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Cyber Security Tips – Pretexting

Pretexting is when the bad guys create a false scenario using a made-up identity or pose as someone you know to manipulate you into divulging personal or sensitive information. They often pose as employees of bank or credit card companies or even as your own coworkers.

How it Works: Common Tactics of Influence

The bad guys will try to persuade you into letting your guard down and giving them what they’re looking for. Oftentimes, they don’t even need information specific to your organization to trick you.See below for an example of two common tactics used to influence victims in pretexting scenarios:

Influence by Authority

For example, you receive a call at work from someone demanding immediate assistance, using an aggressive and authoritative tone. This person establishes their authority by using an executive-level or official-sounding “job title”. They may even insult you for not being familiar with “who they are”. These scare tactics alone often sway victims into giving away sensitive information or complying with a request.

It’s human nature to act in a responsive manner around someone of authority, but don’t fall victim to false claims of authority!

Influence by Obligation

For example, you receive a call from someone posing as a member of your IT department. The bad guy tells you they’ve found malicious activity on your work computer and begin questioning your recent browsing history–implying that you’ve reached a malicious website and have put the company in danger as a result. Then, they demand you update your password with a more “secure” password which they provide.

Would you feel obligated to comply with their instructions? Many unsuspecting individuals would–but don’t fall victim to a false sense of obligation!

How Can I Avoid Falling Victim to Pretexting Scenarios?

Remember the following to help protect your organization against pretexting scenarios:

Never give out sensitive information over the phone, online, or in email, unless you are absolutely sure you know who you’re dealing with, or you initiated contact with the individual.

If the caller claims to be an employee but their request seems suspicious, verify their identity through a trusted party and let them know you’ll call them back. If the caller questions the need for your verification efforts, explain that you’re following the process required of your position. Maintain a respectful but forceful attitude.

Make sure you’re familiar with your organization’s protocols for handling requests for information, or ask your supervisor if you need assistance.

Stop Look Think

– Don’t be fooled

The KnowBe4 Security Team

KnowBe4.com

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How To Meet Customer Expectations In The Digital Age

Although meeting customer expectation has always been a crucial part of running a successful business, it is particularly important in the Digital Age. Thanks to the proliferation of technology, customers and businesses can stay in contact 24/7. While this is certainly convenient, it has led to customers raising their expectation for business interaction, and in turn, has made it more difficult for business to meet this expectation using older methods.

If you want to make sure your customers are satisfied with your service, there are a few policies you can adopt that should make sure every interaction is beneficial to all parties. Here are a few tips for meeting customer expectations in the Digital Age that you can use to develop stronger relationships with your clients.

MOBILE CHANNELS AND SELF-SERVICE

In the Digital Age customers expect to be able to complete their business transactions without having to deal with a real person. If your business is relying on old technologies, then you may not be meeting your customer’s needs in this area.

A good idea for meeting customer expectations in the Digital Age is providing multiple mobile channels, including online chat and SMS text messaging. If possible, you should also have a mobile app that your customers can use at their convenience. Another idea is to institute a self-service option that will allow your customers to quickly and easily fulfill their needs.

LISTEN TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

A mistake that many businesses make in terms of meeting customer expectations is assuming that they already know what their customers want and need. However, this often leads to impersonal interactions and a high level of customer frustration when they’re required to repeat themselves.

Every interaction with your customers should be used to learn about their preferences so that you can create a customer history that can be used by your agents. Personalizing interactions with your customers is key in meeting customer expectations in the Digital Age and will ensure they are satisfied with your service.

SAVE TIME, PROVIDE INFORMATION

One of the biggest reasons that customers become dissatisfied with the service they are receiving is the feeling that their time is being wasted. For example, if a customer is buying an item online and has a question, they are likely to abandon their purchase if they don’t receive a quick answer to their query. This means that it’s critical in the Digital Age to value the time of your customers. Making it easy and quick for customers to contact you, and shortening their transaction times, will improve their loyalty to your business.

You should also make sure you’re providing your customers with necessary information. Keeping your customers well-informed will make them feel valued and more likely to recommend your business to their friends and family.

Meeting customer expectations in the Digital Age can be difficult if you don’t have the right strategy in place, which is why it’s a good idea to consult with the professionals at U.S. Computer Connection. Our focus is on being your one stop I.T. resource, and we would be glad to help you develop a strategy that should allow you to better fulfill the expectations of your customers.

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Departments Every Business Needs Regardless Of Size

If you want to get your business on the path to success, you need to make sure it has all the departments you need. Organization is key to turning your start-up into a well-oiled machine that keeps profits steadily coming your way. With expansion at the forefront of your goals, being able to delegate areas for expansion is a necessity.

To get the most out of your organization, you need to make sure you have all the departments every business needs regardless of size. While there are several, each are absolutely essential if you want your business to prosper. Learn more about the departments your business organization needs and why they’re important.

ADMINISTRATION

Your administration department is probably the most obvious one because you’re personally in charge of it. However, the need for a functioning administration department stretches beyond your decisions alone. A good leader knows how to delegate, since all the tasks of running a business can be overwhelming to some. Don’t trust upper level management to reveal themselves in time, either. Get reliable people as soon as you can.

HUMAN RESOURCES

HR is always an important aspect of any company. Your company requires people to function, and HR keeps all those people happy and productive. Not only can HR help deal with workplace conflict and safety issues, but they also deal with evaluations, recruiting, payroll, benefits and other crucial tasks. Even if your HR department is just a lead and an assistant, it’s essential for your business.

