The technology that a business implements and uses in its everyday processes sets it up for success and allows employees to serve customers to the best of their ability. Outdated technology or technology that is too complex for employees can both impact productivity and the quality of service being offered. Many businesses turn to an IT consultant when they are unsatisfied with their current technology solution. Read on to learn more about the benefits of working with an IT consultant and how to identify when working with a company like WesTec Services can be beneficial for your business.
What Does an IT Consultant Do?
An IT consultant is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of business technology and works closely with each client to determine what pieces of equipment and software are and aren’t working for their business. If computers are outdated and slow, an IT consultant may recommend upgrading them to a more recent model or assist in updating software that may be causing issues.
Additionally, IT consultants can assist in acquiring and setting up equipment for clients to ensure that everything is running smoothly and properly.
What Businesses Need IT Consultants?
Any business can benefit from working with an IT consultant. WesTec specializes in working with small to medium-sized businesses across industries to set them up for success. Whether your business is a manufacturing company or a retail store, working with an IT consultant gives you peace of mind that each piece of software and equipment was recommended by an expert.
Work with WesTec Services for Your Information Technology Needs
Our team at WesTec is fluent in technology. We work closely with our customers to find the solution that is right for their business. Whether you’re looking for a communications or data storage solution, WesTec has you covered. To learn more about the information technology services we offer, contact us today and follow us on Facebook!
When deciding what storage option is best for your business, there are several factors to consider. While cloud storage is steadily increasing in popularity, it may or may not make the most sense for every business. Read on to learn more about how to decide between cloud storage and physical hard drives for your business.
Size of Business
The size of a business is a major factor in determining what data storage options are the best fit. For larger businesses, cloud storage is a great option because it saves space and allows data to be easily accessed by the entire organization. Physical hard drives can be confined to one computer at a time, and servers for data backup can use a lot of physical space.
Sensitivity of Data
The sensitivity of the data being stored is important to consider when choosing where to store it. Information such as customer addresses and personal information may be safer to store on physical drives, as they can be accessed on a need-to-know basis. Physical drives can also be encrypted and allow for multiple levels of protection for sensitive data. Cloud storage also allows for protection via password and two-factor authentication, so both options allow for their own levels of security.
Partner with WesTec Services to Find Data Storage Solutions for Your Business
WesTec Services serves small to medium-sized businesses and works diligently with our clients to provide solutions that suit their needs. Whether your business is looking for a data storage solution or consistent IT management services, WesTec has you covered. Contact us on our website for more information, and learn more about how WesTec can find a solution for your IT-related needs.
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With many companies choosing to keep their IT support in-house, it’s difficult to decide whether your business should outsource IT or not. There are many pros to outsourcing IT, including expert-level support and support on an as-needed basis. Read on to learn more about how to determine whether your business should outsource its IT support.
Specialized Expertise
Outsourcing IT support to a company like WesTec Services ensures that companies receive expert and specialized support. Our team is experienced in managed IT services, IT consulting, and more essential services, ensuring that we can provide well-rounded support for our clients. Whether a business needs more in-depth knowledge on which cloud-based service is right for them or what security systems fit their needs, WesTec’s team will provide expert recommendations.
Budgetary Restraints
Hiring in-house IT support can be costly, and that may not be in the budget for every business to bring on another full-time staff member. WesTec has a variety of flexible plans to suit the needs of our clients, including fixed monthly rates for consistent support and customizable plans to ensure that they are getting the support they need. Outsourcing IT can alleviate budgetary restraints and often be less expensive than bringing on a full-time staff member.
Reduced Stress
Consistent technology issues cause major stress and often prevent employees from getting work done in a timely manner. Outsourcing IT ensures that a business has consistent support, and the burden of fixing technical issues doesn’t fall on employees who have other responsibilities to focus on. WesTec takes the stress out of IT. Our team of experts handles technical issues to reduce downtime and ensure that businesses can continue to operate with minimal issues.
