Author Archives: John Neibel

Travel Smart: Essential Cybersecurity Practices for a Hack-Free Vacation

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Summer is a popular time for business owners and employees to step out of the office and enjoy a well-deserved vacation. Despite setting their “out of office” email responder, many people still check in on work while traveling. Unfortunately, studies show that working outside the office, whether it’s a quick check-in on vacation, connecting to the Internet at a local coffee shop, or business travelers on work trips, can lead to significant cybersecurity issues. If you or your employees plan to answer urgent emails from the airport or access network documents in a hotel lobby, it’s crucial to maintain strong cybersecurity practices to avoid exposing the company’s network to nearby hackers.

In this blog post, we’ll cover essential cybersecurity best practices to follow before and during any trip to keep your network secure from hackers.

Why Cybersecurity Matters While Traveling

Cybersecurity might not be at the top of your vacation checklist, but ignoring it can turn your dream getaway into a nightmare. Cybercriminals know summer is prime time to attack because people are more likely to let their guard down while on vacation. Most vacationers focus on enjoying their time off rather than following cybersecurity best practices, making them easy targets for hackers.

To minimize the risk of a cyberattack while traveling, here are a few best practices to cover with anyone on your team who might connect to the Internet while on vacation.

Before You Go:

  1. Back Up Your Data: If your device gets lost or damaged, you’ll want a copy of your data available to restore.
  2. Update Your Software: Ensure your operating system, web browsers, and apps are updated to the latest versions. Outdated software can compromise your device’s defense against malware.
  3. Protect Your Devices: Always lock your device using a PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or facial recognition. If you leave your device unattended and someone tries to access it, they will have full access to your private information if it’s not locked.
  4. Enable “Find My Phone”: This feature allows you to locate your device if you lose it and remotely wipe data or disable the device if it falls into the wrong hands.

While Traveling:

  1. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your Internet connection, ensuring your data is secure even when using public WiFi networks. Set up a VPN on your devices before you leave and use it whenever you access the Internet.
  2. Avoid Public WiFi: Public WiFi can be a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. Avoid unprotected networks whenever possible. (Yes, that means no checking your email on the beach unless you have a VPN!)
  3. Manage Location Services: Location tools are useful for navigation but can also expose your location to criminals. Turn off location services when not in use and limit how you share your location on social media.
  4. Enable Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second verification form, such as a text message code, authenticator code, or fingerprint scan. Enable this feature for all accounts containing sensitive information before leaving home.
  5. Disable Auto-Connect Features: Some devices automatically seek and connect to available wireless networks. These features can give cybercriminals access to your devices if you connect to the wrong network. Disable this option so you only connect to wireless and Bluetooth networks you know and trust.

Conclusion

You should be able to relax on vacation. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your devices secure so you can enjoy your time off without worrying about cyber issues when you return to work.

However, these steps aren’t foolproof. To truly ensure your company’s cybersecurity measures are up to standard, it’s important to work with a professional IT team that can monitor your network 24/7, patch vulnerabilities as they arise, and alert you if something seems suspicious.

To help you prepare for your vacation and have peace of mind knowing your business is secure while you or your employees work remotely, call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to schedule a FREE IT Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts today. We’ll evaluate your current cybersecurity solutions, identify potential vulnerabilities, and help you implement a strategic security plan to keep your company safe.

Massive Layoffs in 2024 Pose a Serious Cybersecurity Threat

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The massive wave of layoffs in 2024 brings a cybersecurity threat that many business owners overlook: offboarding employees. Even large, well-known brands with advanced cybersecurity systems often fail to protect themselves adequately from insider threats. For instance, last August marked a year since two disgruntled Tesla employees, after being let go, exposed the personal information of over 75,000 people, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers.

The issue is expected to worsen. According to NerdWallet, as of May 24, 2024, 298 US-based tech companies have laid off 84,600 workers. This includes major layoffs at companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, as well as smaller tech start-ups. In total, around 257,254 jobs were eliminated in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

Whether or not you’ll need to downsize your team this year, having a proper offboarding process in place is essential for every business, big or small. Offboarding is more than a routine administrative task – it’s a critical security precaution. Failing to revoke access for former employees can lead to serious business and legal implications.

