5 Most common security breaches
From attacks on mobile devices to ever-increasing types of malware, cybersecurity has never been more challenging. One of the best ways to stay protected is to be aware of cybersecurity threats. To that end, here are five common ways your IT systems can be broken into. 1. You are tricked into installing malicious software There […]
Avoid these 5 bad business security practices
Many small- and mid-sized businesses struggle to protect their data, often neglecting a critical component in their security strategy. If your organization still follows one or more of these bad security practices, correct them as soon as possible. Open wireless networks With just one main internet line and a couple of wireless routers, an entire […]
Security audits: Data integrity’s last line of defense
Businesses should take every precaution when it comes to data and network protection. Leverage the capabilities of a competent IT partner by augmenting their round-the-clock oversight and regularly update protocols with timely security audits. Auditing and the security strategy Audits are necessary to maintain system integrity and uphold quality. These system checks help identify security […]
5 Ways Office 365 migrations fail
Microsoft is working hard to ensure that its popular cloud-based productivity suite Office 365 is constantly being improved. Because of the great products and support offered, businesses are starting to shift to the platform. If you’re considering moving to Office 365, you should be aware of five factors that can affect the migration process. Slow […]
Why businesses should opt for CRM
However good you are at running your business, you won’t get very far without a steady stream of customers. To effectively foster customer relationships, many businesses are leveraging customer relationship management (CRM) systems. What is a CRM system? CRM is a system that allows businesses to manage, record, and evaluate their customer interactions to provide […]
5 Signs of weak enterprise security
As the number of cybersecurity threats increases, many business owners have no recourse but make cybersecurity a priority. But how does one know if your security measures are actually keeping your enterprise IT assets safe? Here are five ways you can tell if your security isn’t sufficient. Open wireless networks With one main internet line […]
Don’t know how to lock your Mac? Here’s how
Confidential data stored in your Mac is at risk of exposure if you leave your desk with your computer on. One of the most effective ways to protect your data is to lock your Mac with a password. It’s not enough to log off your Mac Some people “lock” their Mac computer by logging off […]
Common problems with virtual server backup
Over the years, data virtualization has provided businesses more options to manage their data. However, even virtualized data is susceptible to loss. This is why you need a good data backup solution to protect it, and be prepared to face some common problems when backing up virtualized data. Data virtualization involves taking all enterprise data […]
5 Gmail hacks to maximize your productivity
If managing your inbox is decreasing your productivity, you’re not alone. We all struggle to unsubscribe from outdated newsletters and get ourselves removed from email chains that don’t pertain to us. But don’t fret, we have some great Gmail productivity hacks for you. #1. Customize your email address and harness filters Did you know that […]
5 Ways systems can be breached
When it comes to business IT security, many small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often struggle to protect their systems from various cyberattacks. While there are many things you can do to secure your IT infrastructure, being aware of common security threats will really help. Here are five common ways your systems can be breached. #1. […]
Ways to ensure clean workstations
A tidy workstation can help employees become high achievers. Cleanliness also contributes to employee health, safety, and better office hardware maintenance. Is it time for you to prioritize cleanliness in your company? Keep your computers dirt- and dust-free with these tips. Cleaning desktop monitors Employees spend many hours looking at their computer monitors, and a […]
Microsoft Office 2019 or Office 365: The best choice
Microsoft Office is one of the most installed software suites in the world. If you are looking to integrate it into your company, you can either purchase Microsoft Office 2019 or sign up for cloud-based Office 365. Both promise the same features that the Office suite is known for, but they are different enough to […]
5 Things to avoid when investing in IT
Running a business can be time-consuming, especially if you’re managing staff, looking for growth opportunities, and looking after clients. This leaves you little time to search for an IT system that can benefit your business. Because of this, you may be forced to make an impulsive technology purchase that does more harm than good. To […]
Virtualization: 10 Critical terms
Virtualization is the act of moving a physical component or bit of software from a physical environment to a digital one that’s normally delivered over a network. This technology has become one of the most sought after tech improvements of the past decade, especially among small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). The only problem is, virtualization […]
Defining HDD and SSD
Buyers used to have a limited choice for what kind of storage they got with their laptop or desktop PCs. With the invention of the solid state drive (SSD), you can now choose to configure your system with either the traditional hard disk drive (HDD), SSD, or in some cases both. So what’s the better […]
