Thanks to shows like The Walking Dead, we’re all prepared for a zombie apocalypse. We know how to fight off zombies, avoid getting bitten, and when to run. But what happens when the apocalypse is much more likely to happen and zombies have already been welcomed into your organization? This scenario is far too real for many businesses: Windows 7 will soon be the zombie in your office that will infect everything.
Windows 7 End of Life (EOL) Is Less than 6 Months Away
Effective January 14, 2020, Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. The OS will continue to launch and run, but users will no longer receive updates or support. After the EOL date, systems still running Windows 7 will be considered unprotected, and as such, will be subject to higher security risks. It is important that all current users of Windows 7 migrate to Windows 10 prior to this date so that they can continue to receive regular security updates to help protect their devices from malicious attacks. It’s already past the time when organizations should be taking steps to update to Windows 10. In fact, Windows 7 lost mainstream support from Microsoft in 2015 and it’s basically been on life support since then. Now they’re pulling the plug altogether, and any organization still relying on the platform will encounter operational difficulties as well as enormous security risks. There will be no more security patches issued and no more support extensions available.
Make the Move to Windows 10 Now
While Windows 10 did present some challenges for early adopters, those challenges have, for the most part, been resolved. It is a much more intuitive version of Windows, offering better collaboration tools, stronger security, and more efficiency, no matter the size of your business. But the key thing to remember is that Windows 10 is still supported by Microsoft, which means you will receive security updates and layers of protection that you will lose with Windows 7.
Remember WannaCry?
In 2017 the WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, costing companies millions – if not billions – of dollars. WannaCry was able to spread because the hackers took advantage of vulnerabilities in unsupported versions of Windows to access networks. It literally spread like a wildfire around the world. To avoid a similar situation with Windows 7, it is vital that you get in touch with your Managed Services Provider (MSP) today and schedule time to set up a plan to move your network to Windows 10.
Windows 7 Upgrade FAQs
There are many questions about the Windows 10 upgrade process, and we’re here to answer them and assist in the process. In the meantime, here a few quick FAQs to cover a few of the questions asked most often:
Q: What about Windows 8? Isn’t that a less expensive option?
We often talk about the need for organizations to be proactive instead of reactive in order to be more secure and make the best use of their IT investments. Moving to Windows 8 leaves you in a reactive and vulnerable state, because end of support for Windows 8 has already been announced. The few dollars you might save today will be spent making another shift far too soon. We strongly advise you to go ahead and make the move to Windows 10 now.
Q: Can I upgrade my existing PC to Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs (based on certain requirements with a full license – ask your CITM if you are unsure if your hardware is eligible for this upgrade). To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10.
Q: What happens if I continue to use Windows 7?
A: You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates.
Q: Can Windows 7 still be activated after January 14, 2020?
A: To avoid security risks and viruses, Microsoft recommends that you consider upgrading to Windows 10 well in advance of the end of life (EOL) date for Windows 7. Once the EOL date arrives, you will not be able to install any new Windows 7 instances or receive patches, old or new, for existing systems.
Act Now to Protect Your Organization from Windows 7 Security Risks
If you are a current Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 user and you don’t already have an upgrade plan in place, please talk to your Client IT Manager or Account Manager to discuss the transition so that there is no lapse in your security coverage. Here at The ITeam, we understand that replacing hardware and software can be a daunting task, so if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ITeam Account or Client IT Manager to discuss your options. We are here to help make this as seamless and budget friendly as possible! Get in touch today.
Will Email Bring Down Your Organization?
/0 Comments/in Business Continuity, Email Security /by James WagnerIn each case, the ransomware infection was preventable.
In each case, an employee clicked on a questionable link or downloaded a file in an email without verifying the origin.
U.S. Cities Aren’t the Only Targets for Ransomware
The University of Calgary paid a CAD 20,000 ransom after being attacked in 2016. In 2017 a major Canadian firm (that remained anonymous) paid over CAD 400,000 to decrypt files following a ransomware attack. Last year, two Ontario municipalities, Wasaga Beach and Midland, were victims of ransomware attacks. And just last month, the Mayor of Stratford, Ontario said, “Canadian municipalities are ‘sitting ducks’ for cyber terrorists,” after being targeted by an online ransomware attack.
No one is immune. But there is much that can be done to avoid falling victim to cybercrime.
