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As the end of Cyber Security Awareness Month draws near, it’s essential to highlight one of the most persistent threats facing businesses of all sizes— social engineering . Cybercriminals aren’t just targeting large corporations anymore; small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)  are increasingly in their crosshairs, often because they are seen as easier targets. Among the most common forms of social engineering is phishing , a tactic that has proven devastating to businesses both big and small. But with the right defenses, it can be stopped. What is Social Engineering? Social engineering refers to the manipulation of people to perform actions or divulge confidential information. Cybercriminals use these techniques to bypass technical security measures by exploiting human behavior—trust, curiosity, and even urgency. Phishing  is one of the most common forms of social engineering, where attackers impersonate trusted sources—such as banks, colleagues, or government institutions—to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. The Threat of Phishing for SMEs While phishing is often associated with attacks on large corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises  are equally, if not more, vulnerable. SMEs may not have the same level of cybersecurity infrastructure as big companies, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals. At Uniserve IT Solutions, we’ve seen how phishing scams devastating consequences for SMEs can have, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and damaged reputations. Phishing emails often look legitimate, making it difficult to distinguish between a real request and a scam. All it takes is one employee clicking a link or downloading an attachment for an entire network to be compromised. How We Help: Tailored Cybersecurity Services At Uniserve IT Solutions, we understand the unique challenges SMEs face when it comes to cybersecurity. We offer a range of services to help protect your business from phishing and other social engineering threats: Security Awareness Training : Education is key. Our training programs are designed to teach your team how to recognize phishing attempts and other forms of social engineering. We tailor these sessions to your industry and specific threats, ensuring your employees know what to look for and how to respond. Phishing Simulation Services : Our Microsoft 365 Phishing Simulation  mirrors real-world phishing attacks to test your team’s response. After each simulation, we provide detailed feedback, helping you improve your overall security posture and reducing the likelihood of falling victim to real attacks. Cybersecurity Incident Response : In the event of a breach, our dedicated incident response team is on hand to contain the damage, recover your data, and help you bounce back quickly. We work with you to strengthen your defenses and reduce the risk of future attacks. Cybersecurity Support : We don’t just train and test—we provide ongoing support to ensure your systems are continuously updated and protected against the latest threats. We offer affordable, scalable cybersecurity solutions tailored to meet the needs of SMEs. Why Choose Uniserve IT Solutions? At Uniserve IT Solutions, we specialize in providing affordable, effective IT support  to small and medium-sized businesses. We understand that SMEs face unique challenges, and we’re here to help you overcome them with tailored solutions that fit your budget and business goals. We see ourselves as partners with our clients, not just service providers. With years of experience and a commitment to delivering an extraordinary service experience, we’re proud to have built long-lasting relationships with SMEs across various industries. Our goal is to keep your business secure so you can focus on growth and success. Phishing and other social engineering attacks are evolving, but with the right training, simulations, and support, your business can stay ahead of these threats. At Uniserve IT Solutions, we’re dedicated to helping you protect your data, your people, and your reputation. SMEs are not immune to cyber threats—take action today. Contact Uniserve IT Solutions  to learn how we can help your business stay protected from phishing and other cyber risks. Let’s build a safer digital future together.

In a recent incident, cybersecurity giant CrowdStrike found itself under scrutiny after a lapse to their Falcon Sensor security software causing significant disruptions. The event underscores the essential role of thorough testing and timely updates in maintaining robust cybersecurity frameworks, especially as digital threats continue to evolve. The Incident: What Went Wrong? CrowdStrike, a leader in endpoint security, encountered a situation where a software update to their Falcon platform led to widespread IT outages. Although the company’s systems are designed to detect and respond to threats swiftly, the update caused a "Blue Screen of Death" on millions of Windows computers, leading to significant operational disruptions. This incident, while quickly managed, serves as a reminder that even the most advanced security solutions require diligent maintenance and thorough testing. The Importance of Patch Management Patching is a critical component of cybersecurity. When software vulnerabilities are discovered, developers release patches—updates that address these weaknesses and prevent them from being exploited. Without timely patches, systems remain susceptible to attacks, which can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and operational disruptions. Stay on Top of Software Updates and Patches Many people tend to dismiss software updates as a minor inconvenience—hitting "remind me later" because it interrupts the workflow. However, there's always that story of a small business that gets hit with ransomware because they neglected an update, turning what seemed like a trivial task into a major security breach. Those updates often contain fixes for security issues that might not be apparent. But before applying any update, it’s crucial to validate its legitimacy—because, as seen with the CrowdStrike incident, a bad update can cause significant disruptions. Prioritizing software updates and vulnerability assessments are crucial steps in maintaining robust network security and endpoint security . Beef Up Your Email Security Email security is often underestimated, yet it remains a primary gateway for cyber threats. There’s a well-known case of a reputable company that nearly fell victim to a sophisticated phishing scam. The email looked just like one from a trusted vendor, and it took a sharp eye to notice that something was off. Such scenarios highlight the importance of advanced email