Some potential issues include:

  • Theft of Intellectual Property: Employees can steal your company’s files, client data, and confidential information stored on personal devices. They may also retain access to cloud-based applications, such as social media sites and file-sharing platforms (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive), that your IT department might overlook. A study by Osterman Research revealed that 69% of businesses experience data loss due to employee turnover, and 87% of employees who leave take data with them. This information can be sold to competitors, used by them when hired by a competitor, or used by the former employee to become a competitor themselves.
  • Compliance Violations: Failing to revoke access privileges and remove employees from authorized user lists can render you noncompliant in heavily regulated industries. This simple mistake can result in large fines, hefty penalties, and legal consequences.
  • Data Deletion: If an employee feels unfairly laid off and retains access to their accounts, they could easily delete all their emails and any critical files they can access. If that data isn’t backed up, it will be lost forever.
  • Data Breach: This could be the most terrifying of all. Unhappy employees who feel wronged can make your company the next headline for a devastating data breach, leading to costly lawsuits. A single click can result in downloading, exposing, or modifying your clients’ or employees’ private information, financial records, or trade secrets.

Do you have an airtight offboarding process to mitigate these risks? Chances are, you don’t. A 2024 study by Wing revealed that one out of five organizations has indications that some former users were not properly offboarded. These are the organizations that were astute enough to detect it.

How do you properly offboard an employee?

  • Implement the Principle of Least Privilege: Successful offboarding starts with proper onboarding. New employees should only be given access to the files and programs they need to do their jobs. This should be meticulously documented to make offboarding easier.
  • Leverage Automation: Your IT team can use automation to streamline the process of revoking access to multiple software applications simultaneously, saving time and resources while reducing the likelihood of manual errors.
  • Implement Continuous Monitoring: You can use software that tracks who is doing what and where on the company network. This can help identify suspicious behavior by an unauthorized user and determine if a former employee retains access to private accounts.

These are just a few ways your IT team can improve your offboarding process to make it more efficient and secure. Insider threats can be devastating, and if you think this can’t happen to you, think again. You must be proactive in protecting your organization.

To find out if any gaps in your offboarding process expose you to theft or a data breach, our team offers a free, in-depth risk assessment to help you resolve it. Call us at 214-550-0550 or click here to book now.

Frustrated with piece of Technology and need Help? You’re Not Alone

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A recent stream of Reddit comments detailed a series of poor customer service experiences with tech support. While I usually steer clear of Reddit and its chorus of chronic complainers, I browsed a few comments for research purposes, given my industry involvement. Some complaints were so outlandish – like the lady who claimed the technician took a bathroom break in her attic – that they seemed unbelievable. However, other more common issues resonated with my own experiences, and to be candid, they were frustrating!

When you face a tech emergency – be it a broken printer, hardware malfunctions, Internet connectivity issues, login troubles, or similar problems – note being able to solve the issue quickly only worsens the irritation. It leaves you with frustrated employees who can’t efficiently get their jobs done because they’re troubleshooting their tech and on hold while you are “looking into it,” and irritated customers who just want a smooth process when dealing with your organization.

This can result in losing customers and A-player employees to competitors that don’t have these same daily issues. At first, it might seem dramatic that a few unresolved “tech issues” could cause such a stir, but as these problems continue to repeat themselves with no solution in sight, resentment grows and will eventually result in people seeking organizations that don’t have to deal with such headaches.

How Co-Managed IT Can Solve These Issues

One way to get ahead of these problems is by leveraging a co-managed IT approach. Co-managed IT services provide a partnership between your internal IT team and an external IT support provider, ensuring you receive the best of both worlds. This setup allows for seamless support and rapid issue resolution, preventing the frustrations associated with tech issues you don’t work on very often.

Polling Your Employees

To assess whether your current IT support is up to par, start by polling your employees. Ask questions that will help you “grade” your current IT company and see if they’re dealing with your team as efficiently as they should. Here are a few questions to ask:

  1. Do you experience any recurring technical problems that haven’t been fully resolved? If so, what are they?
  2. How would you rate the response time of the IT support team when you encounter a technical issue?
  3. Have you found the IT support team to be knowledgeable and helpful in resolving your issues?
  4. Do you feel that the IT support team communicates effectively and keeps you informed about the status of your requests?
  5. How would you describe your overall satisfaction with the support provided by your IT team?

