Cybersecurity Tips for the Holidays: From Remote Desktop Support Services to Employee Training

 

For most, the holidays are about giving. However, for the Grinches of the digital world (better known as malicious hackers), the holiday season is the perfect opportunity to steal valuable data from consumers and businesses. Small companies are especially susceptible to cyberattacks, as they tend to lack the funds and staff required for a speedy recovery. Because resources are so limited, small businesses should make cybersecurity a priority this season. Below are some tips on how to protect your network and data, including implementing remote desktop support services, educating your employees about best practices, and more.

Understand Your Industry’s Level of Vulnerability

It is true that every industry has the potential to be targeted by hackers, but some sectors are especially prone to cyberattacks. These include retail, financial, manufacturing, and automotive industries, as they tend to process large sums of money and a lot of private data. To make matters worse in terms of vulnerability, these sectors typically use interconnected devices and automated processes that serve as big targets for scammers. Assessing your level of risk is the first step in preventing breaches and other cybersecurity issues. 

Implement Remote Desktop Support Services

The biggest problem with most small businesses regarding online security is that they do not have any policies or processes in place that actively work to prevent or mitigate cyberattacks. Around the holidays, a lot of employees are working from various locations (vacation destinations, hometowns, etc.), making it even more crucial for companies to implement comprehensive remote desktop support services. These services should be aimed at maintaining a secure network and helping your remote workforce solve any tech issues promptly, regardless of their physical location.

Teach Your Employees About Cybersecurity

Implementing any kind of cybersecurity policy is essentially useless if your employees aren’t properly trained about risk awareness and best practices when working online. Keeping your employees adequately informed about the latest threats and how to recognize and report suspicious activity could be the difference between a secure IT system and a major data breach. 

Familiarize Yourself with Popular Scam Tactics

Hackers will try anything to get valuable data or money from small businesses. This includes everything from phishing tactics to overpayment scams and more. Beware of calls from unknown persons, sketchy websites, pop-ups, and suspicious emails. A cyberattack is the last thing you want and is sure to suck all of the cheer out of this holiday season. 

Use Secure Wi-Fi Networks

Because the majority of companies require a Wi-Fi connection for operations, keeping your IT system safe by hiding your network, making it password protected, using strong passwords, and updating login credentials are all great ways to ward off malicious hackers. If you have guests that might need to connect to your Wi-Fi, it may be wise to set up a private network for employees only and offer a separate guest network for clients to use. 

Make Duplicate Copies of Important Data

Regularly backing up important data through the cloud is great way to prevent any lost data should a mishap (like a natural disaster, data breach, etc.) occur. The holidays are not a time when you want to be scrambling to retrieve lost data should a cyberattack occur, so having duplicate copies of business-critical information is vital. 

Install & Update Antivirus Software

You should always ensure that every device you use for your small business is protected by antivirus, antimalware, and antispyware software. While installing antivirus software is a great first step in keeping your network safe, you must keep in mind that regularly updating your software is just as important. Outdated software can have gaps in security, making you a prime target for hackers and scammers.

Invest in a Virtual Private Network

A virtual private network (VPN) enables mobile devices to connect to other secure networks via the internet and transmit data back and forth safely. This is especially helpful for employees working on the go from their smartphones this busy holiday season. Setting up a VPN is a fairly simple process and can work wonders in terms of cybersecurity, so investing in this type of technology is well worth it. 

By following the above tips, you can rest easy knowing that your small business will remain protected and profitable this season. However, it’s not always as simple as it seems when it comes to keeping your network safe all on your own, especially for smaller companies. If you need assistance supporting a remote workforce, implementing extra security measures, or monitoring your IT system in general, contact us at TXSG today. We are happy to lend a hand and fight off those mean ole cyber grinches with our BrightStar Managed IT Services (designed for both remote and in-office applications) and our BrightCloud Private Cloud Hosting services. Let us handle your pesky tech issues so that you can focus on serving your clients and spreading holiday cheer this Winter.  

