Computer tip of the day: Virus Protection

a person holding a credit card in front of a laptop

In today’s computer tip of the day, the topic of protecting your PC is at hand and we would like to touch on the importance of virus protection. Whether you are browsing the net, making purchases, doing a bit of online banking or exchanging emails — a quality virus protection software is a must.

There are hundreds of thousands of individuals all over the world who want something from you — and that something may be money, sensitive data or just to simply wreak havoc on your system.

Many hackers, unfortunately, accomplish this by sending out computer viruses through email attachments, download files, and false websites or advertisements.

What is a computer virus anyway?

There are numerous types of viruses out there on the worldwide web. Thus, the way in which they can affect your computer may vary. Nonetheless, a virus is something that is created by computer hackers all over the world, who ultimately want to do harm to your computer. Here are a few examples of what can happen in the absence of virus protection:

  • Send out unauthorized messages and information
  • Damage portions of the system
  • Steal personal data such as passwords, banking info, etc…
  • Slow down computer performance

Just like a person with a lowered immune system, your computer without virus protection system is just as susceptible to falling ill. Quality virus protection can be your first line of defense against any potential risks of attack. Below are some listed features to look out for in an antivirus program:

  • Real-time scanner
  • Webmail protection
  • Scheduled scans
  • Compressed file scanner

If you, unfortunately, think or know you may have contracted a computer virus, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are more than happy to discuss removal options and how we can help you secure your network.

IT Support in West Palm Beach Offers Protection From Severe Weather

a lightning bolt hitting over a field at night

it support in west palm beach

 

South Florida is well-known for its violent and severe weather phenomena. Soaring temperatures, hurricanes, tropical storms, hail, and thunderstorms are all recurrent problems. IT support for companies in West Palm Beach must involve protections against the possible effects of severe weather. Power outages, floods, overheated facilities, and storm damage pose a serious threat to your company’s computer systems. Without the appropriate measures, a company may sustain staggering data loss and prolonged interruptions in business operations.

What are some of the ways that IT support professionals in West Palm Beach can help your company survive severe weather?

  • Backing up your data regularly and reliably prevents permanent data loss and provides your company with up-to-date copies of data in the aftermath of an IT disaster.
  • Maintaining different lines of communication that your company can rely on during violent weather and when employees are stuck at home or stranded at various locations.
  • Checking that the temperatures and humidity levels at your offices and facilities aren’t harmful to your computers, servers, and other technology.
  • Helping you repair or securely discard damaged devices in the aftermath of a weather-related disaster.
  • Ensuring that your devices benefit from reliable power protection. Thus, guarding against the effects of power surges and outages.
  • Making cable installation decisions that minimize the potential effects of extreme temperatures and violent weather.
  • Helping you develop a disaster recovery and business continuity plan. This gives you an effective and organized way to respond to disasters.

The costs of severe or extreme weather are potentially staggering. A key way to mitigate the effects of harsh weather is to protect your company’s computer systems and devices. Doing so will minimize downtime, shorten interruptions in business operations, and spare you some of the steep costs of lost data and damaged devices. Don’t hesitate to contact us for further advice and assistance regarding IT support in West Palm Beach.

How Can IT Support for Your Small Businesses Help Improve Customer Service?

a man is working on some paper with markers and pencils
t support small businesses

Customer service is critical for your company’s success. Recent data reported at Small Business Trends shows that some form of poor customer service is responsible for over half the negative complaints small businesses receive.

One function of strong IT support for small businesses is to enhance customer service in a number of ways, including the following:

Minimizing Downtime for the Business Website

Customers need consistent access to the site, for example to contact the business, buy products, leave comments and reviews, sign into their accounts, download forms, and look up important information.

Gathering and Analyzing Information About Customers

Businesses can better serve their customers and respond effectively to concerns and complaints by having a clearer picture of who their customers are. They need to understand the customers both as individuals and as members of a larger group. IT support professionals can help your business implement powerful solutions for managing customer relationships and gathering, organizing, and analyzing data from customers. They can help you maintain databases of critical customer information.

Establishing Reliable Ways to Deliver Customer Service

For example, IT support professionals can help you establish and maintain a reliable business email service and Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions.

When your business enjoys strong IT support, customers also benefit. Your employees are able to work more productively and efficiently. Both customer and employee data are more secure and, thanks to reliable backup and recovery measures, are less vulnerable to permanent loss.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to further discuss how we can help you improve your customer service performance, along with strengthening your business operations in many other respects.

IT Consulting Support Services in Fort Lauderdale

a person typing on a laptop with their hands

If you’re like most small businesses in Fort Lauderdale, you have very little time for anything other than running your business. So, the thought of developing an information technology (IT) infrastructure equipped with a fully functioning network may seem like a daunting task.

At Bluwater Technologies, we offer innovative, IT solutions for your business to streamline IT processes and increase business efficiencies.

Specifically, Bluwater Technologies of  Fort Lauderdale can provide IT support services to address this problem by analyzing your company’s business plan and assessing current IT systems to ensure the proper integration of all IT systems.  Bluwater IT solutions are proven and designed to enhance current data processing plans to ensure effective workflow and simplify data management systems.

Bluwater can offer the following IT consulting support services to transform your business and streamline IT processes:

IT Analysis

We can remove IT barriers or flaws from your current IT systems or from emerging cloud and digital technologies. Then, identify tools and solutions to integrate new technology.

IT Installation

We align installation IT plans to offer businesses with the ability to leverage cloud and digital technologies using vendor partnerships and strategic planning.

Technology Direction

Bluwater offers IT expertise related to network consulting, technical support services,  IT outsourcing, computer security, trusted vendor partnerships, and strategic planning.

At Bluwater, we diligently work with our customers to provide custom, high-quality, IT consulting services to develop a business strategy specific to your industry and business.

Contact us today to schedule an IT consultation with a Bluwater expert in Fort Lauderdale!

 

Computer Tip of the Day: Is Your Computer Hacked?

a computer screen with many words on it

Having a hacked computer can be a business’ worst nightmare. When that does happen, it’s important to take actions as soon as possible. Early detection can ultimately save your money, identity, and time. In this computer tip of the day, we we show you signs to look for if you suspect your network’s security has been compromised.

Strange Hacked programs

If you see unfamiliar software suddenly appearing on your computer, it is best to be wary. Chances are, you probably installed these unknowingly when you tried to set up another program. Even if they came with legitimate programs, they could still be dangerous to have around.

Fake antivirus messages

It is very common for hackers to pop up messages on your computer to announce that you suddenly have viruses. Their goal is to convince you to buy their security software, at which point your credit card and personal information will be stolen. Any time you spot warnings that are not from your trusted antivirus programs, take precautions immediately.

Hacked Cursor movement

Problems in your mouse can cause the screen cursor to move around randomly, which should not be alarming. However, if you notice your cursor performing actions without your control (such as clicking on and successfully opening programs), it is likely that someone else is using the computer. Hackers typically try to do this as sneakily as possible and at times when you are likely not there, such as in the middle of the night. This makes it easier for them to then break into other computers in the network and steal sensitive information.

Random toolbars

As with programs being installed on your computer, you probably agreed to installation of strange toolbars for your browser as you set up another software. Besides toolbars, hackers can make other changes to your browser such as setting a new homepage or default search engine. Be wary if you suddenly see your browser being configured without your knowledge.

Please contact us for more information on security and what to do when your network is hacked.