STOP Clicking Links in Email
Email does not have to be the weak link in your security, but for many organizations – not just city governments – it is certainly the easiest point of access for hackers. All it takes is convincing one person to believe a message is real, move their mouse two inches, and click to release catastrophe. And even with so much more information available, so much urging from the cybersecurity community to employ zero trust, employees continue to click on links that are potentially deceitful.
STOP Downloading Files Sent by Email
In the case of one Florida city, an employee at the police department downloaded a file sent in an email that carried the Emotet trojan. It so crippled their systems that they were forced to issue paper citations for traffic violations; payroll direct deposit was impacted, and checks had to be issued on paper and handwritten.
STOP Paying Ransoms
Paying a ransom only motivates cybercriminals to continue because there is a payoff. The more that municipalities, colleges, and businesses give in to paying ransoms, the more likely it is that there will be more attacks – and the attacks are getting more sophisticated and complex. Hackers are taking more time to infiltrate systems, they are taking their time to launch attacks, and they use readily available information to more effectively trick email recipients into believing the emails are legitimate.
Train Your Employees
To thwart hackers and prevent ransomware from proliferating, we all need to change our tactics. We need to be more aggressive in training employees, more suspicious of every email, and less trusting that any link or attachment is safe. Ongoing training is essential to help employees recognize phishing attempts and email threats.
Heightened Vigilance Is Good but Not Enough
According to a report from StorageCraft, not all ransomware comes from email. Ransomware viruses can infect legitimate websites. Trend Micro reported that big sites such as msn.com, nytimes.com, aol.com, realtor.com, and newsweek.com were victims of attacks that attempted to download Cryptolocker ransomware and malware onto users’ computers. Even when your email security is at its best, there is still a risk.
Protect Your Data
If the worst happens and your IT infrastructure is infected with malware or ransomware and hackers demand a ransom, there is one way you can avoid paying: protect your data with regular, offsite backups, virtual machine backup and replication, and disaster recovery protection. Business continuity should not come with a $600,000 price tag in the form of a ransom. You can invest far less in comprehensive disaster recovery protection with your managed services provider and have peace of mind that even if a ransomware attack were to strike your organization, you could tell hackers NO when they demand a ransom.
Read Our Guide: How to Create an Effective Disaster Recovery Plan
Business continuity and disaster recovery planning is critical to all businesses, no matter their size. Every organization faces the real possibility of a catastrophic event that could compromise its data integrity and threaten its very existence. The ITeam provides essential IT support to businesses in Alberta. We provide fully managed and personalized services designed to meet the needs of virtually any business. Our team will work with you to customize a cost-effective solution and help you develop a comprehensive IT security strategy that will help you survive any threat, whether natural or human-caused. Get in touch.
Managed IT Services Increase Operational Efficiency
/0 Comments/in Managed IT /by James WagnerManaged IT services provide your organization access to the most experienced minds in IT without the added expense of another employee. For companies too small to have their own IT department, as well as mid-size and larger organizations that cannot justify the cost of a full-time C-level addition to their teams, an MSP can act as their IT department, work as an extension of their existing IT team, provide strategy consultation, and function as the CIO.
The benefits of managed IT services and partnering with an MSP are quantifiable. Not only can you measurably reduce risk and improve efficiency, but you can do so with a predictable, plannable monthly cost that is scalable as you grow.
Proactive Action
When you wait for network processes to slow down or for something to go wrong with your IT infrastructure, you are forced into a costly cycle of repairs that prevents you from investing and getting ahead. When you work with an MSP, they constantly monitor the state of your infrastructure and network, heading off issues and replacing equipment before it stops your business from operating.
Extend IT Expertise
Even companies with internal IT staff are often taxed beyond their capabilities in their efforts to keep up with demands – from monitoring for risks to ensuring compliance to keeping up with necessary patching – it can be overwhelming to have the responsibilities without the support necessary to stay ahead of the demands. In many organizations, the designated IT person actually has another role on top of their IT responsibilities, making it impossible for them to really meet the needs of the organization’s IT objectives.
Level the Playing Field
SMEs are expected (by their customers and other stakeholders) to maintain the same level of security and governance as their larger counterparts. That can be nearly impossible to achieve without an MSP, which forces SMEs to stretch their budgets and manage the costs involved with meeting compliance and reporting requirements and providing the security necessary to ease customers’ minds.
Remove Distraction
Organizations that are forced to be both experts in their industries, as well as IT experts, are often unable to successfully focus on either area adequately. An MSP frees you to focus on building your business, growing your brand, making sales, and cultivating clients – all while knowing that behind the scenes, your IT infrastructure is humming like a well-oiled machine.
