Safeguarding your business’ infrastructure from various threats is a well-known imperative. In discussions about network security, the term “endpoint” frequently arises. Exploring the significance of securing all endpoints is the focus of today’s article.
The 3-2-1 rule is a pretty standard reference for data backup and disaster recovery, but what does this rule actually entail? Today, we want to explain perhaps the most important concept to prolonging the life of your business, even in the face of difficult and trying circumstances.
We could go on and on about the benefits of using Voice over Internet Protocol (also known as VoIP) for your business telephone needs. However, it is important that you do everything you can to prepare your network for this kind of utilization. Let’s review a few tips to help make sure your network is properly optimized for VoIP. How to Prepare Your Network for a VoIP Implementation Ensure Your Network Connection is Stable As the name would suggest, Voice over Internet Protocol uses the Internet instead of a standalone infrastructure. For this reason, it is vital that your business’ Internet connection is ready to support this added demand. Otherwise, your vital communications will only create bottlenecks in your network. So, how do you make sure your Internet is up to the task? There are a few steps you need to take. First, you need to know how stable your network is, as a VoIP connection will take up a lot of resources. Therefore, running a speed test will help you establish whether or not your network can support VoIP at all in its current state. This speed test will give you a few important metrics: Latency – how long the data packets containing the VoIP data take to reach you Jitter – how consistent your latency is Speed – how much data can be sent Packet Loss – how many data packets are lost in transit If these results fall short of your expectations, it may be time to upgrade your connection. Equip Your Business Properly Similarly, you must ensure that your network infrastructure is up to snuff. Older pieces of equipment could likely stand for an upgrade, so consider switching to those using Wi-Fi 5 and 6 that are compatible with QoS (Quality of Service) features. If possible, consider using a hardwired ethernet connection for your VoIP needs. Of course, you also need to keep your business secure, and that includes your VoIP implementation. You may want to lean on your business’ trusted IT resource for assistance in securing your network against cyberattacks. Consider Additional Infrastructure Upgrades On a related note, you should turn to this resource for help with adapting your infrastructure to help facilitate the use of VoIP in your business. For instance, it’s totally possible to create a virtualized local area network in addition to your bog-standard local area network to give your VoIP data packets a prioritized place to travel. These Are Just a Few Ways to Help Improve Your Use of VoIP Turn to White Mountain IT Services for more! We help New Hampshire businesses with technology needs and challenges of all kinds, and we can help you with yours. Give us a call at (603) 889-0800 to find out how.
The effectiveness of your business’ IT security heavily relies on the functionality of your IT operations. Ensuring that your staff understands their role in safeguarding your business assets is imperative. Let’s delve into the essential priorities for establishing a robust security training platform—an indispensable element in fortifying your business’ IT defenses. Evaluate and Improve Your Security Posture You may be familiar with the term “security posture,” denoting how proactive an individual is in protecting themselves online. Given the prevalence of cloud-based applications and the growing adoption of remote work, employees play a crucial role in organizational cybersecurity. Enhancing security practices is of utmost importance. Consider these four key aspects to guide your cybersecurity strategy: Improving Employee Relatability Engaging individuals outside the security domain in network security demands creativity. Emphasize relatability by incorporating real-world examples in educational materials. Connect with employees who may have experienced identity theft or data leaks, illustrating how protective measures align with safeguarding personal data. Consistently Promote Security People are influenced by a security-rooted company culture, significantly impacting employee behavior. Consistently emphasize the importance of comprehensive security to resonate with your staff and effectively reinforce the message. Provide Consistent Training and Regular Testing While pushing the security agenda is crucial, it must be complemented with tailored training addressing specific issues. Employees should understand concepts such as avoiding phishing, knowing network resources, recognizing their role in data protection, practicing solid password management, and responding to security mistakes. Regular testing ensures ongoing awareness and understanding. Lead From the Front Acknowledge that network security might not be a primary concern for the average employee. Assure them that decision-makers address these issues while also recognizing their pivotal role in safeguarding the business. As a security mentor, adopt a supportive approach, providing documentation and resources to bridge understanding gaps. Emphasize the importance of following procedures rather than delving into intricate IT system details. At White Mountain IT Services, we can assist you in developing a comprehensive plan to protect your business end-to-end. Our consultants can help formulate procedures and a training plan, providing the necessary resources for enhanced security. For more information, contact us today at (603) 889-0800.
You might have noticed that business insurance companies are starting to show an interest in how you are protecting your technology and data. If your org has been in touch with your insurance provider regarding modifying or renewing your business insurance, you were likely handed a lengthy questionnaire about your cybersecurity. Let’s take a look together to help you make informed decisions on how to handle your IT and how to prevent your insurance costs from skyrocketing.
