (919) 830-9448.  

Cyber Insurance Images - 6/16/2022

 

Email Security Images - 6/16/2022

 

Mobile Computer Services Shares the Importance of Prioritizing Technology Gaps

Have you prioritized your technology gaps yet? 

Technology is indispensable for SMBs today to be able to run a profitable, efficient, and scalable business. A strong technology foundation allows the company to grow, hire new employees, take on new customers, and seamlessly expand its operations. Any gaps in this technological infrastructure can create a huge dent in the operations, reputation, and finances of an SMB, if not addressed swiftly. It isn’t, however, possible to address every gap at the same time. It is crucial to assess which gaps need to be prioritized. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Wake Forest, discusses the technology gaps that must be prioritized by businesses.

Here is the three-step process that business leaders take to assess their technology:

1. Identify the technology gaps and issues.
2. Segregate them based on their risk factors.
3. Prioritize bridging the gaps from the most to least critical.

 

How to prioritize? 

The stoplight approach is a simple way of categorizing gaps or vulnerabilities into red, yellow, and green groupings based on their severity.

High-priority vulnerabilities such as failed backups and unauthorized network users must be classified as RED. YELLOW is for gaps that are not urgent. These include vulnerabilities such as insufficient multifactor authentication and outdated antivirus software. GREEN is for non-critical gaps such as persistent issues with on-premises syncing and accounts with passwords set to “never expire”. These must be filled if the budget allows. 

Benefits of prioritizing technology gaps

1. Maintain business continuity

Once the assessment report shows the multiple gaps in technology, it is crucial to address the gaps in the red zone first. Unaddressed, these gaps can paralyze the business operations leading to massive losses in revenue and reputation. Addressing all gaps immediately is impractical and can be financially overwhelming. Therefore prioritization is imperative. 

2. Promote better budgetary decisions

Fixing the most critical issues first ensures that the organization’s budget does not run haywire. Using a big chunk of money to resolve all the current gaps, from non-critical to critical, can put the business at a financial disadvantage. It is important to determine and resolve the most critical and crucial issues first and keep the budget on track.

3. Follow a smart course of action

Randomly resolving technology gaps can prove chaotic in the long run. Prioritizing the technology gaps helps in understanding the order they need to be solved and prevents a constant to-and-fro or ambiguity.

A poorly planned course of action to bridge the technology gaps can lead to the emergence of a new problem altogether further down the line. This may require further changes that will just be a waste of more time and money. 

4. Avoid overburdening key stakeholders

Technological transformation impacts employees, customers, vendors, partners, and owners. For instance, constantly changing processes can overwhelm employees, dropping their morale and productivity. Changing the interface can annoy customers, reducing satisfaction and jeopardizing revenue. Therefore, it is important to bridge gaps according to the severity to reduce friction caused by new technology.

Hiring a managed IT service company such as Mobile Computer Services can help organizations prioritize the technology gaps and implement the technology that will enhance a business’s performance in the long run. 

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services offers a comprehensive array of solutions that take away IT headaches. A managed IT services company in Wake Forest, Mobile Computer Services works with local businesses, overseeing their entire IT infrastructure and operations - from daily IT tasks to long-term strategic technology decisions. 

It provides businesses with an assigned, dedicated team of certified engineers who don’t provide the business with just technology but also manage that technology. 

Learn more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Wake Forest. Call now at (919) 230-2900.  

Mobile Computer Services Discusses Dark Web Scanning

Why should small businesses employ dark web scanning?

There is a part of the internet that poses immense danger to organizations, vendors, and customers. Scanning this area of the net may sometimes be necessary to analyze the gaps and security breaches in an organization and remedy them effectively. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company in Raleigh NC, discusses dark web scanning and its benefits in this article below. 

 

What is the dark web? 

The dark web is a part of the internet composed of websites and services that are intentionally hidden from the average user. A vortex of illegal activities, the dark web cannot be regulated by laws that govern the public internet. On the dark web marketplace, different types of data fetch various prices depending on the information’s sensitivity and potential applications. 

