Zero trust security is a cybersecurity system that’s growing in popularity, but what exactly is it? Essentially, zero trust security assures that the identity of those within an organization or on the outside is always verified. Read on to learn more about this cybersecurity model and its benefits.
Overview
In an organization, individuals are often given varying levels of trust when it comes to information. However, in the zero-trust security model, everyone is on the same level. This model focuses on verifying and authenticating identity to prevent data from being compromised. “Zero trust” means that no one is automatically trusted with access and must go through certain steps to gain access to a system.
What Are the Benefits?
There are many benefits to using a zero-trust security model within an organization. A major one is that it greatly reduces the success of a cyberattack. Additionally, if an individual did gain access to a network, the impact is not as severe. This security model limits access to information, even to individuals within the organization. Individuals only have access to information that is necessary to them, so sensitive information is limited to a very select group of people.
How to Implement a Zero-Trust Model
There are a variety of tools that assist in creating a zero-trust security model including apps, software, and strong passwords. Enabling two-factor authentication across software that is used within a network is an effective first step. There are many different apps from major companies that provide two-factor authentication services and many websites also have this feature built in.
Additionally, validating devices is an important aspect of a zero-trust security model. Keeping track of every device that is connected to a network ensures that no foreign devices can connect, which ensures the safety of sensitive data. Ensuring that devices connected to a network are trusted and meet security requirements is vital to establishing a zero-trust cybersecurity model.
All in all, cybersecurity is the responsibility of everyone in an organization. Establishing specific requirements and ensuring everyone is aware of them helps prevent costly cyberattacks.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
In the digital age, cybersecurity is more essential than ever. Being aware of common threats and learning how to manage them will keep your network safe and secure from possible cyber attacks. Read on to learn more about common cybersecurity threats in 2024 and how to defend your business against them.
Malware
Malware has been common for many years, as it encompasses things such as viruses and ransomware. Malware is essentially malicious programs that are intended to disrupt the everyday operations of a system or steal information. Installing anti-virus software on your system and having strong passwords protects your computers from brute force attacks. Additionally, only going to trusted websites on your device is important. Downloading a file from a source that you’re unfamiliar with could put your computer at risk for a virus. Viruses have been a common form of cyber attack for years, leaving the victim unable to properly use their device until it is fixed.
Phishing
Phishing is a common tactic used to steal information from companies. This is often through links sent in emails that may resemble a company’s domain name, but have very slight differences that could be difficult to catch. Phishing attempts are often easy to spot, as they usually have misspellings or slightly different email addresses and email signatures. They may also not have an email signature at all. Avoiding clicking links in an email that come from external sources is always to avoid phishing attacks.
Ransomware
Larger organizations are often victims of ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt a company’s data and demand payment for the keys to decode it. While small to medium-sized companies may not be at a large risk for these types of attacks, it is always important to be aware of risks and ensure that your computer systems are secure. Hackers generally steal sensitive information, as they know that their target will likely have no choice but to meet their demands if sensitive information is at risk of being leaked.
All in all, as technology advances, cybercriminals adapt and evolve their tactics. Being aware of the tactics used and using preventative measures ensures that your business’ systems do not have any downtime or lose information as a result of a cyberattack.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Investing in IT, regardless of your business type, is essential to ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations. Cyberattacks can cost time and money if your business’ network goes down as a result. Read on to learn more about why investing in IT to prevent downtime is important.
Loss of Business
The major result of your business’ network being down due to a cyberattack is the loss of business it generates. Without a secure network to conduct transactions with customers, a business is not able to operate. Additionally, if your business relies on an e-commerce platform and that is down due to a cyberattack, your business isn’t able to conduct transactions, therefore losing revenue.
Investing in cybersecurity software is a great tactic to prevent cyberattacks. WesTec’s IT consultants have the knowledge and skills to help protect businesses and prevent cyberattacks, thereby eliminating the financial costs associated with cyberattacks.
Emergency Costs
Paying for emergency IT services can be more expensive in the long run than paying for regular, preventative services. Additionally, if a cyberattack is serious enough, it may warrant new equipment and software, which could cost even more. However, these costs are easily avoidable with proper IT investment. Investing in periodic maintenance and overall system checks is essential to prevent downtime.