FINANCE

Even if you run a non-profit, you still need a finance department. Every business involves money, and finance experts are there to make sure all the money coming in and going out is being processed properly. Bookkeeping is just the beginning, however. Finance departments can also make financial recommendations, set budgets and forecast cash flow needs, among other responsibilities.

MARKETING

No business can succeed without a dedicated marketing team. If you want to expand your company, you need a team that can get all the research and outreach done. This includes logo design, obtaining customers and communicating with your customers. The marketing department is the gateway between your business and your customers, and you need that relationship to be good if you want to get anywhere.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

It’s hard to compete in the modern business world without some of the latest technology. While your HR department keeps employees working, your IT department keeps your technology working. Whether you need to set up an internal computer network, create an e-commerce store, upgrade your cyber security or anything else technical, your IT department has got you covered. Most aspects of modern technology are like a foreign language to anyone who isn’t an expert, so IT is more important than ever before.

U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION AS YOUR IT DEPARTMENT

If you’re looking for IT professionals to act as your business’ IT department, U.S. Computer Connection has got you covered. We offer a wide variety of managed IT services that can bring your business on board with the latest advances in computer and networking technology. Cyber crime is on the rise, so having experts on hand who are available 24/7 is essential to protecting your business. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer you.

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Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities You Shouldn’T Forget About

We’ve grown accustomed to the threat of physical theft and take precautions to protect ourselves, but we tend to forget about our digital assets. There’s constant risk to our data security, and simple issues like weak credentials, outdated software and malware leave you vulnerable to a data breach.

Many people don’t believe they’re targeted by hackers or don’t realize the extent of the risks of being online, but like anything else, taking proactive steps to protect yourself is always easier than reacting to breach after it’s happened.

Take a look at some of these common data breach opportunities:

STOLEN DEVICES

Your mobile device is basically a small computer. It holds all your photos, calls, emails, texts and much of your personal information. Some people also have their business or professional information on their phone as well, which puts them at greater risk if it’s lost or stolen.

This is one of the leading causes of a data breach, so it’s important to ensure you have strong password protection and multi-factor authentication whenever possible.

WI-FI

We’re always quick to find a strong Wi-Fi hotspot when we’re trying to access information in public, but many hackers know this. They often create hotspots that appear to be public Wi-Fi connections, which gives them access to all your sensitive information on your phone or laptop.

When you’re searching for a public Wi-Fi connection, be sure that you only connect to legitimate Wi-Fi hotspots.

EMPLOYEE THREATS

Businesses are vulnerable to a data breach or leak from careless employees or vengeful employees. Unfortunately, these breaches and leaks can be detrimental to corporate and personal information, especially for businesses that store sensitive personal information about their clients.

The best way to protect yourself from an insider security threat is with software that’s designed to track the location and movement of valuable data and wipe data from devices that have been compromised, stolen or lost.

SOFTWARE UPDATES

Updates can be time consuming, so many people put off their software updates as long as possible. Unfortunately, this can cause a weakness in your cybersecurity and leave your information vulnerable to ransomware, malware and other cyber threats.

To stay safe, always be sure to update your software as soon as it’s available.

UNOFFICIAL APPLICATIONS

There are a lot of tricks hackers use to gain access to information, and malicious mobile applications are a top choice. This is an easy way to siphon information from a user’s mobile device or computer without any risk.

Before you download a mobile app, check the reviews and only download apps from official app stores. Don’t download any apps that have access to sensitive data, such as financial information, without thorough research.

BROWSE OUR SERVICES AT U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

These are a few simple ways to protect your information from the many cyber-security threats you’ll encounter online, but hackers find new ways to access information every day.

If you’d like to take a proactive role in protecting your business’s sensitive data, contact U.S. Computer Connection to discuss our IT services. We’ve been an IT support company serving business owners for many years, and we’re certain we can develop a proactive solution to all your business’s IT and cyber-security needs.

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Why You Need Cyber Security Consulting Services

Overall crime rates have been decreasing over the past few years, but cyber crime has been steadily increasing. In fact, cyber crime is one of the biggest threats your company can face if you conduct business online, a must if you want to stay competitive. These cyber criminals are constantly implementing new technologies in their strategies, so you need to make sure you’re prepared.

The best way to protect yourself from cyber attacks is by formulating a cyber security strategy of your own. Criminals aren’t the only ones with access to the latest technology. With proper security services, you can arm your business with the technology you need to keep your data and operations safe from malicious attackers. Learn more about why you need cyber security consulting services.

SMALL BUSINESSES ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE

You’ve probably heard about cyber criminals attacking large companies like Sony and Equifax, but nearly half of all cyber crime is targeted towards small businesses. This is due to the simple fact that small businesses are less likely to have a cyber security system in place or to have one robust enough to defend from attacks. Remember, these attackers only care about profit, and they will do whatever it takes to line their pockets.

One of the best ways to cut costs at a small business is to use cloud servers for data rather than buying and setting up servers of your own. While cloud storage is convenient and affordable, it can be vulnerable without the proper cyber security measures in place. Cloud security is constantly increasing, but it still leaves users at risk if they don’t take the proper precautions.

PROTECTING YOUR CUSTOMERS

Most businesses store customer information in order to make the customer’s experience easier and more efficient. While collecting this data can do wonders for customer satisfaction, it also assigns you the responsibility of keeping that data safe. If your systems become compromised, it’s not just your business’s information at stake. It’s your customers’ personal information, too.

