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5 IT Solutions That Will Increase Business Productivity

IT SolutionsRegardless of the industry, you are in the business of business. You have customers to answer to. You have data to store that is the lifeblood of your business. Are you taking advantage of the IT solutions available to you? They can save you both money and time. Our partners at Avatara share their top 5 IT solutions here:

Switch to a cloud-based infrastructure.

Ok, so you saw this one coming. But don’t just take our word for it; every day, more and more small businesses are moving to the cloud. The cloud has lots of advantages  from mobility to disaster recovery to scalability. Transitioning your on-premise computing to a private cloud-based infrastructure can save you money, lower your risk, increase your productivity and even increase employee satisfaction due to added convenience. The advantages of mobility through portable devices have saved business owners about 2 billion labor hours per year and over $65 billion per year.

Utilize mobile point of sale systems.

With the ubiquity of tablets and mobile devices, and the integration of these devices with cost-effective point of sale applications, there’s no longer a need to invest in expensive point of sale hardware. Many outdated point of sale systems had high learning curves for employees and consequently high switching costs. Now, though, it can be as easy as setting your tablet next to the cash register. And if you’re hooked into the cloud, sync everything with ease.

Increase back-end productivity through cost-effective applications.

The increase in business productivity software tools we’ve seen in the last few years means that backend software such as accounting, finance, HR and collaboration tools is cheaper than ever to acquire. These tools can enhance your business’s productivity and save you thousands of dollars per year, without having to invest in expensive software licenses. There are also tons of other applications out there, from mobile apps to PC apps, that can enhance collaboration and productivity. Business owners using smartphone apps save an average of 150 labor hours per year and $6,000 per year.

Using consumer insights data to drive business decision.

With a growing number of software tools to both gather and analyze consumer data, it is easier and cheaper than ever before to access market research about your customers. While powerhouse research firms tend to charge hefty fees, survey and polling tools as well as statistical analytical software might make economic since for your business. And this is not to mention the vast access that social media can give you to your customers—this is now perhaps one of the most effective ways to gain insights into your customer.

Reevaluating customer communication.

Customer communication is key: from marketing to updates to deals and offers to surveys to sales. Are you paying too much to stay close to your customer? With modern technology, there’s no longer a marginal cost per recipient: you can leverage the internet to blast an email or a social media post to thousands or millions of people in one click.

Whether you are considering moving to the cloud, Managed Services, data backup, or other IT Solutions, let Great Lakes Computer show you the way.

View the Video and Download Cloud Computing 101

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9 Ways to Protect Your Data Security BEFORE Connecting Your New PC

Data SecurityWhether you are managing your business, or your home, you probably use a computer. You use it for searching the internet, paying bills, and storing important records. Computers make our lives more efficient, but also very vulnerable. All of these invaluable pieces of information can be accessed through your network if you’re not properly protected. It is vital that you maintain data security. Here are 9 tips from the Department of Homeland Security  to help you make sure your new machine is as protected as it can be.

1. Connect to a Secure Network

Once your computer is connected to the Internet, it’s also connected to millions of other computers, which could allow attackers access to your computer. Information flows from the Internet to your home network by first coming into your modem, then into your router and finally into your computer.

Although cable modem, digital subscriber line (DSL), and internet service providers (ISP) purport some level of security monitoring, it’s crucial to secure your router—the first securable device that receives information from the Internet. Be sure to secure it before you connect to the Internet to improve your computer’s security.

2. Enable and Configure a Firewall

A firewall is a device that controls the flow of information between your computer and the Internet, similar to a router. Most modern operating systems include a software firewall. In addition to the operating system’s firewall, the majority of home routers have a firewall built in. Refer to your user’s guide for instructions on how to enable your firewall.

Once your firewall is enabled, consult the user’s guide to learn how to configure the security settings and set a strong password to protect it against unwanted changes.

3. Install and Use Antivirus and Antispyware Software

Installing an antivirus and antispyware software program and keeping it up to date is a critical step in protecting your computer. Many types of antivirus and antispyware software can detect the possible presence of malware by looking for patterns in the files or memory of your computer. This software uses virus signatures provided by software vendors to look for malware. Antivirus vendors frequently create new signatures to keep their software effective against newly discovered malware.

