In today’s changing and ever-evolving world of technology and cyber threats, it’s essential to train your team to recognize the warning signs of suspicious emails or viruses that may intend to steal their information. Read on to learn more about the benefits of conducting regular IT training for your employees.
Reduced Risk of Cyberattacks
The largest benefit of conducting regular IT training is that it reduces the risk of cyberattacks through ignorance. If employees learn to recognize the signs of a scam, such as typos in email addresses and malicious links, the threat of ransomware or malware attacks will be significantly reduced. Company-wide training will lead to greater accountability between employees and allow them to feel comfortable asking if an email is a scam. Creating a judgment-free environment allows employees to ask questions about potential threats.
Increased Problem Solving
Technology can be complex, especially for those who do not specialize in it. Holding regular training sessions allows employees to ask questions and learn new software in a pressure-free environment. This enables team members to feel more motivated to solve simple software or settings-related problems on their own if they’re given the knowledge to do so.
Boosts Employee Confidence
Knowing the intricacies of software builds employees’ confidence and allows them to expertly navigate through the software that may have previously felt complicated. If employees aren’t anxious about accidentally making mistakes, then they will often feel much more confident in their abilities.
Increases Productivity
When team members know their way around the software that they regularly use, it allows for less downtime. By providing them with regular training, it reduces guesswork as they are well-versed in daily systems.
Even highly skilled professionals can benefit from refresher training. Through daily use, software becomes second nature, but some of the basics could be forgotten. Conducting company-wide training can benefit every employee, no matter their skill level.
Partner with WesTec for Your Business IT Needs
WesTec Services understands the fast-moving world of IT today. By partnering with us, you can rest assured that your business will stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive with streamlined technology that works for your business. Interested in learning more about our services and how we can help your business? Contact us today on our website or follow us on Facebook! Find more tips and insights on our articles page.
Choosing an IT consultant in Houston that’s best for your business can be a tricky task. There are many different factors to consider, such as cost, expertise, and services offered. Looking to outsource an IT consultant in Houston for your business? Read on to learn more about how to choose the right one!
Expertise and Years in Business
While years in business do not always equal expertise, WesTec has a track record of customer satisfaction for almost thirty years. Choosing an IT consultant who is an expert in your business’ industry is essential to finding the right IT solution. WesTec primarily serves Houston area professional firms with 10 to 100 employees, making us experts in providing IT consulting services for small to medium-sized businesses.
Cost Factor
Budget is a major factor in determining who to contract as your primary IT consultant. WesTec offers flexible plans to provide managed IT and IT consulting services to Houston area businesses. We’re here to help your business maximize its return on its investment in business technology. Whether you’re looking to overhaul your entire business technology system or install a few simple upgrades, WesTec’s IT consultants are well-versed in providing quality suggestions that meet your budget requirements.
Services Offered
When choosing an IT consultant in Houston, it’s essential to analyze the services that they offer. WesTec’s goal is to analyze a business’ current technology system and make recommendations for what can be implemented to get the company running profitably in the long term. WesTec Services is intentional in how we conduct assessments. We use each company’s goals, vision, and overall mission to determine what equipment and software will benefit the company long-term.
Partner with WesTec Services to Find the Right IT Consultant for Your Business
WesTec’s team of IT professionals is intentional about what we recommend to our clients and how we approach creating a plan for each business. Every business is different, and in today’s ever-changing technology landscape, we want to recommend lasting solutions.
Interested in learning more about our IT consulting services? Contact us today on our website and check out our blog page to learn more about what services we offer. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!
Like any business, small businesses are susceptible to cyberattacks. However, small businesses are particularly vulnerable as many often don’t have as stringent protection against cyber criminals. Read on to learn more about the top cybersecurity threats that small businesses are facing in 2025.
AI-Powered Cyberattacks
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly useful to businesses in a variety of industries, however, it can also be used in malicious ways. As it continues to evolve, AI can be leveraged to automate traditional cyberattacks, therefore increasing the hackers’ chances of succeeding in their attack. AI can be used to identify and create phishing emails and even create realistic deep fakes. Deep fakes are generally AI-generated videos of real people. These emails and videos can be very realistic, so training employees on how AI has impacted cybersecurity measures is essential.
Malware and Ransomware
As always, malware and ransomware are threats to any business, and small businesses are no exception. Ransomware is particularly powerful to wield against small businesses because a leak of personal data could be detrimental to a small business’ reputation.
Malware has been a common method of cyber attacks and is still being used in 2025. Malware is a broader term for many different malicious software. This software can harm and corrupt files, making them inaccessible or completely lost. Protecting your business is essential. Installing powerful anti-virus software is a great first step to protecting your business from malicious software.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Internet of Things references many different items that may connect to the internet, such as small doorbell cameras or HVAC systems. Essentially, it encompasses most small devices that connect to the internet. These systems tend to have very relaxed security compared to larger devices, so choosing strong passwords to protect them is essential.
Partner with WesTec to Protect Your Small Business
WesTec works with small to medium-sized businesses to protect and back up their data, ensuring that their information stays safe and secure from cyber attacks. Interested in learning more about WesTec’s services? Contact us on our website to speak to one of our experts. Check out our blog to read more of our IT tips, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn!
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!
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!
If you own a business, protecting it is probably on the top of your priority list. Surveillance systems and cameras can help you do just that. When making the decisions about CCTV or IP cameras, there are a few different factors to consider before mounting them.