security solutions that go beyond simple spam filters. It's not just about technology; educating employees on recognizing suspicious emails is a critical line of defense. A little cybersecurity training can make all the difference in preventing a potentially devastating breach. Make Authentication Tougher There’s a common saying in cybersecurity circles: “Passwords are like toothbrushes—don’t share them and change them regularly.” Unfortunately, many still rely on weak passwords or reuse them across multiple accounts, leaving their business vulnerable. It’s time to up your game with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA is like having a second lock on your door—it adds an extra layer of protection. And don’t forget to keep an eye out for any signs that someone’s trying to sneak in with stolen credentials. This is where information and data security best practices come into play, ensuring your sensitive data remains safe. Have a Game Plan for When Things Go Wrong Even with the best defenses, sometimes things go south—no system is completely foolproof. That’s why having a solid incident response plan is key. There are stories of businesses that, despite all their precautions, faced cyber incidents but managed to bounce back quickly because they had a plan in place. Know what to do if a breach happens, and practice it so you’re not caught off guard. Collaborating with cyber security companies like UniServe IT Solutions can provide the expertise you need to recover quickly. Our cyber security certifications ensure you get the best in the industry when you need it most. CrowdStrike’s Response and the Future of Patch Management CrowdStrike acted quickly to address the lapse, reinforcing its commitment to providing secure and reliable services. The company has since reviewed its internal processes and introduced measures to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. For businesses, this incident serves as a critical reminder of the importance of patch management. As cybersecurity threats continue to grow in complexity, ensuring that systems are updated regularly is a fundamental part of keeping digital environments secure. Robust patch management strategies, coupled with advanced threat detection tools, are essential in today’s cybersecurity landscape. Wrapping It Up: Be Ready, Be Resilient At the end of the day, staying proactive is your best defense against evolving cyber threats. The CrowdStrike outage reminded us all how important it is to be ready for anything. And with the right strategies and partners, like UniServe IT Solutions, you can keep your business safe and sound. Ready to Fortify Your Cybersecurity? Don’t wait until the next cyber threat hits. Let UniServe IT Solutions help you build a rock-solid defense with our comprehensive cybersecurity services. Whether you need help with application security, firewall security, or setting up an incident response plan, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your business secure in an ever-changing digital landscape.

There are plenty of reasons why companies opt to outsource at least a few of their IT functions. Businesses depend on technology to keep things running smoothly and staying ahead of the race is necessary especially in today’s ever-evolving world of IT. But how would you know that it’s time to outsource your IT? Signs Your Company Should Outsource IT Services Spending too much on IT Having an in-house IT department can get quite expensive. Recent statistics show that 45% of companies who outsource their IT do so to save money and 46% say that outsourcing enables them to access certain skillsets that an in-house IT cannot provide. In-house IT who has specific skills will demand higher compensation. On top of this expense is the cost of implementing IT infrastructure , specifically with hardware and software. Outdated System Is your IT lagging? Technology changes constantly and it’s evolving at a rapid pace. If you don’t have the right resources to swiftly update and adjust your system to adapt to these changes, then your business performance will be affected. Outsourcing your IT services to professionals can give you access to the latest technology that would help you run your business more efficiently. Your System is Vulnerable to Cyber Threats The top concern for most companies is security. If you don’t regularly update and monitor your system, you will always be vulnerable to cyber threats (e.g. ransomware). Incidents like this can cause major damage to your business. If your company isn’t prepared for such type of cyberattack, then outsourcing can make a huge difference. IT companies will help you have the best security solutions suited for your business along with other services to continuously protect your business from threats. IT is Affecting Your Business Operation If you are taking so much time operating and maintaining your IT system, you will lose focus on achieving your business goals. In today’s digitally fast-paced world, time is very important, and you'd want to ensure you’re spending it on the core of your business operation. This is how outsourcing plays a major role because you will get a team of experts with various skills to manage your IT functions, giving you the time to focus on your business and not think about any IT-related issues. What IT Service Can You Outsource? An outsourced IT service provider will have full responsibility when it comes to your IT maintenance and support. However, organizations have the option to use one or more providers depending on their needs. Here are some common IT functions that you can outsource: Application support or management Help Desk or Technical Support Web Hosting Database Management and Development Telecommunications Hardware, Software and Network Installation and Support Disaster Recovery Incident Response Data Centre Management Cloud Services Email Management Cybersecurity or Threat Protection Different types of IT Outsourcing: Offshore Outsourcing: Typically involves sending IT-related work to companies located in a foreign country like India or the Philippines where the cost is low, and the economy is more favorable. Domestic Outsourcing: Involves hiring an external IT service provider in the same country to work remotely or on-site. Cloud Computing: This means employing an external IT service provider to deliver IT service over the internet, such as Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). Managed Services: Involves hiring a third-party resource to provide network management services such as VPNs, firewalls, VoIP, and more. There are multiple reasons why businesses choose IT outsourcing. If your IT needs become overwhelming, you must do what is best for your company. Contact us today and learn how we can help you.

