by Felicien | May 19, 2017 | Education
Unless you have been totally disconnected from the world the last few days, you have heard about the WannaCry ransomware attack that has been spreading around the world. This attack is being dubbed by some as the precursor to a larger, more focused attack once the extent of the vulnerability is revealed.
Those primarily affected are running unsupported systems like Windows XP, pirated or illegal copies of Windows, and those not staying current on operating system patches.
What is the right response to WannaCry? What should your IT team be doing?
In the wake of the news of the WannaCry ransomware attack, the cyber-security professionals of {company} went immediately to work.
While we believed that the workstations and servers we support had been patched appropriately to protect against the WannaCry attack, we still took the time to review all of the workstations and servers we support to determine if there are any that may have been missing the patches needed.
Beyond this immediate response, we also proactively surveyed the security of our internal network to protect the resources we depend on in delivering IT services to you.
Here’s a checklist that your IT support provider SHOULD be doing.
Actively monitoring all security fixes and patches for Microsoft, Adobe, and other major software packages commonly used and applying them as soon as possible.
This can be frustrating to end users when their workstations interrupt their work by restarting or operating slowly, but it is a critical part of staying safe in today’s technology-infused world.
Eliminating unsupported operating systems and software wherever possible.
The cost of continually upgrading and replacing workstations and servers can feel like an unnecessary drain on company resources. WannaCry – and similar attacks – are the reason why {company} IT consultants talk regularly with our clients about replacing unsupported hardware.
The Windows 10 operating system was not affected at all by this attack. Staying current on operating systems and other software is a critical part of staying safe in today’s world.
Segregating your private network from your guest network.
Over the last year, the {company} team has been more forcefully recommending the creation of separate networks for guest workstations and employee-owned equipment. This has felt inconvenient to many, and in some ways, it is. Again, attacks like WannaCry are the reason why we recommend this change.
{company} works actively to keep our client’s equipment patched and up-to-date. But we cannot do the same for equipment we do not support. By providing a separate network for non-company owned equipment, we can provide the Internet connection needed without endangering the company’s valuable assets.
These are just some of the proactive steps we take to help secure the networks we support. But cyber security is a team effort. We cannot do this on our own.
What can you do to help in the process of securing your company against cyber crime?
{company} IT consultants recommend that the primary contact for your company meet regularly with your IT support team to discuss and plan the technology for the company. This will give you the clearest picture of what is being done with the company’s technology.
Armed with a high-level picture of your company’s IT strategy, you will be able to:
Be an advocate for proactive technology practices in your company.
Ask questions. Of your IT support team – so you feel comfortable with the direction of your business technology. Of your coworkers, so you know what’s happening with the technology in the rest of your company.
Share information from the Strategic Business Reviews with others, and encouraging them to be involved in the process.
Encourage technology training and awareness for all members of your staff. WannaCry and similar attacks begin by someone clicking on something they should not. Education and awareness can often be just as important as up-to-date systems.
Whether you like it or not, technology has become an integral part of our daily lives. Properly cared for, it can be a valuable asset. But when ignored, it can be an ugly beast that can lay waste to the business.
{company} is proactively working to secure and maintain the networks of our clients, and we encourage our clients to take an active role in their own IT and to implement common sense cyber-security policies.
How has YOUR current IT support team responded to the WannaCry threat? Have they been efficient, informative, and communicative? Maybe it’s time for a change.
We’re here to help! Contact us now at {phone} or {email}
Bonus Info! – Here are some articles that we looked at as we researched this latest WannaCry threat. Take a look!
ESET: https://www.welivesecurity.com/2017/05/13/wanna-cryptor-ransomware-outbreak/
Symantec: https://www.symantec.com/connect/blogs/what-you-need-know-about-wannacry-ransomware
Microsoft: https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/msrc/2017/05/12/customer-guidance-for-wannacrypt-attacks/
Times Now: http://www.timesnow.tv/technology-science/article/india-windows-piracy-wannacry-ransomware-rbi-atm/61104
CNN: http://money.cnn.com/2017/05/14/technology/global-cyberattack-explanation/
CNET: https://www.cnet.com/news/wannacry-wannacrypt-uiwix-ransomware-everything-you-need-to-know/
by Felicien | May 19, 2017 | Education
Facebook Groups can be a valuable tool for your business – if you use them correctly!