Partner with WesTec Services for Stress-Free, Knowledgeable Outsourced IT
Our team of experts at WesTec Services is here to ensure that businesses can continue their normal business operations with minimal disruption due to technical issues. We take the stress out of IT by handling problems in a timely manner. Interested in learning more about why your company should consider outsourcing IT? Contact us today on our website. To read more from WesTec, check out our articles page and follow us on Facebook.
Choosing the right phone system for small businesses is essential in ensuring that operations are smooth and customers are receiving the highest quality service when they call. Whether your business needs a reliable phone system for customer support or an integrated system for sales calls, WesTec Services can assist. Read on to learn more about how to choose the right phone system for small businesses.
Switchvox Solutions
Flexible and convenient, Switchvox VoIP (voice over internet protocol) allows businesses of all sizes to maintain an efficient and reliable phone system. Routing your phone system through the internet allows for the flexibility of taking calls outside of the office and on the go if needed. If employees work remotely, they can route calls to their personal phone and not miss a beat in their workflow.
Analog and Broadband Telephone Lines
Whether you need assistance with analog telephone lines or broadband connections, WesTec is a one-stop shop for all of your phone maintenance and setup needs. If your system simply needs some modernization or updates, we’re here to help with that as well. Our experts are extremely knowledgeable and flexible to support our customers with their IT and telecommunications needs. We know that nowadays, office internet and telephone systems go hand-in-hand.
WesTec Telecom Audit
Working with WesTec takes the pressure off worrying about what type of equipment or software is best suited for your business. We specialize in providing personalized IT solutions for small to medium-sized businesses. This is why we offer telecom audit services. In a telecom audit, we assess your current services and equipment to see if you’re getting the promised value. Our telecom audit is free of charge, and businesses do not pay us unless we are able to find actual savings within their telephone systems. Our experts are here to help you get value for your money, not charge you unnecessary fees.
Partner with WesTec to Find the Right Phone System for Your Small Business
Every business is unique. By working with WesTec for your phone system needs, we take the time to get to know your business and find the right combination of products, equipment, and service providers to meet your needs.
Interested in learning more about our services? Contact us on our website today. To keep up with our company, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook!
Backing up data is essential to seamless business operations if the unfortunate event of a cyberattack occurs or computer systems fail. Technology can be unpredictable, so having data stored gives your business peace of mind that sensitive data won’t be lost. Read on to learn more about WesTec’s data backup services.
The Cost of Not Investing in Data Backup Services
While there are many options for backing up important data, many businesses fail to understand the importance until it’s too late. Losing data can cost a business time, money, and trust of customers if their data is compromised.
Losing data through system failure or a cyberattack costs businesses time and money as they have to communicate with IT companies to attempt to recover the data and pay for more services than they otherwise would have if they had data backup options in place. Having a disaster recovery plan for an event like this also aids companies in a smooth recovery from data loss. By paying monthly or annually for IT services and data backup services, businesses can save money and prevent downtime that may occur as a result of losing data.
Partner with WesTec Services
WesTec understands that each company is different and requires IT solutions that are tailored to their company. Our team works to find a solution that fits each business’ needs and budget, ensuring that they have a seamless and smooth experience working with us. Interested in learning more about data backup solutions or our other services? Contact us on our website and one of our team members will be happy to assist you. To read more tips and information about us, check out our other articles and follow us on Facebook!
Access control systems are essential for ensuring the security of office buildings. Whether for specific areas within a building or securing the exterior, access control systems are a key component to making sure that only authorized personnel are in specific areas. Read on to learn more about the importance of access control systems in Houston office buildings.
Safe and Secure for Visitors and Occupants
Office buildings tend to have multiple businesses under one roof, so what works for one business may not work for all. Access control systems are heavily customizable. A common practice for allowing visitors to access a building is issuing key cards or visitor passes to those that regularly visit such as patients or clients of the occupying businesses. Additionally, setting passcodes for visitors is an option.
By issuing key cards and passcodes, building owners are able to easily keep track of those that enter and exit the building, ensuring that no unauthorized visitors are entering.
What Does an Access Control System Consist Of?
