Windows 10 is Easy to Use

The new OS combines the interface of Windows 8 with the Start menu of Windows 7. This is a godsend for small business, because it means not having to train employees to complete mundane tasks, such as syncing a Bluetooth device. Such options are readily available on the Start menu now. The Windows 10 Start menu is designed to be easy for new users. Check out some of the things users can now do right from the Start menu:

• Find settings
• Reboot
• Launch applications and place apps into the program list
• Find documents
• Adjust desktop resolution

In addition, the new OS is designed for all platforms, especially smartphones. When using Windows 10 on your smartphone, it will only display the finger-control interface. All in all, Windows 10 is great for SMBs who want to avoid high training costs.

Automatic Updates!

Microsoft experienced the pain first-hand of customers complaining about having to upgrade from Windows XP and later from Windows 7 to 8. Microsoft Vice President for Operating Systems, Terry Myerson, explained that the company never wants to be in the position of having to convince people to buy the next version of Windows again. The plans for Windows 10 include a continuous series of upgrades performed automatically. This means that in the future, questions about what version of Windows you’re running will become meaningless because everyone will have the same version as universal upgrades begin to take effect, making business as seamless as ever.

Enhanced Security Features

Windows 10 is offering new ways to protect users from dynamic script-based malware and other forms of cyberattack. Specifically, they’re using AMSI (Antimalware Scan Interface), an interface standard that allows applications and services to integrate with any existing antimalware product on your PC. Applications can use AMSI to scan files and employ other techniques to identify malicious behavior. This means that your device will automatically be inspected on a much deeper level than before.

Windows 10 has made quite the leap, and those who have tested the new OS report only good news. To learn more about how the new Windows 10 OS can improve your small to medium sized business, contact your trusted IT advisor today. 

The post Windows 10 – Best Windows Ever? appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

The Data Challenge for Telcos

Therefore, Telcos have a challenge in front of them: invent new ways to improve user experience by making them more data efficient and scalable. The question on a lot of IT experts’ minds is: is it finally time for Telcos and app providers to work together to unclog the bandwidth bottleneck? The answer is still unclear, but intelligent data distribution is one solution everyone can agree on at the moment, i.e. Telcos can optimize their current network assets while app developers work to design more apps that use less data.

The Importance of Wide Area Networks Within Telcos

In order to stay sustainable, Telcos need to offer more in connectivity. A solid Wide Area Network (WAN) is essential in accelerating applications and keeping traffic separate. It is also critical for day to day business operations; it both reduces operating costs and provides a level of predictability for system performance. Wide Area Networks consolidate costly tools, such as printers, phone lines, file storage, bandwidth, and security, because these items do not have to be purchased for each individual computer. Telcos are also learning that not taking advantage of Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) is putting their business at a competitive disadvantage. Telcos need to be able to interconnect multiple locations and ensure the highest level of data connectivity performance between multiple locations. Equally important for Telcos is the advent of Ethernet over Copper (EoC). For small to medium businesses, EoC can gain greater bandwidth and flexibility in order to support various IP-based applications, including disaster recovery, Cloud, and IP voice services.

Users Drive Telco and App Developer Success

Consumers will ultimately drive Telco and app developers’ transformations. If Telcos and app developers do not address the bandwidth bottleneck, app users will quickly become frustrated. The initial shock will fall to the app providers – users will not go to Telco providers when an app does not work to their liking; they will simply delete the problem application(s). But, ultimately, everybody loses if the bottleneck remains. Eventually consumers will be able to see a data rating for each app in the app store. And, if users stop downloading certain apps, both Telcos and app providers will lose revenue. Consequently, users can expect more streamlined apps from providers and more efficient networks from Telcos in the future. For more information on the future of applications, contact your trusted Telco service provider today.

The post Bandwidth Bottleneck Coming to an End? appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

Modern Day IT Security

With new and evolving technologies, the overall approach to IT security must be re-evaluated from the top levels of a business. As more cloud solutions and mobile devices are being utilized within the workplace, new security products are attempting to meet the needs of modern day IT security, such as firewalls, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and Identity Access Management (IAM). When strategizing your organization’s IT security plan, two main areas need to be addressed in order to be prepared in today’s security landscape: risk analysis and end user awareness.

