14 May 2019

Browser extensions and online security

2019-05-14T08:00:08-07:00

Think you’ve got enough online security measures in place within your company? It’s hard to tell since you’ll never really know what the next malware or online scam will bring. Plus, it only takes one employee’s mistake to put the company in danger. It’s time to add another layer of online security using browser extensions.

Prevent browser tracking

If you don’t like the idea of a third party being able to track your browsing habits, try installing a tool that offers private browsing. These programs offer protection against tracking by blocking third-party cookies as well as malware. Some extensions also boast secure Wi-Fi and bandwidth optimization and can guard against tracking and data collection from social networking sites such as Twitter or Facebook. Some examples include Disconnect, uBlock Origin, and Ghostery.

Blocking ads

While online ads may seem harmless, the truth is that they can contain processes that might send your data back to a third party. A decent ad blocking program, like AdBlock Plus and uBlock […]

Browser extensions and online security2019-05-14T08:00:08-07:00
13 May 2019

4 ways to boost staff efficiency

2019-05-31T08:00:26-07:00

Technology enables businesses to work remotely, collaborate more efficiently, and manage their time more effectively. But to achieve these benefits, you need to implement technologies that align with your business’s needs. Here are some things to consider.

Change office communication

To increase efficiency, set up instant messaging software such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. This allows employees to communicate anytime, anywhere instead of having to get up from their desks to see whether the person is available.

Of course, if you need to discuss big projects or issues, face-to-face communication is likely the best choice. But you can simply send a quick message for more trivial conversations, saving precious minutes and allowing you to get more work done.

Install video conferencing

Traveling to offsite meetings and training sessions takes time. Rather than commuting for hours outside your office, opt for a networked phone solution that offers video calls and conferencing. This way, you can hold a video conference to discuss business matters from the comfort and convenience of your office. You can […]

4 ways to boost staff efficiency2019-05-31T08:00:26-07:00
10 May 2019

Keyboard shortcuts you can use in Windows 10

2019-05-31T08:00:53-07:00

Technology is all about making lives easier, and something as simple as keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, here are some new keyboard shortcuts that you’ve probably been waiting for.

Windows Snapping

If you’ve never used Windows Snapping, you’re missing out on one of Windows 10’s key features. Known as Aero Snap on Windows 7, the snapping feature allows you to snap windows vertically on top of each other. You can even snap windows to a 2×2 grid for better multitasking. Simply use these keyboard shortcuts:

  • Windows Key + Left – Snap current window to the left side of the screen
  • Windows Key + Right – Snap current window to the right side of the screen
  • Windows Key + Up – Snap current window to the top of the screen
  • Windows Key + Down – Snap current window to the bottom of the screen

You can also combine these shortcuts to snap your current window into a corner like top […]

Keyboard shortcuts you can use in Windows 102019-05-31T08:00:53-07:00
9 May 2019

What are 2-step and 2-factor authentication?

2019-05-31T08:02:33-07:00

In the digital age, cybersecurity should be one of the top priorities for anyone who goes online. One way is to vet those who are trying to access your systems. But when it comes to verifying users’ identity, many are unaware of the two kinds of authentication measures available. Read on to know the differences between two-step authentication and two-factor authentication.

If you want to improve your business’s cybersecurity for you and your customers, you should look at your authentication process. Two-step and two-factor authentication are two of the most commonly used options in cybersecurity. Many businesses use the terms two-step and two-factor authentication interchangeably. There are, however, subtle differences between the two.

Two-step authentication

A two-step authentication process requires a single-factor login (such as a password or biometric reading) as well as another similar type of login that is essentially sent to the user. For example, you may have a password for your first step and then receive a one-time-use code on your cell phone as the second step.

Two-step […]

What are 2-step and 2-factor authentication?2019-05-31T08:02:33-07:00
7 May 2019

Hijackers might be using your PC to mine for BTC

2019-05-07T13:36:24-07:00

Because of the increasing value of cryptocurrency, it comes as no surprise that hackers have geared up to get more of it.  They use a process called cryptojacking, which can considerably slow your PC down. If you notice your computer is performing in a subpar manner, hackers may already be using your hardware to make easy money.

Surge in cryptojacking

The biggest reason why cryptojacking is becoming so popular is that it’s a low-risk, high-reward scheme. Instead of extorting money directly from the victim, hackers can secretly generate digital currencies without the victim knowing. And even if it’s detected, it’s almost impossible to track down who initiated the attack. Moreover, since nothing was actually “stolen” (other than a portion of computing power), victims have little incentive to apprehend the culprit.