How to Invest in IT
The cost of cyberattacks is high, but they are highly preventable. There are many strategies to properly invest in cybersecurity, including anti-virus software, ensuring all software within a network is up-to-date, and regularly backing up all data. Additionally, training employees to spot attacks like phishing emails is an easy way to ensure your business’ data and overall system is secure.
All in all, investing in IT is essential to ensuring that your business doesn’t have downtime. WesTec’s IT professionals hold the knowledge to protect your business.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
The world of technology is constantly changing and evolving. Businesses that are able to adapt and utilize emerging technologies will gain an edge over competitors. Read on to learn about a few emerging technologies and IT trends.
Cloud Technology
Cloud technology is becoming increasingly important in IT and data storage. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, storing data in the cloud allows for easy access anywhere. While storing data in a cloud server has its cybersecurity risks, the convenience and ease is increasing in popularity.
Additionally, companies are choosing to use cloud networks because it saves a vast amount of physical space. Previously, server rooms took up a large amount of space in the offices of many companies. With cloud storage, data is primarily stored off-site and allows that space to be used for other purposes. Cloud storage is becoming increasingly popular and is a trend that businesses should think about utilizing.
Cybersecurity Importance
Cybersecurity is more important than ever in the digital age where cyberattacks are rising in occurrence. Data breaches are a threat to many businesses and should be taken seriously. Cyber threats can cost large companies time and money. It often takes a long time to get servers up and running after a cyberattack and it could cost even more money to strengthen security.
Businesses are choosing to spend more money on cybersecurity to combat this rising trend of cyberattacks. Antivirus software, cloud security, and security systems in general are important for businesses to protect their data and their customers’ data. WesTec has backup and disaster recovery services available for businesses. Contact us today to ensure your data is safe and secure.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence has become a hot topic of conversation in most industries, and IT is no exception. AI is expanding and has many uses in the IT industry. While many are skeptical about the usage and safety of AI, its uses in the IT industry could be beneficial for many businesses.
AI can be useful in cybersecurity as it can detect threats in real time. Additionally, it is always active so it can monitor and detect threats outside of normal business hours. It can also identify patterns in data that may indicate a potential threat. AI is still in its infancy, so being cautious about its usage is smart. However, integrating it into a business can be useful for many everyday tasks and problems.
Sustainability in Tech
Sustainability has been at the forefront of many industries in recent years, including technology. While the IT industry is primarily digital, the design and disposal of electronics like computers has become a popular topic. Technology is always evolving at a rapid pace, which can increase waste when consumers upgrade to the newest device. These products are now being designed in a sustainable manner and sustainable disposal of electronic waste is encouraged.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Network security is essential for all businesses. In general, network security is a combination of software, technologies, and policies that all work together to keep a business safe from cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity is something that should not be overlooked especially in a time where cyber crimes are common. Read on to discover WesTec’s tips for investing in network security for your business.
Antivirus Software
Various antivirus software systems are available that suit different types of businesses. Businesses that store sensitive information may need stronger and more advanced antivirus software than others. Generally, basic antivirus software that covers every computer in an organization is a good idea to prevent viruses.
VPNs
If team members work remotely, a VPN (virtual private network) is a good idea. Especially if working from a public wifi like at a cafe, it is essential to use a VPN. Public wifi networks are the most vulnerable to cyber-attacks and the easiest to hack. Even if team members work from home, it is still a good idea to invest in a VPN that all employees can use to prevent information loss.
Controlling Access
Having a record of all devices that are logged into your company’s network is important to ensure that access is not compromised. Investing in a two-factor authentication app or utilizing the TFA settings within an account is an effective way to prevent unauthorized access to your company’s network and information.
Email Filters
Ensuring that all emails are managed under the same domain and spam emails are filtered is an effective way to ensure that employees do not click unknown links. Email filters are simple and free to set up, making this an accessible security task. Additionally, creating emails with the same domain is simple, regardless of which email system a company uses. Additionally, providing employees with training is an effective way to invest in the security of a company’s network.