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Outsourced IT Services for Startups

Many startup businesses take the approach of doing everything in-house, as their budgets are usually tighter than more established enterprises’. However, as your company grows, you will need to begin expanding your reach and competing with larger organizations in your industry. When thinking about expansion, it is a good idea to consider outsourcing your IT services for your new company. While outsourcing IT services for startups can be a great idea, it might not be a good fit for every business. Below are some of the main advantages and disadvantages of hiring a trusted third-party IT company to manage all things technology for your new firm.

The Pros

IT services for startups and small businesses are surprisingly affordable.

When you enlist the help of a third-party IT company that provides flexible options in terms of pricing and services, you will save money in the long run. This is because IT companies that offer a wide array of packages to cover various clients’ needs are able to better hone in on what features best suit your company’s IT requirements. For example, TXSG’s BrightStar Remote Managed IT Service package offers services that are tailored to a remote workforce so that you are not paying for a service that would be a better fit for an in-office team.

Experts are available to handle complicated IT issues.

There is nothing that is more comforting than knowing that any of your startup’s IT hiccups can be quickly and effectively handled by a team of experienced IT experts. These experts are problem-solvers that can provide support when a minor – or major – IT issue arises. IT emergencies can impede on the progress of large corporations, but for startups, the results can be significantly more devastating. When IT problems cause a big client to go a different direction, or if your network experiences security issues, it can take your new business weeks or even months to recover.

The Cons

You will not need an in-house team.

If your goal is to have an in-house IT team in the future but you do not currently have the time or resources to do so, then it might just be the perfect time for you to outsource your IT services. While in-house IT support is great for some organizations, not all companies run the same way, especially newer startups. In the long run, the overhead, training, and employee contracts can actually add up to a more costly solution than simply turning over the technology duties to an outsourced team.

If you find that you are spending too many hours focused on IT woes instead of your company’s own core offerings, it might be time to call in the experts. Here at TXSG, we offer services tailored to unique high-tech startups. We know that brand new businesses have a tendency to expand quickly, so our scalable IT solutions are perfect for your growing list of needs. To learn more, contact us today.

How IT Support for Healthcare is Empowering FECs

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, many non-essential businesses have been asked to close their doors or to cut back on their hours, services, and more. However, some of the businesses that are deemed essential fall under the category of healthcare. This includes hospitals, freestanding emergency centers (FECs), etc. In fact, the influx of patients has allowed these medical-related organizations to thrive. Doctors offices and hospitals are experiencing an overwhelmingly large number of patients due to them offering Coronavirus testing and care. Even FECs are offering COVID-19 testing, which means that they too are experiencing a large volume of patients. To keep up with demand and ensure smooth operations, FECs in particular have turned to various IT solutions. Read further as we delve into how IT support for healthcare can empower FECs so that they can help the public get this virus under control.

Managed service providers offer a cheaper option when it comes to IT support for healthcare.

Healthcare managed service providers work to combat the expensive nature of having an in-house IT team by only charging one low monthly per-device fee for 24/7 IT support. For example, managed IT provider TXSG was able to provide their high-quality IT solutions to FECs like Surepoint Emergency Center in Denton, Texas at an extremely affordable price. Cheap IT support translates to more than just saving money – good IT support for healthcare also means saving lives.

Healthcare IT solutions provide proactive management of IT systems.

Downtime can literally be the difference between life and death for many patients. Because the healthcare sector (especially FECs) are unable to tolerate downtime, it is critical that their IT infrastructure is a strong one. MSPs work to ensure this strength by monitoring, managing, and maintaining systems both proactively and reactively. The proactive portion of IT support involves taking steps to address potential issues before they actually happen, while the reactive part deals with mitigating any problems that do occur. Having an outsourced IT team that uses both of these approaches can prove to be extremely beneficial for healthcare providers, as they do not need different variables (like technology) working against them, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of an IT services provider, FECs can rest easy knowing that their IT systems are well-taken care of, just like their patients.

