(713) 682-4000 sales@westecservices.net

Tips for Protecting Sensitive Information During Holiday Travel

Cookies and Privacy: What “Terms” Are You Accepting?

The Importance of Location in Surveillance System Installation

Protecting Your Business with Surveillance Systems

5 Risks of Cloud Computing

Machine Learning Terms You Should Know

Benefits of Managed Services

VPNs vs Proxies

How to Develop a Hardware Refresh Cycle

Data Privacy Laws in the US

Posts Tagged ‘it’

Tips for Protecting Sensitive Information During Holiday Travel

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Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software.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!

Cookies and Privacy: What “Terms” Are You Accepting?

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!

The Importance of Location in Surveillance System Installation

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

Surveillance System Camera

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.

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Protecting Your Business with Surveillance Systems

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?

Surveillance systems for protecting your business

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.

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5 Risks of Cloud Computing

 

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. 

Machine Learning Terms You Should Know

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!

Benefits of Managed Services

 

When it comes to your business’ IT, it can be overwhelming and often confusing. Having a managing service run all your IT, it can eliminate any stress associated with it. Many benefits include cost, time, effectiveness and less overall stress. 

Cost

 

Most managing service providers work directly with the client to ensure the best pricing options for your IT department. This may include a better way of securing data, sharing documents, communications and more. 

Time

One of the biggest benefits of a managed service is that it will give you and your business more time for other things. Handling IT services on your own can take up lots of time, leaving you scrambling to finish projects. A managing service can take everything IT off your hands and ultimately free up some time. 

Effectiveness

IT can be difficult to understand, so when businesses try to handle all their IT items, they can do things incorrectly. This will decrease your efficiency and often prolong tasks. When you let a service handle everything IT, they will ensure that everything will be correct and allow you and your business to work effectively. 

Company Improvements 

When companies are growing and hiring more employees, they tend to depend on their technology department to be able to provide all necessary information and items needed. When a managing service is in control of IT, they can be ready for your company to continuously grow and change without having to worry about when things will be prepared. 

Stress

IT itself can be incredibly stressful. This high amount of stress can harm work efficiency and be detrimental to the company. Hiring an IT managing service team will take all the stress off of you and your employees. They will do their job, to ensure that you can do your job. 

WesTec Services is your one-stop-source for all things IT support & consulting in Houston! Does your business require network installation, backup & disaster recovery, managed services, consulting, and more? We’ve got you covered! Contact us today.

 

VPNs vs Proxies

 

In the new age of technology, everyone is wanting to protect their data, especially for their business. VPNs and Proxies can both be used as a barrier to protect vital information from being stolen or hacked. But which one is better for you and your business? Here is a breakdown of VPNs vs Proxies:

 

VPNs

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network is an established private service that is used when connected to a public internet network. It provides a user with a different IP address before connecting to the service. It creates a secure connection of different destinations that ensures the privacy of data and information. When using a VPN, it will encrypt any information being sent so it can further be protected. People can easily install a VPN through their computer or an app. Not only that, but certain VPNs give the user the ability to change their location of the IP address. 

Pros and Cons of VPNs

Pros of VPNs include:

  • Encryption of all data
  • Filter everything on the website 
  • Higher security coverage

Cons of VPNs include:

  • Can make connection speed slower
  • Some VPN softwares are expensive

Pros and Cons of Proxies

Pros of proxies include:

  • Cheaper than VPNs
  • Can balance traffic loads without slowing down the connection 
  • Can be used with big companies and servers

Cons of Proxies Include:

  • Less secure than VPNs
  • Some proxies can track certain information including passwords

Proxies

Proxies are simply a barrier between the user and the internet. The proxy acts as a filter when entering data on a website, securing any data that may be at risk. There are many different types of proxies including, forward proxy, reverse proxy, transparent proxy and anonymous proxy. All do the same thing but act upon it in a different way.

 

Which One is Better? 

When it comes to which one is better for you, there is no definitive answer. They both successfully protect user identity and information. They both have pros and cons and it is important to do research in order to find the perfect option for you. 

WesTec services can assist you with any IT questions or services. We offer skilled expertise in all technologies and are ready to help. Contact us for any further information on data security and how to protect yourself. 

How to Develop a Hardware Refresh Cycle

A hardware refresh cycle is when you upgrade you or your company’s hardware and software as needed. Benefits include saving information, increasing efficiency, and improving safety. Here’s how to develop a hardware refresh cycle:

 

1. Assess Your Hardware Needs 

Any hardware refresh should start with a closer look at your systems. This means knowing what kind of hardware it is, how old it is, and how much storage is used. This will better prepare you for the updates. 

2. Future Needs

After knowing what hardware you have or what it is lacking, you will want to conduct some research and decide what routine updates will be required of your hardware in the future. This is also a good time to locate receipts, and know purchase dates and any warranties you may have. 

3. Disposal of Old Hardware

After assessing your current hardware, you may need to upgrade the system completely. In order to do this, you will want to make sure the hardware company has a warranty program. If they do, you may be able to get it replaced at a lower price. If not, this is when you will want to wipe your system and properly dispose of it. 

4. Different Types of Hardware

You may not know that there are many different types of hardware including, personal computers, central processing units, random access memory, hard disks, internal hard drives, mobile devices, and servers. It is important to choose the right one for you or your business. 

5. Purchase

 

Once you have an idea of what software you want, you can choose to either purchase it or lease it. Both have their pros and cons. For more information on buying vs leasing IT equipment, read here

Keeping your hardware up-to-date will not only increase productivity, but it will also improve your business’ safety. It is important to conduct a hardware refresh cycle regularly. 

Not sure what technology is better for your business? Westec Services can help! Feel free to contact us for more information or questions you may have.

 

Data Privacy Laws in the US

 

Today’s technology is constantly changing and evolving, oftentimes leaving our vital personal information at risk of being sold, leaked or taken. But did you know that there are certain laws in place to protect your data? Here is everything you need to know about data privacy laws in the US:

 

US Privacy Act of 1974

The US Privacy Act was passed by congress in 1974. The main purpose of this act is to protect the privacy of individuals and prevent unwanted invasions of their privacy or data from federal companies. This includes the closure of personal information. Some key points of this act include: 

  • All citizens have the right to any data held by the government
  • Citizens can correct or change any data 
  • Sharing information between different federal corporations is prohibited 

FTC Act

The FTC or the Federal Trade Commission Act is another important privacy act in the US. It was first introduced in 1914 and is used to enforce the protection of data and privacy of individuals. This act is also used in court to investigate data violations. Similar to other data privacy laws, the FTC focuses on the use of equality and prevents deceptive acts that may affect commerce. 

HIPAA

Personal medical information is one of the most vital pieces of data that is protected. HIPAA, or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act protects all forms of medical information. This act sets limits and uses disclosures in order to get medical information private and secure. 

FCRA

Credit scores and anything pertaining to credit card agencies are protected under The Fair Credit Reporting Act. This act’s purpose is to establish fair, equal and private information that credit card agencies might have. This also prevents certain companies from selling your information to other companies. 

 

Having all your information online can be scary, but just know that there are laws in place to protect you and your information. 

Technology can be confusing, and it’s important to know your rights! Have any further questions on internet privacy? Contact WesTec today! And 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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