A Facebook Group allows you to connect with a community of Facebook users over a shared feed and a common interest. The interest could be your business, your type of products, your general industry, or any related topic. Some brands are hesitant to jump into Groups, so we’re going to look at several of the benefits they hold for businesses that take the time.
Facilitate Conversation
It’s tough to manage a Facebook Group, especially if you already have a Facebook Business Page to worry about. But one of the most useful aspects to a Group page is the ability to just help people talk. You don’t need to be always on or always engaging with people to use a Group properly: Instead, stop by to ask questions, talk about the latest news, and offer new info about your brand. A healthy group will take care of a lot of conversation itself after this. Later on, when time opens up, you can go through the latest conversations and answer any specific questions or issues that may have arisen. The goal is to give your customers a sense of community, which increases loyalty and brings up any shared problems to the surface.
Offer Guides and Instructions
When any questions or problems do arise in the group – and are within your ability to deal with in an expert way – the Group also gives you an effective place to answer questions correctly where other interested parties can see what you are doing. If a question or topic comes up frequently, then you may want to consider posting a fuller guide or description to help the Group out. This is particularly useful for companies that sell consumer products, but there are applications for most industries with a little imagination.
Link to The Proper Page and Website
Do you have a Business Page on Facebook? If not, you should get one: They add a whole lot of value, including significant SEO when they are properly built and described. One of the advantages that Business Pages bring is the ability to link a Group to your specific business profile, essentially identifying it as the business in charge. When creating a Group of your own, always make this step a priority: You can link the two in the settings on your Business Page.
Reach Out on Social Media as a Business
One of the more recent updates that Facebook has made to the Business profiles is the ability to post in the Group as the business itself. This should be one of your first steps when setting up or entering a Group! As long as your Page is linked to a Group (described in the previous step), you will be able to post as your business page. This keeps your comments from showing up as one of the team member’s accounts, which can be quite confusing in a Group. Posting as the business adds a lot of authority, and shows valuable competency in social media too.
Create a Group Chatbot
Another change Facebook recently unveiled was work with developers to create more Group chatbots. These automated bots can be opened up in the Messenger window, where they can do…well, whatever conversational tasks they are programmed to. For most Groups, that means the ability to provide basic information and new, and for Groups focused on specific brands, that could extend to answering questions about products as well. This is a newer tool, but still very exciting for automated conversations and spreading information among newcomers.
Discuss Ideas and Productions
If you want to be a little more adventurous with your Facebook Group, then use it as a mini test lab to discuss the application of new ideas, services and products. This is a great step after brainstorming, because collected partners and customers will almost always be able to provide different angles and valuable opinions that would not have been available otherwise.
Use Facebook Live More
Does livestreaming have a place in your business? We encourage you to look for one, because the benefits of well-done livestreaming are myriad. For one thing, your Facebook Group is an excellent place to advertise your livestream before it takes place, answer questions after the livestream, and post the video once you are finished. Don’t let that synergy go to waste!
Find out more about how to use Facebook for your {company} business today by contacting {company} at {email} or {phone} to talk about how our services can help out!
by Felicien | May 19, 2017 | Education
Don’t let your next IT project succumb to these common pitfalls that businesses face.
IT projects: They’re commonplace, important for business growth – and they fail all the time. But what causes a big systems upgrade or change to flunk out? That’s a whole lot of time, energy and money going to waste for the business, and obviously, no one wants it to happen. Typically, the failure of an IT project has roots in the very beginning of the process, where serious mistakes were made and left unchecked until the whole thing becomes unviable. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of this failure, and why it’s important to deal with these issues before the project begins.
