Monthly Archives: February 2019

Backup Disaster Recovery (BDR) Plan: Preparing For A New Year

Businessman hand using laptop with backup disaster recovery concept

Reviewing your disaster recovery plan is critical in keeping your network up and running.

Every business needs to be properly prepared for anything these days, including disasters. There will be plenty on the line for your business if a disaster strikes. If a disaster does strike, you could lose sensitive data that you may not be able to get back. If a disaster does strike, will your business be ready to handle a data loss incident?

People from all parts of the world have made their resolution as the new year was set to begin. One of the best ways your business can enter into the new year is to have an effective and efficient Backup and Disaster Recovery(BDR) plan that will greatly minimize any downtime and keep your business safe from any events that you cannot control. We want to help you create a BDR plan that will meet all of your business’s needs.

An Effective BDR Plan

Many small business owners do not always understand how valuable their business data is, but it is a very valuable asset to the business. This is why it is so important that you are able to protect your business data at all times. One of the best ways to do this is to find a BDR solution that will provide you with the tools and resources you need to restore your data. In addition, all of your data will not be created equally. You will find that some of your data will have a high value and others will not. If you want to build an effective strategy that will protect your business from any unfortunate data loss, we recommend that you sort through your data so you can determine what data you will need at all times and what data may not be as useful as the others.

Improving Your BDR This Year

We know that everyone wants to strive for better each year, and it should be no different when you have a business. Implementing an effective Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan this year is a great way for your business to improve this year. We know it can seem like a daunting task when it is time to implement the strategies that fit your business, but we recommend that you try some of the following guidelines and suggestions:

  • Make sure you are communicating with your IT team to plan the right recovery strategy for your business. You will need to have a plan that will fully outline your goals, missions, and objectives.

 

  • Find the right Backup and Disaster Recovery(BDR) platform that will give you every opportunity to back up your data without having long wait times and downtimes.

 

  • When you find the right platform and implement your platform, we encourage you to test your backup on a regular basis. When you regularly test your backup plan, you will be able to determine its efficiency and effectiveness. With a regular test, you will have the assurance you need in knowing that your BDR plan will be ready to roll when you need it.

Every year, small businesses, mid-size businesses, and large businesses are hit with threats, malware attacks, viruses, natural disasters, and more. Also, some businesses lose data due to a human mistake. Unfortunately, many of these businesses do not have the proper Backup and Disaster Recovery(BDR) plan, which will result in a significant amount of downtime as the business tries to recover its data.

We know the new year has just started and you have so many things on your plate already, but we encourage you to make room for BDR. We want to make sure your business’s data is available at all times, even when disaster strikes. For more information on our Backup and Disaster Recovery(BDR) solutions, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

How Can The Right Managed Service Provider (MSP) Protect Your Business?

Woman in office cubicle using a Managed Service Provider (MSP) for business protection

Having a team of support staff watching your back will prevent problems down the road.

The number of cyber security threats and attacks continues to rise. Last year, one ransomware attack impacted 150 countries. This ransomware attack impacted a variety of businesses, major companies, and hospitals and medical facilities. Over 100,000 computers were impacted before the problem could be addressed.

The recent attacks should highlight the major need for business and organizations across all industries to learn more about security issues. The attacks should also encourage business leaders and organization leaders to search for the assistance of IT and security experts to protect their data and prevent threats and cyber attacks.

These type of threats and attacks are constantly rising as hackers are becoming more advanced. Ransomware attacks involve a type of treacherous software that will block access to someone’s data until a certain amount of money is paid. Ransomware attacks are not uncommon because hackers are finding these attacks as ways to make a large sum of money from a small investment.

Your Business and Security

Businesses that do not have the proper equipment or the proper IT resources are some of the most vulnerable people in these attacks. Many businesses have outdated equipment and systems that leave the door wide open for ransomware attacks and threats. These workplaces generally lack the measures that will protect their system and equipment from the attacks.

Some businesses also have challenges when it comes to staff retention and lack of training. When there are constant staff turnover and a lack of experience or training, this can result in major errors that can result in falling for scams and not being aware of when a threat is actually taking place. Lack of experience can also result in leaders failing to use complex passwords or failing to update passwords.