Balancing Risk and Security

Risk analysis is becoming a critical activity as companies decide how to handle corporate data, but only 41% of companies are currently performing this in a formal way. Typical risk analysis includes determining the probability of a risk, estimating the potential impact, and then deciding on mitigation strategies. But, the growing trends of cloud computing and mobility have increased the need for careful risk analysis. Since with public cloud computing and personal smart phones and tablets, data resides outside of your company’s control, companies must re-evaluate which data and systems are the most critical to the business. From there, they must decide which areas need the strongest defenses.

End User Training

CompTIA’s research also reveals that companies are behind the times when it comes to training end users. In today’s consumer-driven IT landscape, it’s more important than ever to invest the time and tools to equip end users with knowledge and responsibility when it comes to protecting company data. Do your employees fully understand your company’s security policy and the importance of acting in the best interest of your organization? If your organization needs help updating your IT security policies, contact your trusted IT advisor today.

The post How New Technology is Changing the Way Your Business Needs to Think About IT Security appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

The Human Element to BYOD

According to the study, the factors in security breaches fall 45% to technology error and 55% to human error. With the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend, more and more employees are bringing their own mobile devices to work, and end users typically do not have the background knowledge of security that allows them to recognize potential threats. The desire for productivity and flexibility is driving many businesses to adopt a “use first, secure later” attitude when it comes to mobile security, but this approach puts your business in danger.

Most Common Mobile Security Incidents

Mobility forces businesses to consider data leaving the company in the hands of its employees. The top three reasons for mobile security incidents include: lost/stolen devices, mobile malware, and employees disabling security features. Mobile malware is quickly becoming a growing concern, up 19% from 2012. Since there is a much stronger personal connection to mobile devices, employees are apt to want to use their device however they want to. And, since mobile devices are more closed than laptops, IT departments are not able to place the same safeguards on smartphones and tablets as they are on many other devices.

How to Develop a Mobile Security Plan

The biggest goal with mobile security becomes one of education rather than technical improvement. Companies are quickly realizing that their mobile device security education must be interactive, ongoing, and measurable in order to raise awareness about mobile security. Organizations that have made mobile security education a priority indicate that appropriate and effective training has provided a “relatively high value” or “very high value.” In addition to educating your employees, it’s important to encrypt data on mobile devices, keep OS and apps up to date, and prevent jailbreaking on smartphones. Also make sure that your employees keep passcodes on their devices; while this measure has limited security potential, it at least provides some protection against amateur attackers. If your organization needs guidance learning more about mobile security, contact your trusted IT advisor today.

The post The Growing Importance of Mobile Security appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

1.     Decide What Mobile Devices Are Allowed

 If your company allows your employees to bring their own devices to work, it can be a nightmare for IT to have to support multiple platforms. Therefore, it is important to decide what devices are allowed to be used for work. Decide whether it is more cost-effective to purchase your own company devices to hand out to employees.

2.     Establish BYOD Security Policies

It is important for your company to establish an “acceptable use policy” for their mobile devices. This will curb employee distractions and reduce risks for harmful viruses and malware. Your company should also develop a monitoring system and disciplinary action for employees who disobey the policy. Although this may seem harsh, it may avoid a security breach down the road.

3.     Employee Exit Policy

In addition to creating an acceptable use policy, it is equally important to come up with an exit policy for when employees leave the company. Document in your employee exit checklist to ensure you remove the employee from access to information on the network, business email, or other applications. If you need help developing an effective BYOD policy for your business, contact your trusted IT advisor today.