A look at Office Delve
Microsoft Office 365 is constantly gaining popularity with small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). This means the amount of data created by Office 365 is growing, posing some challenges in tracking connections and information. This is where the Office Delve feature comes in handy. What is Office Delve? Office Delve is a cloud-based data visualization tool […]
Clean your desktop to optimize your PC
Have your computers slowed down? As a business owner, you rely on your PC to get work done and keep productivity up. But a cluttered desktop can lead to lagging systems. Here are simple fixes to get you back on track. 1. Before you begin, do a bit of recon Before you go about deleting […]
Ask these 3 questions about your servers
While you’re still alive and kicking, your heart should never skip a beat. It’s the same with your servers. They’re always working, ensuring your business stays operational even if you don’t pay attention to them. However, business owners tend to overlook their servers as most times it is a simple case of being out of […]
Three types of business dashboards
Dashboards allow you to better understand your customers and easily make informed business decisions. But with many types of dashboards out there, each serving a unique purpose, how do you determine which one is best for your company? We’ve listed three types of the most widely used dashboards below. Strategic dashboards Ideal for senior managers […]
Guarding your company’s data
You can’t afford to lose business data. It takes away the trust of your clients, leading to loss of revenue. Cybercriminals are here to stay, so it’s more important than ever to utilize tight security measures to keep your business data safe. Still, some hackers may have advanced cracking skills, or are really determined to […]
Lower your data center bills
Many business owners tend to ignore the server room or pretend that it doesn’t exist. But this won’t change the fact that it can wreak havoc on your electric bills. Before you suffer, read this article to lower your energy bills. Perform an energy audit There’s a good chance your IT staff has never thought […]
Four questions to answer before virtualizing
You’ve probably heard that virtualization saves money, but how can you take advantage of this? Did you know that choosing not to virtualize can hurt your business? Answer these four questions to discover why virtualization is good for you. Studies have shown that over 70% of IT budgets go to “keeping the lights on.” If […]
How scary is the new Mac scareware?
Just when you thought your Mac was safe from all security threats, we have some troubling news for you. There’s a new form of scareware in town that’s been fooling Mac users into purchasing illegitimate software. And in all fairness, this one is quite convincing. If you want to ensure you don’t get duped, read […]
Become better with these productivity tips
Between your customers, vendors, employees and other moving parts of your organization, it can be difficult to find the time to focus on your business. On a daily basis, you likely have to deal with dozens of tasks, and oftentimes don’t finish them all. So how can you fix this? How can you be more […]
LinkedIn tips for the SMB
LinkedIn is a highly useful site, but many small businesses simply don’t make the most of it. The problem is that most of the information out there, that SMBs try to model, is focused on tips and strategies for larger organizations. And these strategies are simply not as effective when applied to the SMB. So […]
5 time-saving Microsoft Word tips
Over the years, Microsoft Word has become the best word processor for businesses big and small. From creating documents such as company reports, forms, statements, and receipts to producing promotional materials, Word is able to accomplish all of these and much more. But its sheer number of features mean there are hidden functionalities unknown to […]
Secure your business with these IT policies
Most business owners have an employee handbook. But when it comes to the online security of their business, often times this portion is either not adequately addressed, or not addressed at all. However, with cyber crimes an ever increasing threat, and the fact that employee error is one of the most common causes of a […]
BCP tactics to keep your business running
Whether your business is hit with a brief power outage or an extreme weather disaster, any kind of interruption to your organization’s productivity can cut into your profits. That’s why it is important to have a business continuity plan and utilize BC tools to ensure your organization can stay in operation at all times. Here […]
Be more productive with these Mac tips
Computers have enabled us to become more productive than ever. With last years’ release of Mac’s OS El Capitan, there are a number of productivity tools that many people may be completely unaware of. Today, we’re going to share with you some of those tools, in hopes that you and your entire staff will be […]
5 types of virtualization defined
Virtualization has become the cornerstone for almost all businesses today – and for good reason. It is basically a process of creating a virtual version of a physical IT device. This, in turn, enables businesses to utilize their resources more effectively, while also reducing costs that come with managing and maintaining their infrastructure. Virtualization can […]
Can Your Business Survive A Disaster?