Many antivirus and antispyware programs offer automatic updating. Enable that feature so your software always has the most current signatures. If automatic updates aren’t offered, be sure to install the software from a reputable source, like the vendor’s website or a CD from the vendor.

4. Remove Unnecessary Software

Intruders can attack your computer by exploiting software vulnerabilities (that is, flaws or weaknesses), so the less software you have installed, the fewer avenues for potential attack. Check the software installed on your computer. If you don’t know what a software program does and don’t use it, research it to determine whether it’s necessary. Remove any software you feel isn’t necessary after confirming it’s safe to remove the software.

Back up important files and data before removing unnecessary software in case you accidentally remove software essential to the operating system. If possible, locate the installation media for the software in case you need to reinstall it.

5. Modify Unnecessary Default Features

Like removing unnecessary software and disabling nonessential services, modifying unnecessary default features eliminates opportunities for attack. Review the features that came enabled by default on your computer and disable or customize those you don’t need or plan on using. As with nonessential services, be sure to research these features before disabling or modifying them.

6. Operate Under the Principle of Least Privilege

In most instances of a malware infection, the malware can operate only under the rights of the logged-in user. To minimize the impact the malware can have if it successfully infects a computer, consider using a standard or restricted user account for day-to-day activities and only  logging in with the administrator account (which has full operating privileges on the system) when you need to install or remove software or change system settings from the computer.

7. Secure Your Web Browser

Web browsers installed on new computers usually don’t have secure default settings. Securing your browser is another critical step in improving your computer’s security because an increasing number of attacks take advantage of web browsers.

8. Apply Software Updates and Enable Future Automatic Updates

Most software vendors release updates to patch or fix vulnerabilities, flaws, and weaknesses (bugs) in their software. Because intruders can exploit these bugs to attack your computer, keeping your software updated is important to help prevent infection.

When you set up a new computer (and after you have completed the previous practices), go to your software vendors’ websites to check for and install all available updates. Enable automatic updates if your vendors offer it; that will ensure your software is always updated, and you won’t have to remember to do it yourself. Be cautious, however, because intruders can set up malicious websites that look nearly identical to legitimate sites. Only download software updates directly from a vendor’s website, from a reputable source, or through automatic updating.

9. Use Good Security Practices

Use caution with email attachments and untrusted links. Malware is commonly spread by people clicking on an email attachment or a link that launches the malware. Don’t open attachments or click on links unless you’re certain they’re safe, even if they come from a person you know. Some malware sends itself through an infected computer. While the email may appear to come from someone you know, it really came from a compromised computer. Be especially wary of attachments with sensational names, emails that contain misspellings, or emails that try to entice you into clicking on a link or attachment (for example, an email with a subject like that reads, “Hey, you won’t believe this picture of you I saw on the Internet!”).

Use caution when providing sensitive information. Some email or web pages that appear to come from a legitimate source may actually be the work of an attacker. An example is an email claiming to be sent from a system administrator requesting your password or other sensitive information or directing you to a website requesting that information. While Internet service providers may request that you change your password, they will never specify what you should change it to or ask you what it is.

Create strong passwords. Passwords that have eight or more characters, use a variety of uppercase and lowercase letters, and contain at least one symbol and number are best. Don’t use passwords that people can easily guess like your birthday or your child’s name. Password detection software can conduct dictionary attacks to try common words that may be used as passwords or conduct brute-force attacks where the login screen is pummeled with random attempts until it succeeds. The longer and more complex a password is, the harder these tools have to work to crack it. Also, when setting security verification questions, choose questions for which it is unlikely that an Internet search would yield the correct answer.

Data Security is important to you, and it’s important to us. Let the IT support techs at Great Lakes Computer help you to ensure your invaluable information is well protected.

Learn more about our Data Security Product Suite

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DIY IT Support: 6 Tips To Troubleshoot Your WiFi

IT SupportUbiquitous WiFi connectivity is one of the true marvels of modern life, except when you can’t connect. Few things are more frustrating than computer problems like losing your WiFi connection, especially if you are in the middle of an important task.