The post Do You Have an Effective BYOD Policy? appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

The Case for Smartphones and Tablets

The portable form factor of smartphones and tablets allows users to access corporate applications and their data at home, while traveling, and out in the field.  Because of the touch-screen interface, they are operated easily without the need for a keyboard or mouse.  This makes smartphones and tablets ideal applications for employees who are standing or travelling without access to a desk.  Because these devices typically connect via WiFi cellular network and run on battery power, they don’t have the wires, cables, and plugs associated with a PC.  Tablets and smartphones find their way on retail counters that may have limited workspace. They may also be easier to clean when they may be exposed to biohazardous materials, dust, or dirt.

Smartphones and Tablets vs. the PC

If you require a large monitor to view spreadsheets, create powerpoints, or edit documents, a PC may be right for you.  While many touchscreen smartphones, tablets, and convertible PCs connect with a keyboard by using a variety of interfaces, such as bluetooth, there are clear design tradeoffs for office productivity and mobile productivity.  PCs and laptops, combined with keyboard, mouse, and monitor, increase the productivity of your workforce while in the office.  Accountants, writers, and designers will quickly choose a Desktop PC or Laptop with a monitor to get their work done efficiently and effectively.

Because Windows XP support will quickly end, millions of PCs will retire in the coming months.  Many cash registers, factory controllers, and other industrial devices running Windows XP may quickly be replaced by tablet computers.  Other laptops and some desktops may be replaced by tablets, smartphones, or convertible PCs with touchscreen interface.  Some workers may find themselves with multiple devices that connect to one another via Cloud Computing.  This trend may not accelerate the growth of the PC to the heights of smartphones and Tablet PCs; however, expect both the desktop computer and tablet to have a place in our IT infrastructure for a long time to come.

The post Will Smartphones and Tablets Kill the PC? appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

Chances are most people in your company have a smartphone, tablet or both.  In some cases these devices connect to your company network using WiFi.  It is equally likely that these devices access company information via email, mobile applications or file synch to company data.  Now that these devices are universal, it is important to have a plan if they are lost or stolen. Keep in mind, your four digit password may be the only thing between an intruder and your data.  Here are some additional considerations for mobile security.

Mobile Security Policy

While you can remotely wipe a Mobile devices when it is lost or stolen, this may not be enough.  That four digit passcode can be easily hacked in minutes.  It is important that employees know how to report a lost or stolen device immediately.  Also consider, there may be personal information on the device that is property of your employee.  This data may not be backed up and could be impossible to recover. There may be local laws that prevent you from wiping this type of data from personal devices.  If your employees access your corporate systems, be sure they sign and acknowledge your company policy for acceptable use, including policy for reporting lost or stolen devices and mobile device policy for storage of personal data on a company owned mobile device.

Mobile Security Training

Some social networks are designed to harvest contact information that may be synched with corporate contacts.  Publishing privacy data without consent may be considered a data breach.  Train your employees on the importance of mobile security policy and the related mobile security risks.

In addition to mobile anti-virus, mobile anti-malware detection, device management, mobile phishing protection, your knowledgeable employees are one of your first lines of defense against the threat of a mobile security breach.  If you feel your employees need training or your mobile security policy is not up to date, contact your mobile security professional today!

The post Mobile Security: Why Should I Care? appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

Cloud computing, mobility and consumerization of IT make it affordable for small businesses to deploy systems that were once reserved for large scale enterprise.  With ready access to small businesses technology, there is also more reliance on these core systems.  Small businesses are also targets of cyber attack because they may be perceived as more vulnerable and less vigilant.  Also, small businesses may be less resilient to business disruption related to systems failure.  Accordingly, Small Businesses should take every precaution to protect applications and their data.  They should also properly assess their risks and exposure to ensure they get the most from their small business IT Budgets.

What can small businesses do to make sure these systems support the ongoing operations with minimal interruption?

Small Business Technology Inventory

A good place to start is to take inventory of your systems and data.  It is good policy to document all of your IT assets including hardware, networking devices, application software and data so you can have a complete view of your IT Systems.  Make sure you include mobile devices, cloud computing or software as a service (SaaS) systems, as well as, custom applications and legacy systems.

Small Business Technology Risk Assessment

Once you have your IT Asset inventory, rank the importance of each of these critical systems.  Ask yourself: how long can your email be down, what about your account or order processing system, where do you keep your customer data and other information that is critical to your business?