Ecommerce sites are especially responsible for customer information. Most businesses will store customers’ email addresses, needed perhaps for an account or a monthly newsletter. If hackers get hold of that, they can use phishing techniques for additional information. Ecommerce sites, on the other hand, often store payment information. If hackers get hold of that, they won’t need to trick anyone for more information. They’ll already have the money.

MANAGING YOUR REPUTATION

As the threat of cyber crime grows, consumers and other businesses are becoming more aware of the need for cyber security strategies. Consumers are more cautious about giving their data to companies unless they can boast cyber security assurance. If your company doesn’t have the proper protection, while your competition does, it’s obvious which business consumers are going to prefer.

Should you become the victim of a cyber attack, however, consumers aren’t going to see you as a victim. They’re going to see you as the one who let their personal data fall into the hands of criminals. Not only do cyber attacks compromise your data, but they also compromise your reputation, and that’s something no business can survive without.

CYBER SECURITY CONSULTING SERVICES FROM U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

If you’re looking for cyber security consulting services for your business, U.S. Computer Connection is happy to help. We specialize in helping small and medium-sized businesses protect themselves from malicious attacks and keep their customers’ information safe. Contact us today to learn more about how we can revolutionize your cyber security system.

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Should You Be Outsourcing It Services?

Running a business requires concentrated effort. Making sure your computers are in working order is among the last of things you should have to worry about, yet computers and other technology are essential if you want to stay competitive in the modern market. Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem available to everyone.

You have to go through a lot of trouble to set up your own IT department, which is why it’s such a good idea for many companies to outsource their IT services. Learn more about the benefits of outsourcing IT services, and discover if it’s the right move for your business.

AFFORDABILITY

The main draw of outsourcing services for many companies is its affordability. Setting up your own IT department involves a number of expenses. You have to buy equipment, hire staff, give them benefits and more. With an outsourced IT department, you pay their rate, and you’ll have dedicated services you can count on.

Technology advances incredibly fast, so you’ll have to make sure your IT professionals can keep up with any of the changes. If you’re running your own IT department, you’ll have to pay for regular training as well. IT training is in high demand, so that doesn’t come cheap. A good IT company you can hire makes sure all their employees are trained and up to date with the latest tech, so you don’t have to worry about it.

FOCUS

When you’re developing your next business strategy, the last thing you probably want to worry about is IT issues. With your own IT department, they rely on you to exist, so you’re going to be consulted quite a bit if you run a small or medium-sized business. When your IT department is outsourced, all of the oversight is completely taken care of, leaving you free to focus on what really matters, expanding your business.

One of the major aspects of expansion is having the funds to do so. If you’re constantly trying to maintain your own IT department, that will use up funds that might be better applied to expansion. Outsourcing means all the upkeep and maintenance happens on their end, leaving you to allocate funds for anything else you may deem necessary.

EFFICIENCY

Outsourcing services leaves your company’s network and technical systems in the hands of professionals. These people are always up to date on the latest tech and have extensive experience working in the field. That means you can count on reliable service and the latest upgrades to your systems.

One of the hardest parts of IT is monitoring the systems. When you have your own IT department, they might only be available during working hours. When you outsource your IT department, you can enjoy constant support all day, every day. That constant support helps ensure your IT systems are protected and running smoothly at all times.

OUTSOURCING IT SERVICES WITH U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

If you think outsourcing IT services is the right move for your company, check out U.S. Computer Connection. Our staff is highly experienced and is trained constantly for all new technologies that develop. We’re available at any time and can handle all your IT needs for your small or medium-sized business. Contact us today to learn more about everything we can offer you.

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Understanding The Blockchain

Blockchain is an emerging buzzword in the technology sector which is setting those in the know on fire, but which many people just don’t comprehend. At the outset it sounds like another technological get-rich-quick scheme, and it might actually be, but this one may have some legitimacy behind it.

It’s not surprising if you’re confused at the idea of selling virtual real estate on the Internet, paying up to $120,000 for a 10-by-10-meter plot of land that doesn’t actually exist, but is located in a virtual land and city, all in the web. And yet, a company managed to raise over $25 million in just half a minute. Let’s look at what blockchain is, how it works, and what it means for the future of finance and computing as well as the IT support industry.

THE FUTURE OR THE LATEST FAD?

If you’ve heard about blockchain, it’s probably in the context of either a scam or that it’s going to completely change the world. It first arrived on the scene in 2009, and formed the backbone of Bitcoin, the virtual currency that everyone wishes they had, but few understand how to get. If it feels a bit like the dot-com bubble of 1999, don’t worry; that’s understandable.

Still Fortune 500 companies are investing in this infrastructure, with IBM, Accucenture and the like devoting entire divisions to it. It’s certainly not a fad or an illusion. It’s here and it’s real. Silicon Valley has invested over $1.3 billion in the tech this year alone.

WHAT IS BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY?

Essentially, blockchain technology is a kind of ledgering technology that keeps a master list of everyone with whom it interacts. Consider using Google Docs for shared work. That document keeps a list of everyone who has ever logged into it and made changes. It’s the same with blockchain, though blockchain is highly secure and very detailed, tracking every single change that’s made and keeping fingerprints of every step of the way.