These questions take only a few minutes to answer and can help you gain valuable insight into whether or not your current IT team is properly handling issues or if there is trouble brewing within your organization that you weren’t aware of.

Experience the Difference with Our Co-Managed IT Services

If you want to see what excellent IT support looks like, we’ll provide TWO FREE hours of support for your organization. Here are some ways you can use your time with us:

  • Diagnose any computer network problem you are experiencing.
  • Check your network’s security against hacker attacks and viruses.
  • Scan and review spyware.
  • Check your network backup system to make sure it is working properly.
  • Diagnose slow, unstable PCs.
  • Conduct our proprietary 57-point IT Systems Security and Performance Assessment.
  • Discuss a project or upgrade you are considering, or get a second opinion on a quote you received.

To get started, give our team a call at 214-550-0550 or click here to book your call now.

Experience the benefits of co-managed IT and eliminate the frustrations of tech by yourself for good.

“Savings” That Could Cost You EVERYTHING

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As a business leader, you’re always looking for ways to increase revenue, cut expenses and grow your bottom line. Implementing AI tools, shopping services and running a more efficient operation are great ways to do that. One place you do NOT want to cut corners is using free antivirus or firewall software.

In today’s blog, we’ll share why these seemingly helpful software solutions are a detriment to your business and why a 10-minute call with our team might just be the best investment you’ll make this year.

Free software often lacks necessary features and is limited in what it can detect.

Free antivirus software and firewall solutions can protect your business against some known viruses but not all of them, and they likely won’t have the ability to protect you against other comprehensive threats, like malicious files, unknown or unidentified threats and more. Cybercriminals are constantly rolling out new and “improved” viruses to trick even the most robust security solutions, which makes it difficult to believe that free, infrequently updated antivirus solutions could offer the level of protection needed to keep you secure.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

While free cybersecurity solutions sound like a good way to save a few bucks, you have to stop and realize these programs will make their money somewhere. The most common ways they make money are through ads, sponsored recommendations and collecting and selling user data. They collect and sell your personal information, like age and gender, and installed apps, to third-party advertisers.

Some free solutions are already infected with malware.

Ironically, these free cybersecurity tools can come with malware already installed to infect your computer upon downloading them. It’s also difficult to determine the difference between real free software solutions and fake ones created by hackers looking to trick unsuspecting business owners who hope to save a buck into downloading an infected version that immediately opens up your network to them.

Free antivirus software is mostly reactive, detecting infections after they’ve happened.

The point of having cybersecurity solutions is to try to prevent a data breach from occurring in the first place. Most free solutions are reactive and won’t keep unwanted intruders out; they simply alert you when one has already breached your network. If you’re going with a free solution, make sure you have a robust recovery plan in place. You’ll likely need it.

Cybersecurity solutions are not as expensive as most business owners think and are more cost-effective than dealing with a data breach. If you have been using free antivirus or firewall software in your organization, it’s time to level up. Our cybersecurity experts will provide you with a FREE Security Risk Assessment that will detail if and where you’re vulnerable and what to do about it. Schedule yours by clicking here or calling us at 214-550-0550.

The Silent Danger: A Powerful Lesson For Every Business From This $1.6 Billion Ransomware Attack

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In recent months, the alarming cybersecurity breach at Change Healthcare, the health care payment-processing company under the health care giant UnitedHealth Group, has thrown a spotlight on a chilling reality: cyberthreats can lurk undetected within our networks, ready to unleash chaos at a moment’s notice. The breach, executed by the notorious ALPHV/BlackCat hacker group, involved the group lying dormant within the company’s environment for nine days before activating a crippling ransomware attack.

This incident, which severely impacted the US health care system, a network with a large budget for cybersecurity, underscores an urgent message for all business leaders: a robust cybersecurity system and recovery plan are not optional but a fundamental necessity for every business out there.

The attack began with hackers using leaked credentials to access a key application that was shockingly left without the safeguard of multifactor authentication.

Once inside, the hackers stole data, locked it down, and then demanded a hefty ransom.

This action stalled nationwide health care payment-processing systems, for thousands of pharmacies and hospitals causing them to grind to a halt!

Then things got even worse!

The personal health information and personal information of potentially millions of Americans was also stolen. The hackers set up an exit scam, demanding a second ransom to not release this information.