Access control systems can have many components, including ID-badge scanners, fingerprint scanners, keypads, or video monitoring. By combining some of these components, WesTec will build a system that truly suits your business’ needs.
Benefits of Partnering with WesTec
WesTec Services offers top-of-the-line services with equipment and components from reputable manufacturers. Our personnel are highly trained and experienced to help you get the most out of your access control system. We will make recommendations that suit your building and your budget to ensure proper security measures are met or exceeded.
We not only design an efficient access control system for you, but we also train you on how to use it. Systems may not be able to operate as effectively if the owner is not properly trained in how to operate it. We’ll teach the ins and outs of your system and be able to answer any questions that you may have following installation.
Interested in learning more about access control systems? Contact us today!
Due to the holidays, online shopping shoots through the roof and e-commerce websites often experience a surge in traffic. While this influx is great for sales, it also presents more risks to your website’s security. Understanding these risks and preparing your defenses is crucial to protect both your business and your customers.
Increased Vulnerability to Cyber Threats
The spike in traffic during the holidays makes websites a prime target for cybercriminals. Hackers often exploit this period by launching Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, which can overwhelm your site and cause downtime. Additionally, phishing scams and malware distribution tend to rise, preying on customer’s urgency to complete purchases quickly. During the holidays, consumers depend on reliable businesses to complete their transactions without the threat of cyber threats. Be sure to monitor your current software carefully during the peak of the season.
Data Breaches
The holidays often see an increase in online transactions, which means more sensitive customer data is being processed. This increase in data exchange can attract attackers looking to steal credit card information or personal details. A data breach during the holiday season can not only result in financial losses but also irreparably damage your brand’s reputation. Your website will appear unstable and you will see a significant decrease in traffic if your site is deemed unsafe.
Steps to Strengthen Your Security
To strengthen your security, start by upgrading your infrastructure to ensure your website can handle high traffic without crashing, and choose a reliable hosting provider with robust DDoS protection. Implement SSL certificates to encrypt data transfers and protect sensitive information from interception. Utilize advanced monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities in real time and respond promptly. Educate your team by training employees to recognize phishing attempts and maintain strong cybersecurity practices. Finally, regularly update all platforms, plugins, and software to mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure optimal protection.
Partnering with Westec
For comprehensive protection, consider working with a cybersecurity company like Westec. We can provide advanced threat detection, vulnerability assessments, and incident response plans tailored to your needs.
By proactively addressing these risks, you can ensure a safe and seamless shopping experience for your customers. For more tips and professional cybersecurity solutions, visit our website or contact us today. Stay safe and cyber-secure this holiday season!
The holiday season often brings opportunities to travel, whether visiting family or exploring new destinations. Unfortunately, this time of year can also be a prime opportunity for cybercriminals to target travelers. Protecting sensitive information while on the move is essential, especially in today’s digital age. At Westec, we prioritize your cybersecurity, so here are some practical tips to keep your data safe during your holiday travels.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in airports, hotels, and cafes, are convenient but often unsecured. Hackers can intercept your data over these networks. Instead, use your mobile hotspot or a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and safeguard your information.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Before traveling, enable 2FA on all important accounts, including email, banking, and social media. This extra layer of security ensures that even if someone obtains your password, they cannot access your accounts without the second verification step.
Be Cautious with Devices
Keep your devices like laptops, phones, tablets, and USB drives secure at all times. Use strong passwords and, where possible, biometric locks (like fingerprint or facial recognition) to prevent unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.
Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
While it’s tempting to post about your holiday adventures in real time, sharing details like your travel dates or location can make you a target for both online and physical theft. Wait until you return home to share your vacation photos.
Update Your Software
Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensure all your devices are running the latest operating systems and security patches before you leave.
At Westec, we believe proactive measures are the best defense against cyber threats. By staying vigilant and prepared, you can enjoy your holiday travels with peace of mind, knowing your sensitive information is protected.
For more tips and professional cybersecurity solutions, visit our website or contact us today. Stay safe and cyber-secure this holiday season!