Sticking with the Google Docs idea, that software creates multiple copies and versions of a document, which can get confusing as people implement different changes at the same time or move documents onto and off of a server. With blockchain there’s a single, trusted document that tracks every single thing that ever happens to it.

FROM CRYPTOCURRENCY TO ADVERTISING

Blockchain started as the backbone of Bitcoin. It’s also the backbone of newer cryptocurrency Ethereum. It’s moving, however, to many other industries. The advertising industry can use it to track ad efficiency online. The music industry can use it to track individual songs. Lenders can use it to track deeds and documentation for real estate transactions.

It’s especially useful for shipping companies to track their product and bills of lading. In the drug industry it can be used to keep track of the supply train, something increasingly important in the opioid crisis era. It has the potential to increase trust to businesses in just about every sector, while cutting out middlemen who can make mistakes.

IT INDUSTRY: SOLVING PROBLEMS OF TRUST AND EFFICIENCY

There’s also questions about the technology. As it becomes the trend, will it be applied to problems where it’s not needed, and will it needlessly overcomplicate these things? In the end, it’s about a combination of efficiency and trust, and that’s where the IT support industry comes in. If you’re in need of managed IT services for your business, U.S. Computer Connection is here to help. For more information, check out our blog, and give us a call today.

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How To Defend Against Illicit Cryptocurrency Mining

Cryptocurrency is wildly popular. Whether it’s the well-known Bitcoin or the lesser-known Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple or Monero, future investors and even everyday people are looking for a way to get in on this self-regulating currency that’s the basis of a lot of online transactions. Unfortunately, though cryptocurrency is a common part of dialogue these days, few people understand exactly what it is, or how it’s obtained.

This misunderstanding can cause major security issues, since there are unscrupulous individuals out there looking for any way they can get this money. That includes hijacking your computer system to mine coin for themselves. Understand the ways criminals target your network for illicit cryptocurrency mining, and learn how a good IT services company can help to protect you against hackers.

UNDERSTANDING CRYPTOCURRENCY

Cryptocurrency is often generically referred to as “bitcoin,” though Bitcoin is only one kind of cryptocurrency. In truth, this refers to a kind of digital currency for exchange. It works like any other currency but exists only in cyberspace and operates completely unregulated and independent of traditional banks. Rather, it uses blockchain technology and encryption to secure transactions.

HOW DO I GET CRYPTOCURRENCY?

Most cryptocurrency is gained through a process called cryptomining. In essence, you install cryptomining software on a system, and this software solves complex math problems related to transaction validation. Every solved equation will verify a transaction, and earn x amount of cryptocurrency. This requires a huge amount of processing power to do, and generally requires a number of computers on a network just to mine a single coin.

ILLICIT CRYPTOCURRENCY MINING

Not everyone has access to the kinds of computing and networking power needed to engage in cryptomining. As such a lot of hackers have turned to hijacking individual computers on the Internet and using them as an ad hoc network to mine their currency. This process of illicit cryptocurrency mining is called cryptojacking. It happens when webpages, operating systems and software vulnerabilities are exploited to install software on your system without knowing it.

Such software can seriously degrade the performance of your system, use tons of power, disrupt normal operations, and even, if your company is at risk, cost you money in dealing with these problems. It can even result in systems failure.

HOW AN IT SERVICES COMPANY DEFENDS AGAINST MINING

An IT services company will install up-to-date and powerful antivirus software on your systems, keep your OS and software up to date all the time, and use strong security practices to protect you. These practices include training you and your staff to use strong passwords incorporating characters, numbers, capital letters and symbols.

Your IT company will check and manage system privilege policies, use application whitelists and blacklists, limit downloading of potentially dangerous files and monitor your network for abnormal activity. They will also disable any unnecessary services and remove unused software, as well as performing input validation on your web servers and applications. Finally, they’ll install powerful firewalls to block malicious traffic entering and exiting your system.

If you’re in need of a security check or upgrade to defend against illicit cryptocurrency mining, US Computer can help. Read more about what we do and get in touch for more information today.

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Why Your Small Business Needs It Managed Services

No matter what kind of business you’re in, you need an IT department. Technology is how the world is connected these days, and you can’t hope to stay competitive if you’re not a part of that. Setting up and managing your own IT department can be incredibly costly, however, and downright impossible for many small businesses.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to all your IT needs. You can effectively outsource your IT department to an independent company that will take care of everything for you at a fraction of the cost. Learn more about why your small business needs these IT managed services.

OUTSOURCED IT DEPARTMENT

When you use managed services, you’re outsourcing your IT department to experienced professionals who can handle all your technology needs. Whether you work from the cloud or want to set up some equipment on site, IT professionals can come to you and optimize your entire system. That includes workstations, network connections, servers and more.

Even if you already have an IT team in place, it can be helpful to use a managed service for that extra bit of assistance in case your own people get overwhelmed. A good IT company will be able to offer that assistance at any time. One of the many benefits of outsourcing your IT department is that you can enjoy 24/7 support, so your systems are always functioning the way they should.

ACCESS TO ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

One of the most exciting benefits of managed services is access to the latest technology. Available technology is always changing, and it can be tough making sure your own people are properly trained to handle it. When you outsource your IT department, you can always count on IT professionals being trained to handle and install all the latest tech. Not only is this convenient, but it gives you an edge over any competition that doesn’t have similar upgrades.

Information technology isn’t just there to make conducting business easier. Certain technologies help protect your business as well, and that’s becoming increasingly important due to the alarming rise in cyber crime. You need to make sure your company’s and your customers’ data is safe, and IT professionals can ensure you have access to the latest cyber security technology.