WesTec’s IT consultants are knowledgeable in numerous areas of technology and are there every step of the way to ensure your company’s network is secure.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Technology is constantly evolving, so keeping your business’ over all technology systems up to date is essential. Out of date software or computer systems can cause a computer to run slowly, which reduces overall productivity. WesTec’s managed IT services take the stress off of figuring out what works best for your business.
What is a Managed IT Service?
Managed IT services offer a wide range of support- from basic technical support to specialized business processes. Managed IT services can be customized to only include services that your business needs, so you’re not paying for a standard package with services you don’t need. WesTec offers customized packages that are perfect for any size company and budget. Our team has a wide knowledge of all things technical and work on a schedule that suits your needs
WesTec Guardian Services
WesTec offers two fixed fee IT management services: Guardian Professional and Guardian All Covered.
Guardian Professional offers a wide range of flexibility and allows you to pay for services as you need them. It is a perfect option for businesses that want their networks to be well maintained on a monthly basis with additional as-needed support. Our Guardian Professional plan offers the flexibility to have on-site support at a discounted rate when you need it.
Guardian All Covered is all of your needs for a monthly fixed fee. This plan offers the stability and peace of mind that every service you may need is included in one fixed fee. This option is low-stress and allows you more time to focus on your business with a well-managed network.
Benefits
Hiring IT professionals to manage your network is a great option to ensure that your business has the most up-to-date technology and avoids downtime. Out of date technology can cost your business money in the long run if it’s constantly having to be restarted.
Having experts a call away is also a benefit. If your business isn’t necessarily technology-based or very tech-savvy, having a professional there to help is a good idea to ensure that you have little to no downtime with your computer systems.
Security is a major reason to choose a managed IT service provider or an IT professional in general. Cyber attacks are increasingly common as technology advances, so having a professional to assist in safeguarding your company’s data is essential.
All in all, no matter what category your business is in, choosing to work with a managed IT service provider has benefits across the board. The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
An IT consultant assists businesses with a variety of technology related problems. They understand that it can be difficult to figure out what computer systems could work best for a business. WesTec offers expert IT consulting to help businesses find a customized solution for their unique needs. Read on to learn more about the benefits of working with an IT consultant.
Expert Knowledge
In a world where technology is always changing and there are constantly new trends, it can be difficult to decide what devices will be beneficial to a business. IT consultants have expert knowledge and are able to give detailed explanations about why each piece of technology recommended would be a good fit. WesTec’s years of experience and specialization in business technology assists any business with finding the right systems to elevate their success.
Customization for a Business’ Needs
No two businesses are exactly alike and their technology systems should reflect that. Different businesses need access to different programs or some may need access to a larger amount of data storage than others. By working with an IT consultant, businesses can take the guesswork out of their technology solutions and be recommended a customized solution for their needs. WesTec’s experts outline solutions in an easy to understand format.
Cost Effective Solutions
If a business isn’t familiar with technology, it can get expensive fast. IT consultants assist in finding a solution that stays on budget and works best for a business. WesTec’s consultants operate with the goal of ensuring each business is running smoothly and successfully. We ensure that we’re using each business’ vision, goals, and strategic plans as an outline to their success.
Enhancing Customer Experience with Technology
Outdated technology can lead to computers being slow or a point-of-sale system not being user friendly for both employees and customers. IT consultants can ensure that a business’ overall system is up-to-date and allows businesses to give their customers the best experience possible.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Using the proper surveillance system is an essential component of protecting your business. At WesTec, we offer a range of surveillance systems to fit any business. Read on to learn some factors to consider when choosing a surveillance system that suits your business’ needs.
Budget
Identifying your budget is the first step in deciding how to design a surveillance system. Cameras can range from $50 to $50,000 so there is a combination of equipment that will suit any business. If buying a system to prevent theft, it’s important to consider the potential cost of theft. How much money could be lost is an important factor to consider when deciding how much to invest in a surveillance system.
Area
Some cameras cover a wider range than others, so this is an important factor to consider. Some cameras can cover more than one hundred feet of area while others may only cover around thirty feet, so whether you want to record a whole room or just an entrance and exit door is something to think about.
