technology · Page 11 of 15

Network Security: Servers, Routers and High-Speed Fiber Cables

understanding servers routers and high speed fiber cables

Though we can use the internet as a tool to do pretty amazing things, it functions in a way that’s almost as simple as the first telephone system.

What is Your Network Security Support Team Managing and Securing For You?

The internet is a way to connect computers to one another. It grew out of a 1960’s project sponsored by the US Department of Defense to help businesses and the government collaborate on military research.

The Internet Uses:

Routers (devices that send information out, for example your home has a router),
High-speed fiber optic cables (most information travels through these cables owned by local phone companies), and
Servers (large dedicated computers that serve one function like mail servers, file servers, etc.),

The internet uses routers, high-speed fiber optic cables and servers to send and manipulate data between two connected computers. Once the two computers are connected, they can share data like videos, text, images and programs.

As you can see, the internet is a pretty simple thing that is also very complex at the same time. In fact the idea everyone has of “the cloud,” is somewhat misleading. However, for the purposes of understanding what your security needs are, a simple understanding of the internet is an excellent place to start.

Of course, every organization will have program-specific concerns that surpass this simple explanation, like a doctor’s office will need to secure HIPAA-compliant patient record management platforms or a CPA will need to secure client financial information and accounting programs like QuickBooks etc.

However, it’s easy to see here that a good security platform for any organization will address all of the core elements of the internet, including the servers, routers and cables you use; along with any programs and software you currently use.

For this reason, just having an anti-spyware program downloaded on each computer in the office just isn’t enough for most organizations today.

Your relationship with the internet is much more than what you see on your computer screen. It’s important to work with a professional security team like 4 Corner IT that understands this. C ontact us today!

A WheelHouse IT Company

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Benefits of Outsourcing IT Support For Your Small or Medium Sized Business

Traditionally, corporations hire employees and buy infrastructure for an internal IT department. However, nowadays, more and more people are switching to outsourcing IT support for their needs.

This is especially true when it comes to small businesses, which often don’t have the resources or need for a full-fledged IT department. Here are some of the many benefits of outsourcing IT support.

Outsourcing Will Help You Control IT Costs

One of the main benefits of outsourcing IT support is that it will help you control costs. When you hire an IT support company, you will only need to pay a monthly or yearly fee. On the other hand, if you decide to have an internal IT department, you will need to pay a salary to your employees.

Also, you will have to spend a substantial amount of money on infrastructure, which an IT support company may be able to get for you at a discounted price.

IT Support Companies Are Experienced and Qualified

Some business owners are hesitant to outsource IT support because they wrongly believe the quality of the services won’t be as great. Even though you’re paying less for the services, the experts who work for IT support companies are experienced and qualified.

If you don’t believe this, you will have no trouble getting information about certification from the IT support company. Certification is the best way to confirm an employee is qualified.

For more information about the benefits of outsourcing IT support for your business, don’t hesitate to contact us.

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Jobs in IT Support: Priorities Set Out in the Cybersecurity National Action Plan

Jobs in IT support demands a strong set of skills and diverse knowledge. You’ll need to familiarize yourself with a variety of machines, systems, and software. Furthermore, your job will demand that you keep learning and stay up-to-date with rapid developments in technology.

When it comes to jobs in IT support and in tech more generally, one particular area that’s receiving a great deal of attention is cyber security.

Recently the administration unveiled the Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP), an outline for an initiative that will combine government and private sector resources to improve cyber security and stay ahead of hackers.

As spelled out in a press release from the White House, one of CNAP’s goals is to bolster cyber security education and offer some additional incentives for people to study and work in this area; for example, people joining the federal workforce in the area of cyber security may have a greater chance of benefiting from student loan forgiveness.

Cyber Security Skills

Even if you’re planning to work in general IT support and not focus on cyber security, employers will welcome any skills you can offer in this area. Data breaches and other IT disasters are a nightmare for businesses, non-profits and government agencies. At least some of your duties will include strategies for preventing, detecting and rapidly responding to cyber attacks.

Your cyber security skills should include a knowledge of firewalls, and network routers, switches and load balancers. Ideally, you’ll know some scripting languages, such as PHP and Perl. You’ll also know how to apply your understanding of different operating systems, network architecture and applications to evaluate cyber security vulnerabilities; for example, would you be able to examine your employer’s website and identify points of weakness that a hacker could exploit?

To further discuss different job possibilities in IT support, please contact us. Regardless of where you choose to work, developing a cyber security skill set will likely impress employers.

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Why Should I Use HTTPS – Why You Should Be Using HTTPS

In recent news, you may have heard more buzz about websites using HTTPS rather than a traditional HTTP address. Let’s take a closer look at the difference between the two. This applies whether you’re a web surfer or someone who manages a website.

First, what’s the difference between HTTP and HTTPS? The “S” identifies that the website is secure, by using encrypted data transmission methods. HTTPS sites ensure that your confidential information stays safe from anyone trying to spy on you. They also confirm that the data on the website was not modified with malware or phishing practices.

As a consumer, it’s a great idea for you to take notes of the sites you visit. Then understand which ones are secure using HTTPS. However, if you are going to enter personal information on any site, such as a credit card, account information or address, then it’s absolutely critical that you only use secure sites. Remember that even a site that asks you for a username and password can only ensure your information safety by offering an encrypted site. It’s also important to remember that even though nearly every website or form accessed online shows you the little black dots on your screen as you enter your login credentials, it is very easy for a cyber criminal to intercept that information unless you’re on a secure site.

HTTPS for Business

If you’re a business owner concerned about your site’s safety, or perhaps you manage a site for your employer, you should also consider the headaches that could come from not using encryption. The most obvious consequence would be letting your company’s data or your customer’s confidential information fall into the wrong hands. You should also know that attackers acquire lists of passwords and the usernames or email addresses they are tied to. Additionally, many people use the same login for multiple accounts. So while you think your site doesn’t need to bother with HTTPS, if a criminal accesses a customer’s email and password they use to log into your website, the potential is great that the same information will unlock other sites as well.

If you’re ready to discuss cyber safety for your SMB, 4 Corner IT has the expertise you need! Contact us today and let’s get started on your company’s personalized plan!

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3 Ways to Stay Organized with Microsoft Office 365

Businesses can improve their organization with Microsoft Office 365. New programs included with the Office package, such as Lync and Sharepoint, improve its functionality. Businesses can now collaborate and stay organized with Office 365 Online. Here are three examples of how you can do just that:

Organize Your Projects

With Office 365, you can encourage collaboration among employees. Even if employees are on different teams or in different departments, it’s easy to collaborate with Microsoft Sharepoint.

This improves project management simply by making it easier for businesses to stay organized. Rather than having to send files back and forth through email, employees can work on the same project together.

Organize Your Team

With Microsoft Lync, businesses can make internal communication easier than ever. Lync provides an optimal user experience that focuses on simplicity and functionality.

If you already use VoIP, then you can use Lync to keep your client base and employees more organized. If you’re considering switching to it, then Microsoft Lync makes the transition easier for employees.

Organize Your Documents

When you use Microsoft Sharepoint to save documents, you have the option of storing them on the cloud. Although this isn’t necessary, it helps businesses to keep track of their documents on a company-wide basis.

As a manager, it’s important for you to have access to all files from accounting spreadsheets to marketing presentations. Storing your documents on the cloud will make this easier.

Businesses that take full advantage of Microsoft Office 365 notice an improvement in organization and an increase in productivity. With Microsoft Lync and Microsoft Sharepoint, communication and collaboration are easier than ever.

To talk more about Microsoft Office 365, or anything else, please contact us.

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