CONSULTING AND REVIEW

If you’re not savvy in the world of information technology, it can be hard to determine which systems would work best for your business. Relying on equipment providers can be problematic, since their primary interest is profiting off selling equipment. IT companies, on the other hand, profit off of your satisfaction, so you can count on them having your interests in mind.

IT managed services often involve an extensive review of your current technology setup. This will allow them to analyze your system’s strengths and weaknesses and recommend solutions specifically designed for your situation. In addition, they will also be able to facilitate any upgrades you want, or they can install an entirely new system.

IT MANAGED SERVICES FROM U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

If you’re looking for IT managed services you can count on, look no further than U.S. Computer Connection. We have over 25 years of experience and extensive knowledge of all the latest technology, so you can always rely on our custom solutions to optimize your business’s IT strategy. Contact us today to learn more about everything we can offer you.

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Affordable It Solutions For Small Businesses

Every business needs some kind of IT department if they want to stay competitive. So much of the modern business world has moved online that a company can hardly get noticed at all without a substantial web presence. At this point, merely having a website isn’t good enough. You need networks, data storage, customer interaction and more to even be an option for many consumers.

As technology develops, small business must develop with it and take advantage when they can. Small businesses also need to save money when they can in order to maximize profits and stimulate growth. Finding that sweet middle ground between functionality and cost can be tough, but there are solutions. Learn all about affordable IT solutions for small businesses, and discover how they can benefit you.

COLLABORATION SYSTEMS

Communication is essential when it comes to business. Whether you need to communicate with your employees, other businesses or your customers, you need to have technology that can facilitate this communication in an effective way. Proper communication allows for a faster and more efficient exchange of ideas, allowing you to forge networks of partnerships and answer customer concerns with ease.

One of the most exciting benefits of enhanced collaboration systems is that you can hire people regardless of where they live. Sometimes it’s tough to find good employees in your local area. With collaboration systems, your employees can work from home, making location irrelevant in terms of commuting distance.

CLOUD SERVICES

When you optimize your collaboration systems, you’ll probably have to share documents or other kinds of information at some point. The most efficient way to do so is with the cloud. Cloud services allow you to store data on offsite servers that are maintained independently of your company and can be accessed from anywhere.

Not only are cloud services more convenient for everyone involved, but they also provide a much more affordable alternative to hosting data on your own servers. Paying for, installing and maintaining your own servers is incredibly costly. Using cloud services eliminates that cost entirely, leaving you funds to focus on growing your business.

OUTSOURCING YOUR IT DEPARTMENT

One of the best strategies for small business is to outsource the entire IT department. Setting up your own department means you have to buy equipment, hire professional workers and managers and keep them trained with the latest advances in technology. All those costs are often impossible for small businessees, and impractical at best. Instead, you can simply outsource your IT department to an independent company.

These IT companies grant you access to all the latest technologies as well as constant professional support for all your IT issues. You can enjoy all of this and more for a mere fraction of what it would cost to fund your own IT department. You just need to make sure that whatever company you hire is reliable.

IT SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES WITH U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

If you’re looking for an IT company you can count on, U.S. Computer Connection has got you covered. Our IT solutions for small businesses are based on the latest technology and are designed to take care of all IT issues for you, allowing you to focus on running your company. Contact us today to learn more about the various solutions we’re happy to offer you.

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2018 Microsoft Product Roadmap

It’s a very exciting year for those who use Microsoft products, as they’re planning to launch quite a few new updates and versions of their most popular product lines. We know that many people weren’t too happy to get Windows upgrades during the middle of their workday, but the upcoming smaller updates are much easier to deal with.

Updates can still be off-putting when they’re unexpected, but Microsoft has released their product roadmap for the year, detailing all the new features they plan to implement in 2018. Learn more about the 2018 Microsoft product roadmap, and discover what you can expect for your favorite Microsoft products this year.

WINDOWS 10

Microsoft tends to release updates for their operating system about twice a year. The first update for Windows 10 is already out and is known as Redstone 4. Later this year, however, you can expect the Redstone 5 update. One of the major features in Redstone 5 will be the introduction of tab sets. Every tab you have related to a specific task can be organized into a set and be available with a simple click.

OFFICE 2019

With the rise of cloud computing, the Microsoft Office suite of programs has taken a backseat lately, but that doesn’t mean Microsoft is done with it. The next version of Office is scheduled for release later this year. The goal of this upgrade is to cater to businesses who are cautious about moving to the cloud. While there are plenty of benefits to cloud computing, there are important factors to consider as well. The new Office is limited to Windows 10, so keep that in mind before you upgrade.

TEAMS AND SKYPE

Teams was first launched a little over a year ago, and it’s already on track to be Microsoft’s primary unified communications offering. Their full intention is to replace Skype for Business. That means you can expect the new version of Teams to include voice calling and advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning features. By the end of the year, you can also expect Teams to include screen sharing, recording services and more. The full transition to Teams is expected to take about three years, however, so Skype for Business isn’t going anywhere soon.

SHAREPOINT 2019

Office isn’t the only thing getting an upgrade this year. Alongside it, Microsoft intends to launch SharePoint Server 2019. While they haven’t released much information about the upgrade, they have announced next-gen sync client support, modern UX throughout, Flow/PowerApps integration and more.