No Clear Goals
You would think that today’s businesses would have this problem under control by now, but despite this being one of the most frequent pieces of advice given, it’s still a trouble spot. Too many companies launch an IT project with only a vague idea of what they’re doing, like “upgrade security” or “switch to this new platform we found.” A systems change like this absolutely must have clear goals in terms of ROI, sales, data protection, or any other field that it deals with. This is a time where consulting with an IT specialist can prove very valuable…as long as it’s done in the early stages.
A Lack of IT Experience from the Professionals
Sometimes a plan can be well constructed, but the leadership and experience just aren’t there. This problem occurs a lot when organizations put their current IT expert on a project. An excellent IT department leader may have no idea how to properly complete a data migration project if that isn’t their area of expertise. It’s not a matter of finding IT people to complete the project, it’s a matter of finding experts who have experience completing this type of project in the past. That may mean bringing in outside help or making a few new hires.
An Impossible Deadline
This is a problem if company leadership sets a firm deadline for the project to be completed, and then hands it off to a team to work on. Reality doesn’t work like that. Too many projects are started under impossible deadlines because the team – which usually knows that the goal is impossible – doesn’t have a choice. It’s important to get expert advice on how long a full rollout would take, and then setting the appropriate deadlines, which may need to be updated as the project progresses.
Too Much Scope Creep
Scope creep is common without clear goals or an experienced team. Basically, an IT project starts as something simple and then spins more and more out of control, involving ever greater changes and more goals until the whole thing collapses under its own weight without the resources to finish it. It’s frequently a product of too much enthusiasm and too little thought among companies that haven’t attempted a big IT change before.
Formatting and Compatibility Woes
Even the most efficient project can run into severe problems with compatibility. If it turns out that the new project includes formats that cannot be used with existing, required platforms, that the project is likely to just be canceled. Compatibility issues for all data should be examined early for issues. Skipping this step is asking for trouble.
Lack of Buy-In or Understanding
If the project involves new software or data practices, then all employees need to understand them and have the proper motivation to make the changes in their own habits. An update can roll out successfully but then completely fail because no one changes their own actions and the update is never utilized. A big IT project requires a lot of close work with HR, too!
Ignoring Regulations
The idea for a systems change may be ambitious and fancy, but it also needs to meet with current and upcoming compliance requirements. Don’t get so excited that you forget about how the industry is regulated.
A Lack of Security
If someone discovers a security vulnerability in a new proposed system, it doesn’t have a chance. Always properly vet system options and look for vendors that have at least the minimum standard of security for your industry.
For more questions about how to make sure that your {city} IT project goes off without these infamous hitches, contact {company} today. You can reach us at {phone} or send us a message at {email}.
by Felicien | May 19, 2017 | Education
Windows 10 is still evolving: Here’s what you can expect in the coming months.
The Creators Update gave Windows 10 a lot of basic improvement and syncing changes, plus some welcome updates to Microsoft Edge and Cortana. It was exciting, and appears to be largely bug-free so far, which is a big win for Microsoft – but what’s on the horizon now? When will Windows 10 be updated again, and will that update include any particularly valuable features for your business? Here’s what we know so far.
A New Update This Year
Even back in 2016, Microsoft announced that it would probably have two big Windows 10 updates in 2017. That information appears to be confirmed by Microsoft itself at Ignite Australia, where it was reported that a second Update would be released after the first Creators Update. Microsoft has had specific goals set for this update for a long time, so it’s pretty easy to expect an autumn upgrade for Windows.
Smaller Updates
We’re already seeing a shift on the subject of updates for the Insider Program. It’s very likely that Microsoft will bring this shift to all users in the coming months: The change focuses on moving away from very large updates like the Anniversary, which can introduce bug problems and other issues. Instead, the company will probably focus on smaller, more frequent updates via the Unified Update Platform. Not to get too deep into the data, but this involved a bit quality update that will allow Microsoft to move away from twice-yearly upgrades and monthly quality updates to a more flexible system that will involve smaller and smoother changes.
