IT Support In West Palm Beach: Are You Backing Up Your Data?

a laptop computer sitting on top of a wooden table

Backing up your data is a critical decision to make, regardless of what type of business you are operating. Running your own company is hard enough. You should not have to worry about any added pressure when it comes to data. If you are having a difficult time making the decision about data backup, we want to give you information. We think it can help you choose the best solution for your business.

Backing Up Your Data

Who Thinks They Will Be Hacked?

When it comes to hacking, we all think that it could never happen to us. If your business stores critical and private information, you are at a serious risk of being hacked. If you are ever in a position where your information is compromised, wouldn’t you feel a little better knowing that your data can be recovered because you have it backed up?

For Your Own Protection

Data backup is not just something you need to consider to protect your data against hackers. Data backup is also important because you cannot predict natural disasters or accidents that will cause physical damage to your equipment. When you take the right steps to ensure that your information is stored properly, you will have your own insurance on the customer and employee data you are responsible for.

If your business were to be hit with a disaster, how much time do you think it would take for you to fully recover? If you do not have the proper data backup, your business may not be able to fully recover. Unfortunately, some businesses never recover. We do not want that to happen to your business.

If you have made a decision regarding backing up your data, contact us today for more information.

Back Up Your Data to Secure Your Business

a laptop computer sitting on top of a wooden table

A common paradox in technology security is the trade-off between convenience and security. The best password is a random 40-digit alphanumeric string, but no one’s going to remember it. The more locks on your front door, the more secure it may be, but chances are most people won’t lock all of them every time they leave. Instead, the best compromise between convenience and security is automation: making every step to secure information automatic so it’s safe 24/7 without you having to manually do so. One of the best ways to automate your stored information is through cloud backup. Learn how to back up your data.

Back Up Your Data

What is cloud backup for servers?

Typically, small to medium businesses would store information on local hardware. An office would store a server or two in an office closet near the IT department. Or you store your business’s information on a work computer. That would typically mean depending on one copy of the information. But this could spell disaster due to a hardware failure, a power outage that damages the device, a virus, or even just an inexplicable case of data corruption. You want to securely but conveniently store an up-to-date backup of your business’s information. Instead, use an online backup that sends your information to an off-site server. There it is secured and maintained by a third party.

What are the benefits of using Bluwater Technologies’ cloud backup?

The best type of data backup is automatic. Whether you schedule it to be daily, weekly, or monthly, knowing that your business data is being saved whether you remember to save it or not can be a huge weight off your mind. Losing customer contact information, financial records, and working project files can be a huge blow to your business. The risk of having them taken from you through a virus or malware is even worse. Bluwater works to make sure your data, both onsite and offsite, is secured.

Cloud backup for servers isn’t the only benefit of using Bluwater Technologies for IT support. If you want to learn more about our services and the elements of the best cloud backup for servers, browse our site here.

Top 5 Reasons to Try Office 365

a desktop computer sitting on top of a wooden desk

Originally launched October 2, 2015, Office 365 is Microsoft’s line of subscription-based Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher, and Access. If you’re still on the fence about signing up, keep reading to learn the top 5 reasons why you should try it.

Try Office 365

#1) Powered by the Cloud

Unlike the traditional “desktop” version, Office 365 is powered by the cloud. This means you can access your account, as well as your associated documents and files, from any Internet-connected computer. And if you happen to lose your main computer, you can rest assured knowing that your files and documents are safely stored on the cloud.

#2) Collaboration

Office 365 features an app called Planner, which allows multiple individuals to collaborate on the same document. For instance, you and other members of your team can edit the same document, with changes happening in real-time (e.g. you don’t have to refresh the document).

#3) Subscription Cost

It’s also worth noting that many small businesses will save money by choosing Office 365. Being that it’s a subscription-based service, you’ll pay a small amount each month instead of one large payment.

For pricing details, check out the official Office 365 website here.

#4) Room to Grow

Users of the desktop version of Microsoft Office often complain about the software’s inability to scale as their business grows. The new software solves this conundrum by allowing users to easily add new services, features, storage space, and more.

#5) Use on Mobile Devices

While Microsoft Office on Android and iOS supports basic editing and document creation free for personal use, you’ll need an Office 365 subscription to use the mobile app for business purposes. Furthermore, the subscription allows you to use the mobile app on screens larger than 10.1 inches.

To learn more about the software and how to get started, contact us today.

Why Your Company Needs Data Encryption

a yellow padlock on top of a computer screen

Data Encryption

Are you doing enough to safeguard your company’s data from cyber threats? According to a report published by Panda Labs, approximately 18 million new malware threats were identified in Q3 2016, which translates into roughly 200,000 threats per day.

Of course, you can protect your data from hacking and other cyber threats with encryption services. It’s often viewed as the single most effective way to protect data. So, what is it and how does it work?

What is Data Encryption?

Encryption is the process of encoding information so that it’s only “readable” by the intended user or users. This doesn’t prevent unauthorized users from accessing the data — nor is that the intention. Rather, it prevents users from reading the data unless they have the corresponding key.

Encryption works by using an algorithm to convert the data into a special code. Once encrypted, only users with the associated key can decrypt and read it.

Benefits

The single most common reason cited for data encryption is protected from cyber threats. Firewalls, spam blockers, and anti-malware/virus software are all effective safeguards to protect data from unauthorized use, but encrypting it adds another layer that companies can use to further strengthen their internal security.

While there’s no law specifically requiring you to encrypt data, it’s often used to reinforce compliance, such as in the case of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996. HIPAA Security Rules require doctors and other covered entities to implement technical safeguards to protect their data from disclosure — and there’s no stronger technical safeguard than encryption.

To learn more about data encryption and how it can safeguard your business from disaster, contact us today.

Cloud Computing Services: How Much Should You Rely On The Cloud?

a desk with a laptop and a computer monitor
Cloud Computing Services

With the use of cloud computing services on the rise, businesses face numerous, often complex choices about which services to rely on currently or plan for in the future.

A recent article from Tech.Co discusses three ways for businesses to manage their cloud computing decisions and make a successful transition to using different services.

One of the points they emphasize is that businesses have to figure out in advance how much they want to use the cloud, versus relying more on local storage and on-site solutions.

The answers aren’t always straightforward. It depends on a number of factors, including the following:

  • Your business’ current needs. Maybe what could really benefit your company now is relying more on different Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, for example. Some areas of your business, such as accounting or marketing, may be best served by a transition to the cloud. You also have to keep in mind what’s cost-effective for you and fits your budget.
  • The foundation you establish for future changes. Certain decisions you make now will allow you to adopt new computing solutions in the future. You will have already laid the groundwork for them.
  • The best way for you to make changes to your IT set-up. For example, some businesses may want to rely on a hybrid mix of cloud-based and on-site solutions. While others may want to move to the cloud for the most part. The rate at which businesses transition to different cloud services, and the way they prioritize which services to adopt, will depend on their particular needs.

If these decisions seem complex, fortunately, you don’t have to deal with them on your own. Please contact us for more information about how we can help you adopt the best cloud computing services for your company.