EXCHANGE SERVER 2019

The upcoming Exchange Server release is even more scarce on details that the SharePoint server, but you can count on them releasing around the same time later this year. Microsoft has highlighted that the new version of Exchange will focus on security, compliance, usability and manageability.

U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

Are you excited for any upcoming products on the 2018 Microsoft product roadmap? If so, you’ll need help if you want to get them installed and learn how they work on your business’s network. For IT help you can count on, U.S. Computer Connection is happy to help. We’re dedicated to helping small businesses get the most out of information technology with our numerous services performed by experienced computing professionals. Contact us today to learn more about what we can offer you.

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How To Hide Your Browser History With Encrypted Dns

With net neutrality on its way out, ISPs have more free reign than ever before to go through everything you do online. When you run a business, privacy is essential, so you don’t need ISPs selling your data to interested parties, especially competitors. Fortunately, there are ways around this, even with the death of network regulation.

One of the best ways to hide your browser history from ISPs is with an encrypted DNS or Domain Name System. Your DNS server is essentially the server ISPs use to monitor your internet habits. While it’s essential for browsing the internet, there is a way to hide your activity from your provider using encryption. Learn more about how to protect your business with Encrypted DNS.

DNSCRYPT

The original method of encrypting your DNS is DNSCrypt, which has been around for about ten years now. While it was initially designed to prevent DNS spoofing, it can be used as a privacy tool as well. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to make use of this handy system as Simple DNSCrypt for Windows and DNS Cloak for iOS have been developed. Installing either will give you added protection when your business goes online.

Your primary advantage of using DNSCrypt is that it looks and functions almost exactly like a typical DNS server in terms of function and appearance. You won’t experience too much lag in your response time and will still be able to get past some of your ISP’s firewalls. It’s important to remember, however, that DNSCrypt was never developed to meet a high standard, as it never had corporate sponsorship.

TRANSPORT LAYER SECURITY

If you’re looking for something a bit more trustworthy to protect your business’ online activity, Transport Layer Security or TLS might be a better choice. The first thing you need to know is that it’s a proposed Internet Engineering Task Force standard, which DNSCrypt was not. TLS also handles encryption in an easy-to-understand manner simply by encrypting DNS requests as they happen.

Utilizing TLS can be a bit tough, however, if your systems aren’t running on Linux. A working version for iOS has some hang, while the Windows 10 version frequently fails. When it does work, it uses Simple Public Key Infrastructure, which is a system in which a stored copy of your provider’s certificate is referenced for encryption. While this is good enough in most cases, it becomes useless if your ISP changes its certificate. You’ll have to go into the program and update it manually, which can be daunting for someone without technical expertise.

HTTPS

Arguably the best solution to your privacy concerns is using HTTPS DNS encryption. It’s the IETF standard and turns all of your provider’s DNS requests into encrypted web traffic, hiding your activities from their view. HTTPS works extremely well with web protocols, so you’ll have no problem accessing virtually anything you want without DNS requests revealing your activities.

This protocol can add some extra wait time to your browsing, but a second or so is a small price to pay for privacy and security. Quite a few DoH (DNS over HTTPS) programs are available for you, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding one. If you want to reduce the performance hit, you can actually run it through a DNSCrypt Proxy, but that’s not exactly easy to set up on your own.

DNS ENCRYPTION FROM U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

If you want to run your DNS over HTTPS in conjunction with a DNSCrypt Proxy or want to try any other privacy solution, U.S. Computer Connection is happy to help. You don’t need to learn how to hide your browser history when you can have us simply do it for you. We offer a wide variety of IT solutions for businesses and can offer as much or as little help as you want. Contact us today to learn more about how we can protect and optimize your business.

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5 Reasons Your Business Needs Image-Based Backup

Staying competitive in the modern business world means protecting your data. It’s become common practice to collect data from your customers, but when you do, you’re responsible for it. Data breaches don’t end well for companies, so it’s always a good idea to have backup plans in place.

One of the best backup methods is known as image-based backup. Most backup methods capture lines of data for later recovery, but image-based backup acts as a camera capturing a specific moment in time, encompassing all workstation and server information. This allows you to restore all the files, operating systems and applications lost after a data loss. Learn how your business can benefit from image-based backup.

REDUCED DOWNTIME

The less time you’re able to spend working, the more money you stand to lose. Downtime is one of the most harmful aspects of a data loss, but image-based backup can reduce that downtime significantly. It captures the entire system in a single moment in time, so you can bring it all back, whether you need a simple corrupted file or the entire marketing office, for example.

RELAXED HARDWARE STANDARDS

With most data recovery methods, you’ll have to find similar servers to your previous ones if you want your data back. This can take a long time to ship and can cost you significantly. With image-based backup, your data can be brought back to virtually any piece of hardware rather than an exact replica of your previous server. This also creates a shortcut for optimizing or upgrading your existing hardware.

RECOVERY WHEREVER YOU NEED IT

With the advancement of cloud computing technology, many companies are putting their data into the cloud to reduce the costs of having their own personal servers on site. While the convenience is apparent, some may be concerned about recovering their data after a cloud disaster. Fortunately, image-based backup can capture a moment in time for a cloud server just as it can for your own personal server.

REMOTE RECOVERY CAPABILITIES

If your company has branch offices, remote recovery capabilities are essential in a data outage crisis. You don’t want to have your IT team travel all the way to your remote branch to fix the problem, and you especially don’t want your untrained staff try to recover the data themselves. Image-based recovery allows your IT team to recover data on servers remotely, regardless of their geographical location, and put it on new servers in any location.

