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.
Ransomware attacks have become commonplace as part of national security discourse. Awareness of cybersecurity issues has been raised by the White House, FBI and several corporate giants as a result of increasing risk to businesses of all sizes across the nation.
Ransomware attacks are one of the fastest growing and most dangerous cybercrimes in today’s digital landscape. A world record was set this year for the largest ransomware payout, according to Business Insider, with the attacked insurance company shelling out $40 million to recover their data. Additionally, ransom fees are skyrocketing according to the National Security Institute, averaging a 3,900% increase from 2018 to 2020.
So, what can you do to protect your Tampa-based business? Continue reading to find out the risks posed by ransomware and the steps you can take to protect your business now.
How Ransomware Works
Ransomware works by utilizing social engineering tactics, such as phishing, to lure users into revealing sensitive information or providing access to otherwise secure networks and systems. Once the malicious actor gets access, they encrypt the data and hold it for ransom in order to decrypt it. However, the mayhem no longer stops there.
As time has passed and ransomware-wielding criminals have become savvier, exposing the data breach to critical people, like investors and customers of the business they hack, increasing pressure on all sides to have the affected business pay out and pay out fast.
These ransoms are typically held to a time limit and request cryptocurrency as the form of payment, as it is nearly impossible to trace by law enforcement. And considering many forms of ransomware originate under the anonymity of the dark web, only about three out of every 1,000 cybercrimes are arrested and prosecuted, according to Third Way Think Tank.
The Overwhelming Majority of Experts Advise NOT to Pay
Ransomware is on track to cost its victims about $265 billion annually by 2031, with an attack happening as often as every two seconds, according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
But if it happens to you, keep your wallet shut.
The FBI advises never to pay the ransom. By paying the ransom and not reporting the crime, it makes the attacker harder to trace and exposes your business as a prime target, then causing future retargeting efforts to be focused your way. Many businesses run themselves into the ground trying to recover from ransomware attacks on their businesses.
And even if you do decide to pay as an attempt to keep the situation concise and quiet, Forbes estimates that nearly 92% of ransomware victims end up losing their data for good regardless of meeting the demands.
How to Recover from a Ransomware Attack
If you don’t invest in ransomware prevention, you could experience extensive downtime, reputational damage, loss of potential future business, expensive compliance penalties and more if you were to be attacked. It’s the unfortunate reality that over half of SMBs who experience a cyberattack end up having to close their doors.
Here are the recommended steps to take after a ransomware attack occurs:
Notify your cybersecurity team and authorities immediately.
Remove all affected devices from the network.
Disable cloud-based accounts and auto syncing.
Change all passwords across the network.
Do a complete wipe and restore across all devices.
Restore lost files from your last backup onto clean devices.
Re-enable cloud accounts.
We’ve seen too many businesses allow it to get to this point, rather than investing in long-term, comprehensive protection from the start. We have reached the point where cybersecurity is no longer an option. Much like auto or home insurance, we need cybersecurity to protect us from potential threats that could lead to a catastrophe before it happens. Otherwise, the burden of recovery rests fully on your shoulders.
Proactive Protection: Partner with NetAssurity
At NetAssurity, we understand our responsibility as Tampa’s leading experts in ransomware prevention, cybersecurity and managed IT services. Our number one priority is to stay ahead of the current state of cybersecurity to provide a zero trust, comprehensive environment for you to work productively and with ease. Regardless of the size of your business, industry or current objectives, a partnership with our experts can provide the peace of mind you need and the tools you deserve to get your jobs done well.
To request a security assessment with one of our experts, reach out to us today. Together, we’ll identify your weaknesses and fortify your business for today’s threats and tomorrow’s possibilities.
At NetAssurity, we know cybersecurity training is an excellent way to teach your employees how to spot a scam. But that doesn’t quite capture the urgency of making sure your team knows how to defend your business.
Hackers attack every 39 seconds, according to the University of Maryland. With cybercrimes increasing in frequency and criminals growing increasingly sophisticated with their techniques, training your team is no longer an option; it’s a necessity.
With a data breach that is all but certain to cause expensive downtime, compliance fines and reputational damage, it’s time you armed your team with a comprehensive array of cybersecurity solutions. From identifying spam and malware to social engineering and phishing, it’s not as complicated as you might think to get each team member on board with protecting your data — and your company.