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!
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!
While in office, cyber safety should always remain a huge priority. With the summer months quickly approaching, more people will clock out of the office for a vacation. Though you won’t be working for the time being, it doesn’t mean that you should take a vacation from protecting your sensitive data. Here are some ways to maintain strong cyber security when on vacation.
Beware Of Free Wi-Fi
You might think you’re not at risk while away from the desk, but this is not the case. If you decide to bring along a work laptop or work phone, pay attention to a few helpful tips to avoid a cyber attack. Starting off, make sure to not use free Wi-Fi. Having the option to connect to free Wi-Fi can seem great, but it can also expose your devices and any personal information that resides within them. A good way to avoid hackers accessing your data is to use a strong VPN or use your phone as a hotspot. Sometimes our devices connect automatically, so be sure to disable this feature before traveling.
Keep Track Of Your Devices
It is important to never leave your devices unattended for a number of reasons, but especially if your device holds important data. Make sure to keep track of items such as USB drives or tablets, even if it’s your toddler’s ipad. Any device you own will possess some kind of valuable information such as saved passwords and banking information. This is what hackers are looking for and will not hesitate to steal your devices if they are not held closely.
Refrain From Using Community Computers
Depending on your trip and where you plan to stay, refrain from using shared computers of any kind. Some hotels or vacation rentals will provide computers for guest’s use, but should never be trusted for remote assignments. Purchases, checking emails, or social media can also lead to cyberthreats if not careful. To protect you or your company, it is best to work on your own personal computer to avoid risk.
People go on vacation to enjoy time away from the office and with their families, so be prepared before clocking out. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Passwords are used to protect your devices, finances, health records, and so much more. We rely on them to prevent unauthorized users from accessing devices and accounts, which is crucial for most companies. Passwords are meant to change frequently to properly fulfill their purpose, as no password is unbreakable. Alas, World Password Day was born to act as a reminder to everyone that maintenance is required to retain account security.
Why It’s Celebrated
It is imperative that everyone has a strong password to ensure privacy. Before the internet and all of its glory, passwords were used as a method of entry for secret societies and clubs. Today, passwords are used a little less loosely to avoid cyber hacking. As the world becomes more advanced, cyber threats evolve as well. This means it is crucial to maintain the security of your passwords by updating them regularly. Falling on the first Thursday of May every year, World Password Day serves to encourage users to protect their data by maintaining their authentication methods.
Password Mistakes
Many people see their passwords as a way to get into their accounts rather than a way to keep others out. With this, many people try to make their passwords short, easy to remember, and personally relatable. Hackers are well aware of this, and will likely guess a password based on this criteria. Users have a habit of using the name of a pet, child, hobby, or profession when creating a password. A way to make passwords more difficult to guess is to use one that is irrelevant to the user. People also commonly use the same passwords across different platforms. This makes it easier for a hacker to access all accounts with one successful attempt.
With data being as precious as it is, it is up to you as the user to pay mind to your level of security. Celebrate this World Password Day by updating all your passwords for any account that holds value.
In today’s world, everyone relies heavily on technology to do just about anything. We use it to communicate with one another, to work and pay our bills, and purchase goods at the click of a button. We expect our devices to work without error, and can often forget that electronics can fail us at any point without any warning. It is important to remember that computers, phones, and other devices are not to be depended on for everything, and lost information can sometimes be the fault of the user.
The Situation
Imagine walking into work one morning to find a great mechanical failure has occurred overnight. This could have been caused by a number of events such as a virus, a natural disaster, a human error, or a system failure that has erased all of your company data. Nevertheless, the recovery system you had failed and your business could be facing serious risks. This disaster can happen at any moment, which is why it is crucial to install a more trustworthy IT recovery system to ensure proper data backup.
Prevention
The best steps to take to make sure your plan is safe is to manually back up data and information regardless of the trust you have for your recovery system. It is also wise to perform a full system restore once a month to make sure that the recovery system you have actually works. The single most expensive mistake most small business owners make is related to protecting their company data, so it is better to be safe than sorry. All businesses should document their IT recovery plan as part of their business continuity plan, and should not neglect testing it periodically.