CONSISTENT IT MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

It’s often cost-effective to have a central IT department rather than a department for every single branch of your company. Since image-based backup systems can be operated from anywhere, it’s easier to maintain IT standards. Having your IT team guide untrained employees over the phone on how to solve disaster problems typically makes recovery even harder. Data is the lifeblood of your business, so you need to make sure it’s adequately protected, no matter how far you expand.

DATA BACKUP AND DISASTER RECOVERY FROM U.S. COMPUTER CONNECTION

image-based backup can do wonders for your business, but you’ll need the help of professionals if you want to implement it into your system. That’s where U.S. Computer Connection comes in. We offer image-based solutions and instant onsite and offsite virtualization, so you can be sure your data is safe should disaster strike. Contact us today to learn more about our disaster recovery solutions and everything else we can offer you.

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Cloud Computing 101

Cloud computing is a vital part of modern business. Instead of having all your data and processes stored on individual computers and devices, it all moves onto the internet to be stored in remote servers. This allows information to be accessed from anywhere, remotely, at any time, and these servers are collectively known as the “cloud.”

Let’s discuss the benefits of cloud computing and learn more about how this can benefit your modern business.

HOW DOES THE CLOUD WORK?

To have cloud storage, you need a provider with an infrastructure that can safely store the data. Google Drive or Microsoft Office 365 are two examples of these providers that serve relatively simple data needs of most people.

Businesses, however, need more advanced data storage options. Some cloud computing services offer storage space, software applications, operating systems and other complex services on their own servers, which is quite beneficial for the needs of businesses. These are often referred to as “aaS” services, or “as-a-service,” such as software-as-a-service.

BENEFITS OF CLOUD COMPUTING

There’s no option that offers more flexibility than cloud computing, but it comes with many additional benefits.

Buying hardware or software downloads can be expensive, but with cloud computing, these services tend to be more cost effective.

Cloud providers usually tend to their own server maintenance and data management, which puts less stress on the in-house IT team.

Reliable internet connections are needed for cloud computing, but accessing cloud services is much easier than dealing with devices that are struggling with complex software. This cuts the downtime and boosts efficiency.

Cloud computing is generally more secure and offers more storage space and options than most small businesses would have access to otherwise.

We mentioned flexibility, but there’s a bit more to it than that. A company can easily purchase more cloud capabilities as needed and disable unneeded capabilities as necessary. This eliminates the need for constant hardware and systems’ updates as the company grows because it’s all available quickly and easily with cloud updates.

IS CLOUD COMPUTING RIGHT FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS?

Cloud computing is a modular, flexible solution for many business owners. As it continues to evolve and grow, more and more businesses will likely be switching over to this modern technology option.

Cloud systems can be implemented into your current business structure in a variety of ways, so if you’re unsure where to start, you may want to enlist the help of a cyber security consulting services from U.S. Computer Connection. It’s always best to divide your data at the local level, keeping only certain information on the cloud, and you’ll need a secure, reliable system to ensure all your data is protected. Our cyber security consultants can help you set up a cloud system in a way that makes sense for your business and allows you to reap all the benefits of this flexible system, so you can relax and focus your attention on your operations.

Call or visit U.S. Computer Connection to discuss our cyber security consulting services and learn more about how we can help your small business.

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How To Avoid Being Tracked Online

With the role of the internet in modern business, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the many sites that are pulling information from you. Whether it’s Google or your social networks, every time to browse the internet, your activity it tracked to sell to marketers.

Fortunately, there are a few ways you can avoid being tracked online and keep your data protected.

TRACKING IDS

“Cookies” are data files that are stored in your browser and have a unique ID to track your activity. This allows advertising networks to use your browsing information to market different products or services.

You can reset your cookie ID by taking the time to clear your cookies on a regular basis. You can also browse the internet in private mode to limit the use of cookies, but it’s not complete anonymity.

The drawback to clearing cookies is that it also wipes your login information and prevents certain websites from displaying.

LOCATION

Location information is important for many different apps or sites, such as your navigation services or some video services, but it’s not necessary for every site. Your location services can be used to monitor your location and activity online.

Your location services can easily be disabled in your phone’s settings, fortunately, and you can choose to disable them only for specific apps. Some apps won’t work without your location, however, so it’s better to choose individual apps to disable these services.

LOGIN

Online accounts are needed for most sites, but they’re also a great way to track you online. Social networks, Google and many shopping or information sites require a login to work properly.

It’s impossible to avoid all the account logins, but you can still minimize your use of accounts. If you’re shopping on a website, don’t make an account until you need to, and avoid using ID information whenever possible. You can also create different emails to connect with different accounts to limit tracking, though that’s inconvenient.

IP ADDRESS

Your Internet Protocol (IP) address shows your location information on your phone or computer to give you messages and load websites. These can also help companies track you across all your devices as well since there’s typically only one IP address for a home network.

You can mask your IP address, however. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can route your internet traffic through separate IP addresses, and a TOR browser will reroute traffic through third-party servers to make you more difficult to track effectively.

The drawbacks here are that a TOR browser isn’t a high speed, so your internet performance will suffer. VPNs are safe and effective, but you need to be sure that you trust the provider.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS’S DATA

Avoiding internet tracking is beneficial in any environment, but it becomes far more important when you own a business.

