computer support · Page 2 of 17

Tips for Protecting Your Office Computer

One of the reasons why employees need insight on how they can protect their office computers is to maintain the privacy of the data in the system they use. Apart from safeguarding personal information observing best practices is a requirement for all computer users in most organizations. The reason is that when users exercise due diligence, the company can eliminate online threats that may compromise the data they hold.

Here are a few tips that employees can consider adopting to protect their office computers from both internal and external threats.

Tip One – Back Up Important Files Frequently

Virus attacks, a system crash, and hardware failures are some of the challenges that affect users from time to time, and it is difficult to establish when you can expect these threats because they are unforeseen. For that reason, it is critical to take necessary precaution by ensuring you back up critical files and documents regularly.

It is advisable to backup your data in multiple locations, and there are several options you can consider including flash drives or cloud storage. Frequent backup of the information on your office computer will prevent loss of information in the event of an unexpected eventuality.

Tip Two – Observe The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)

Accessing computers with administrator rights when it is not necessary is not a good idea. The reason is that using such a high-privilege account exposes you to several threats that can affect your systems. For instance, when you log in to an unsecured site with a computer that uses administrator rights your computer may suffer severe damage including the loss of files and reformatting of the hard drive.

Additionally, any website that is unsafe may create a new user account with administrative access that may lock you out. Therefore, only opt for administrator right systems when there is a need to do so and while you are at it follow the necessary procedures for security purposes.

Tip Three – Update Your Software Regularly

Updating your office computer software from time to time is not an option. As such, you need to watch out for the latest service packs and patches that will enhance the security of your software. You can also consider third-party security software that gives you alerts when your current solution is out of date for you to act accordingly. If you need more information on tips for protecting your office computer, contact us today!

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Online Identity: Understanding and Keeping It Secure

With the proliferation of the internet over the past several years, the term “online identity” has become commonplace and is practically a buzzword. However, lots of people do not have a full grasp of what an online identity is and its significance in our Internet-driven world.

Simply put, your online identity is a digital composite generated by websites based on your interactions online. Websites build an online identity based on your activity on a website as well as any personal information (name, date of birth, social security number) that you may have entered. Most websites also install cookies on your computer when you visit them; cookies enable the websites to track your behavior online. Using cookies, websites are better able to build up and save your online identity. The use of cookies by websites is sometimes beneficial because it enhances your online experience; for example, shopping online is easier because there is no need to enter all your information every time you visit the same website.

The preponderance of personal information over the internet has presented an attractive target for unscrupulous individuals. Hackers spend time and money to compromise the data of innocent internet users. When compromised, this data is often used for malicious purposes. Stories abound of people who had their online identity compromised and stolen. Some of the consequences of a stolen online identity include:

Decreased job prospects: Some employers check the credit history of potential employees. A poor credit history due to online identity theft may hamper your chances of getting that desired job.
Financial losses: Hackers can use your stolen identity to steal money from your bank account, open credit cards, or make purchases in your name. Any of these can leave you with a negative financial impact. In 2016, customers lost more than $16 billion as a result of online identity theft.
Emotional impact: The theft of your online identity may leave you emotionally vulnerable as you try to re-establish and regain your online identity.

Given the importance of your online identity, it is important that measures are taken to keep it protected. Fortunately, there are many ways to protect your online identity most of which are relatively inexpensive. Some ways to protect your identity online include:

Responsible browsing: As much as possible, browse on websites that are secure. “HTTPS” in the web address bar usually denotes that a website is secure. Never put your personal information on a website that is not secure; this is denoted by “HTTP” in the web address bar.
Password security: Your password should be secure so that it is difficult to compromise. Usually, this involves a mix of upper and lower case characters, numbers, as well as special characters. Ideally, passwords should not be shared across websites. Furthermore, you should change your passwords on a regular basis.
Security suites: These are commercial software used to protect devices from spyware, viruses, or other forms of malware. Any device that you use to access the internet should have some form of security suite installed.
Heightened observation: Close attention should be paid to your bank accounts, credit reports, or other financial accounts. Suspicious transactions should be noted and reported promptly so that immediate measures can be taken in case it is an attempt to steal your identity.