Now that you know where your critical IT assets are, focus on where your risk and exposure may be.  You can ask what data may be vulnerable to cyber attack, is my network secure, are my critical systems running on obsolete hardware, which systems may be vulnerable to failure.  If possible, try and quantify the costs of any of these outages in terms of loss of revenue, cost of remediation, loss of employee productivity, loss of company reputation, legal fees and other costs.

By focusing your attention to the areas of greatest exposure, you can get a sense where you need to allocate your IT spending.  As many small business owners are planning out budgets for next year, now is a good time to perform an IT Risk Assessment.  If you need help with assessing where your small business technology exposure may be, contact your IT service and support professional.

The post Why Small Businesses Need Technology appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

This initiative places emphasis on the following areas of Cyber Security throughout the month:

Mobile Security

The importance of cyber security in a mobile setting is highly important, no matter where you are or what device you are using.  Business owners should take time to evaluate Mobile Security Policies including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Acceptable Use Policies for access to corporate systems and their data from a mobile device.  Mobile data protection including Antivirus, Anti Malware and Mobile Device Management to track, monitor, protect and enforce IT security policy on a Mobile Device.

Cyber Security Workforce

Cyber Security in the workforce highlights the importance of fostering the next generation of workers through education and training.  Cyber attack can come from anywhere in the world, at any time.  As a result, the Cybersecurity workforce is on the defense against elusive Cyber Criminals.  Having a well staffed, well trained Cybersecurity workforce is critical to the fight against Cyber Crime.

Cyber Crime

Cyber Crime prevention focuses on national and local efforts to prevent traditional crimes like theft, fraud, and abuse that can also take place online.  Many of these attacks go unnoticed and unreported.  Malicious software or Malware may be downloaded and undetected.  Phishing schemes to collect privacy data, including usernames and passwords, also exposes your organization’s application and data to Cyber Crime.

Cyber Security Infrastructure

This  initiative highlights the growing intersection between cyber and physical security when protecting IT’s critical infrastructure.  Remember, your network is only as secure as its weakest link, so it is important to take precautions to protect your company from Cyber Crime.

If you feel your Cyber Security plan needs a review, be sure to contact your IT profession for an IT Security Assessment.

The post Cyber Security Awareness appeared first on Bizcom Networks.

Mobile Security  Concerns

According to research by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) mobile device theft or loss is a top concern among IT professionals and small business owners.  CompTIA research also indicates that requiring a pass code to unlock a mobile device passcode is the most utilized defense according to 76% of those surveyed.  But is a four digit passcode enough?

Apple “Touch ID” improves  Mobile Security

Biometrics are far from perfect however, Apple Touch ID is expected to increase mobile security over a four digit pass code.  Apple’s four digit passcode is limited to 10,000 combinations and can be cracked by an expert in under six minutes.  Because some are concerned that Apple Touch ID stores fingerprints on its’ new A7 processor Apple will continue to provide the four digit pass code option for those who choose not use use Apple Touch ID.

Other Mobile Security Concerns

Through cloud sharing applications, Social Media, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) adoption and other mobility trends, mobile devices can create a hole in your company’s IT security architecture.  Access to corporate applications and their data, privacy information and commingling of personal and company assets add to the mobile security challenge.  Mobile devices are the target of mobile threats including: malware, viruses and phishing schemes.  Because of the rapid adoption of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, mobile security is an important issue for businesses today.

Mitigating Mobile Security Risks

Companies are reaping the improved productivity, connectivity and communications by adopting a mobile device strategy within their business.  To mitigate security risks, it is important to have a mobile device policy and mobile device plan within your company.  This includes mobile lifecycle management, mobile application policies, mobile accepted use policies and mobile security training for your employees.  If you use mobile devices within your company (as most companies do) ensure you are doing so in a secure manner by having your IT service professional review your mobile security practices.

The post Apple Enhances Mobile Security with iPhone 5s appeared first on Bizcom Networks.