Instead of reaching for the phone to call IT Support immediately or waiting on hold with your internet service provider, try these tips to see if you can fix the connectivity issues without any outside help.

Check for switches that can deactivate WiFi connectivity

It’s very common for laptops and netbooks to have a switch on the keyboard that turns the device’s WiFi signal on or off. Sometimes these keys are easy to press without realizing it, and you might be trying other solutions in vain while your computer isn’t even searching for a signal. Also be careful of touchscreen phones and tablets that have a WiFi toggle on one of the control panel screens.

Reboot your router and any devices you are trying to connect

If you’re certain that the device’s WiFi connection is on, but you still can’t seem to connect with your network, then the first thing you should do is reboot the wireless router and any devices you are trying to connect. This will ensure that there are no software bugs that are preventing you from connecting. For the router, it’s best to physically unplug it from the power connection and leave it unplugged for approximately 10 seconds.

Take a look at the status lights

Many people pay no attention to the status lights on their router, but they exist for a reason! If the Internet or WAN (wide-area network) lights are not illuminated, then your router may need to be rebooted. Some wireless routers don’t have indicator lights on the front of the device, but the ethernet plug-in ports should also illuminate when they are properly connected.

Restore factory settings on your router

Factory resets can solve some connectivity issues, but they will also remove all of the settings that are currently enabled on the router. The means that you’ll likely have to restore your internet settings and initiate new security protocols for your WiFi network after a factory reset. Most routers have a small hole with a reset button that can be reached with a small pen or paperclip.

Check the wireless range on the router

If you’re still having trouble connecting in certain areas of your home or office, it’s possible that you are outside your wireless router’s range. Try moving closer to the router’s location after you have rebooted. Alternatively, you can move the router and its cable connection to a new outlet.

Ensure the router is using the most current firmware

If you router has a firmware issue that can’t be solved by a simple reboot, there may be a new version of the firmware that hasn’t been installed. You should be able to find the current version that the router is using on your management console, and you can verify the latest firmware version on the manufacturer’s website.

If you’re feeling underqualified to take a stab at remedying your computer repair problems, maybe a trusted IT Support Provider like Great Lakes Computer is right for you.

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Hospital Pays Ransom to Hackers in Network Security Breach

network securityEarlier this month, A California hospital’s IT systems were taken hostage for an entire week. The hackers inserted ransomware into the hospital’s network causing them to lose control of all of their IT systems and demanded $17,000 in bitcoin to release control. The hospital was forced to pay to regain control as quickly as possible.

This is not the first network security attack on a hospital, and likely won’t be the last. Read the details of the story from the LA Times here:

The assault on Hollywood Presbyterian occurred Feb. 5, when hackers using malware infected the institution’s computers, preventing hospital staff from being able to communicate from those devices, said Chief Executive Allen Stefanek.

The hacker demanded 40 bitcoin, the equivalent of about $17,000, he said.

“The malware locks systems by encrypting files and demanding ransom to obtain the decryption key. The quickest and most efficient way to restore our systems and administrative functions was to pay the ransom and obtain the decryption key,” Stefanek said. “In the best interest of restoring normal operations, we did this.”

The hospital said it alerted authorities and was able to regain control of all its computer systems by Monday, with the assistance of technology experts.

Stefanek said patient care was never compromised, nor were hospital records.

Top hospital officials called the Los Angeles Police Department last week, according to police Lt. John Jenal.

Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman, said the bureau has taken over the hacking investigation but declined to discuss specifics of the case. Law enforcement sources told The Times that the hospital paid the ransom before reaching out to law enforcement for assistance.

The attack forced the hospital to return to pen and paper for its record-keeping.

Phil Lieberman, a cybersecurity expert, said that, while ransomware attacks are common, targeting a medical institution is not.

“I have never heard of this kind of attack trying to shut down a hospital. This puts lives at risk, and it is sickening to see such an act,” he said. “Health management systems are beginning to tighten their security.”

Since 2010, at least 158 institutions, including medical providers, insurers and hospitals, have reported being hacked or having information technology issues that compromised patient records, federal records show.