This breach required a temporary shutdown, disconnecting entire systems from the Internet, a massive overhaul of the IT infrastructure and significant financial losses estimated to potentially reach $1.6 billion by year’s end. Replacing laptops, rotating credentials and rebuilding the data center network were only a few of the actions the UnitedHealth Group had to take. More than financial, the cost was deeply human – impacting health care services and risking personal data.

While devastating, it’s a powerful reminder that threats can dwell in silence within our networks, waiting for an opportune moment to strike.

It is not enough to react; proactive measures are essential.

Ensuring systems are secured, implementing multifactor authentication, regularly updating and patching software and having a recovery plan in place in the event of an attack are steps that can no longer be overlooked and are basic requirements for doing business in today’s world.

Also, the idea that “We’re too small to be a target” is false. Just because you’re not big enough to make national news, doesn’t mean you’re too small to be attacked!

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue; it’s a cornerstone of modern business strategy. It requires investment, training and a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.

The fallout from a breach reaches far beyond the immediately affected systems. It can erode customer trust, disrupt services and lead to severe financial and reputational damage, and your business, will be the one blamed.

As we consider the lessons from the Change Healthcare incident, it’s your duty to make cybersecurity a top priority. Investing in comprehensive cybersecurity measures isn’t just a precaution – it’s a fundamental responsibility to our customers, our stakeholders and our future.

Remember, in the realm of cyberthreats, what you can’t see can hurt you – and preparation is your most powerful defense.

Is YOUR organization secure? If you’re not sure, or just want a second opinion, our cybersecurity experts will provide you with a FREE Security Risk Assessment that will detail if and where you’re vulnerable and what to do about it. Schedule yours by clicking here or calling us at 214-550-0550.

How Subpar IT Support Is Holding Back Your Business Growth

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In the fast-paced business landscape of 2024 and beyond, settling for anything less than top-notch Co-Managed IT support can be detrimental to your company’s success. The effectiveness of your IT team is not just a convenience but a fundamental pillar of your operational efficiency. Unfortunately, many businesses find themselves constrained by inadequate tech support, leading to unresolved IT issues that hinder productivity, frustrate employees, and disappoint customers. These persistent challenges can significantly impede your business growth trajectory and erode profitability over time.

Reliable Co-Managed IT support serves as the backbone of modern business operations. It ensures seamless functionality, protects valuable data, and keeps communication channels open. Without it, even routine tasks can become burdensome, diverting employees’ attention from their core responsibilities to tackle unresolved technical issues. This diversion can result in missed opportunities, strained customer relationships, and ultimately hinder your business’s potential for expansion and success.

In this post, we will shed light on the common tech challenges that may be undermining your business, how they are impacting your growth prospects, and the steps you need to take to address them decisively. Whether you are grappling with frequent downtime, sluggish issue resolution, or lackluster service, recognizing and rectifying these IT deficiencies is crucial for empowering your business to thrive.

Key Indicators You Are Settling For Subpar Co-Managed IT Service

Identifying the warning signs of inadequate Co-Managed IT support is the first step toward realigning your business for success. These symptoms often emerge gradually but can have far-reaching implications for your operations and growth trajectory. Here are the primary indicators that your Co-Managed IT support may be falling short:

1. Persistent, Disruptive Downtime:
Frequent system outages or network interruptions not only disrupt your business operations but also incur financial losses. Such incidents signal a lack of robust infrastructure maintenance by your Co-Managed IT support, impacting productivity, revenue generation, and client trust.

2. Delayed Response Times:
Timely resolution of tech issues is critical to minimizing disruptions. Extended response times indicate inefficiencies in your Co-Managed IT support, prolonging workflow disruptions and hindering business continuity.

3. Recurring Technical Problems:
Repeated occurrences of the same issues suggest a superficial approach to problem-solving by your Co-Managed IT support. Quality support providers delve deeper to address root causes, ensuring lasting resolutions and uninterrupted business operations.

4. Absence of Proactive Measures:
Effective Co-Managed IT support goes beyond reactive troubleshooting by implementing preventive measures. Regular updates, backups, and security protocols are proactive strategies that shield your business from potential risks and operational disruptions.

5. Communication Challenges:
Clear and consistent communication with your Co-Managed IT support provider is essential for a productive partnership. Unclear explanations, technical jargon without context, and unresponsive communication channels indicate a lack of commitment to client service and can hinder your business’s efficiency.