If you want to avoid tracking and protect valuable data from being accessed from your business, you may want to consider a small business computer consultant from U.S. Computer Connection. We can help you set up your business’s system and network for success and keep your assets protected online, so call or visit us today to discuss our services!

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Managed IT Service Providers

As a business owner, you understand that keeping your IT environment running smoothly and efficiently is incredibly important, but it takes a lot of attention and the right skilled staff. Many businesses struggle to keep up with the changing landscape of IT and retain the staff they need, which is why managed IT service providers are a great solution for a modern business.

Instead of retaining the traditional in-house IT staff to handle all of your business’s needs, you have a full team of professional IT service providers that can handle all your time-consuming tasks. This takes the pressure off you, so you can focus all your attention on your business.

MANAGED IT SERVICES FOR BUSINESS

With managed IT services for business at U.S. Computer Connection, you’ll have the benefit of a full team of IT talent to handle all of your business IT tasks. Our experienced network engineers work with many businesses like yours, so we can manage your workstations, network, users, servers and anything else your traditional IT team would.

PROACTIVE CARE PLUS EXECUTIVE PLAN

Our Proactive Care Plus Executive Plan (PCPe) is a full-management plan with unlimited services, on-site support on demand, helpdesk and advanced security features. This solution is designed for a company that needs the benefits of a full team of IT professionals.

Outsourcing your IT tasks to our team with the Proactive Care Plus Executive Plan gives you the benefit of full management of your existing network, full installation or migration of a new or upgraded network and full support from our expert team, whenever you need it.

PROACTIVE CARE PLUS PLAN

Our Proactive Care Plus Plan (PCP) offers modified services for a low, flat monthly fee for your computers and servers. With this option, you pre-purchase hours for on-site support, general IT services, helpdesk or any other IT tasks you may need. This is a great solution for a company that prefers IT services on an as-needed basis, as opposed to employing a full team of IT professionals, and for owners who enjoy taking an active role in IT network management.

This is also an excellent choice for companies that have some IT staff or computer-savvy employees and just need a little additional IT support.

EXPERT TECHNOLOGY CONSULTATION

To get the most out of your IT department, you need business technology that’s tailored to your unique business. At U.S. Computer Connection, our team has over 25 years of experience developing unique IT strategies to adapt to changing business demands.

Here are a few of our services:

IT project blueprint

Budgeting

Procurement and implementation

Server migrationNetwork integration

New system installation

System and software updates

BROWSE OUR MANAGED IT SERVICES

As a business owner, you have a lot to worry about, but when it comes to IT, there are many solutions to help your business. You have many managed IT service providers to choose from, but not all offer the comprehensive IT services and the support and knowledge from a brilliant team of industry professionals at U.S. Computer Connection.

Call or visit us today to discuss our managed IT services and see how we can help your business succeed!

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Protect Your Laptop… Even After It’S Stolen

At U.S. Computer Connection, we know there is no perfect business IT solution for a stolen laptop. If anything, a stolen laptop is almost anyone’s worst nightmare. These days, we keep our entire lives on these portable computers. Photos, work files, games, creative projects and sensitive data are all there, and thieves are ready to take advantage of that. The good news is there are key ways to protect your laptop even after it’s stolen.

ENCRYPT YOUR DATA

According to Dennis Stuart, a security engineer who interviewed about this issue for the New York Times, a typical password-protected user account does not actually protect data. Hackers and scammers cannot log onto your computer if your password is strong enough, but they have other methods at their disposal. Unscrupulous persons use such methods to copy your files, tweak your data and use your personal information for negative purposes. Some thieves are determined enough to remove your computer’s hard drive and put it into their own computers, giving them access to all your files.

Stuart and other experts do not recommend relying on thumb drives, either. Many people use thumb drives because they are so easy to carry around, but this advantage works for thieves and hackers the same way it does for law-abiding citizens. Experts also do not recommend writing passwords down or trying to store them in your head. Unless you have a photographic memory, you will not remember every password for every file or program you use on a daily basis. Additionally, writing passwords down gives illegitimate users the perfect inroad to your files.

The one thing Stuart and other experts recommend you do is, encrypt your data. Encrypted files need a key to be interpreted; even if a thief accesses an encrypted file, he or she will not be able to use it. Encryption is a great business IT solution, and much easier than people think. It only takes a few minutes, and anyone with a home laptop or other computer can do it.

ENCRYPTION 101

You have several encryption options, so choose the one that is best for your computer. On Windows, you can use Device Encryption, which will protect all your data if you log in to Windows with a Microsoft account. If you prefer, you can use BitLocker, which is available for Professional versions of Windows. It is best for computers that do not support Device Encryption or computer systems tied to a small or midsize business. Remember, the more sensitive your data is, the stronger your encryption must be.

Encrypting your computer is as simple as a few clicks. You can enable Device Encryption or manage BitLocker through your Settings menu; just head to About for Encryption or Systems and Security for BitLocker. Once you have found your encryption system, you will be prompted to create a password that serves as your encryption key. Remember to include upper- and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols for extra strength.

If neither Encryption nor BitLocker is available, we recommend VeraCrypt. This program easily encrypts your entire hard drive but requires your password each time you log on. If you have a Mac laptop instead of a Windows system, consider using a similar system called FileVault. Remember, no matter what system you use, always store your encryption key in a safe place away from your computer.

CONTACT US

If you need help encrypting your computer or choosing an encryption method, please contact U.S. Computer Connection today.

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