You want your devices to run smoothly and quickly. You want minimal downtime, increased productivity, and decreased costs. One effective way to ensure your technology is aligned with your goals is to conduct a digital cleaning to see where you might be falling short.
If you’re using outdated technology, you risk:
Increased downtime
Heightened costs
Decreased productivity
Security gaps
A digital cleanup is an opportunity to evaluate your security and find out where your software needs to be updated or enhanced. It illuminates any technology issues you may have been neglecting.
A digital cleaning acts as your alert system, a way for you to find out how you can get your devices running better and determine what you can do to optimize and improve your IT infrastructure.
Here are some digital cleanup items you can check off to improve your business technology.
√ Organize Your Digital Files
Free up space by eliminating files that you don’t need while holding onto the ones you still use.
√ Update Your Software
Check to see that you have the most current version of your software to maintain performance and keep your data secure.
√ Delete Old Accounts
Consider deactivating accounts you no longer use.
√ Use a Password Manager
How many passwords do you have? According to NordPass, you probably have around 100 of them. A password manager stores them on secure servers that aren’t accessible to hackers.
√ Evaluate Your Hardware
Run a diagnostic on your hardware to ensure its functionality and learn about out any issues that need to be addressed.
√ Run Updates
When you get a notification on your device that an update is available, don’t ignore it. Updating to its latest operating system ensures it runs as efficiently as possible.
√ Back Up Your Data
All your devices should be backed up to the cloud every 24 hours.
√ Protect Your Device
By using antivirus and antimalware software, you keep your device safe from phishing scams and other hacking ploys.
√ Clear Your Cache
When you eliminate the cookies that keep track of your browsing history, your devices run faster.
√ Partner with an MSP
If you don’t have the time or manpower to regularly clean your tech, consider partnering with an MSP. Partnering with an MSP means you can hand over your checklist for them to do the work. An MSP makes valuable suggestions and gets you on track with your technology and business goals.
NetAssurity is a team of professional technology experts who can run diagnostic tests and provide customized IT solutions that suit your unique business needs.
We know your goal is to improve your technology so that your business continues to grow. It’s our goal, too. Let us shed light on how your technology is running and make recommendations on technology solutions that help you achieve the utmost levels of efficiency and productivity.
Leave your digital cleaning checklist to the experts. You won’t believe the results.
It’s one thing to have cybersecurity — it’s another thing, however, to have modern, effective cybersecurity that can withstand any kind of breach or cyberattack.
The best way to ensure you are reaping the cybersecurity benefits your software has to offer is by doing regular security checkups. A robust checkup includes making sure your employees are adequately trained, that your sensitive data is properly stored and that you have a plan in place to get you up and running should a breach occur.
Of course, you don’t want a breach to occur in the first place — IBM found the global average of a data breach is just shy of $4 million. And performing regular checks of the efficacy of your cybersecurity is a great first step toward stopping disaster.
There are many positives to doing regular tech checks of your cybersecurity such as:
Educating employees — It is imperative to ensure your employees can identify and sidestep attempts at phishing, ransomware and other attacks hackers have up their sleeves, especially since more than 90% of breaches occur because of human error. Your MSP should be able to provide your staff with ample training, whether it’s videos, posters or phishing simulations that won’t just educate your employees but will also make them your company’s strongest line of defense against a possible attack.
Keeping within budget — Effective cybersecurity isn’t always cheap, but it is far less expensive than the financial wallop packed by a breach or an attack. According to Small Business Trends, the average cost of breach to a small business is more than $25,000. TechChannel reports that one hour of downtime caused by a breach costs a business more than $300,000. Those are resources that should be devoted to running your business and growing your company — not mitigating the effects of a potentially disastrous breach. Worse yet, TechRepublic also found that small- and medium-sized companies that fall prey to an attack or breach shut down for good within six months of the incident. Check your tech and you can better protect yourself from becoming a statistic.
Maintaining good standing — As an entrepreneur, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a brand your customers can lean on and trust. Falling victim to a breach will erode that trust. Whether you’re in finance or the medical industry, clients are going to hesitate trusting you with their sensitive data if you can’t keep your own data secure. Security.org found that one in four Americans stop doing business with a company once it has been hacked. Imagine a quarter of your clientele up and leaving, taking their business — and their money — to a competitor while giving your company negative reviews to anyone who asks. Internally, being a company renowned for weak security and the high frequency at which it’s attacked will put a dent in company morale while driving away talented employees and negatively impacting your ability to hire new ones.