The users on the Dark Web have hidden IP addresses, giving them anonymous protection. It becomes difficult or even impossible to track down threat actors who take advantage of the business or sensitive data. Not only does this stolen data damage a business’ reputation and customer loyalty but also leads to huge revenue losses.

To access these areas, specialty software needs to be used by professionals since conventional internet browsers like Chrome or Safari just don’t work. 

Researchers recently concluded an 18-month audit of underground marketplaces and determined that there are more than 15 billion stolen usernames and passwords in circulation on the dark web. That’s roughly equivalent to two sets of account logins for every person on the planet and a 300 percent increase since a 2018 audit.

What is dark web scanning? 

A dark web scan scours lists of data, also known as data dumps, on the dark web to identify data that may have been stolen from an organization without their knowledge. The right tool in the hands of professionals helps scan multiple websites and marketplaces to identify any company information that was leaked into the dark web. Once the tool detects the information, an alert is issued. Dark web scanning helps identify the vulnerabilities in an IT system and offers opportunities to reevaluate and strengthen the cybersecurity infrastructure. 

What is dark web monitoring? 

Dark web monitoring is an add-on service to dark web scanning, wherein AI parses through data dumps constantly. It immediately notifies the organization of a potential breach to prompt immediate action.

The Benefits of Dark Web Scanning

1. Protect credentials 

Dark web monitoring ensures that a company's data hasn’t been compromised. Any sensitive information of employees or clients on the dark web can be traced by a dark web scan and prevent criminals from exploiting this stolen information. This can help organizations mitigate damages to their finances and reputation.  

2. Ongoing Protection

A Dark Web scanning service not only allows a one-time solution but also allows ongoing protection to prevent the theft of data in the first place. The constant monitoring of the dark web by a professional team leads to the emergence of stronger protocols and amendments to the existing cybersecurity to prevent future security breaches.

3. Comprehensive Reports

Dark Web scanning helps create comprehensive reports describing any data breaches and the mitigation steps. This report also will include any information that they detected from private sites that require a specific member from the Dark Web community to enter. These reports help to tighten the processes and defenses to prevent future security incidents.

4. Prepare for future threats

The dark web scanning helps organizations identify and understand the past breaches and theft of data. This information can help understand which systems were compromised and which vulnerabilities were manipulated by attackers. This will lead to a robust action plan that will help prevent future attacks from occurring. 

5. Reduce the time between a data breach and damage control

24/7 monitoring of the dark web enables organizations to stay alert to any data breaches and shorten the window during which sensitive information can be used. The security team can take swift action to control the misuse of data and prevent massive losses for the organization. 

80% of breaches begin with stolen credentials. Therefore, real-time dark web monitoring is a much-needed armor for small businesses. By investing in advanced cybersecurity services from a trusted professional, small businesses can gain an upper hand when it comes to their cybersecurity.

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services offers a comprehensive array of solutions that take away IT headaches. A managed IT services company in Raleigh, Mobile Computer Services works with local businesses, overseeing their entire IT infrastructure and operations - from daily IT tasks to long-term strategic technology decisions. 

It provides businesses with an assigned, dedicated team of certified engineers who don’t provide the business with just technology but also manage that technology. 

Learn more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Raleigh. Call now at (919) 830-9448.  

Managed IT Services Wake Forest Images - 5/17/2022

 

Managed IT Company Raleigh Images - 5/17/2022

 

How Managed IT Services Help Businesses Achieve Their Objectives

How do managed IT services support business goals?

Studies show that unplanned downtime costs enterprises USD 58,000 for every 100 users. Due to server and network downtime, the average employee loses 12.4 hours and 6.2 hours per year, respectively. But by partnering with managed IT services, businesses were able to reduce server and network downtime by more than 85%. Businesses are realizing the need for managed IT services to not only enhance productivity, performance standards, and security but also to reach their business objectives. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company, discusses how managed IT services assist businesses in achieving their goals. 