A “People Bar”
The People Bar is a somewhat mysterious bit of Windows 10 that features something called “My People.” It appears to be some type of integrated social experience that focuses more on the people in your life. Possibly it brings your contacts to your home page with some kind of icons that provide status updates about what friends are doing. You can see something like this on the Xbox One, which could be a template for non-gaming sectors as well. This feature is probably destined to come out in latter 2017.
Project Neon
Project Neon has all the developer excited: It’s a design tool for developers to use when developing Windows 10 apps. It focuses heavily on specific interface features to change how apps look and load on Windows 10, which includes app animations, transparency, and much more. After this is released – which could be sometime this year, although no promises – you can expect to see smoother, more pleasant app experiences throughout Windows.
More Syncing Features
We’ve already seen some updates for syncing via the latest Creators Update, but Microsoft has indicated that it wants to add a lot more integration for both the office and the average person. This includes greater ability to know where you were in a document or file on another device, and take you there automatically when you log onto Windows 10 again. It also includes more copy and paste features that allow you to copy content between compatible devices, including Android and iOS.
All of this works thanks to the data-centric Microsoft Graph, which is another interesting decision. Graph already powers a lot of the project management software for Office 365, and bringing it to Windows 10 in a more traditional sense has a lot of potential. It remains to be seen if Microsoft has anything else planned for Graph on Windows, but it wouldn’t be a surprise.
Windows 10 Cloud
Windows 10 Cloud needs some explanation. This is expected to be a new version of Windows 10 based on hardware that will allow it to port directly over to mobile devices and ultrabooks: A lighter, faster version of Windows 10 that can be used on a variety of mobile platforms instead of just the Surface line.
Microsoft is working on this version of Windows 10 for a couple reasons. One, it allows them to compete more directly with Chromebooks, the other cheap, cloud-focused ultrabook that is becoming one of the most popular laptops around due to low prices. Microsoft would love to release a low-cost line of laptops with Windows, or at least Windows 10 apps for other devices. Second, Windows 10 Cloud could allow them a stricter platform for selling apps and controlling design issues, although we’re not sure to what extent this will happen. Expect to hear a lot more about Windows 10 Cloud in the coming months.
If you have more questions about how to use Windows safely and effectively for your {city} company, {company} can help! Contact us at {email} or call us at {phone} to find out more about how we can help improve your data strategy.
by Felicien | May 18, 2017 | Education
The right age to buy a smartphone is a tough decision for parents. Most experts suggest middle school age children are more likely to handle the responsibility of owning a mobile device.
There’s little doubt over the appeal tech has for children. Each holiday, most kids are likely to fill their wish lists with the latest video games, tablets, and mobile devices. As more of their peers start showing off their own smartphones, your child may become insistent on having his or her own device. Experts warn though of buying smartphones for children who are not yet responsible enough.
Average Smartphone Ownership Stats
According to data compiled by Influence Central, the average age of children getting their first smartphone is on the decline. Back in 2012, the average age was 12. In 2016, the age is 10 with some children getting their own devices as young as 7. One reason cited for the decrease? More and more parents are tired of loaning their own devices to children eager to play the latest and greatest app.
Age Versus Maturity
Experts can’t seem to agree whether age or maturity level should be the biggest factor when deciding on the appropriate age of ownership. According to a recent 2017 interview featuring Microsoft founder Bill Gates, he banned his own children from carrying smartphones until the age of 14. His children weren’t permitted unrestricted use after this point either. Gates went on to say he doesn’t allow cell phones at mealtimes and he sets limits on screen time.
Although many experts claim between the ages of 12 and 14 are fine for children to own a smartphone, many watchdog organizations like Common Sense Media stress the importance of judging a child’s emotional readiness too. A few considerations:
Would you describe your child as having a strong sense of personal responsibility?
Does your child have a tendency to misplace important things often?
Will the phone be required for safety concerns such as picking up from practice and going over a friend’s house for a sleepover?
Would your child be able to follow the rules regarding the smartphone like not texting during school?
Is your child the type to retreat into games and apps and not engage with others?
