Small Business IT Archives

Calgary Organizations Need Strong IT Security

They say technology is the great equalizer, fueling business growth and innovation, and that’s certainly true here in Alberta. Almost anyone, anywhere, can start a business with nothing more than an internet connection and a laptop. But that same technology has also shown us repeatedly the risk involved in having that ability – and Calgary organizations need strong IT security. Whether you’re just starting your business or you’re simply trying to keep up with the rapidly changing business environment, the investment you make in IT security should be as high a priority as obtaining your next customer.

Dentists Need Strong IT Security

Dental practices are automating services – from payments to scheduling to patient charts – and the security required to protect the data and the gateways that allow access to the data is significant. Dental practices need strong IT security, as they are among those small businesses at which 43% of all cyber-attacks are aimed. And because dental practices and other healthcare facilities have special regulatory compliance requirements to protect patient data, IT security is more important than ever.

Lawyers Need Strong IT Security

From assessing the stability of your IT infrastructure to ensuring that client files and data are secure, attorney firms and solo practice lawyers need strong IT security to prevent theft of proprietary and confidential information. In a law office, everything is confidential; therefore, everything is at risk – from privileged client information to trade secrets to litigation tactics. Hackers are always looking for information they can exploit or sell.

Oil and Gas Companies Need Strong IT Security

In recent months, there have been a growing number of reports about hackers trying to penetrate the energy sector. The vulnerability of the energy industry goes beyond simply losing clients or disrupting business; cyber-attacks could wreak havoc on entire communities and threaten the safety of individuals. The need for IT security in the energy industry cannot be overstated.

Small Businesses Need Strong IT Security

Small businesses don’t have the budget to have an in-house IT staff, but SMEs face as much risk as larger corporations. The only way to level the playing field is to implement strong IT security. Luckily, managed services do level the playing field for small businesses in Canada, offering them access to competitive levels of expertise and security.

Whether you are a healthcare firm, an oil and gas company, a legal firm, or in one of the many other industries The ITeam supports, such as construction and accounting, Calgary organizations need strong IT security. The ITeam understands the IT security issues facing Canada businesses. We are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk and maximize efficiency. Contact us to learn more.

Your Biggest Security Threat May Be Your Windows 7 Operating System

July 11, 2019/0 Comments/in Asset Management, Security Alert, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

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.

IT Strategic Planning for Canada SMEs

June 18, 2019/0 Comments/in Managed IT, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

For Canada SMEs, IT strategic planning plays a critical role in your overall ability to support your customers, remain competitive, and be positioned to recover from a natural or technological disaster. But an IT strategy is more than just a plan; it’s a comprehensive outline of your approach to IT that ensures that your IT infrastructure supports your business goals, that you are anticipating and proactively meeting the needs of your business, and that your investment in IT is planned and predictable.

In 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:

Current market conditions
Competitive intelligence
Performance issues and identified areas in need of improvement
Customer satisfaction
Resource requirements
Staff training and support needs
Compliance requirements for your industry
Budget requirements
Current state of infrastructure

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:

Improved operational efficiency
Increased profitability
Reduced risk
Improved business continuity
Increased alignment between business objectives and IT objectives
Ability to map future needs for better planning
Ensured statutory and regulatory compliance
Elimination of unnecessary downtime
Nominal disruption of operations

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.

improve cybersecurity without increasing spending

You Don’t Have to Increase Spending to Improve Cybersecurity

April 8, 2019/0 Comments/in BDR, Business Continuity, Cloud Hosting, Disaster Recovery, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) need to improve cybersecurity. They aren’t as protected from cyber threats as they should be. Although larger corporations have more data for cyber criminals to take advantage of, SMEs are less likely to have up-to-date cybersecurity defenses, making them tempting – and easy – targets for hackers.

Because SMEs are easier targets, you may feel the need to invest heavily in the right infrastructure to protect your private information. Although improving cybersecurity is a must, a good strategy doesn’t have to drain your budget; managed services can be a predictable, plannable, and affordable cost. Your MSP can help improve cybersecurity and protect your business and support a stronger strategy that includes:

Lifecycle management.

You’d be surprised how many systems are still running on outdated, unlicensed, or unpatched software. This leaves businesses completely open to attack, as critical upgrades to prevent data breaches must be installed to protect your organization. Hackers will take advantage of these vulnerabilities in your infrastructure.

Staff training and education.

Human error is the most challenging aspect of cybersecurity because it’s not as easily managed. The only way to mitigate the possibility of mistakes is to educate employees on an ongoing basis. Teach your staff about the latest phishing methods and implement basic policies and procedures to protect business data.

Strict permissions and policies.

Not everyone in your organization should have access to every system. Controlling access to your data to only those who must have such access can limit risk. As well, having strict policies about passwords, email security, and mobile device use can protect your organization.

Offsite backup and data recovery (BDR).

By storing a backup of your data at a secure offsite location, you will have access to the information your business needs to remain in operation, even if your facility is inaccessible or destroyed. Offsite backup and data recovery is critical to all businesses, no matter their size.

Multi-factor authentication.

Every organization should be using multi-factor authentication because password protection simply isn’t enough to protect your business. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a crucial security layer requiring more than one authentication method to verify a user’s identity.

These basic cybersecurity practices will help you protect your infrastructure in a cost-effective way. SMEs must defend against cybersecurity threats, because they are at risk, more so than larger organizations. These simple steps are the best start to securing your private networks, leaving more money in the budget for the right resources. Don’t fall victim to cyber threats when you can be prepared and remain competitive in a time when IT is your strongest asset.

As a top-rated IT security firm in Canada, we are committed to helping Calgary- and Alberta-based businesses develop proactive, cost-effective IT strategies that minimize risk, maximize efficiency, and build trust with Canadian citizens. Contact us to learn more.

Without IT Security, Digital Transformation is a Waste of Time

March 19, 2019/0 Comments/in Cloud Security, Cybersecurity, Mobile Device Management, Small Business IT /by James Wagner

Ever-changing technology is revolutionizing how organizations conduct business, but IT security must be more than just an afterthought during these changes. There is considerable push to meet consumer demand and adapt technologies for higher productivity and better customer experiences, but it all means nothing if your network isn’t secure. As technology catapults business into the digital era, organizations must consider how to make security a part of every step.

Organizations are adapting technology but leaving IT security behind.

The cloud, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and mobility are all driving business initiatives. Many organizations consider these adaptations priorities for remaining competitive. Unfortunately, every technological innovation reveals a new vulnerability that can be exploited by hackers. It takes more than patchwork protection to effectively secure your changing infrastructure, and as your network expands, so does the attack surface.

Everything is connected.

Hackers only need to gain access to one of your perimeters to reach the depths of your network. Improving visibility can mitigate risk, but sophisticated attacks are becoming harder to see. Continuous monitoring and diligent maintenance are required to protect your data. Organizations are now expected to offer all consumers better risk management, heightened privacy protections, and acknowledgment of fault if a data breach occurs. If businesses fail to meet compliance guidelines, they could face severe fines from governing bodies and an overall loss of business from a disappointed consumer base.

IT Security first.

Although businesses are eager to implement new tools that improve their processes, attract new customers, and retain loyal customers, that same technology will be their downfall if security isn’t a priority. Organizations must act immediately to mitigate risk and prevent data breaches, and with every technology innovation adopted, a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that protects you should also be implemented and updated. To do otherwise leaves your organization vulnerable to attack and financial ruin.

IT managed services can help immensely in securing all end-points, ensuring compliance, monitoring for data breaches, and other challenges related to a digital transformation. If cybersecurity is not a part of the conversation as you innovate and update, you’re wasting your resources.