Cryptojacking is also a cheap investment. For as little as $30, anyone can purchase a cryptojacking kit from the dark web to force other computers to generate Bitcoin or Monero for them. And while it’s difficult to tell […]

Hijackers might be using your PC to mine for BTC2019-05-07T13:36:24-07:00
6 May 2019

Keep healthcare data safe from hackers

2019-05-07T13:36:41-07:00

The healthcare industry is shifting their data to cloud services to serve their patients better and improve accessibility. This puts personal health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII) at risk of getting stolen by hackers. Healthcare security experts believe that data breaches aimed at medical facilities are becoming more frequent because of the high demand for PHI and PII in the black market.

From financial information to medical information

In the past few years, cybercriminals have focused on stealing financial data, including credit card numbers and personal information. But things are taking a turn, the result of financial institutions fortifying their database and raising client awareness of the problem.

Stronger data protection measures in the financial industry have forced criminals to turn their attention to medical data, which is typically much less secure. Patient data includes date of birth, medical and physical records, and social security number — information that can’t be easily reset, and is significantly more valuable than credit card […]

Keep healthcare data safe from hackers2019-05-07T13:36:41-07:00
3 May 2019

5 Ways Office 365 migrations fail

2019-05-03T10:39:46-07:00

Microsoft is always ensuring that their popular cloud-based productivity suite, Office 365, is constantly being improved. Because of the great applications and support offered, small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are continually migrating to the platform. If you are considering moving to Office 365, you should be aware of five factors that can cause a migration to fail so you can avoid them.

1. Slow internet connection speeds

To avoid this, ask an Office 365 provider to test your existing network connections to ensure that your internet connection can handle the migration and day-to-day operation of Office 365. If not, they should be able to offer you a more efficient solution.

Because Office 365 is primarily cloud-based, you are going to need a connection with a solid bandwidth. When migrating your files and system over to Office 365, you will likely need to consume a large quantity of bandwidth. This demand will often be enough to tax most small business lines, resulting in slower internet speeds all around during the process. […]

5 Ways Office 365 migrations fail2019-05-03T10:39:46-07:00
2 May 2019

How OMSs help empower eCommerce

2019-05-03T10:39:52-07:00

Talk of business trends usually revolves around process optimization and efficiency rather than just volume. As such, order management systems (OMSs) are gaining popularity, thanks in large part to their ability to provide immediate results.

First off, we need to clarify that inventory management systems (IMSs) are not the same as OMSs. The former is a solution for analyzing your sales history and forecasting demand for your product and the materials you will need; in contrast, the latter is all about the here and now, as it tackles transactions as they happen.

What can an OMS do for you?

A complicated-but-necessary part of running an eCommerce store requires juggling sales, each at completely different stages in your shipping process and at varying rates of arrival every day. An OMS service is all about organizing product orders into a coherent and manageable workflow. Here are just some of the difficulties it helps you wrangle:

Your eCommerce store can be connected to your inventory. If a certain product runs out of stock, it […]

How OMSs help empower eCommerce2019-05-03T10:39:52-07:00
1 May 2019

Recommendations for malware removal on Android devices

2019-05-03T10:40:24-07:00

The number of malware-infected Android apps in app stores is higher than ever. In fact, there’s a decent chance that your Android smartphone or tablet is already infected. Follow these malware removal tips to minimize the damage to your device, data, and business.

Confirm the malware infection

Android devices usually exhibit strange behaviors when they’re infected with malware. A device may suddenly slow to a crawl or the battery may drain faster than expected. Other telltale signs include an abundance of pop-up ads, unusual apps installed on your home screen, unexplained data usage, and unauthorized in-app purchases.

However, it’s not always easy to tell if your device was compromised, especially since hackers are becoming more proficient at concealing their actions. The best way to check for malware is to run an antivirus scan with a mobile security solution.

How to get rid of malware

If malware has infected your device, the most important thing to do is quarantine the threat as soon as possible. Start by rebooting your device in safe mode, […]

Recommendations for malware removal on Android devices2019-05-03T10:40:24-07:00
30 Apr 2019

Things to consider when virtualizing

2019-04-30T09:25:08-07:00

Powering your IT equipment costs money, but how much will you actually spend? If you have no idea, you’re in for a treat. Here are four questions you need to ask yourself before considering virtualization. 

Studies have shown that over 70% of IT budgets go to “keeping the lights on.” If that sounds like a lot of money, it is. You could be spending thousands of dollars powering your IT equipment and paying your staff to manage it, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Virtualization can reduce your expenses without keeping you awake at night. 

If you’re ready to learn how, here are four questions you need to ask:

1. What’s the cost of your data center?

We’re talking about the whole kit and caboodle: your servers, backup power supplies, air conditioning, security devices, and the overhead costs for the space to store everything.

2. How much do you spend cooling your servers?

Keeping your servers cool is a […]

Things to consider when virtualizing2019-04-30T09:25:08-07:00
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