The Impact of Poor IT Support on Your Business Operations

Inadequate Co-Managed IT support not only leads to temporary disruptions but also exerts lasting effects on key areas of your business. Here’s how subpar support directly affects your business:

1. Revenue Loss Due to Downtime:
Every minute of system downtime translates to financial losses for your business. Unplanned outages not only impact sales but also incur additional costs as you strive to restore operations. Cumulatively, these losses can undermine your financial stability and growth prospects.

2. Reduced Productivity and Efficiency:
Consistent IT issues impede employee performance, making routine tasks time-consuming and diminishing overall productivity. This inefficiency not only slows down operations but also dampens employee morale and engagement, critical for sustained business success.

3. Impaired Customer Experiences:
Your technology infrastructure directly influences customer interactions and satisfaction levels. Technical glitches can lead to poor customer experiences, such as slow service, transaction errors, and security concerns, prompting customers to seek alternatives from competitors.

4. Hindered Scalability:
As your business expands, your IT infrastructure must scale accordingly to support increased demands. Inadequate Co-Managed IT support can impede this scalability, hindering your ability to grow operations or adopt new technologies effectively.

5. Compromised Data Security:
One of the most severe repercussions of inadequate Co-Managed IT support is compromised data security. Small businesses are prime targets for cyber threats, and without robust IT support to enforce strong security measures, your business becomes vulnerable to data breaches. Such breaches can lead to loss of customer trust, legal consequences, and significant financial damages.

The significance of selecting the right IT support provider cannot be underestimated for the long-term success of your small business. Here are essential attributes to consider when choosing a reliable IT support provider:

● Responsiveness:
Opt for a provider with a reputation for quick response times. Rapid problem-solving capabilities can significantly minimize downtime, thereby ensuring the seamless continuity of your business operations.

● Expertise:
Ensure that the IT support team possesses the required technical expertise to effectively manage your infrastructure. Look for certifications and hands-on experience in the specific technologies utilized by your business.

● Proactiveness:
Choose a provider that offers proactive support services, including regular system audits, continuous monitoring, and preventive maintenance. These measures can help in preemptively addressing issues before they escalate.

● Communication:
Effective and transparent communication is paramount. Your IT support team should be adept at providing clear and jargon-free explanations, as well as maintaining open and efficient lines of communication with your business.

● Customization:
Opt for IT support services that offer tailored solutions aligned with your unique business requirements. This tailored approach ensures that the support provided is not only effective but also relevant to your specific needs.

● Reviews and References:
Conduct thorough reviews and seek references to assess the reputation and reliability of the IT support provider. Positive feedback from other businesses serves as a strong indicator of the quality of service you can expect.

If your small business is grappling with recurring IT issues such as downtime, slow response times, ineffective solutions, or employee complaints about constant technical glitches, it is imperative to seek better IT support. Do not allow subpar technical support to hinder your business’s growth potential. Take proactive steps today to ensure that your technology propels your business towards success.

Schedule a FREE 10-Minute Discovery consultation with one of our experts by clicking here or calling us at 214-550-0550.

The Importance of Standing Your Ground in Business Security

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In an interview, Steve Wozniak reflected on what he would have done differently if he had been at the helm of Apple instead of Steve Jobs. While he admitted he would have been kinder to people, he also speculated that under his leadership, Apple might never have launched the Macintosh.

Steve Jobs, infamous for his ruthless demeanor and insatiable pursuit of perfection, cultivated a work environment fraught with tension and pressure. Despite his abrasive nature, Jobs managed to forge Apple into one of the world’s most renowned brands. However, his leadership style drove away many talented individuals who found his approach intolerable.

While adopting a cutthroat attitude like Jobs may not be necessary for most small business owners, standing up for oneself is crucial. Too often, individuals tolerate mistreatment from various sources, be it employees, vendors, or clients.

In popular culture, characters like Tony from The Sopranos resonate with audiences because of their unwavering confidence and assertiveness. While not condoning Tony’s negative traits, the appeal lies in his ability to stand up for himself and command respect.

This principle extends to business security. Failing to assert boundaries and protect your organization can leave you vulnerable to exploitation, particularly by cybercriminals seeking to capitalize on your hard work. Safeguarding your business requires a Tony Soprano-level of vigilance and decisiveness in identifying and neutralizing threats before they wreak havoc.