Despite the rest of the economy taking a big hit, it does not appear that the healthcare sector will be slowing down any of its operations any time soon. With FECs offering more convenience and lower costs to patients, it is not difficult to see why so many patients are choosing to go to them for Coronavirus testing. TXSG currently services about 40 FECs in eight different states. We offer inexpensive and streamlined solutions tailored to your business because we understand how important it is to allocate minimal funds to IT efforts, eliminate downtime, and keep your patients’ data secure. Let us show you why you need us as much as we need our medical personnel (you!).

Contact us here today to get started.

Infrastructure Management Services: Benefits & How to Choose the Right Solutions

IT infrastructure management services were created to provide businesses with a way to manage their systems, network, and data storage. These items work together to deliver customer-facing components that can ultimately make or break a business. Internet, email, and data accessibility are all examples of the areas that infrastructure management might cover. Keep reading to delve deeper into the benefits of using infrastructure management services and how to choose the right solutions for your business.

The Benefits

The advantages of using infrastructure management services are outlined below:

    • A quick response time helps firms minimize downtime.
    • Access to the latest technology helps organizations seamlessly adapt to the ever-evolving tech world.
    • Proactive measures (as opposed to reactive ones) are taken, which can help companies to avoid IT issues altogether instead of waiting for a malfunction to occur.
    • Streamlining everyday IT functions can help to increase employee productivity, as there is more freed up time for them to plan for and meet the goals of their overall business strategy.
    • Another major benefit is that you will begin to see better customer satisfaction and improved general performance.

Business requirements and consumer expectations continue to grow, which means that IT service offerings are becoming more complex and larger in scope. Because of this, it is more important than ever to find a provider that gives you simple solutions, clear reporting, security, scalability, mobility, and cost effectiveness.

How to Choose the Right Solutions

Before you pick your provider, it is important to understand your own business’s needs and goals. This means defining the services, controls, and reporting that are required to enhance operations. IT solutions can take several forms, including onsite and remote capabilities for physical and virtual management, industry-specific protocols (such as HIPAA compliance in healthcare), and dashboards that offer training, consulting, and more. These are all great ways to improve your current IT situation, but the best way to pick a provider should not be based on all the bells and whistles that come with their solutions; choosing a provider whose goal is to help you reach your goals is the key in creating a strong partnership.

Some of the other more complex considerations that go into picking the right solutions include the following:

    • Remote and mobile access
    • Network security functions
    • Automation
    • Resource allocation
    • Trend analysis and reporting
    • Capacity optimization and resource forecasting
    • Network health checks

While the above list is not exhaustive, it does illustrate the amount of planning that should go into picking the right services for your organization.
With all of the available IT infrastructure management services out there, narrowing down your search can be tough. If you are in need of an infrastructure overhaul or simply want to streamline your network, consider contacting TXSG. We offer several IT infrastructure solutions, including server room implementation and relocation, data center implementation and relocation, and private cloud hosted services. We are always happy to assist you in created a better system so that you can focus on what matters most: Your business.

Nonprofit IT Consulting: Is Your Business Prepared for When Disaster Strikes?

Disastrous events are more common than you may think. Natural disasters like floods or wildfires affect everyone, and businesses are certainly not immune to Mother Nature’s ways. To add insult to injury, organizations must also be aware of less natural problems, such as ransomware attacks or even a busted pipe above the server room. Because businesses are keepers of sensitive data, the potential issues that may arise due to a disaster could prove to be catastrophic. This is why having a backup plan is an essential aspect of running any company.

NONPROFITS AND DISASTER RECOVERY

When examining the significance of disaster recovery for nonprofits specifically, the importance of having a backup plan increases exponentially. This can be attributed to the fact that during many crises (like natural disasters), nonprofits are typically called on to facilitate relief efforts. The resiliency of a community post-disaster is often directly correlated with the resiliency of their nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit IT consulting can actually help your organization to bounce back quickly. Continue reading to learn how backup and disaster recovery solutions can help your organization to better prepare for when disaster strikes.