Ransom attacks are still relatively rare. But cyberattacks on hospitals have become more common in recent years as hackers pursue personal information they can use for fraud schemes. Last July, hackers may have accessed as many 4.5 million patient records in UCLA Health System’s computer network.

Hospital IT breaches can be more troubling than just lost data and patient info. Now, many important medical devices like MRI’s are controlled via wireless networks, and network security breaches can cause vital harm to people in need of care. Is your network protected? Let the staff at Great Lakes Computer help you make your network the most secure it can be.

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Managed Services: The Answer to Predicting Your IT TCO?

Managed ServicesFor small business owners, budgeting for IT expenditures often proves to be one of the most frustrating tasks of running the company. You know you have to spend on essential tech that will put you in a position to succeed, but you find that unforeseen costs can mount over time, busting your original budget and leaving you scrambling for cash.

Purchasing and maintaining the right technology is vital to the success of your business, and if you don’t have a handle on how much it is really costing your organization, then the debt can accumulate quickly.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Why technology is more than a one-time purchase

Rather than being content with the initial purchase price, you need to have an understanding of how much your IT infrastructure costs over the lifetime of the assets. This aggregation, known as TCO, can include elements such as initial costs for hardware and software, labor, administration, and downtime. For a standard computer, it is estimated that the initial purchase price of the item actually accounts for less than 20% of its TCO, with the remaining 80% being made up of technical support costs, maintenance, and labor.

With such a large discrepancy, it’s easy to see how this issue can have a huge effect on your bottom line. Unexpected costs are the bane of any business owner, but hidden IT costs can be especially dangerous because the products are expensive and excessive downtime can be catastrophic to the organization.

How can I estimate my total IT spending?

While it’s difficult to arrive at an exact figure for TCO due to the qualitative nature of some of the indirect costs, you can arrive at an estimation that will put you on the right track. The five main categories of costs that need to be tallied are:

    • Hardware and software
    • Administration
    • Operations
    • End-user operations
    • Downtime

While certain costs such as hardware and software prices (including updates and repairs), and IT support labor are fairly straightforward, trying to put a figure on the wages of employees who waste time trying to repair IT assets, or calculating lost revenue due to technology downtime is more nebulous. One suggestion is to estimate the total number of hours that are spent by non-IT related employees trying to solve tech issues and multiply by your average wage per hour.

How can I reduce the TCO of my IT infrastructure?

Without fail, one of the surest ways to control and reduce your TCO is to partner with a trustworthy managed services company. Even if you think you can’t afford the cost of the contract, you can save significantly over the long term thanks to preventative maintenance and reduced downtime. It is believed that a $1,000 computer will cost on average $5,000 per year if it is unmanaged. Leaving your maintenance needs in the hands of experts can help you to get more life out of your investments and protect you in the event of an emergency.

Let Great Lakes Computer help you keep your TCO down, and your business running smoothly.

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Computer Maintenance Tip: Clean That Case!

PC MaintenanceComputer users fret about keeping a clean hard drive to keep things running smoothly. You clean out files, run de-frag, and empty your recycling bin faithfully. But there’s physical cleaning to be done in addition to all your digital cleaning.

Your PC tower generates static electricity when it runs. This static sucks in dust and hair particles from the air that can gunk up your works. This little computer maintenance tip from ITToolbox will help extend the life of your machine.

It is very important to know how to clean out your PC case. You should never open your computer while it is running or when any power cables are attached. It is very important that you remain safe while cleaning your PC case.

First, you need to shut down and unplug your PC. Next, you will want to remove all the peripherals cables like video cables, audio cables, USB cables and power cables. You will also need a can of compressed air and a clean, damp rag.

Since all PC cases are different, you may need to read the computer manual before opening your model as this will prevent any damage to your system.

After you have all cables detached and the case open, you can start by using the compressed air to clean off the motherboard, any fans, and the inside of the case.

Next, you can use the damp rag to wipe down the inside and outside of the case. Close up the case and plug everything back in. Now, you will be all set and have a clean PC.

If you’re looking for a little more maintenance than a light dusting, let the techs at Great Lakes Computer help you out.

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