Alter the Security Information on Your Router As with any account that is protected by a password, you will want to ensure that your router?s login information is changed to something much more secure than the default configuration that comes with the device. This is because any default credentials for router models can be found online and can easily be accessed by anyone that can use a Google search. Changing this password regularly will ensure that you have control over who accesses the router settings.
What Should I Look For, in Terms of Specifications, When Considering a Laptop for Work Purposes? Naturally, this can vary a little based on one user?s needs as compared to another, but generally speaking, it is best to ensure that everyone?s system is running at least an i5 processor and has a minimum of eight or, ideally, 16GB of RAM (Random Access Memory). In terms of storage, you?re ideally using some form of centralized storage that your team is able to securely access remotely, so it is less important that these devices have the space for all this data. Likewise, the prevalence of cloud-based software has also taken some of the importance away from storage space for such programs. However, it is still wise for performance-related reasons to have a reasonable amount of storage capacity on the device itself, so you should seek an option that features at least 256 GB of SSD space.
Cloud Storage Benefits The first major benefit of utilizing cloud storage is certainly the ability for your business to add flexibility. One of the ways it provides this flexibility is by allowing anyone to access the data and files it needs from any location with an Internet connection. This not only provides ease of access, but also provides the business to lean on a distributed workforce to do so. Companies can redirect capital from real estate, utility costs, and other financial considerations that are present by having a centralized location, while giving their employees the same access to data and applications. Another great advantage of using cloud storage is the ability for the business to scale their needs on demand. This way they don?t have to purchase storage facilities for their business? data only to use a fraction of it until they have to migrate away from that device because they need faster storage or there is a fear of failure. If they need more space, they can get it with a simple phone call, or in some cases from a provided dashboard that lets administrators manage the data on the cloud server. The last consideration we?d like to mention could be the best thing about cloud storage: a cloud storage platform is completely redundant and is maintained by the service provider, ensuring that all a company?s data is available and backed up proficiently. If there is any question about the technology used to store and protect data, cloud storage answers all of it with provider guarantees. The Elephant in the Room Not necessarily a pro or con is the issue of cloud storage security. Data security for files stored in the cloud comes down to two issues: Is the platform secure enough for my organization to trust our data there? Is there a problem with the files in transit? The first issue is handled by the cloud provider. Since they are the one managing the infrastructure, and any security problems would hurt their business model, they have enough motivation to ensure that data is safe when stored on these platforms. The other, however, is left up to the user. How can you ensure that any data that is stored on the cloud gets to the cloud securely? Let?s take a look at four things you can do to ensure this happens: Ensure logins are protected – Probably the most important consideration for protecting cloud data is to ensure that they are protected by strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Don?t store mission-critical data – Some data should absolutely remain in-house, whether it is for compliance purposes or simply because the data is too sensitive to send out over the Internet. Use encryption – There are services that allow you to encrypt your files before you send them to cloud storage, and this is something to look into if you are concerned with your data storage security. Constantly monitor connected apps – Keep all connected applications monitored and updated to help avoid data security troubles. The One Major Issue with Cloud Storage At this point, so many organizations from all over the world use cloud storage to their advantage, that there is only one real problem with it: You need an Internet connection to access anything stored on the cloud. That […]
What Is a Backup? A backup, in the context of business technology, is when a business copies their data (or entire computing environment) to build data redundancy should something bad happen. It is effectively insurance should the business have to deal with some type of information system failure. What Are the Risks of Not Having Backup? Unfortunately, there are plenty of things that can go wrong with technology, and there are some that simply can?t be helped. These include physical damage that comes from normal wear and tear on hardware or environmental damage; premature malfunction; user error; hackers; theft; long-term power failure; malware; or major disasters that create major operational problems for a business. The result of any of these scenarios is that you would lose access to your critical information systems, making it impossible (or very difficult) to continue operations. Consider it this way: Have you ever gone to a store and when you get up to pay they apologize because their ability to take payment with payment cards isn?t working? It?s frustrating, right? Well, instead of your payment card system, imagine if the whole computing infrastructure that you depend on won?t work. It is an impossible situation. In fact, without an easily restorable backup, any of these situations can end up burying your business. A Good Backup Is More than Just Copying Data We?ve established that without a backup your business is at constant risk. That doesn?t mean that just copying your files over once in a while will help your business. Think about how much data your business creates every day. You need a solution that will keep an up-to-date backup, that will allow your business to be as current as possible should some system need to be restored. This Is the BDR The BDR is more than just data backup; it is a system that incrementally backs up your organization?s data in both an onsite BDR device as well as in an offsite data center. This system not only gives you options should something happen that requires fast, onsite restoration of data systems, it gives organizations options should those data systems become unusable. What?s more, should something actually happen to your onsite technology, the BDR can be virtualized to run as a temporary server. This contingency could be the difference between staying in business or closing your doors forever. If you think that statement is dramatic, consider that well over 90 percent of all organizations that suffer data loss from a lack of functional backup platforms close and never reopen or are out of business within two years of the incident, you will agree that having a system that will keep your business safe, and that is run and tested by reliable and expert IT technicians, is extremely valuable for your organization?s long term health. If you would like to talk to one of our experts about how the BDR works to keep your data backed up, ready to restore, and secure, give the IT experts at White Mountain IT Services a call at (603) 889-0800 today.
Let?s talk about why browser-based password managers are the inferior choice as compared to their standalone predecessors?and it?s not all about the difference in security. A Dedicated Password Manager is Better First Off, They Are More Secure Like we said, convenience should never precede security, but that?s precisely what browser-based password managers have historically done. The key is the use of zero-knowledge encryption (where a platform has no visibility into what is stored on it), or rather, the fact that Google doesn?t use it. Google?s option to encrypt passwords on the device also keeps the key on the same device as the data?which is effectively like leaving a key to your front door hanging next to the lock. Not exactly effective, if someone were to breach your network and the hardware on it. They are Also?Ironically?More Convenient That?s right?despite the idea being that a browser-based password management system would be more convenient, the limitations of it being tied to the browser limits its convenience substantially. After all, your browser isn?t the only place you need your passwords, but the browser-based manager keeps them there exclusively. Consider all the mobile applications that require you to log in on your mobile device, for instance. A browser-based password manager restricts them. Finally, Stand-Alone Password Managers Offer More Features In addition to being restricted to the browser that hosts it, a browser-specific password manager is just that?a password manager, exclusively. By comparison, stand-alone options not only store your passwords, they also help you generate secure ones, save other sensitive details like payment card credentials and account numbers, and even addresses. Dedicated password managers also offer additional features, like password strength checks, password sharing, and even biometric support. All That Said, Not All Password Managers are Created Equally We?ve seen the impact that an insecure password management system can have, so it is important that you select one that is reputable and trustworthy. Fortunately, you can trust White Mountain IT Services to select one for you, just like we can help shape the entirety of your IT infrastructure. Give us a call at (603) 889-0800 today for our assistance with your business technology.