STEPS FOR GETTING PREPARED

We get it – preparing your nonprofit for a disaster is overwhelming and something that is surprisingly easy to put off. A good way to approach disaster planning is to tackle each part of the plan in smaller chunks. The ultimate goal is to create a strategy that allows for continuity of your business’ operations, and the steps to get there are outlined below.  

    1. Create a “go-bag” for your organization. 

This bag should contain all of the information required to continue business operations. Its purpose is to be grabbed in case of an emergency. The contents of the bag should include organizational documents, program administration documents, communications and contact information, and technology and facility information. All of the documents you place in your go-bag should be copies of the original files. 

    2. Develop a communications plan.

Having technology and organizational practices that allow for simpler and more accessible forms of communication is key. This is because employees are better able to work and respond to items via whatever device they choose, which cuts down on lag time and encourages both internal and external communication. Integrating VOIP solutions into your organization is a great way to facilitate this. 

 

    3. Take advantage of nonprofit IT consulting. 

Ensuring that your data is regularly backed up in a different location (such as the cloud) can prove to be very beneficial for your nonprofit when a catastrophe hits. This reduces downtime and helps to keep your organization’s information safe. Hiring a third-party IT service provider that specializes in disaster recovery is a good way to begin the process of backing up critical files.  

Don’t let natural disasters like an earthquake shake up your plans and cause your organization to crumble. At TXSG, we are proud that our success has given us the ability to participate in charitable events and assist nonprofits at little to no cost. Contact us today to get started on preparing your business for whatever may come.  

Benefits of 24x7x365 Managed IT Service Packages

When you purchase managed IT service packages from TXSG, you will find that they come with 24/7/365 proactive monitoring and support. This means that you receive expert technological support at any time of the day or night. It also means that we are always actively monitoring your systems and taking action to address issues before they become time- and money-consuming problems.

This type of around-the-clock support has many advantages, including:

You have peace of mind.

Technology problems can arise at any time. When you have 24/7/365 support, you have greater peace of mind because you know that, no matter when a problem occurs, our IT support team is available to you.

You can resolve any issues quickly.

With proactive monitoring and support, you should experience fewer IT problems. However, when issues do arise, they will be resolved quickly thanks to our around-the-clock support. With unlimited support through our managed IT service packages, for example, you receive on-site support no matter when you have a problem. That means you save time and money when problems crop up.

If you want peace of mind and fast problem resolution, consider an IT package through TXSG. Our 24/7/365 support can help your business to thrive.

Two Ways Nonprofit IT Consulting Improves Efficiency

Nonprofit organizations often lack two things: Time and money. Achieving their goals with limited staff and a tight budget means nonprofits must exercise creativity and planning in the use of their resources.

Nonprofit IT consulting brings this same creativity and planning to the realm of technology. The right solutions can save nonprofits both time and money, making their investment in consulting services well worth it.

• Time

If your development staff have to comb through databases in order to identify high-value potential donors, they could spend hours simply finding names, phone numbers, and addresses.

Consulting services like Texas Systems Group, on the other hand, can implement systems that make it simple to break down data by category or demographics. In a few minutes, your staff can identify potential donors, leaving them more time to reach out to these donors.

These types of time-saving solutions reduce the burden on every member of the organization. In turn, the organization can use that saved time to further their mission, and their ability to connect with their target audiences.

• Money

The financial outlay for nonprofit IT consulting can actually save an organization money over time. For example, when your development staff has time to reach out to more potential donors, thanks to new and more efficient systems, they have the potential to earn more money for your cause.

Similarly, strategies such as streamlining all devices and improving compatibility can save money on upgrade costs and IT support requests. Money saved (or earned) means more financial resources are available to address the core concerns of the nonprofit.

If you need assistance with the IT side of your nonprofit organization, reach out to TXSG. We have years of experience creating efficient, time-saving, money-saving systems for organizations looking to make a difference.