Cybersecurity isn’t necessarily a set-it-and-forget-it part of your business. It needs to be updated, maintained and above all, checked. Your cybersecurity benefits will go a long way toward the success and sustainability of your business — if you handle it the right way. If you have any questions or need assistance with putting together your security checklist, please reach out to our team.
NetAssurity in Tampa has security services and solutions that help you keep up with and stay protected against the latest threats. Trust our expert team to provide services that are scalable, cost-efficient and customizable so they fit the specific needs of your industry and budget. Let us protect your business like it’s our business. Reach out to us today and we can assist you in creating an effective checklist that ensures your security has everything it needs to safeguard your network.
Put your money and focus where they belong — toward the growth of your business.
At NetAssurity, we know productivity tools for small businesses. As technology evolves to better support today’s modern workforce, we’re excited to share what we know and love. If you’re interested in learning about the productivity tools helping Tampa businesses work better and smarter, keep reading.
#1. Cloud Computing Solutions
The cloud is redefining modern business, transforming how, when and where things get done. The benefits are numerous, and they all lead to increased productivity and efficiency. Cloud-based solutions provide the flexibility, reliability and security today’s business demands.
Cloud Computing Solutions Support:
Collaboration: Cloud-based tools help teams work faster, smarter and together.
Business continuity: Cloud computing stores information in the cloud so it’s easy to backup and recover.
Flexibility: Quickly scale storage and bandwidth resources up or down as your business needs change.
Innovation: Enjoy state-of-the-art tools without the costly, upfront fees.
Small businesses from all industries report increased productivity, improved security and cost savings after implementing a cloud solution. These service-based platforms offer a wide range of business advantages — all at one predictable monthly fee. For help choosing the right deployment model, implementation and routine management, consult with a local managed services provider experienced in cloud solutions.
#2. Microsoft 365 Applications
Microsoft 365 is a cloud-based solution featuring popular productivity tools like Teams, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and much more. Whether your team is in the office, remote or hybrid, Microsoft 365 keeps your staff connected to each other and working efficiently.
Microsoft 365 Applications Support:
Collaboration: Host real-time video conferences with internal team members and clients, easily and securely.
Anytime, anywhere access: View, manage and update important applications and documents from any internet-ready device.
Communication: Chat, video, call and instant message team members from one shared workspace.
Automation: Automate manual tasks and workflows for reduced errors and increased efficiencies.
Microsoft 365 is one of leading platforms for productivity tools in Tampa and beyond. Manage email, build spreadsheets, organize documents and more with one integrated solution. If you’re considering migrating to Microsoft 365, consult with a local managed service provider first. An experienced partner can ensure you get the most from your subscription, provide a seamless transition and offer 24/7 management and support.
#3. Meeting Pods
Meeting pods are a great way to give your employees more space to collaborate and meet without giving you any of the costs associated with a large renovation or the hassle and headaches of moving locations.
And because they come in a variety of types and colors, meeting pods can make your office more aesthetically pleasing while also increasing efficiency and productivity. From a tech perspective, meeting pods can be outfitted with smart TVs, USB ports, lighting/audio features and other electronic devices and interfaces that create the ultimate virtual conference experience.
Other benefits of meeting pods:
Room to collaborate: Meeting pods will give your employees additional space to collaborate without you having to finance the construction, furnishing and set up of a new boardroom.
Increased privacy: While pods will increase collaboration, they can also be a haven for employees looking to avoid audio and visual distractions or those who are participating in an online meeting or conference call.
Less background noise: Most meeting pods are soundproof, which will allow employees to conduct their business or give an online presentation no matter how loud the office gets.
Confidentiality: If an employee is dealing with very sensitive client information, they can get their work done in the privacy of a pod rather than exposing the info out in the open.
Productivity Tools for Small Businesses
NetAssurity, Tampa’s leader in personalized tech solutions, specializes in helping local businesses optimize their technology. For more tech news and trends, be sure to read our other informative industry blogs, or contact our team to continue the conversation.
With businesses on a large scale deploying a wide realm of innovative technology solutions, such as artificial intelligence, adoption is crucial to retaining a competitive edge. Technology has always been necessary on a functional level — for tasks, communications, security, and so on. But these days, it can make or break your business. The ready adoption of emerging technology is simply a necessity for business growth and success.
The implementation of new digital technology can help accelerate progress toward business goals, such as financials, workforce diversity, and environmental targets by more than 20%.
And companies that incorporate new technology discover 80% more annual net income than their competitors, according to Oracle.
Top 5 Things a Tech Check Catches
From outdated solutions to cybersecurity that’s not up to the task, there are plenty of convincing reasons to discover where improvements could be made to your IT. A technology assessment will reveal:
Aging Solutions: If you haven’t updated in 6-12 months, you’re probably using at least one outmoded solution.
