Are you interested in creating your own startup? Are you afraid of any cyber risks? Any business, especially startups, are at risk for cyber attacks. These attacks can be detrimental to a business or online presence. It is vital to know what these attackers are looking for and how to protect yourself. Here are some tips to secure you and your startup from cyber attacks:
Account Admin
Depending on how big your startup is and how many accounts will be online, it is a good idea to have one admin account. This means the one admin account will have the authority to grant access to fellow accounts and ability to download data and software. This will cut back on online vulnerability as only one person will have access to important data. Along with an admin account, you can also unlock certain data and access to different accounts within the startup. For example, you can grant access to the financial department of bank account statements and billing information. Not only will this limit the risk of cyber threats, it will also cut back on time that the admin would have to grant access every time.
Strong Passwords
Having strong passwords isn’t a surprise when it comes to cybersecurity. But, the top way hackers get into systems is going through weak passwords. In order to stop this, it is recommended that every password should have a capital letter, special characters and numbers. It is also important to never share passwords.
Multi-Factor Authentication
No matter how strong passwords can be, hackers can still find a way in. Thankfully, more systems are requiring a multi-factor authentication process when logging into an account. This means that even if someone has your password, it can require a phone number or email to fully login. Most online softwares offer this level of security, you just have to authorize it.
Knowing how to protect you and your startup from cyber attacks is crucial. With selecting admin accounts, strong passwords and multi-factor authentication process, hackers will have a harder time logging into your accounts.
Cyber threats can be irritating and hard to effectively prevent them. WesTec services can help you in any way. We offer skilled expertise in all technologies and are ready to help. Contact us for any further information on phishing and how to protect yourself.
Cloud computing is one the most beneficial ways for businesses to operate, but still creates online threats. Many threats can appear, but Shadow IT can interfere with devices, technology systems, applications and software. Learn about the dangers of Shadow IT and why is it being used:
What is it?
Shadow IT can be described as projects or networks that are managed by outside providers, without prior approval from the IT department. With cloud database popularity, shadow IT is growing and creates vulnerabilities including data leaks and database violations.
Risks
Now that you know what shadow IT is, what are the risks? The main risk is data leaks. Oftentimes when shadow IT is being used, it prevents certain backups from being performed. This means important data could be lost forever. From sending a document to a personal email, to file sharing on the cloud, this makes it possible for shadow IT to intervene and allow the information to be compromised by outside networks that cannot be monitored by the IT department.
These risks can go beyond simply leaking information. Depending on the network, shadow IT can harm financials, internal communications and errors within the system. When systems have access to this vital information, they can duplicate it and cause harm to your business and result in losing money.
Not all networks who use shadow IT are purposely doing it to cause harm, and most of the time big companies use this to increase productivity. Companies who use this include Google Drive, Dropbox and Microsoft Office. It is important to know that even though shadow IT can be beneficial, it still makes companies vulnerable to internal harm and should be dealt with.
Prevention
It can be determined that shadow IT will not be going away soon, which is why educating employees on this issue will be the best prevention plan. Along with knowing the risks, routinely checking your data will help manage and determine if shadow IT is affecting your business.
Want to know more about shadow IT? WesTec services can help! Feel free tocontactus and check out ourservicesto see how we can assist you. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook,LinkedInandTwitterfor updates.
Almost every device has a database system, but do you know how to best manage it? Database management systems ensure that your system performs to its highest potential while creating a more effective way of logging data. Here are the top reasons why you should start a management system for your databases:
Greater Than Human Knowledge
Technology is advancing quicker than ever, and is becoming smarter and more useful in the workplace. We as humans cannot comprehend everything that a computer can do, and without databases, there are lots of limitations. That is why having this management system is so important, it can solve problems faster than we can and can store loads of crucial information.
Automation
Automation is used to perform tasks repetitively, on a schedule that can be difficult when doing it one by one. Management systems can pre-order information and create internal schedules that can be customized for and by the user. While information increases, an effective automation system should increase efficiency and productivity to ensure the best organization.
Questions
There are many questions that are asked every second of every day. Most of which are answered due to database management systems. Most systems have an internal spreadsheet of answers that save humans time and energy to go search for them in traditional ways. This is accessible for everyone and is used all the time for us to better manage information.
Overwhelmed
Even with these types of systems, we can easily get overwhelmed by the information. However, the management system allows the user to focus on the core information rather than the complexities of the little things. Users can easily track and manage their data and time based on their database.
Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help.Contactus with any questions you may have and follow us onFacebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Video surveillance systems are one of the most effective ways for protecting and monitoring a space or business. With loads of surveillance services on the market, it can be hard to choose the best one for you. Here are the top video surveillance systems predicted for 2022.
Protection 1
Ranked the highest, Protection 1 video surveillance company offers a wide variety of services for many companies and areas. Each hardware can be customized to your specific liking. They include 24 hour surveillance that is protected, leaving the most accurate video data. This data can be located through their mobile application. Pricing is dependent on what plan is chosen, but the only downside is that you must sign a three year contact with every plan.
Blink by Amazon
Blink by Amazon is a user-friendly and cost effective option for surveillance. Popular for their no monthly fee or contracts, this device is becoming more popular for everyday users. Like other popular companies, they also work through an app, however it requires wifi in order to work.
Alibi Security
Alibi is a system that is usually paired with an already existing company. This simplys upgrades the performance of the system and is considered a hybrid option. You can pair this with the previous system, IP or analog, without changing the camera itself. It allows you to connect the old device with the new system allowing you to still access the data. For pricing, you must contact an Alibi Security representative.
No matter what surveillance system you decide on, it is important to do research and make sure the system is perfect for you.
Let Westec Services help you decide on and install the best video surveillance system for you or your business. We offer our expertise in all IT issues and are willing to work diligently and professionally for all of our clients. Feel free to contact us and check out the services we offer.
Shopping online has many risks that some shoppers fall victim to. Whether it be personal information stolen, wifi breach or virtual viruses, it is important to know how to become a smart shopper and prevent these risks from becoming a reality. Here are some tips to be a smart shopper:
Know What You’re Buying
Popular smart devices can easily help us and make our lives easier, but it is important to know exactly what you want and what risks might be present. Things to know are:
Who makes it?
What is its purpose?
Do you trust the company?
Have you read the reviews?
All of these things can prevent negative things from happening and make you more aware of what devices you are potentially bringing into your life or home.
Buy Familiar Brands
To limit the risks of buying alone, it is a good idea to buy from familiar or well known brands. These top brands are more likely to have stronger security on devices that hackers will have a hard time getting into and less likely to have any security breaches. Also, top brands are constantly updating their system and creating a safer place for the devices. Rarely hackers get into the system but when they do, these big companies are quick to fix it and will most likely send out a message to customers making them aware of the threat. It is important to be able to trust the brand or company and feel confident is how they handle these risks.
Are you having issues with becoming a smart shopper and protecting your information? Westec services can help! Schedule a callwith one of our professionals today!
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.
With holiday’s right around the corner, this makes for a scammer’s perfect opportunity to conduct phishing scams. Researchers have stated that this year, phishing scams are going to increase significantly. More phishing scams are done via mobile devices, making it easier than ever to have your information stolen. But how do we protect ourselves during this vulnerable time?
Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are intensified during the holiday season due to the high traffic of online shoppers and the urge for people to look for deals. One popular way scammers do this is by sending emails or text messages about an offer that is too good to be passed up. For example, they list a popular technology device for cheap. Most people would just look at the price and proceed with the scam. Another scam is when they mimic bigger companies online to get credit card information or being able to log onto the device when a certain URL is clicked. These mainly happen through emails. They might send an email about a recent fake purchase to get you to click on the URL. These scams are going unnoticed and can do lots of harm. It is important to know how to prevent these scams and protect your information.
Prevention
It is inevitable that these scams will make their way to you. One way to identify a scam is to check the grammar of the message. Usually scams will be misspelled or the message came from a third party source. This is the easiest way to quickly identify the scam.
Be cautious about providing personal information such as phone numbers or credit card numbers. Make sure before you provide information that it is a reliable and trustworthy source.
If a phishing scam is sent to you, it is best to not respond. A response to these scams lets the scammer know you are a ‘real’ person and will likely be targeted again. If this does happen, there is an option to report the scam to the Spam Reporting Service.
Holidays make for a great time to buy gifts for loved ones, but this also means it is more likely to come across a phishing scam. It is important to know how to identify the scam and how to prevent and protect yourself.
Scams can be irritating and hard to effectively prevent them. WesTec services can help you in any way. We offer skilled expertise in all technologies and are ready to help. Contact us for any further information on phishing and how to protect yourself.
Blockchain technology is one of the most effective ways to have secure and connected information. It stores information and then ‘chains’ it with more databases linking them together. This creates an irreversible timeline of data that can be beneficial.
