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