Significantly Decrease Costs
From having to hire less internal IT support people to having a plannable, predictable monthly expense, an MSP is an investment with a measurable ROI. You gain access to state-of-the-art equipment, technology, and talent but without the associated costs.
24/7/365 Monitoring
24/7 monitoring can minimize the risks and help you stay one step ahead of hackers. Having a team of IT professionals on call 24/7 to provide you with the right IT support, products, and services does more than just offer added protection – it gives you peace of mind.
The ITeam’s Managed IT Services are designed to meet the needs of businesses in a variety of industries in Calgary. We act as a virtual CIO, partnering with our clients to help them meet their business goals and remain globally competitive. We assess their requirements, reviewing everything from network security, systems, and application patching, to comprehensive backup and recovery services. We provide fully managed and personalized services designed to meet the needs of virtually any business.
Our team will work with you to customize a cost-effective solution and help you develop a comprehensive IT security strategy that will help you survive any threat, whether natural or man-made. A managed service approach will also provide businesses with comprehensive security, customized backup and recovery solutions, and state-of-the-art cloud storage and hosting. Are you ready to take advantage of the many benefits of partnering with an MSP? Contact us today.
Your Biggest Security Threat May Be Your Windows 7 Operating System
/0 Comments/in Asset Management, Security Alert, Small Business IT /by James WagnerWindows 7 End of Life (EOL) Is Less than 6 Months Away
Effective January 14, 2020, Windows 7 will no longer be supported by Microsoft. The OS will continue to launch and run, but users will no longer receive updates or support. After the EOL date, systems still running Windows 7 will be considered unprotected, and as such, will be subject to higher security risks. It is important that all current users of Windows 7 migrate to Windows 10 prior to this date so that they can continue to receive regular security updates to help protect their devices from malicious attacks. It’s already past the time when organizations should be taking steps to update to Windows 10. In fact, Windows 7 lost mainstream support from Microsoft in 2015 and it’s basically been on life support since then. Now they’re pulling the plug altogether, and any organization still relying on the platform will encounter operational difficulties as well as enormous security risks. There will be no more security patches issued and no more support extensions available.
Make the Move to Windows 10 Now
While Windows 10 did present some challenges for early adopters, those challenges have, for the most part, been resolved. It is a much more intuitive version of Windows, offering better collaboration tools, stronger security, and more efficiency, no matter the size of your business. But the key thing to remember is that Windows 10 is still supported by Microsoft, which means you will receive security updates and layers of protection that you will lose with Windows 7.
Remember WannaCry?
In 2017 the WannaCry ransomware cryptoworm infected more than 200,000 computers in 150 countries, costing companies millions – if not billions – of dollars. WannaCry was able to spread because the hackers took advantage of vulnerabilities in unsupported versions of Windows to access networks. It literally spread like a wildfire around the world. To avoid a similar situation with Windows 7, it is vital that you get in touch with your Managed Services Provider (MSP) today and schedule time to set up a plan to move your network to Windows 10.
Windows 7 Upgrade FAQs
There are many questions about the Windows 10 upgrade process, and we’re here to answer them and assist in the process. In the meantime, here a few quick FAQs to cover a few of the questions asked most often:
Q: What about Windows 8? Isn’t that a less expensive option?
We often talk about the need for organizations to be proactive instead of reactive in order to be more secure and make the best use of their IT investments. Moving to Windows 8 leaves you in a reactive and vulnerable state, because end of support for Windows 8 has already been announced. The few dollars you might save today will be spent making another shift far too soon. We strongly advise you to go ahead and make the move to Windows 10 now.
Q: Can I upgrade my existing PC to Windows 10?
A: Yes, you can upgrade compatible Windows 7 PCs (based on certain requirements with a full license – ask your CITM if you are unsure if your hardware is eligible for this upgrade). To take advantage of the latest hardware capabilities, we recommend moving to a new PC with Windows 10.
Q: What happens if I continue to use Windows 7?
A: You can continue to use Windows 7, but once support ends, your PC will become more vulnerable to security risks. Windows will operate but you will stop receiving security and feature updates.
Q: Can Windows 7 still be activated after January 14, 2020?
A: To avoid security risks and viruses, Microsoft recommends that you consider upgrading to Windows 10 well in advance of the end of life (EOL) date for Windows 7. Once the EOL date arrives, you will not be able to install any new Windows 7 instances or receive patches, old or new, for existing systems.