Purpose
The first thing you want to identify when deciding on the location(s) of your security cameras is, what are you trying to protect? Is it one building? All the doors to the office? Outdoor equipment? Employee workspaces? Thinking about these questions will help you narrow down exactly where you need cameras and what type. The whole purpose of a security camera is to protect your business from numerous different threats. Making sure you are capturing the correct areas is the first step.
Power Source
Cameras need a power source to operate. Is there access to a power connection or can new wiring be installed in the areas you are wanting to place the cameras, or do you want to go with a battery powered or solar panel option.
Mounting
Thinking about the places you are installing the cameras and the material that the surveillance cameras will be mounted to. There are many different brackets and methods for mounting security cameras. Our professionals can help you decide what would work best for your needs.
Environment
There are many all-weather or weather resistant cameras. Thinking about what kind of environment your security system will need to operate in will help you decide the location and what type of camera you will need.
Lighting
Are there lights in the area you want to cover? Is it natural or artificial lights? At night is the space well lit or will you need a camera with night vision?
There are many factors that go into deciding the location of your security cameras and the type of system that would be best for your business. Surveillance cameras help protect your company from a range of hazards from theft and crime to workplace accidents. WesTec Services can help make sure you are getting the most out of your surveillance system and assist with answering those questions about camera placement.
Contact us today if you have any questions about adding a surveillance system to your business or learn more about installing a WesTec Guardian CCTV/ Video Surveillance System here.
When you think of surveillance systems, do you think of the fuzzy CCTV shots from old true crime documentaries? Video systems have come a long way since then. Past are the days of not being able to identify individuals from recordings. So how can a surveillance system add a level of security to your business and help you mitigate risk?
Protection from Theft and Crime
Security cameras can help stop crimes before they even occur. Setting up exposed cameras lets trespassers know that they are being recorded and the likelihood of them being caught just went up. A surveillance system proactively protects your business, and can reduce insurance costs.
If a crime does occur, you’ll have a place for the investigation to start and be able to provide evidence. You can choose cameras that continually record or are triggered by an event, such as someone walking by. All-weather cameras allow you to continue capturing activity in extreme conditions. With the climate in the Houston area, you never know what circumstances your surveillance system will need to be working under.
Reducing Workplace Hazards
CCTV and IP camera systems are not just for the outside of your building, installing cameras in work areas can help reduce work-related accidents. By monitoring work spaces, you can mitigate risk such as verifying machinery is functioning properly, confirm safety procedures are being followed and eliminate hazards that could cause injury. More employee accidents results in higher workers’ compensation rates. A surveillance system allows you to document exactly what occurred.
The decision to add surveillance cameras comes down to keeping your business and employees safe and reducing costs associated with thief, employee accidents and workers’ compensation and insurance.
If you would like to learn more about leveling up your security and adding a surveillance system, contact us today. Learn more about installing a WesTec Guardian CCTV/ Video Surveillance System to your business here.
Cloud computing and storage has increased in popularity. It has many benefits including security and effectiveness, but with time, cloud computing has become vulnerable to many risks. Here are five risks of cloud computing:
1.Misconfigured Settings
With many people using cloud computing, there is often a chance for a misab in the settings. A misconfigured setting is when some of the data stored in the cloud is not protected and it becomes breached. This is all because the purpose of the cloud is to make things fast and convenient and sometimes this causes more information to be less restricted. To fix this setting, it is ideal to check the cloud regularly and check the access permissions.
2. Poor Data Quality
When all your data is in the cloud, it can make it easier to overlook some information. Not only that, but when you share information via the cloud, it can make the information vulnerable to hackers and getting lost. To ensure the quality of your data, it’s a good idea to separate your data within categories and put security measures in place.
3. Employee Training
One of the risks when it comes to cloud computing is not properly training employees on the risks. Most of the time, data is stolen due to phishing scams and security breaches. These can be prevented by teaching employees on how to identify scams.
4. Security Policies
Insufficient security policies can hurt all data in the cloud. When a security policy is not correct, it puts so many things at risk. To ensure you have adequate policies, it is important to know who can access the cloud, what data should be in the cloud and what to do when a breach occurs.
5. Choosing the Provider
There are many cloud providers out there, and some aren’t the safest when it comes to storing data. Before determining what provider you want to use, make sure to research all providers.
Are you having trouble with cloud computing? Westec Services can help! Feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.
It is no secret that understanding technology and their terms can be difficult. Especially with it always changing and evolving, it is hard to keep up with all the lingo. Knowing the basic machine learning terms will help you have a better understanding of the technology. Here are the top terms you should know:
Unsupervised Learning
Unsupervised learning refers to systems that rely on clustering algorithms. The main goal of this is to allow big systems or computers to a wide variety of information so they can learn and adapt to it. The downside to this is that each system needs to be programmed in order to use the information.
Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
This type of automation is simply using bots to carry out certain tasks. RPA’s work best in an environment that repeats certain tasks.
Linear Regression
Linear regression is a statistical algorithm that uses variables to predict values of dependent variables. The main idea of linear regression is being able to use independent and dependent variables to plot data on a line.
Deep Learning
Artificial intelligence is becoming more popular in the technology industry, and deep learning is a new approach to AI. Deep learning groups learning algorithms based on hierarchy. For example, the first layer of deep learning can consist of an algorithm based on color and as the layers go up, the level of the algorithm increases due to how important it is to the full algorithm.
Classification
Classification is grouping objects, ideas or information into categories. This can be useful for any type of algorithm or machine learning. It keeps track of data and allows the user to select certain information or objects to send out or edit.
Struggling to understand machine learning terms Minimize the downtime spent searching for solutions and outsource IT support with WesTec Services! Interested in learning more? Contact us today! Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!
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