Computer Tip of the Day: Computer Speed

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When a new business ventures out or when an older business requires renovation of their policies and procedures for better productivity, the owner would ideally have operations running smoothly before proceeding with normal business activities. This is especially true with regard to obtaining and maintaining equipment. This includes desktop computers, laptop computers, phones, printers, scanners, and other common technology necessities.

The last thing any business needs while dealing with its customers is to get “stuck upstream without a paddle,” as the old adage says, and lose out on potential business prospects and loyal customers due to preventable problems. Though some difficulties cannot be avoided, as is the case within most businesses, there is a way to minimize the overall impact.

Improving Computer Speed

A common and frequently misunderstood problem that can be mitigated, if not outright eliminated, is slow computers in the business. The problem of slow computer speed within the business infrastructure can be attributed to many things. Things that a tailored IT support plan could serve to eliminate. Addressing this problem saves time, which in turn saves money. For instance, when a new computer is purchased, it typically comes with a lot of preinstalled software. This is called trial software, a lot of which is never used. The unused software running in the background of the computer can noticeably slow it down. Excessive software installations can also cause a computer to outright break down.

Another common facet contributing to slowness is computer hardware. One might have scored what appears to be a good deal on a laptop. However, why was it such a good deal? Is there a catch? Could it be lacking something? Computers are often sold with an amount of RAM memory insufficient for what the user needs to accomplish her specific tasks within a reasonable time. Obtaining assistance to add more RAM memory to the computer can make a world of difference.

In summary, an employee could spend more time at a computer waiting for the computer to work than producing for the company. This could be due to unneeded software, insufficient hardware, or a combination of both.

Please contact us so that we may help mitigate these potential issues.

The Importance of Network Vulnerability and Penetration Tests

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A company’s network system is of paramount importance to its ability to conduct daily business operations.  If a network goes down, whether from a security breach or for another reason, the cost to individual organizations can be significant.  This is just one of the reasons why it is important to select an IT organization that can provide proactive support in order to prevent problems before they even occur.  In this post, we will define what network penetration and vulnerability tests are, the differences between the two, and why both are essential.

Network Vulnerability Tests

A network vulnerability test scans an entire network, looking for all the vulnerabilities across the entire system.  This type of automated test should be conducted on a regular basis. Typically every quarter and when any new equipment is added to the network.  A baseline report for each new piece of equipment should be included as part of the vulnerability test. Including any subsequent changes investigated such as added services or open ports. Both of which could mean unauthorized changes occurred on the network.

Network Penetration Tests

A network penetration test, also known as a pen-test, is more specialized than a vulnerability test. A vulnerability test is designed to alert network administrators to any and all weaknesses. Whereas a penetration test will report on the severity of any weaknesses found in vulnerability testing.  Unlike an automated vulnerability test, a penetration test is conducted by a tester looking for specific ways in which to exploit a network.  In short, they are acting as if they are a real hacker.

Some industries are mandated by government regulations as to how often their network should be pen-tested.  For others, at a minimum, a professional network support team will recommend their clients have penetration testing when any of the following occurs:

  • changes in end-user policies,
  • new office location(s),
  • significant upgrades,
  • applications, infrastructure modifications, additions
  • after the application of security patches.

If you would like to know more about network vulnerabilities, network testing, or our professional support services, please contact us.

To Keep Your Company Safe, Don’t Ignore These Password Tips

a person typing on a laptop with their hands
password tips

Smack dab in the digital age: we are at the greatest advantage for data sharing, retrieving, recording, and deleting. Gone are the days of pen and paper, briefcases full of important documents, and hours of sifting through paperwork and filing folders. Along with this ease of access, it sets everyone up more easily for data breaching. You have every precaution available in place, but if you are sloppy with password security, your overall security on the Internet is extremely compromised. Many databases and websites now have requirements for passwords that weren’t around previously. To make sure you are navigating the web as safely as possible, read on for password tips on how to protect yourself and keep your passwords safe.