Many businesses also lack the skills and experience of someone who is certified to create a security program for the organization. Times have certainly changed and hackers are becoming savvier than ever before, and some organizations are not prepared to deal with the savviness. When hackers see an easy opportunity to wreak havoc, they immediately see dollar signs because of the ability to access private and personal information.

If you continue to hold off on using the proper security and safety measures, you can find your business in a world of trouble. Thankfully, there are Managed Service Providers(MSPs) that have years worth of experience in cybersecurity and developing systems that will keep your data safe. Teaming up with experts will give you the peace of mind you need for your business.

Creating Passwords

Passwords can always present a security risk, especially when people use passwords that are not complex. We encourage you to use phrases or sayings that you can remember but will be difficult for someone else to guess. Your password should consist of at least 10 characters. It will take a longer time for a hacker to guess what your password is if it consists of longer characters.

Two-Factor Authentication

If you are looking for an extra level of authentication for your systems, you should consider two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication will require any user to have more than one type of credential in order to gain access to a specific account. Two-factor authentication may add an extra step when it is time to log into a system, but it offers another layer of protection. This will make it harder for hackers to obtain access to your data.

You do not need to be an expert at security when it comes to protecting your business or organization, but it is important to have someone on your side who can provide you with the support you need. You will not have the protection you need by simply creating a program and hoping it works. You need to have the right security experts on your side to help protect your systems from the bold and savvy hackers.

Contact us today for more information on Managed Service Providers and the steps you can take to protect your business.

How Can VoIP Impact Your Business?

Woman working at a spa talking on the phone with a VoIP system

Having technology that improves customer service is key to efficiently handling your customers requests.

In the personal and business communication world, VoIP is a fairly well-known name. More business owners are now moving towards this technology because it provides a significant number of advantages of the traditional methods of voice communication. As technology improves and as internet connectivity becomes more universal, more and more businesses will make the decision to use VoIP.

Businesses are constantly looking for ways to improve their business, their customer service, and their revenue. There is definitely more than one way to do this, but VoIP should certainly not be overlooked. The advantages and benefits that VoIP can provide should not be denied, and this makes VoIP one of the most ideal solutions you have to choose from, regardless of the size of your business.

VoIP can provide an outstanding number of benefits to businesses in every industry. How can your business benefit from using a VoIP solution?

VoIP and the Hospitality Industry

As a business in the hospitality industry, it is critically important that you maintain open, proper, and excellent customer service. It does not matter what the size of your business may be, the way you communicate with your customers and potential customers can be the difference between a successful business and a failed business.

One of the best ways to ensure your business maintains proper communication is to use VoIP. VoIP has a variety of features, including the auto attendant feature, that will allow you to properly manage the daily flow of phone calls. The incoming calls you receive can be transferred to the right person quickly and easily. You can use the auto attendant feature to notify your customers and guests of any promotional offers or events that may be occurring now or in the future.

When VoIP solutions are used in hotels and other business in the hospitality industry, the virtual numbers can be used to help create and maintain a positive and professional image. The virtual numbers that are provided by the VoIP solution can also be used to help you stay on top of all your marketing and advertising campaigns. Toll-free virtual numbers can be called from any location in the world. With a toll-free number, you will be able to reach more customers and the potential customers will not have to worry about paying any extra money when they want to call your hotel.

VoIP and the Production Industry

Production and manufacturing businesses can also find advantages and benefits in VoIP solutions. VoIP solutions offer a variety of benefits, such as improved productivity and flexibility. Production and manufacturing companies are generally made up of a variety of departments that are not all in the same location. When your business uses a VoIP solution, you will have a tool that can join the departments so communication and collaboration can be as effective and efficient as possible. When VoIP solutions are used in these industries, businesses will be able to use call management features, video conferencing features, instant messaging features, and many more. Businesses will also be able to use their phone solution with their other key business solutions.

VoIP offers a variety of benefits to businesses across all industries and helps each business save a significant amount of money while increasing productivity and efficiency. Are you still thinking about the impact VoIP can have on your business? Are you still having a debate with yourself about whether you should continue using your traditional phone system or make the switch to VoIP? If you are ready to consider choosing an alternative to your traditional phone system, VoIP can definitely be the solution you have been looking for.

Do not hesitate to contact us when you are ready to make the switch to VoIP.