 

BUSINESS GOAL #1: FOCUS ON THE CORE TASKS

A disrupted network, a malware situation, patchwork updates - internal IT teams spend an enormous amount of time fixing these issues daily instead of working on strategic projects. Hours of productivity are lost to correct a situation that could have been avoided in the first place or could be handled more efficiently by professionals whose job is to fix such situations. These time-consuming tasks of fixing network, hardware, and software-related errors and crises take away the time that would have been spent on working on core responsibilities. With managed IT services, teams can perform their specific jobs without worrying about what is not their core skill or responsibility.

Moreover, a managed IT service will not only fix the issues but will also ensure there are no recurrences. Everyone can do their critical jobs with the assurance that technology issues are taken care of by the best.  

BUSINESS GOAL #2: SPENDING WISELY

Every business aims at profits and spending wisely. Hiring specialized IT employees for in-house services and spending money to build the infrastructure that supports the technological needs of the business can create a dent in the budget. The business will also need to spend more money to upskill the internal IT team and pay employee benefits. Notably, the internal IT team may not have the skill to deal with specific situations as most IT teams have a general set of IT skills.

Hiring an MSP gives businesses access to specialists for every possible situation, without spending huge recruitment, training, overhead, and retention costs. Moreover, specialists from an MSP are accompanied by their tools or include the cost of acquiring the equipment in their fee. This allows businesses to spend this saved money on more important things.  

BUSINESS GOAL #3: ACCESS UPDATED NEW-AGE TECHNOLOGY

No matter the industry, optimized use of updated technology allows for unmatched efficiencies and productivity, which in turn leads to higher revenues. A business aiming to grow its sales and marketing department, for instance, can utilize updated technology and new-age tools to support these goals.

An internal IT team, with its general set of IT skills, will struggle with constant updates and issues simply because it’s not their forte. An MSP, on the other hand, will analyze and bring in the latest tools and software that the business needs to achieve its targets. 

BUSINESS GOAL #4: CONSTANT MONITORING TO INCREASE SECURITY

Network safety is directly related to current and future business goals. An in-house IT department may not be able to protect the network from hackers and viruses or fix these security issues. Simply because they are not equipped to deal with such a specialized area of technology. Also, they cannot monitor the network outside of office hours. While they are away, the network is vulnerable to several threats.

Partnering with a managed IT service company entails 24x7 network monitoring that ensures that any issues, from cyber attacks to security breaches, are fixed immediately to prevent bigger disasters. This close monitoring eliminates the downtime and lost productive hours for employees during busy workdays.

BUSINESS GOAL #5: FOCUSING ON EMPLOYEE SPECIALTY

Multi-tasking is a great skill but piling on tasks that an employee is not equipped for can jeopardize efficiencies and productivity. By hiring an MSP, businesses can ensure that all employees can diligently perform the task they have been hired for. They don’t need to divide their time and their energy to deal with tasks that are not a part of their job description or KPIs. An MSP can offer specialized teams for specific tasks and ensure that there are no technical glitches that will impact other departments and their task list.   

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services is a managed IT services company in Wake Forest that offers an array of services to small and medium-sized organizations.

1. Proactive monitoring: The team offers round-the-clock monitoring services to its clients to prevent any breaches and detect any issues on time. 
2. Network services: The certified technicians at Mobile Computer Services offer comprehensive service for the network systems.
3. Business continuity planning: The team creates a business continuity plan for SMBs to help them recover swiftly during and after disasters.
4. IT consulting: Professional consultants can understand and align their efforts with the SMB's business goals. 
5. Security: As cyberattacks wreak havoc on businesses, the team at Mobile Computer Services safeguards businesses from malicious hackers and cyber attacks with their top-notch security protocol.
6. Relocation: The team offers professional office moving and network cabling services for a seamless experience.
7. VoIP: The company can reduce telecom expenses and improve communications with powerful phone systems.