A Solid Way to Defend Your Business
Professional cybersecurity training teaches the basics, such as how multi-authentication passwords are the first line of defense to protect your sensitive data from hackers. Your employees can be trained to never use the same password for their accounts. They can be taught to use strong passwords that use a mix of symbols, letters and numbers, so no one will come close to guessing it.
Your employees can’t be expected to walk in the door on their first day and know how to identify cybersecurity threats. But one of the downfalls with security awareness is that some employers only employ training as an onboarding event. Unfortunately, your team will be faced with threats continually — not just on their first day or week on the job.
Cybersecurity training mimics the latest threats and teaches employees how to separate legitimate and questionable emails.
As a business owner, you can institute policies that ingrain bulletproof cyber hygiene habits, such as instructions for emails, the internet and social media platforms. But be sure to make the training consistent and a regular calendar event.
How We Help
The team at NetAssurity gives you pertinent guidelines that keep your data safe with regularly scheduled training on how to avert the most up-to-date scams. It’s important that your employees stay fresh in their knowledge and on guard against cyberthreats. Once they’re in the throes of their roles, it might not be top of mind to safeguard your data. But frequent and continual training throughout the lifetime of their roles ensures that the skills they develop remain relevant and applicable to the most modern threats.
With more companies succumbing to cyberattacks, it’s crucial that 100% of your team is on deck to stave off lurking threats with cybersecurity solutions. If your long-term goal is to grow your business and succeed — we know it is! — training your employees to recognize malware and phishing or any of the other lurking dangers is a necessity.
If given a chance, your employees want to help you dodge cybersecurity threats. Give them the shared responsibility of acting as your defender, and they’ll gladly comply — they want your business to thrive, too. They just need the tools and knowledge on how to do it.
Cybercrimes are becoming more sophisticated, and data breaches are rapidly increasing. Arm your employees with the knowledge they need to improve their cybersecurity procedures, policies and best practices. Help them help you.
NetAssurity has years of experience countering attacks in the Tampa area that stem from the dark web, and it can create quite the mess for your business. Cybersecurity and dark web protection go hand in hand, with many forms of ransomware, malware and phishing originating from this anonymous online underground. And once you’ve been targeted, it can be hard to recover.
Data breaches result in downtime, which can cost a company on average $5,600 per minute. And if you don’t have a professional business continuity solution with 24/7 support, productivity can completely collapse during the recovery stage. In the worst-case scenario, your business could end up closing like sixty percent of small businesses that experience a data breach.
But cybersecurity and dark web risks don’t have to be inevitable for your business. Here are four ways you can reinforce your cybersecurity and dark web protection starting today.
1. Install Dark Web Scanning
Dark web protection and scanning can defend your data by continually monitoring your systems for suspicious activity, attempted breaches and security weaknesses. Automated software can then send alerts to let you know what data is potentially compromised, allowing you to act faster and stay secure.
2. Take a Proactive Approach
Don’t wait until you’re the victim of a cyberattack to react. The number one thing cybercriminals want you to do is not notice what happened until afterward. By then, they’ve likely already started sharing and selling your data on the dark web. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s smart to incorporate technology to monitor your network before — not after — you experience an attack on your business.
3. Employ Training and Security
Cybercriminals won’t discriminate. They want your personal and business data, educational information, medical records and everything in between. Once it hits the dark web, odds are, it will sell. Protect your assets from the frontlines by training your employees to spot a phishing attempt and teach them what to do in the event of a possible security breach. Simulations are another aspect of cybersecurity training that tests your staff’s security knowledge and can be incorporated into a fun and educational team bonding challenge.
4. Partner with a Professional
Managed service providers monitor your data for security breaches, install and patch software to defend against ongoing threats and train your employees to keep your business data safe and secure. Not only will you feel safer, but your team will regain the capacity to focus on your business objectives with ongoing IT support and consulting services available when you need them.
When you partner with NetAssurity for any and all of your technology and cybersecurity needs, we outfit your business with affordable technology that leaves you feeling protected, supported and empowered. To find out if your business is at risk or to learn more about our services, contact us today for your custom assessment.
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