By prioritizing cybersecurity measures and remaining vigilant, you can shield your business from malicious actors intent on causing harm. Neglecting these precautions can jeopardize everything you’ve worked tirelessly to build.

To fortify your defenses and ensure your business remains secure, consider scheduling a 10-Minute Discovery Call with our team of experts for a free IT Risk Assessment. This evaluation will uncover any vulnerabilities within your network and provide a roadmap for bolstering your security posture.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take proactive steps to safeguard your business and focus on propelling it forward with confidence. Book your call NOW or contact us at 214-550-0550 to take the first step towards a more secure future.

AT&T Attack Reveals 73 Million Customer Records Exposed On The Dark Web

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AT&T, the largest telecommunications company in the United States, recently disclosed a concerning discovery: a dataset for sale on the “dark web” containing information of approximately 7.6 million current and 65.4 million former AT&T account holders, totaling around 73 million affected accounts.

The released data includes passcodes (PIN numbers) and Social Security numbers dating back to 2019 or earlier, but does not encompass personal financial data or call history. However, it may include email and mailing addresses, phone numbers, and birthdates.

In response, AT&T has notified all customers via email or mail to reset their passcodes. It’s crucial for AT&T customers to scrutinize any password-change requests, ensuring they originate from AT&T to thwart potential cybercriminals attempting to exploit the breach by sending deceptive emails with malicious links. If in doubt, contact AT&T support directly for assistance in resetting passcodes.

The origin of the breach remains uncertain, with investigations underway to determine whether it stemmed from AT&T or one of its vendors. AT&T is deploying computer forensics specialists to uncover the root cause and is tasked with eradicating any malware from its customer account system while maintaining service for unaffected customers. However, addressing this issue entails substantial expenses, including investigation costs, legal fees, and potential lawsuits.

At Mirrored Storage, we emphasize proactive cybersecurity measures as a fundamental strategy. While no system is impervious to attacks, robust security measures significantly reduce the risk of breaches. Dealing with the aftermath of a cyber-attack far outweighs the cost of prevention.

If you’re concerned about your organization’s security, we offer a complimentary Security Assessment conducted by our team of cybersecurity experts. This assessment examines your network for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit and provides recommendations for enhancing security measures, including collaboration with third-party vendors to fortify data protection.

Hackers employ various tactics to infiltrate networks, but as a CEO, your priority is fortifying defenses. We’re committed to assisting you in safeguarding your organization. Schedule your Security Risk Assessment with our cybersecurity experts by clicking here or contacting our office at 214-550-0550. Protecting your data integrity and security is our top priority.

10 Things Great IT Providers Always Do

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In the realm of IT support, there’s a stark contrast between mediocre service and the excellence that truly sets providers apart. At Mirrored Storage, we’ve observed a consistent trend: clients often switch to us not because they were unaware of their previous support’s inadequacy, but because they hadn’t experienced the true standard of exceptional support.

Today, we’re unveiling the core tenets that distinguish top-tier IT providers from the rest. It’s time to bid farewell to tech frustrations and subpar services that endanger your company’s security and productivity. Here’s what exceptional IT providers consistently deliver:

  1. Immediate Emergency Response: During emergencies, waiting is not an option. High-quality providers prioritize urgency, answering calls live or responding within 30 minutes to provide immediate assistance.
  2. Accessibility and Responsiveness: Exceptional providers are consistently easy to reach and highly responsive, addressing both emergencies and routine tech issues promptly to ensure minimal disruption.
  3. After-Hours Support: Recognizing the need for around-the-clock assistance, top-tier IT companies offer after-hours support, ensuring accessibility and rapid response regardless of the time.
  4. Proactive Network Monitoring: Instead of waiting for issues to arise, leading providers proactively monitor networks for potential threats, downtime, and inefficiencies, presenting proactive solutions to clients.
  5. Customer-Centric Systems: A customer-centric approach is reflected in user-friendly ticketing systems that streamline issue resolution. Top providers prioritize ease of use, ensuring seamless communication and efficient problem-solving.
  6. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Planning: Given the pervasive threat of cyberattacks, reputable IT providers devise and implement robust cybersecurity plans, safeguarding clients against evolving threats like ransomware and data breaches.
  7. Transparent Invoicing: Transparent billing practices are paramount. Top providers furnish detailed invoices, clearly delineating services rendered and associated costs, fostering trust and accountability.
  8. Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: To mitigate risks, leading IT teams carry cyber liability and errors and omissions insurance, protecting clients against potential damages, data loss, or workplace incidents.
  9. Regular Backup Testing: Ensuring data integrity is non-negotiable. Reputable providers conduct periodic test restores of backups to verify data integrity and readiness for disaster recovery scenarios.
  10. Timely and Budget-Conscious Project Delivery: Exceptional IT providers adhere to project timelines and budgets, swiftly addressing setbacks and proposing solutions to ensure timely and cost-effective project completion.