To know more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Wake Forest call now at (919) 830-9448.  

8 Benefits of Cloud Computing for Medium and Emerging Enterprises

8 Cloud computing benefits

Most of the population today is using cloud computing services without even realizing it. Gmail, Google Drive, TurboTax, and even Facebook and Instagram are cloud-based applications used worldwide. Over the last two decades, cloud computing has enhanced business efficiencies, cost benefits, and competitive advantages across industries. Despite the data and the benefits, a large number of businesses are still operating without this service. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT company, shares the benefits of cloud computing for medium and emerging enterprises today. 

Facts:

• The International Data Group shows that 69% of businesses are already using cloud technology in one capacity or another, and 18% plan to implement cloud-computing solutions at some point. 
• Data from Dell shows that companies that invest in big data, cloud, mobility, and security enjoy up to 53% faster revenue growth than their competitors. 
• Since the pandemic crisis, the cloud computing market has been on a rapid upward trajectory when it comes to cloud adoption, infrastructure, spending, and development.
• 92 percent of organizations already have a multi-cloud strategy.

 

What is cloud computing?

Simply defined, cloud computing is all about using the internet to connect to online services hosted on the cloud - the cloud being a physical network of servers. It allows users to access all of the features and files of the system without having to keep the bulk of that system on their computers. This service is invaluable for businesses that need to be able to access large amounts of data over a secure, online network connection.

1. Accessibility

This technological innovation has made remote work, business travel, and task completion productive and efficient. Cloud computing enables employees to access all documents, images, spreadsheets, and communications from anywhere, anytime.  

2. Scalability 

Businesses sometimes go through dramatic fluctuations, especially SMBs. From scaling headcounts and production to customers and services, businesses find themselves struggling to handle their growing data. With the cloud, organizations can scale up or down their data capacity according to their current and potential needs.

3. Reduce On-Site Infrastructure Investment

New servers, routers, data centers, switches, and other CapEx expenditures can prove challenging for SMBs that often have strict cash flows. This upfront expenditure can be offloaded to a cloud company to better meet the current and growing needs of the business.  

4. Backup and Disaster Recovery

No business can survive without a solid disaster recovery strategy in this digital age. With the cloud, SMBs receive a seamless off-site backup solution with infinite infrastructure. Organizations of all sizes must protect their data in private or hybrid cloud deployment to survive any data breaches and disasters.

5. Agility and Flexibility

Cloud-based SMBs have an advantage over their competitors. Since most cloud providers work on a subscription OpEx expenditure model, SMBs do not need to plan years’ worth of infrastructure investment with little or no data. With the support of cloud services, SMBs have the agility and flexibility to adapt and meet the needs of their clients immediately. Whether businesses grow or decline, the cloud adapts to the business requirements.

6. Automatic Updates

Software and security updates, maintenance of servers, and various other tasks are needed to maintain on-site infrastructure. With the infrastructure off-site, the cloud for SMBs grants the IT leadership team the freedom to focus on the strategic tasks that are crucial for the growth of a business.

7. Efficiency

With the cloud, time-consuming tasks such as work and process optimization and IT maintenance and monitoring are removed from the task list of the IT teams, leaving them free to focus on other logistics. Teams can share and update concurrently, saving time and reducing energy consumption. Efficiency is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a cloud computing company for SMBs.

8. Security

Cloud providers are statistically known to have stronger security controls than most companies. Public cloud providers offer cloud services to all sorts of organizations, including those that likely have high-security requirements such as the Department of Defense (DoD) and Boeing. SMBs can access the same level of secure cloud computing services without the requisite investment and be assured of the safety of their data.

 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services is a managed IT services company in Raleigh NC that offers an array of services to small and medium-sized organizations.