1. Change passwords frequently:

To prevent others from knowing your password, change it every 30-90 days. Doing so will ensure that anybody with old passwords will no longer have access to your information, and will deter cyber thieves from trying to continuously guess yours, forcing them to move on to an easier target.

2. Reusing old passwords:

Never reuse an old password when changing it. Always come up with something new and different.

3. Have a unique password:

Do not use something simple when creating a password. Make sure it has a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, along with special characters and a variety of numbers. This further prevents people from guessing your passwords as they’re longer and more confusing.

4. Don’t use dictionary words:

Again, do not use something easy to guess. You want to make it virtually impossible for your password to be replicated by another individual. Using dictionary words makes it likely that somebody could guess your password correctly.

5. Avoid using personal information in your password:

Doing so puts your personal data at risk if your password is stolen. Avoid telephone numbers, social security numbers, birthdates, addresses, and things of the like.

6. Protect your password and trust no one with it:

No one should have access to your account but you, regardless of their relationship with you. Passwords should be kept private to lower the risk of them being stolen or misused.

By following these tips, you are setting yourself up for online safety and success. For more information on password protection or general IT support, contact us today.

Bluwater Technologies Inc. specializes in tailor-made managed IT services that can help you achieve your business goals.

What Can You Expect from Good IT Support?

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Your business depends on a good network 24/7. Not only do employees have more and more varied schedules (especially if you have employees scattered across the country or around the globe), but your website is a 24/7 store. Any outage or data corruption isn’t just costing you money, it’s eating into your revenue. But good IT support prevents most problems before they start instead of fixing something after it breaks.

What Should You Expect from Good IT Support?

The first thing you should expect is a mindset shift. Good IT support is proactive instead of reactive; its goal is to keep your tech running smoothly instead of making money when something goes wrong. Here’s how they do it:

Regular Security Testing and Monitoring

IT support companies have a resource that their individual clients don’t: a wide pool of network systems that need monitoring. That means IT companies have access to and can afford enterprise-level security software that monitors every network separately 24/7. It tracks downloads, software patches, cookies, and everything that goes in and out of your network connection. Most of the software you can buy on an individual company basis won’t be as effective. They also have employees ready to respond to each alert and indication of a potential problem.

Proactive Maintenance

Managed IT support is structurally better than traditional companies. Most companies get paid when they solve a problem. That means they have little incentive to build strong protections, catch problems ahead of time, or offer preventative advice.

This doesn’t mean IT professionals can’t be trusted; it means the incentive structure was in the way of a good business relationship, but managed IT support services have an incentive to prevent problems before they’re a problem. They get paid the same monthly subscription price even if they have to pour hours into fixing a problem, so they have as much incentive to keep your network strong and in good condition as you do.

Go to Bluwater Technologies to get started on a better IT plan.

Protect Your Hardware and Devices from Theft

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Computer security revolves around software and encryption. Leaving an open network connection or choosing weak passwords can lead to a data breach that costs your business clients. But physical protection for your computers and mobile devices is just as crucial, maybe even more so. Take steps now to protect your hardware and prepare a plan in the event of theft or loss.

What can you do to prevent the loss of the actual devices?

If you have an office space for your small business, make sure the devices are locked or secured. You can either have employees take their laptops home or keep them in a secure drawer at night, and you can install security cameras around the exits. Installing tracking software or adding RFID stickers can also make stolen or lost devices easier to recover.

What software should you add in case of theft?

Losing a device is a little like losing a credit card: you’re unlikely to get it back, and even if you do someone can do a lot of damage in the brief window they have it. So install software that can remotely wipe a computer. This software should remove files, Internet history, and any caches, as well as any specific business information. You could also install programs that lock down a computer without erasing the data, but that’s potentially riskier.

Sometimes devices get lost, even with a small team of vigilant employees. Phones are small and constantly put on tabletops, and as business travel becomes more and more important there are just more opportunities for physical theft and loss. Prepare for the worst so you can keep your data secure, and go to Bluwater Technologies for managed IT support that can enable your security practices.