It’s time to elevate your expectations and demand superior IT support. If you’re ready to experience trustworthy, reliable service, we invite you to schedule a FREE, no-obligation Network Assessment with our expert team. Discover how we can optimize your network, enhance cybersecurity, and streamline your technology infrastructure.

To embark on a journey towards stress-free IT management, click here to book your FREE Network Assessment now or contact our office at 214-550-0550. Say goodbye to tech woes and embrace the peace of mind that comes with superior IT support.

Cyber-Attack Takes Omni Hotels & Resorts Offline; Here’s How To Travel Safely

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Another day, another cyber-attack! In early April, Omni Hotels & Resorts was the victim of a cyber-attack that brought down the entire IT system and led to a company-wide outage. The organization took immediate action and brought the entire network offline to isolate the issue, protect its data and prevent further damage from occurring. Unfortunately, this process heavily impacted the hotel’s operations and day-to-day functions, such as managing reservations, unlocking hotel room doors manually and using point-of-sale (POS) systems in restaurants and shops within the hotel. Some estimates expect this attack to cost the Omni over a million dollars. While unconfirmed by the hotel, several sources speculate that the type of cyber-attack was a ransomware attack similar to what happened to MGM in Las Vegas several months ago.

I was at an Omni Hotel for a conference in Nashville when this was going on. If I wanted to park I had to have exact change CASH or port somewhere else. If I wanted to eat there they said the card would be held and charged “sometime next week”. I can’t imaging the lost revenue, damaged reputation, lose of confidence, etc. they had that week and with customer of the over-term.

While most customers were aware of the inconveniences of the Omni outage, many weren’t aware of the dangers associated with cyber-attacks. When a network is compromised, unless you have high-grade tools to protect you, every device you connect to is put at risk. When you’re traveling, it’s important to treat everything like a risk to ensure your safety. In today’s article, we’re sharing a couple of tips to keep you safe when you’re on the road for work or even on vacation this summer.

  1. Don’t connect to the public Wi-Fi in the hotel. Truthfully, this also applies to coffee shops, airport lounges, etc. If a network is compromised and you connect to it, you could be giving hackers access to your devices.
  2. Turn off the auto-connect feature. Even if you don’t actively connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi, if a hacker has set up a fake Wi-Fi network and your device auto-connects to it, that could be a big problem. Shut the feature off and only manually connect to sources you trust.
  3. Use your phone’s hotspot. Instead of connecting to public Wi-Fi, most cell phones come equipped with a hotspot that allows your other devices to connect to your phone’s internet. If not, one call to your wireless provider can often add this feature.

These tips will help protect you, but if you travel for work or have employees who travel for work, it’s important that all work devices have professional-grade cybersecurity tools installed on them. You don’t want to send your sales team to a hotel-hosted trade show, and instead of bringing back a list of leads, they bring back malware that could shut down your company altogether.

There is one final lesson in this terrible incident that all SERVICE AREA business owners need to understand: No matter the size of the company, you can still be the victim of a cyber-attack. The Omni chain, which boasts over 50 properties nationwide, would likely have a large budget to defend itself from cyber-attacks and yet still fall victim to hackers. No system is 100% impenetrable, but small business owners who don’t have any security measures in place are putting a big red target on their backs.

If you don’t have a cybersecurity system in place, or if you do and someone else is managing it but you’d like a second opinion, we offer a FREE Security Risk Assessment. This assessment will go over every area of your network to identify if and where you are vulnerable to an attack and propose solutions to fix it.

Click here to book your Security Risk Assessment with one of our cybersecurity experts, or call our office at 214-550-0550.