The answers to these questions will help you make a calculated decision over whether your child is ready for a phone or not. Remind your child that the smartphone is a privilege and can be revoked due to misuse. Since you may only need a smartphone temporarily for your child, don’t get locked into a long-term mobile contract. Purchase a prepaid or month to month phone plan.
When Not to Buy a Smartphone
Caving to peer pressure isn’t a valid reason to buy your kid a smartphone. Just because all of his or her friends seem to own one, doesn’t mean you have to purchase a device to help him or her “fit in.” Don’t buy a smartphone as a toy for your child either. If your child wishes to play mobile applications, there are kid-friendly tablets available with more restrictions in place.
The bottom line is later you can wait to buy your child a smartphone the better. Videos, apps and messaging can all become addictive. If you buy a smartphone too early, you will have a harder time controlling screen time limits.
by Felicien | May 18, 2017 | Education
Groups on Outlook is a great team management tool if you don’t want to adopt a whole new app.
“Groups” has been an ability in Office 365 that allows you to create a digital team and share information with them, where everyone can share permissions in common. It’s a handy tool for small-time team management (more complex tools are available for multi-team and whole-office management needs), and Microsoft is making it even better. Case in point: Groups in Outlook offers an alternative form of the Groups tool that may just be perfect for your company if you don’t really want to get invested in all the Office 365 tools, but still want a way to manage teams.
Organization for Your Important Projects
Groups in Outlook creates a new Outlook section called Groups, where you can create various Groups (teams, temp teams, departments, ongoing projects, you get the idea) and then add your Outlook contacts. Anyone who is in Groups can see all emails and other conversations there, including new emails to the group that haven’t been read yet. Anyone can respond to an email within the group.
Provide Resources for Your Team
Shared email conversations are far from the only advantage that Groups provides in Outlook. The section also automatically sets up a SharePoint Document Library, a OneNote Notebook, and a SharePoint Team, among other resources for the Group to use. Anyone added to the group can use these resources – you can see how this can become a viable alternative to Office 365 and Microsoft Teams. Use these tools to store permanent resources for your team, sharing current and updated information that everyone needs to know, and collect, edit or share documents that people are working on.
Guest Access for More Flexible Work Situations
One of the recent updates to Outlook Groups was the ability to quickly give guest access to the Group. This is useful in several situations. If your company uses a lot of temporary or seasonal workers that won’t be here forever but still need access to important data, the guest access option is ideal. It also works particularly well if you are in a partnership or project with an external organization and need to give a contact access to your team information. Finally, if you enable remote work or freelancers for particular projects, guest access may be the best solution for sharing important information.
Schedule Common Events
The integration of Groups and Outlook continues over to the Outlook Calendar. The Group automatically creates a shared Calendar: Any events that you add to this calendar will be set and shared for all Group members. It’s a handy way to make sure everyone will get important event reminders and keep updated on any event changes, especially if they aren’t paying attention to all the details. You can also add group events to your individual calendar for a more flexible approach
Assigning Tasks for Managers
Groups also gives you access to a shared Planner. Even moreso than the shared Calendar, this is useful for managing teams that have ongoing tasks which need to be consistently updated. You can use the Planner to assign specific tasks, check on older tasks, update task details, and generally make sure that workflow is progressing as desired. It’s a simple and affordable option, particularly for small businesses that aren’t ready to graduate to a larger management platform quite yet. It’s also worthwhile to point out the benefits of easy conversation tracking inside each Group, which is useful for accountability.
Acting as Group
Admins with the ability to use this tool can send emails on behalf of the entire group. This is especially useful when you prefer to communicate with a client as the entire team or project instead of as a single person – or if you are talking to another department that may not know the individual, but would easily recognize the group project. Representation as the Group itself has many applications!
Full Mobile Support
Another recent update to Groups expands its capabilities across more devices than ever before. Groups in Outlook is now available on Mac, iOS and Android devices. This allows you to connect with employees and partners no matter what devices they prefer to use.
Of course, the first step is knowing if the adoption of Groups will work for your {city} business and security needs. For more information, contact {company} at {phone} or send us a message at {email} for more information about our services!