1. Proactive monitoring: The team offers round-the-clock monitoring services to its clients to prevent any breaches and detect any issues on time. 
2. Network services: The certified technicians at Mobile Computer Services offer comprehensive service for the network systems.
3. Business continuity planning: The team creates a business continuity plan for SMBs to help them recover swiftly during and after disasters.
4. IT consulting: Professional consultants can understand and align their efforts with the SMB's business goals. 
5. Security: As cyberattacks wreak havoc on businesses, the team at Mobile Computer Services safeguards businesses from malicious hackers and cyber attacks with their top-notch security protocol.
6. Relocation: The team offers professional office moving and network cabling services for a seamless experience.
7. VoIP: The company can reduce telecom expenses and improve communications with powerful phone systems.

To know more about managed IT services offered by Mobile Computer Services, Inc. in Raleigh, NC, call now at (919) 830-9448.  

Wake Forest Managed IT Company Images - 4-8-2022

 

Managed IT Services Images - 4-8-2022

 

The Importance of Data Centers for Small Businesses

The benefits of data centers for businesses

As technological advances continue to change the way organizations do business, the need for data and power increases. Businesses now need to maintain their own data center; rent space with a colocation company and hand tasks over to a managed service provider (MSP); or pay for cloud-based services. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT services company, shares the benefits of a data center for businesses.

The data center is a critical facility that houses computer systems and associated components, including backup power, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls, and security devices. Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and fire protection systems become critical to system maintenance and recovery.

Data centers are the powerhouses of the industrial world. However, the time, capital, logistical, and personnel investment in maintaining a data center can be overwhelming for most companies. It is, therefore, conducive for a business to outsource its power needs.

Most specifically, outsourcing to data centers allows a company to focus on its consumer objectives instead of technological maintenance. Here are the various benefits of outsourcing to data centers.

1. It is cost-effective

Building and maintaining an onsite data center is a huge initial and ongoing investment for any business. Small businesses, especially, are short on money, space, or employees required to manage an owned, onsite data hub. By collaborating with a data center, businesses can experience a seamless running of applications; easily access data that is safe and secure; get all space, connectivity, power, and cooling needs managed by professionals; get regular data backups performed regularly; and backup generators that ensure there is no loss of data or time. The cost of all these services onsite would be phenomenal. 

Outsourcing to a data center is extremely cost-effective for organizations.

2. Maintains a competitive edge

Data analytics and computing resources play an important role in business strategies today. With the increased computing resources, small businesses can utilize “big data” analytics that bigger companies have access to. This enables small businesses to elevate their business and move into the same playing field as their competitors. Turning to a colocation or MSP for data center services helps businesses stay in the game minus the high costs. 

3. Allows scalability 

It is estimated that 463 exabytes of data will be generated each day by people by 2025. Business data needs are headed for an exponential expansion. A data service center allows businesses to scale seamlessly and effectively. As the business data needs expand, businesses can continue to scale incrementally. 

4. Ensures security and compliance

Data is an invaluable asset for a business. The need to protect data and to adhere to all legal and compliance rules associated with securing data are a must for all organizations. By partnering with a data service center, businesses can utilize the state-of-the-art security mechanisms and receive 100% monitoring to optimize data security. Moreover, modern data service centers are designed with compliance in mind and undergo regular audits to ensure a strict adherence to the regulatory standards. 

Why Mobile Computer Services?

Mobile Computer Services is a professional IT services company that works with small and medium-sized businesses in Raleigh NC. The services include:

1. Managed IT services - 24x7 proactive monitoring and management of the company's IT infrastructure.
2. Network services: Comprehensive care for the network systems provided by certified technicians.
3. Business continuity planning: Get the business back on its feet swiftly during and after disasters.
4. IT consulting: High-caliber advice from professional consultants to help achieve business goals.
5. Security: Safeguard business from malicious hackers and cyber attacks.
6. On-demand services: Day or night, the dedicated support staff is always available to assist.
7. Office move: Professional office relocation and network cabling services.
8. VoIP: Reduce telecom expenses and improve communications with powerful phone systems.
9. Email Protection: Protect mail systems from spam and malware.

Contact Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Raleigh NC today at (919) 830-9448 to find out about its Managed IT services.