Act Now to Protect Your Organization from Windows 7 Security Risks
If you are a current Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2 user and you don’t already have an upgrade plan in place, please talk to your Client IT Manager or Account Manager to discuss the transition so that there is no lapse in your security coverage. Here at The ITeam, we understand that replacing hardware and software can be a daunting task, so if you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ITeam Account or Client IT Manager to discuss your options. We are here to help make this as seamless and budget friendly as possible! Get in touch today.
The ITeam Ranked Among World’s Most Elite 501 MSPs
/0 Comments/in Managed IT, News /by James WagnerThe ITeam has been named as one of the world’s elite MSPs on the prestigious 12th-annual Channel Futures MSP 501 rankings.
Every year, MSPs worldwide complete an extensive survey and application to report their product offerings, growth rates, annual total and recurring revenues, pricing structures, revenue mix and more. MSPs were ranked according to a unique methodology that weights revenue figures according to how well the applicant’s business strategy anticipates trends in the fast-evolving channel ecosystem, and The ITeam was ranked among the most elite MSPs.
Channel Futures is pleased to name The ITeam to the 2019 MSP 501.
Ten special award winners will be recognized at the MSP 501 Awards Gala at Channel Partners Evolution, held this year September 9-12 in Washington, D.C. Nominations for these special awards, including Digital Innovator of the Year, Executive of the Year and the Newcomer Award, were included in the MSP 501 application, and all candidates were encouraged to submit for them.
In addition to deciding the rankings, the survey drives the creation of an annual in-depth study of business and technology trends in the IT channel, released each year at the Channel Partners Evolution conference. The full MSP 501 Report leverages applicant responses, interviews with industry experts and historical data to give a well-rounded picture of the managed services opportunity.
The complete 2019 MSP 501 list is available at Channel Futures.
Background
The 2019 MSP 501 list is based on data collected by Channel Futures and its sister site, Channel Partners. Data was collected online from March 1 through May 31, 2019. The MSP 501 list recognizes top managed service providers based on metrics including recurring revenue, growth and other factors.
About The ITeam
The ITeam provides comprehensive IT services to Alberta and Calgary businesses and has over 20 years of experience. The ITeam offers critical access to Calgary’s leading On Demand and managed technical IT support, with an emphasis on consistent services that offer companies a competitive advantage.
The ITeam is a partner to any organization that wants access to their own virtual IT services team, with a full range of services available at a moment’s notice. From network support to server hosting, the ITeam meets all the technical needs of a business.
About Informa Tech
Channel Futures, Channel Partners Online, Channel Partners Conference & Expo and Channel Partners Evolution are part of Informa Tech, a market-leading B2B information provider with depth and specialization in the Information and Communications (ICT) Technology sector. We help drive the future by inspiring the Technology community to design, build and run a better digital world through our market-leading research, media, training and event brands. Every year, we welcome 7,400+ subscribers to our research, more than 3.8 million unique visitors a month to our digital communities, 18,200+ students to our training programs and 225,000 delegates to our events.
IT Strategic Planning for Canada SMEs
/0 Comments/in Managed IT, Small Business IT /by James WagnerIn today’s rapidly moving business environment, most SMEs rely on their IT infrastructure to conduct most of their business. From accounting and office systems to communicating with customers, and from scheduling appointments and managing services to managing payroll and inventory and increasing efficiency, an SMEs IT infrastructure is often the backbone of the organization. Your IT strategy must be flexible and dynamic because technology does not stand still (and neither do hackers).
Your IT strategic planning process should consider the following factors:
IT Strategic Planning Benefits for Canada SMEs
A lack of proper IT planning will impact your employees, your customers, and your bottom line. For example, without a plan in place for lifecycle management, you may find that the operating system you use to manage your IT infrastructure is out of date and no longer supported (Windows 7 support ends January 2020!). This creates not just a disruption in your operations but also a significant security risk to your organization. An IT strategy that includes a plan for lifecycle management makes IT costs more predictable. Proactive IT strategy planning is essential for successful SMEs. Other benefits include:
Securing networks and private data is a top priority for organizations of every size in Alberta. SMEs are the lifeblood of Canada’s economy, but these organizations are only as strong as the IT strategy supporting their operations. If your SME needs help with IT strategic planning, IT infrastructure support, and IT security, get in touch.