Decision-Making Lags: 75% of companies that use AI experienced an improvement in decision-making.
Old Equipment: New technology improves productivity, enhancing workflows.
Weak Security: Strong security is a must to avert cyberattacks, which average about $200,000.
Technological Deficits: A technology audit can identify areas that hold your team back.
Agility Matters
When it comes to your IT infrastructure, ask yourself if your technology enhances your ability to make data-driven decisions and if it provides value for your clients. Is it scalable? Do your employees have all of the tools they need to do their jobs successfully?
More than nine in 10 of executive managers believe agility is important to the success of their businesses.
Agility is how prepared you are to adopt available technology innovations. To attain optimal agility, Forbes suggests you have a strategy with objectives, broad agreement on technology path, IT processes in place, and adaptable personnel who appreciate what new technology brings to the table.
While the vast majority of executive managers believe agility to be important to their success, less than a third of executive managers consider their companies to fit the profile, according to Project Management Institute.
Discover the Benefits of Tech Health
The NetAssurity team is asking all of our clients whether the superior technology of AI, cloud, or decision intelligence are options they’d like to explore.
AI — Three out of four companies that have implemented AI experienced an improvement in their decision making
Cloud — The cloud provides an agile platform to develop solutions quicker with no capital expenditure, according to Forbes.
Decision Intelligence — Organizations that are data-driven are 23 times more likely to covert leads. They’re 6 times more likely to retain those leads. And they’re 19 times more likely to improve their ROI, according to Advance 2000.
At NetAssurity in Tampa, we build your IT infrastructure specific to your business. We provide everything you need to optimize your operations, while addressing your budget, existing security, current technology solutions, and equipment inventory.
We learn about your business to get you poised for success now, and in the future. Our customized evaluation identifies areas where you can improve, grow, and thrive.
Don’t endure the fallout of operating on outmoded technology. Don’t let your competitors gain an edge. Take your business to the next level with our support. Contact us today.
The days of solely using passwords to secure your network and data are over. And your IT team may be comprised of some of the best tech experts you know — but in today’s digital landscape, and with the ever-evolving skill of cybercriminals, it may not be enough to give your Tampa-based business the protection it needs.
The answer may be found in AI cybersecurity, which is artificial intelligence that picks up where your team leaves off. Implementing AI doesn’t mean you have to fire your IT staff. Rather, it will enhance their work through constant network monitoring and lighten their burden, freeing up members of your team to spruce up your website or carry out other duties to help grow your business.
Here are some other ways AI cybersecurity can make you safer than you have been before:
It Quickly Detects Intruders
AI can teach itself all about your network and quickly familiarizes itself with who is permitted to access to it — and more importantly, who isn’t. Whether through passwords, retinal scans or multiple layers of authentication, AI acts as your company’s ultimate gatekeeper. Unlike humans, who need to carefully vet everyone requesting access and decide on each one, AI cybersecurity does so quickly and without compromising quality, preventing employees and customers from having to sit through long wait times while waiting for access.
It Never Gets Tired
Wouldn’t it be great if hackers had the decency to stick to a schedule? Or how about if they called ahead to let you know what time they planned to infect your network with ransomware? Of course, that isn’t the case. The truth is your company needs network monitoring 24/7/365 — but you and your employees are human and need to rest. AI cybersecurity, however, never drops its guard. Whether it’s 3 a.m. on a Sunday or while the turkey is getting carved on Thanksgiving, you will have the peace of mind in knowing your network is getting effective and efficient cybersecurity. No matter when a cybercriminal intends to strike, AI is ready to detect and resolve the incident long before it starts.
It’s Consistent
Even your best, most reliable employees miss a day of work on occasion. Sometimes it’s sickness, other days it’s car trouble — or they have some well-deserved time off coming their way. AI cybersecurity is always there. It never needs a sick day or arrives late because of a blown tire. You know what to expect, when to expect it. And knowing that AI has your cybersecurity covered no matter the time, day or holiday means you can allow your staff up to serve your customers and enhance your business.
Get the Protection Your Business Needs
Equipping your network with AI cybersecurity is essential. If you decide to outsource your cybersecurity to an MSP in Tampa, make sure it is one that offers the most modern, innovative and up-to-date protection available. It needs to provide your business with round-the-clock monitoring designed to protect your data throughout all hours of the night. Using old, cookie-cutter cybersecurity is your way of inviting smart, sophisticated hackers into your network. Contact our team to learn more about our cybersecurity services and schedule a no-risk, no-cost security assessment.
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