At 4 corner IT, we can help protect your identity online. We are a managed service provider with lots of experience in keeping your online information secure. We will assess and recommend the optimal protection needed to suit your online preferences. Contact us today for further discussion as to how we can keep your online information safe and secure.

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Is It Time To End Your Relationship With Your Current Network Support Provider?

Current Network Support Provider

Sometimes it can be easy to determine if your IT provider or network support provider is not serving any of your needs. If you are experiencing any of the issues below, these are signs that indicate you need to rethink your current network support provider.

Are you unable to retrieve any of your backups although you are paying for a data backup plan?
Do your network support questions go unanswered?
Has there been hardware failures that have determined that your backup plan is either inefficient or non-existent?

We know sometimes it is not easy to determine if you are receiving poor or subpar services when it comes to network support. Sometimes providers have more network issues than they can handle, but does your network support provider have more problems than you think they should? There are various things you should look for if you want to know if it is time to choose another provider to support your IT systems and your network.

One of the red flags you should watch for is if your provider does not understand the values of your business. A network support provider should understand the needs of your business because this will help the provider meet all of your business goals. It takes time, energy, and effort to understand a business, and the provider you choose should put in all the work it will take to understand your business.

A provider cannot serve your business if it does not understand what you are going to do with the networks and technology you have. This is why it is important that you should make sure a potential provider understands the industry your business is in.

What is your relationship like with your current network support provider? Do your questions go unanswered? Are you being pointed in a direction that you feel is sending your business the wrong way? It may be time to start a new relationship with a new provider?

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Why You Should Outsource Your IT Services

Why Outsource Your IT Services

Having constant access to a reliable and secure network is very important for businesses of all sizes. While many businesses try to employ IT services in-house, it is often far more beneficial to have this function outsourced. There are several reasons why you should consider engaging a professional for IT management services.

Constant Support

One reason why you should consider hiring a professional service provider for information technology management is that you will receive constant support. What you hire a firm to provide you with support, you will receive 24-hour assistance to ensure your network is always up and running. If something is not working properly, you will be able to notify the service provider to have the issue corrected as quickly as possible. This can help to make sure you are always able to operate as efficiently as possible.

Data Security

The risks of data hacks continue to become more and more significant every year. Due to the increased risks, it is very important to have someone working with you that is knowledgeable about all of the current threats that are present in the marketplace. The IT services management company will be able to ensure that your systems are properly protected with the most effective security measures available today.

Affordability

In many situations it is also far more affordable to engage a third-party firm for IT managed services. As opposed to paying salaries, benefits, and overhead for your own employees, you can instead pay a contract rate to cover all of your needs. In many cases, this is far more affordable.

If you are interested in outsourcing your IT management services, contact us to learn more.

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How a Computer Company Helps Optimize Your Sales Process

The benefits of working with a computer company aren’t limited to network support and hardware installation. Their support can also help you improve your sales process and conversion rate. Here’s how:

Integrate CRM

Customer relationship management (CRM) software is critical for managing your customer data. With it, you can have a better understanding of your leads and marketing campaign’s performance.

A computer company can help you make the most of your CRM system. For example, they can integrate it with your email marketing system to send relevant messages to leads based on their position in the sales funnel.

Communicate with leads

One-on-one communication is particularly important for the end of the sales funnel. With the support of a computer company, you can set up VoIP and Office 365 to communicate with leads via telephone and email. These forms of communication are both more scalable and mobile than their traditional counterparts. Employees can access the systems from outside the office with their devices.

Collaborate in teams

To convert leads, your internal communication needs to be flawless. There can’t be any miscommunication between your marketing and sales teams, or else your customer experience will suffer.

A computer company can help you get set up with Exchange Online. This will improve internal communication by giving employees a user-friendly platform to communicate with each other. As a result, employees will be more likely to collaborate.

Optimize your website

And finally, a fast, functioning website is essential for converting leads. A computer company will make sure that your content loads, the wait time is minimal, and the server is supported.

To talk more about working with a computer company, or anything else, contact us today.