How Does it Work?
The main purpose of a blockchain is to send information that can be sent to other databases but cannot be edited. This is important when distributing important information. The first step in this process is the transaction. This is when the information is first introduced to the database. As more information is entered, it creates a chain that can spread to other systems.
How Secure is it?
The main question regarding blockchain technology is how safe it is. Due to its inability to edit any information, this makes this one of the safest ways to spread information. Not only that, but it stores everything chronologically and linearly. Even if hackers try to interrupt a chain, it wouldn’t line up with the rest of the block, immediately notifying users.
Ways to Use Blockchains
This technology can be used in many ways including banking, currency, healthcare, smart contacts, supply chains and voting. Since this system is secure and easily distributed, many companies find this the most effective way to store their information. Big companies such as Walmart and Pfizer actively use blockchains to distribute their records or important documents.
Blockchain technology is finally making it’s way into modern life. From its effectiveness and security, more companies are finding ways to incorporate this technology into their businesses.
Have any questions about the right technology services for you or your business? WesTec services can help. Contact us with any questions you may have and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
Maintaining your computer’s health requires regular care and maintenance. Here are a few things you can do to protect the health of your computer on a daily basis:
Routine deep cleans
You would be surprised by the number of files that collect on a computer over time. Too many files and programs can actually affect a computer’s load speed and overall performance. Therefore, it is crucial that you perform routine deep cleans on your system. Delete any files that you no longer need and are simply taking up space. If there are files you would like to keep, store these on an external hard drive (and back this drive up) before removing the files from your system.
Download security updates
You’ve likely received notifications to download new security updates and declined for the sake of time and convenience. If you do not regularly download security updates, your computer may be vulnerable to hacking. These updates work to “patch” any holes in your computer’s security. Without these updates, hackers can intercept your security and access your information, files, programs, etc.
Install and update antivirus software
Viruses and malware can affect your computer’s overall performance, which can disrupt productivity. Therefore, it is important that you install an antivirus software and update this software regularly. Antivirus software will scan your computer for existing viruses, resolve these issues, and block more viruses from infecting your computer.
When you fail to perform routine deep cleans and maintain your antivirus and security software, your computer is at risk of system failure. At WesTec Services, we understand it can be easy to forget to do these things. Don’t neglect your computer any longer — outsource IT support with WesTec Services! From IT consulting services and network installation to backup & disaster recovery, we’ve got you covered. Protect your computer’s health with WesTec Services. Contact us today!
If you are looking to upgrade your security, consider an access control system. Access control systems offer many centrally controlled security options, including video surveillance, fingerprint entry systems, and key card scanners. If you’re still on the fence, here are a few stats you should know about access control systems:
60% of commercial burglary attempts happen after hours
Crime can happen anytime anywhere. However, for businesses, 60% of burglary attempts happen after hours. Therefore, it is crucial that businesses adopt an access control system to secure their facilities 24/7.
Criminals prefer easy access — if gaining access to your facility would require a lot of effort, you’re less likely to fall victim to burglary. These added security measures will serve as a crime deterrent.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, 44% of workers say access control is more important now than ever before
Over the past year, we have seen a rise in COVID-19 cases. In an effort to control the spread of the illness, we have had to take extra safety precautions. Many believe access control systems could keep employees safe, as it can minimize the flow of traffic in any facility.
With these systems, you can decide who comes and goes with the use of keycards or fingerprint recognition. With fewer people coming and going, there is less risk of further spreading the virus.
The access control system industry is projected to be worth $12.8 billion by 2025
There is a reason the access control system industry is steadily growing — and it’s because these systems work! Access control systems are the only truly proactive step a user can take to augment the security within a facility. With access control systems, you can monitor the attendance of your employees and set parameters for visitors and guests that visit your building.
With an access control system, you can better regulate who comes and goes in your facility. Interested in learning more about the benefits of adopting an access control system? WesTec Services can help. Schedule a call with one of our professionals today!
Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.
Get in touch
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
Houston, TX 77018
Maintaining your computer’s health requires regular care and maintenance. Here are a few things you can do to protect the health of your computer on a daily basis:
If you are looking to upgrade your security, consider an access control system. Access control systems offer many centrally controlled security options, including video surveillance, fingerprint entry systems, and key card scanners. If you’re still on the fence, here are a few stats you should know about access control systems:
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
sales@westecservices.net