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!
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!
Phishing is a strategy that scammers use to gather personal information and attempt to insert malware into computers. Scammers commonly pose as a major company or an individual within a user’s company. Phishing can be harmful, but there are common signs to look out for to avoid theft of personal information.
Misspellings
Phishing emails can impersonate major companies or individuals within an organization, but there will usually be obvious misspellings. These mistakes can range from improper grammar within the body of the email or a slight misspelling in the person’s email address. At first glance, it may look like a company email address, but be sure to double-check the address before responding to an email from someone unknown.
Links
Additionally, phishing emails rely on users clicking links within the email to steal personal information. The links could be for invoice numbers, “suspicious login attempts,” or requesting confirmation of financial information. These are all prime ways to steal financial or login information. Be wary of links and only click them if it’s from a trustworthy sender.
No Personalization
Generally, if a company sends an email requesting confirmation of some kind, it will probably be personalized for the recipient. Scammers don’t know personal information unless it’s given to them so emails will generally have generic greetings without any identifying information. Real companies will not request financial or login information via email, as it is not 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!
Cyber attacks have become a large issue and concern for many businesses. Since technology continues to change and develop everyday, it has revealed vulnerability in protective digital software. The result of this being the significant rise of security breaches, with any and all industries being at risk. However, there are those who are at a greater risk than others, and are commonly targeted by cyber attackers. Here are the 4 most vulnerable industries to cyber attacks, and why they require higher level security.
Healthcare
The healthcare industry is specifically targeted based on the amount of sensitive and personal data they handle. Ransomware poses a great threat to healthcare companies, with cybercriminals making their data inaccessible unless a payment has been made. With healthcare industries possessing multiple patient files, personal information, and payment statements, the attackers are aware that the organization cannot bear the expense of losing data.
Government Agencies
When it comes to government data, there’s no surprise as to why cyber criminals would desire access. Government agencies contain personal identifying information, classified documents, and military secrets. These agencies face threats such as cyber espionage, which is the spying and installation of spyware to government devices. They also must look out for insider threats, which is the leaking of confidential information through their own employees. This can be both accidental and deliberate. Phishing can also trick employees into sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient.
Financial Institutions
Due to the large amount of money and financial information banks and other financial services manage, cybercriminals have all the reason to target them. Money has become extremely digital, which has created new ways to exploit any weaknesses in the system. Thieves will phish, use mobile malware, and hack into banking accounts and commit fraudulent transactions.
Retail
Shops in-store and online are vulnerable to the theft of valuable data. They struggle with the issue of credit card fraud, online data breaches, and identity theft. Credit card fraud can cause all kinds of unwanted trouble for retailers, and can lose profit at the hands of fraudulent purchases. Identity theft poses a threat because of thieves that steal other user information to create credit card accounts to make purchases. Customer credentials are at risk at the expense of data breaches, so security software should always be stable and secure.
These industries might be commonly targeted, but any company of any size can be at a risk of cyberattacks. Taking preventative measures will protect your company, your employees, and those who keep you in business. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
The purpose of VPN security is to protect and encrypt sensitive data by masking IP addresses. VPN stands for “virtual private network”, and they are used to conceal browsing activity, personal identity, and current location. VPN’s make users typically feel safer and more secure, but are they capable of posing potential threats? Learn how and why VPNs can strengthen your company’s security and how to avoid a potential breach.
Why Use a VPN?
The benefits of using a VPN can apply to anyone wishing to protect their digital privacy from cyber attackers. It adds an extra layer of security when using public Wi-Fi, which can be dangerous if making online purchases or answering emails. A VPN will hide your banking information and confidential passwords from those who prey on such information. Working remotely has become a popular method of employment, but it can increase the risks of cyber threats when working outside of the designated office. When you are not under the protection of your employer’s provided Wi-Fi or protected network, it can put your company’s data at risk. The use of a VPN can help secure your work-related material when utilizing work devices outside of the office.
VPN Risks
While VPN’s are known to help keep data safer, there are also security risks to consider when choosing to use one. The idea that using a basic consumer VPN will retain complete anonymity is a huge misconception that will make you a more vulnerable user. With a VPN or not, no one is likely completely anonymous when using the internet. It’s important to bring this to the attention of your employees to deter them from using social media on work devices or accepting cookies on flimsy websites. Make this known to avoid cyber breaches from occurring and harmful malware from being downloaded. Investing in a secure and specialized VPN can improve security among your company, so avoid using basic consumer VPNs that might feel safe, but are not enough for business level security.
Using a VPN can help protect your users from base-line threats, but it’s crucial to understand that the internet is a dangerous place. Suspicious activity will continue to arise no matter how secure we feel. Awareness is key to limiting harmful threats and keeping your sensitive information safe. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Human errors can happen, and can be the cause of up to 95% of cybersecurity related breaches. With that being said, the best way to prevent these mistakes would be to implement solid training to your employees. The purpose of training is to strengthen your team’s knowledge and awareness of modern threats and how to combat them properly. Regular training will keep your employees up to date, helping your company steer clear of most errors. To achieve this, here are some of the best awareness training topics to consider.
Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks impersonate the company or professional you work for, luring users to click on suspicious links. Many attempts in the past have been easier to recognize, but phishing attacks have become more intelligent overtime. They pose a great threat due to how believable they can be, and can cause a cyber attack if fallen for. Train your employees on this subject to help them identify suspicious activity, messages, or attachments.
Passwords and Authentication
Passwords can seem like a simple log-in element, but they are what protects your company’s security. If you use a common or easily guessed password, you are putting yourself at risk for a cyber attack. Cyber criminals will attempt to log into your accounts in hopes of gaining access to your sensitive information. Bring this to your employees’s attention through complex training, reminding them of the importance of updating their work passwords. Authentication methods can be made more secure by adding questions that the employee will only know the answer to. Express the significance of passwords and why you should always keep them confidential.
Remote Work
Working remotely is a great way to meet a well balanced lifestyle between work and social life. However, utilizing personal devices can increase the risk of a security breach. Make sure your remote employees are trained to understand the importance of installing antivirus software to home laptops to prevent cyber attacks. It is also important to never leave your device unattended when containing important company files. To successfully work remotely without risking data security, educate your staff to be aware of these dangers.
Your security is to be protected, so administering training will improve standards of the company as a whole. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
When it comes to IT work, it can take a village to keep everything up and running smoothly. There are a lot of important roles and responsibilities in this industry, and should all be recognized for what they contribute. Coming up on July 28th, 2023, we call all IT companies to celebrate and to show appreciation to their system administrators.
What is a System Administrator?
A system administrator or sysadmin, is a technology professional who upholds multi user computing systems to ensure smooth IT operation and performance. They are the ones who monitor the company’s computer systems and internet servers, while installing protective software and troubleshooting hardware. They keep the ball rolling smoothly, creating a functional computing environment. Specific tasks include but are not limited to patching unstable software, performing backup recovery, and identifying cyber security threats. These abilities are crucial and allow other parts of the department to function normally.
How to Celebrate
The system administrator position is consistently evolving at a rigorous pace, meaning that learning and developing never stops for them. To celebrate their commitment to making such a difference in the IT world, try and learn more about what their purpose is and what they do. As the specialized problem solvers they are, they deserve recognition for keeping everyone afloat. Treat these professionals with office cake, ice cream, or a well deserved day off! Order in lunch for the staff in lieu of the special holiday, taking the opportunity to shine that spotlight on your favorite sysadmin.
When it comes to IT, all positions are complex and play a huge role in a company. On July 28th, let us recognize the importance of system administrators and show them our gratitude for their role.
It’s common to jump on a website and immediately see a pop-up regarding accepting cookies, and can even be mandatory if you wish to continue to the site. But have you ever truly understood what exactly you’re accepting? Cookies and privacy terms can vary website to website, but here’s what you should know before you make the click.
What Are Cookies?
Cookies allow websites to remember and store information when you use their site. This information can include your name, your login, your purchase history, and more. Depending on what site you visit, it may or may not be wise to accept cookies. Some sites enforce the use of cookies to produce a better experience for the user. This can include personalizing the site based on your preferences and to save your desired items for later. Some cookies are placed by advertisers, which is considered a third party to the site. In this instance, you may want to install safety software to prevent private information from being stolen. The privacy terms you are accepting are there to let you know that the site is transparent about data tracking. So if this concerns you, be sure to read over the conditions before allowing cookie usage.
When To Say No
While most websites use cookies to create a better experience, there are plenty of reasons to be cautious. If you notice a website is not encrypted, it means there is very little protection for your information. If you are able to catch that the cookie agreement is for third parties, refrain from accepting them. This can allow your data to be stolen, sold, and more vulnerable to hackers. Finally, if you are entering in personal or banking information, do not allow cookies to be used. It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your data.
It can be hard to differentiate between a trustworthy or an untrustworthy site, so always pay attention to what terms you accept. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
As cybercriminals become more evolved, cybersecurity must always be a few steps ahead to prevent potential challenges. In order to achieve this, companies are beginning to utilize the power of artificial intelligence to better protect data. How will this improve or disrupt cybersecurity? It is up for discussion but could possibly become the best strategy against cyber threats.
How AI Can Contribute
As a trending tool, the world has reacted both positively and negatively to the increased use in AI devices. Many fear the capabilities of AI and many also doubt it, but it has become a hot topic either way. AI has the potential to make interferences humans may not catch, and they can prevent online threats with faster, proactive, actions. Since it is a machine, it can handle large amounts of data while simultaneously searching through threats. This means AI can catch more potential threats at once while not letting any slip through the cracks. AI can also assist human analysts flag malicious activities so that preventative measures can be taken quicker. This saves time and can prevent multiple security incidents before they happen.
The Issue
While AI can greatly benefit the cybersecurity industry, machines will never completely replace the accuracy of a human analyst. Organizations should never fully rely on AI and should invest in other forms of security as well. AI can also be vulnerable to cyber threats, so it’s important to continuously monitor its system to better protect data. Cyber Attackers can manipulate the AI input data installed, which can lead to cyber data breaches. Using AI systems is also very costly, and human oversight will always be required no matter what system you implement.
To include AI in your security system is based on preference, since it can be both helpful but not foolproof. The decision is yours to make, but cyber security must always be evolving to ensure data safety. 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.
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2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
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2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
sales@westecservices.net