Most business owners don’t normally think they will be a victim of a natural disaster…not until an unforeseen crisis happens and their company ends up suffering from thousands or millions of dollars in economic and operational losses — all because of the lack of thoughtful disaster preparedness. This post gives small or mid-sized businesses (SMBs) […]
Ask these 3 questions about your servers
While you’re still alive and kicking, your heart should never skip a beat. It’s the same with your servers. They’re always working, ensuring your business stays operational even if you don’t pay attention to them. However, business owners tend to overlook their servers as most times it is a simple case of being out of […]
The true story of an SMB attacked by hackers
It’s been said so many times that many small business owners are likely to block it out, but the truth remains: cyber criminals target SMBs. Perhaps the reason for this ignorance is that when an SMB falls victim to an online attack, it’s not breaking news. But this time, in a recent NY Times article, […]
Simplifying business intelligence
When you think business intelligence, you likely think about charts and graphs that reveal valuable data about your customers, profits, and operations. While these may be simple enough for some to understand, what if you could simplify your data even more? A new innovation in the business intelligence world may have just made this a […]
More to social media value than meets the eye
A lot of businesses are still mystified as how to measure just what kind of value they are truly getting from social media. Because it is a medium that is still evolving, it can be hard to understand just what works and what doesn’t when it comes to social media and measuring its value. In […]
5 tips for a productive home office
If you think the idea of working from home sounds too good to be true, it’s not. Since the advent of the Internet, many business owners are open to the adoption of telecommuting, a strategy that allows their employees to work remotely in order to save commuting costs and time while increasing productivity. But of […]
Do this to avoid the Windows 10 upgrade
If you’ve ever been in the car with a child constantly asking, “are we there yet?” you know how annoying a repetitive question can be. Unfortunately for Windows users, Microsoft has decided to take this method of annoyance to their own customer base, constantly nagging them to upgrade. If you’re as sick of this as […]
Best Chrome extensions you need to install
According to StatCounter, Google Chrome is the most popular and widely used browser in the world. While it’s already great in terms of loading speed, performance, and user interface, you can make it even better by installing extensions to add extra features. There are thousands of extensions in the Chrome Web Store – the question […]
HDD vs SSD: Which is best?
The standard hard disk drive (HDD) has been the predominant storage device for desktop computers and laptops for a long time. But now, with the invention of solid state drive (SSD) technology, computer buyers and users now have access to the latest innovation that’s setting new trends in the storage market. So which one should […]
Up your Productivity Levels in 2016
We all experience those days where we feel like we’ve been super productive and have managed to check off a bunch of tasks from our to-do list. But if you feel like these days are few and far between and you’d like to up the ante on a more consistent basis, it’s time to adopt […]
Google’s New Chatbot Messaging Service
It’s no great industry secret that despite dominating in other areas, Google is seriously lagging behind the competition when it comes to instant messaging applications. And now, rumor has it, the tech giant is preparing to put a stop to that and finally make its mark in this area. But what can Google offer that […]
Understanding Google Analytics
Understanding how your visitors are using your website is one of the most important things you can do to optimize your online presence and generate more leads and revenue. Google Analytics remains the top analytic tool, allowing you to keep track. Yet many companies tend to focus on the overall performance without taking the time […]
Keep the lights on and your business running
When people think of the causes of downtime and the need for a Business Continuity Plan (BCP), they tend to think big. Powerful storms, massive blizzards, fires and floods are usually what springs to mind when business continuity is mentioned. And while these disasters can disrupt your business, a small power outage can be just […]
Add to your Office experience
The functionality of Microsoft Office has yet to be beaten. And while it is known for its straightforward productivity, there are quite a few add-ins for your favorite Office application that just might improve your experience further. Whether you want to add a cool infographic to an Excel spreadsheet or need to set an Uber […]
Chimera ransomware’s scary tactics
There are numerous strains of malware out there, but one particularly unpleasant one is ransomware. While this malicious software has been around for some time, recently a newer, nastier upgrade was discovered. Posing a threat to businesses of all sizes, the program, called Chimera, has upped the ante when it comes to scaring its victims […]
2016’s possible security problems
Online security has probably never been such a hotly debated subject as it was in 2015. From recent numerous high-profile attacks on Sony and others, to this year’s leaking of data stolen from the extramarital-affair-facilitating website Ashley Madison website, have pushed cyber security firmly into the spotlight. So what can we expect from 2016? Experts […]
The link between big data and profit
One of the biggest, buzziest phrases making the rounds in corporate circles at the moment is “big data”. But what does big data actually mean? What is it and, more importantly, what can it do for your business or organization? The good news is that it’s not just another tired old buzz word that actually […]
Do.com: enjoy more productive meetings
Is there anything worse than an unproductive meeting? The feeling of those minutes and even hours slipping by you as you sit ‘brainstorming’ with co-workers, only to leave the room with a big fat nothing. The frustrating part is that, when run effectively, meetings can result in great ideas, and can add huge value to […]
How to use data to add business value
We all know that data is valuable. After all, the more we know about the inner workings of our business and how our customers behave, the better. But knowing that data is crucial in helping to move your organization forward, and knowing exactly how to use that information to do so are two very different […]
Interruption insurance for businesses
While it is highly likely that you have an insurance policy that will cover your small or medium-sized business in the event of a disaster, chances are you don’t have business interruption insurance. The majority of smaller companies tend to overlook interruption policies, believing (or at least hoping) that regular insurance will be enough to […]