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!
Small businesses are an essential and often beloved part of communities. However, their size and statistically weaker security measures put them at risk for cyber attacks. Read on to learn helpful tips to protect small businesses from losing important data or customer information.
Limit Access to Information
As a business with a small number of employees, it can be easy to provide everyone in the organization with access to all data. However, it is essential to keep track of who has access to what information to reduce the risk of hackers preying on employees. Employees should only have access to data that is essential to their role and should not be able to install software without permission. This ensures that employees do not accidentally install software that contains malware or mistakenly fall for a phishing attempt.
Secure Wifi Networks
Having an encrypted and password-protected wifi network is essential for protecting any business from attacks. If your business has a public wifi network for customers, consider having a second protected network for things like cash registers or computers that store important data. Wifi networks can even be hidden from the public in instances like these, so taking this step can further reduce the risk of someone unknown connecting to the network that powers computers with sensitive data.
Training Employees
Creating data protection guidelines for employees to follow is essential in protecting important data. This can be password regulations, anti-virus software on computers, and training sessions to ensure employees know how to spot various cybersecurity threats. Protecting data in a small business is everyone’s responsibility, so it is important to ensure that everyone in an organization is properly trained and educated about cyber risks.
Consult with Cybersecurity Experts
Consulting with experts in the cybersecurity field is essential in protecting businesses. There are many cyber threats beyond the obvious phishing and hacking attempts. 41% of small business owners believe that cyber-attacks only happen to larger businesses, but 41% of small businesses have been victims of cyber attacks. Small businesses are much more vulnerable than larger businesses, so consulting with professionals is essential to ensure the security of a small business’ data.
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!
Data protection is more important than ever as data leaks and hacks are becoming more and more common. As remote work has risen in popularity, the job market has proven that this form of work environment is here to stay. It can be difficult to keep track of a company’s data when employees are in different locations, but having proper standards and procedures in place can help ensure data is protected.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Working from a public location through public wifi, such as a cafe, has more risks involved with security. A VPN connects through a secure server and adds another layer of security, especially when working through an open network like public wifi. Even though a VPN is most useful for public wifi networks, it can also be a good idea to err on the side of caution and use one while working from home.
Keep Work and Personal Separate
Setting clear boundaries and using a work-designated computer is one of the best ways to ensure that sensitive company data is protected when working remotely. If this isn’t an option, having separate profiles on a computer for work and personal can help achieve this separation as well. Additionally, if using a personal device is necessary, keeping it up to date is vitally important.
A personal computer isn’t connected to a company’s network so it likely won’t have the same antivirus software and other safeguards. Additionally, companies are able to push updates onto all company-owned devices, but it’s often not possible to do this with an employee’s personal computer. Ensuring that software is up to date is an important step in ensuring that data is protected when an employee isn’t physically in the office.
Employee Training
Ensuring that employees have adequate training is important in all aspects of a business, especially data protection. Some employees may not know the importance of these policies, so training is important when working remotely because they no longer have IT nearby.
These regular training sessions may include things like how to spot phishing emails, how to use a password manager, and how to set software to automatically update. Adequate employee training is essential to ensure that a company is safe from cyber threats.
Reliable Network
Ensuring that employees have a reliable network, whether in-office or remotely, is important. WesTec offers free computer network health check audits to see if a network is properly maintained for maximum speed, security, and performance. We can also provide guidance on remote access technology as well as upgrades of a computer system.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Phishing is a strategy that scammers use to gather personal information and attempt to insert malware into computers. Scammers commonly pose as a major company or an individual within a user’s company. Phishing can be harmful, but there are common signs to look out for to avoid theft of personal information.
Misspellings
Phishing emails can impersonate major companies or individuals within an organization, but there will usually be obvious misspellings. These mistakes can range from improper grammar within the body of the email or a slight misspelling in the person’s email address. At first glance, it may look like a company email address, but be sure to double-check the address before responding to an email from someone unknown.
Links
Additionally, phishing emails rely on users clicking links within the email to steal personal information. The links could be for invoice numbers, “suspicious login attempts,” or requesting confirmation of financial information. These are all prime ways to steal financial or login information. Be wary of links and only click them if it’s from a trustworthy sender.
No Personalization
Generally, if a company sends an email requesting confirmation of some kind, it will probably be personalized for the recipient. Scammers don’t know personal information unless it’s given to them so emails will generally have generic greetings without any identifying information. Real companies will not request financial or login information via email, as it is not secure.
The world of IT is evolving at an unprecedented pace and being driven by the rise of emerging technologies. Businesses that embrace these trends stand to gain a competitive edge, unlocking new possibilities and efficiencies. As we navigate the future of IT, staying informed and adapting to these transformative technologies will be crucial for organizations and individuals alike. Learn about which of our IT services may suit your business’s needs the best. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
In today’s world, cameras can be found all around us. Whether they’re hidden in doorbells, on the side of buildings, or even in the hands of smartphone users, they can be found just about anywhere. Though, not all company owners choose to invest in surveillance cameras, and can pay the price because of it. Here are a few reasons why you might want to consider adding video surveillance to your business.
Prevents Theft
Without surveillance cameras, there is a high chance that theft will commonly occur within your business. Installing visible cameras will deter most people from stealing when they know they’re being watched. This way, you can monitor both your customers and employee’s activity throughout the day. It can also be useful to have in case of an emergency or robbery, having the ability to provide visual evidence to police or insurance companies.
Increases Safety
Safety should be everyone’s number one priority in the workplace, especially in industrial type businesses. Having a surveillance camera can be the quickest way to reach an employee or customer who is in need of help. It’s a sense of security for those operating heavy machinery, walking alone to their car in the evening, or for any other unexpected accident. This will make those who work for you feel more comfortable with their surroundings, which is critical as a business owner.
Saves Money
It might not be well-known to everyone, but having surveillance cameras can typically call for a discount. When it comes to insurance, premiums can be quite expensive when covering commercial properties. Some insurance companies will lower your premium when you invest in video surveillance, which can lower the chances of criminal activity.
Adding surveillance to your business is like adding an extra layer of protection to your assets. Give yourself the piece of mind and install surveillance for the sake of your company. If you have any questions about our IT services, contact us today! Follow us on Facebook to keep up with our latest blogs!
Mission: WesTec will be a “turn-key” solution for all of its clients’ business connectivity needs. It will offer efficient and effective solutions, directly and with strategic partners, that create tangible value for its clients at every point of contact. Westec will serve all people and entities with a servant’s heart.
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2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
Houston, TX 77018
2916 West TC Jester Blvd.,
Suite 104
sales@westecservices.net