The environment of the area is also important. Cameras can often withstand the elements but buying the proper equipment to protect them is vital. Additionally, buying a camera with night vision is usually needed for recording after hours.
Storage
While cameras are the main equipment, a storage system is also important for retaining records and identifying perpetrators if a theft does occur. The length of time that you want to retain records factors into the cost of a storage solution. Additionally, having 24/7 access to cameras or having access remotely may increase the cost of the system. Deciding how much storage to buy and how long you want to retain footage is important when deciding on equipment.
CCTV vs. IP Cameras
A CCTV system is often more secure as it features a “closed” video signal. However, the tradeoff is that they usually have lower video quality. An IP system is generally more expensive, but it is able to cover more area and can connect to an already existing network, making it easy to check these cameras online.
There are many factors to consider when designing a surveillance system, but WesTec is here to help in choosing the best equipment to suit your business’ needs. Contact us today to chat with our experts.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Cybersecurity threats are a concern of everyone in a business, which is why it’s important to ensure everyone on a team is trained to recognize common threats. Read on to learn common tactics and benefits of training your team.
Regularly Scheduled Trainings
While there’s no certain amount of time when each company should hold training sessions, quarterly or semi-annually is generally a fair amount of time. Regular training ensures that the tactics learned are top of mind if employees receive a spam email. Doing training sessions too often could produce fatigue for employees, but not doing them often enough could result in employees not being able to recognize attacks. Threats to important data are always there, so teaching employees how to spot phishing emails or malware is important.
Precise Trainings
Training sessions can be held either in person or virtually, as long as the information provided is clear and concise. Not everyone in a team may be familiar with technology, so ensuring that instructions are clear and easy to follow in a training session is vital. Employees in an organization may be a variety of ages and in different roles in the company so having to-the-point training will be beneficial in the long run. Providing instructions in a manner that is not loaded with technical jargon is essential in ensuring everyone understands.
Simulated Exercises
Many companies prefer to simulate attacks with exercises. This hands-on tactic helps employees physically see what an attack could look like and how realistic they often are. Attackers often send emails with links in an attempt to steal company information, so providing employees with examples of this helps identify them. If an employee is not able to recognize a simulated email, it is important to provide more information to help them identify the red flags.
All in all, employee training is essential in ensuring the security of company information. It is everyone in an organization’s job to familiarize themselves with common cybersecurity threats.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Small businesses are an essential and often beloved part of communities. However, their size and statistically weaker security measures put them at risk for cyber attacks. Read on to learn helpful tips to protect small businesses from losing important data or customer information.
Limit Access to Information
As a business with a small number of employees, it can be easy to provide everyone in the organization with access to all data. However, it is essential to keep track of who has access to what information to reduce the risk of hackers preying on employees. Employees should only have access to data that is essential to their role and should not be able to install software without permission. This ensures that employees do not accidentally install software that contains malware or mistakenly fall for a phishing attempt.
Secure Wifi Networks
Having an encrypted and password-protected wifi network is essential for protecting any business from attacks. If your business has a public wifi network for customers, consider having a second protected network for things like cash registers or computers that store important data. Wifi networks can even be hidden from the public in instances like these, so taking this step can further reduce the risk of someone unknown connecting to the network that powers computers with sensitive data.
Training Employees
Creating data protection guidelines for employees to follow is essential in protecting important data. This can be password regulations, anti-virus software on computers, and training sessions to ensure employees know how to spot various cybersecurity threats. Protecting data in a small business is everyone’s responsibility, so it is important to ensure that everyone in an organization is properly trained and educated about cyber risks.
Consult with Cybersecurity Experts
Consulting with experts in the cybersecurity field is essential in protecting businesses. There are many cyber threats beyond the obvious phishing and hacking attempts. 41% of small business owners believe that cyber-attacks only happen to larger businesses, but 41% of small businesses have been victims of cyber attacks. Small businesses are much more vulnerable than larger businesses, so consulting with professionals is essential to ensure the security of a small business’ data.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.
Get in touch
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
Houston, TX 77018
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
sales@westecservices.net