Conclusion
It can be easy to forget that electronic devices are not without their flaws, and can fail you and your business any day of the week. In order to retain all those irreplaceable files, make sure your recovery plan has your back. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today!
Something as simple as sending an email may seem like normal task, but every email sent out holds precious information that thieves prey upon. Whether it’s for personal or company use, any information can be utilized to expose any confidential details you may not wish to share. These details can be used to perform cyberattacks, which is more than ideal to avoid. With the use of email security, your or your company’s cloud can be protected from potential cyber threats.
Why is it Important?
Having cloud-based email security is important for a number of reasons, especially since email is the most vulnerable line of communication. This is because hundreds of emails go out each day depending on the size of your company, raising the overall probability of getting attacked. Since most employees are busy working, the chances of them noticing a suspicious link attached to an email may be slim. Clicking on this link could result in attackers collecting precious credentials or installing viruses to employee computers. To prevent this from happening takes a lot less exertion than trying to reverse it, so consider taking action before it’s too late.
Potential Threats
Companies and personal users of email face potential consequences everyday when without cybersecurity. But what types of threats are there to look out for? Phishing emails take a hefty 90% of the blame for attacks for their talent of deception. These emails are sent to employees and usually consist of believable scenarios such as:
Changing payment methods for certain services (Netflix, Amazon, ect.)
Changing a password for an account under their name or company’s name
Alarming notices regarding unwarranted purchases
There are other ways for phishing emails to trick your employees, and they continue to evolve every single day. Phishing emails are the starting point of cloud-email exploitation, which happens through the use of document sharing. Many companies rely on Google Drive and other document sharing tools, so a recognizable email may not strike anyone as suspicious. Without proper cybersecurity, attackers can access these private documents and other data found in the cloud.
How Can I Improve it?
Applying integrated security to protect company data is the best way to prevent cyber attacks. Email encryption prevents data leaks wherever there is vulnerability in the server. Adding this extra step to ensure security between emails will definitely help. It is also beneficial to educate employees of these scams and how to identify them before moving forward. Thieves become more intelligent with every passing day, so learning how to specify what to avoid will benefit you or your business greatly.
Conclusion
As a company, it is a great responsibility to make sure your data is protected. As it’s been said before, prevention is a lot easier than finding a cure. Preparing for the worst scenario and staying aware of cyber threats will save you a lot of time and concern.
To learn more about our services, contact us today!
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Algorithms are one of the most used technologies in the world. They are used for anything and everything, including cell phones, computers, security systems and more. Businesses also use algorithms for a better success rate and improve their optimization. Here’s how businesses are using algorithms.
Human Resources
Algorithms are most used in the human resource field. Certain algorithms sort people or items into categories that can later be used by the business. This is also used in popular job posting websites. They can easily sort through candidates based on specific qualifications the job has put in place. Overall, with the help of algorithms, this leads to more efficiency and productivity in all work fields.
Healthcare
Algorithms can soon find themselves in the healthcare industry. With them, doctors can easily input symptoms into the system and find the right medication or treatment for the illness. Not only that, but it can track and categorize patients that make it easier for doctors to pull records. Algorithm programs specifically for this have already made their way to the healthcare field and can be used with other technologies such as artificial intelligence making a more advanced healthcare system.
Internet
Have you ever opened a social media app and seen an advertisement for something you recently looked up or interested in? That is a result of an algorithm. They take into account anything you have looked up, liked, or typed and put it through a filter system that shows certain information, items or advertisements that are catered to you. This is the most popular way algorithms are used.
It is also important to know that everyone has access to algorithms and correlating data. From big, well known companies to small start up businesses, algorithms can be used and be beneficial for all.
Want to know more about how algorithms can help your business? WesTec services can help! Feel free to contact us and check out our services to see how we can assist you. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter for updates.
In recent years cybersecurity has been a recurring topic in the world of technology. People are often finding ways of creating a safer way of using technology such as passwordless authentication. This modern way of controlling certain accounts is safer and more effective than previous passwords. Organizations can make this transition with these steps.
Password Replacement
When deciding to move towards passwordless authentication, you must have an option in place. Taking away passwords with no replacement leaves a hole in the system that is unprotected. One option that can be used is an active directory. This includes strong, hardware protected credentials that allow a single sign on.
Risk Assessment
Creating a stronger protective measure such as passwords, requires some trial and error. Having an assessment will allow you to view the possibilities of certain methods to determine what is best for you. This also takes into consideration the possibility of a breach or any harm to the system. You could also use the assessment as a way to prioritize any specific items.
Password Usage
It’s no surprise that people have gotten so used to typing their password every time they enter a service or device. In order to correctly transition into having no passwords, this barrier must be removed. A password shouldn’t have to be used routinely and this creates a seamless transition to multiple devices.
Eliminating Passwords
Once all the previous steps are completed, you can start to make the transition. The removal of passwords from the identity database will truly create the new authentication. This step is the most important and must be done when everything else has been in place. Once this is done, you are not at risk for password theft and create a modern way of passwords.
Technology is always changing to become more modernized and protective. It can be hard to keep up with all these changes, but we can help! Feel free to Give us a call todayorvisit our websiteto see what WesTec can do for you.
With the rise of COVID-19, cloud-based remote work has become increasingly popular and necessary. With new and emerging cloud-based technology comes new cybersecurity threats, like “cloud jacking.”
What is cloud jacking?
Cloud jacking occurs when a hacker steals the information of a cloud account holder and gains access to the server. Hackers often use this act as a means to conduct criminal activities, such as identity theft.
Because businesses often store confidential, sensitive information on cloud servers, they are major targets for cloud jacking. When it relates to sensitive information, these kinds of security breaches can be devastating for a business’ clients, partners, and reputation. Cloud jacking is not simply a one-time offense, as it creates a web of victims.
How do I protect myself against cloud jacking?
There are several things you can do to protect your business, clients, and partners from falling victim:
Require strict, multi-factor user authentication
Limit internal access to your cloud server
Perform background checks before granting anyone access to your cloud server
Backup all data stored on the server, in the event that there is data loss
Use encryption to secure all data before storing on your server
Require all users to create strong, secure passwords
Here are the properties of a strong password:
The longer, the better
A combination of lowercase and uppercase letters
Numbers and symbols
Avoid words or terms that could be easily linked to your identity
The professionals at WesTec Services want to help you protect your network and business. We provide vital business technology and consulting services that can be tailored to your needs and budget. Interested in learning more? Contact us today!
Computer networking allows the sharing of information across computers linked together by a common network. Businesses rely on networking to transfer messages and information with others.
Easier Sharing
Computer networks give individuals access to useful material such as facts, news or industry-specific information. With computer networking, employees can easily share with others. For example, resources can quickly be shared with an entire company and saved for employees to reference at a later time. Networking also saves individuals time by providing them with a way to share files efficiently.
Cost Efficiency
Installing a computer network is affordable. It requires minimal updates that are often completed in the background, allowing employees to keep working. Networks also save money by keeping a company from purchasing additional hardware. For example, without a network each computer would need it’s own printer. By installing a network, multiple computers can share the same printer, saving a company money and helping employees by simplifying their tasks.
Increased Storage Capacity
Computer networking increases storage capacity. Networks allow data and content to be properly shared within the system. A company’s files are also protected from malware, theft or natural disasters by being saved in different manners. For example, information can be stored on-site on tape drives to provide an extra layer of safety.
Enhanced Communication
Networks make it easier for employees to communicate with one another. Files can be shared with the click of a button. Instant messaging also allows for quick, useful communication with others. Instead of drafting an entire email, an employee can send a message to the recipient for a rapid response. This works well for questions, clarification and updates.WesTec employees are experts at computer networking. Contact us to see how we can install a computer network for your business.
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.,
Suite 104
Houston, TX 77018
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104