Many organizations have Microsoft SharePoint in their system but don’t utilize it enough to realize its capabilities and some might not even know how it works. Without a proper understanding of how your business can align with the capabilities of MS SharePoint, your implementation might fail and can only become an obstacle to your workflow. In this article, we’ll provide you with steps on how to successfully implement SharePoint in your organization. What is Microsoft SharePoint SharePoint is a web-based collaboration and document management system by Microsoft that allows companies/organizations to share and manage content to promote teamwork. SharePoint also allows controlled access to information and enables organizations to automate workflow processes across different departments. Why is SharePoint important to your Business? There are multiple reasons why your company should be using Microsoft SharePoint, and some are the following: Simplify daily tasks and activities Secure data from any unauthorized access Allows team members to collaborate easily Eliminates the complications of searching for files and documents in the email Easy integration with other Microsoft apps, such as Microsoft Teams No doubt that Microsoft SharePoint can help you achieve operational efficiency and streamline your business processes. Steps to successful SharePoint Implementation Step # 1: Determine your Vision Begin by assessing the needs of your business and how it can be addressed. Are you looking to simplify data management ? What are you looking to accomplish? It’s vital to have clear goals no matter what objectives it might be. Step # 2: Assign a Team Before implementing SharePoint, you need to get together a skilled team. They will play a major role in the SharePoint implementation and their insights; perspectives are very important. Your team should include the key business decision-makers, IT architects, project managers, administrators, etc. Step # 3: Technical Planning Before you begin the roll-out process, you need to integrate your content into SharePoint. Since Microsoft provides a variety of tools that can simplify your migration process such as the SharePoint migration tool, Microsoft Fastrack , PowerShell, etc., you can use it for your integration. Besides, you will also need to define your service operation, such as monitoring and documentation. Ground rules should also be defined so you also need to define your standards and policies. Step # 4: Run a Test Before you implement and introduce a new tool or technology to the entire organization, it’s necessary to run a trial test to ensure that everything is working smoothly. Get a team you assigned to do the task within SharePoint such as storing, accessing, and sharing files. After running the first test, implement SharePoint first to a single department in your organization and ask them to start migrating their documents, and train the end-users appropriately. After it is done, get feedback and make changes, if necessary. Step # 5: Roll-out to the Organization Now that you’ve made changes and fixed issues during the test and after the single unit implementation, it’s time to roll it out to your organization. Remember to give proper training and provide materials that will help your end users to utilize SharePoint and be ready to get feedback. Step # 6: Foster SharePoint Adoption To get the most out of your SharePoint implementation, it requires everyone’s commitment. You must be the leader that guides and inspire your team to utilize modern technology and take advantage of its capabilities. Thorough planning and assessment of your business needs are essential to successfully implement SharePoint and utilize its functionalities. Even after it is rolled out, ensure that you are proactive in making improvements as the demand grows. If you’re still unsure how Microsoft SharePoint can positively impact your business, contact us today and we’re happy to help!

More and more enterprises are adopting Apple Mac devices and the need to manage and utilize these devices is constantly required. The growth of Mac shows no sign of slowing down and for businesses, it’s important to understand the approach to Mac management. What is Mac Management? Mac management is simply the process of monitoring and managing macOS devices in a centralized manner. The macOS is the second most widely used operating system after Microsoft Windows, and it is developed for Apple’s Mac family of computers. What are the macOS versions that can be supported? 10.15 - macOS Catalina 10.14 - macOS Mojave 10.13 - macOS High Sierra Why organizations adopt Mac devices? In the article by Johnny Evans , he stated that “the main driver for use for most businesses is performance, with Macs perceived as the best tool for the task. Security, Apple device compatibility, ease-of-use, and the fact employees prefer using Macs are also cited as major reasons.” Mac computers are often favored by executives, designers, and developers and there are a few reasons why: a. BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Policy Many individuals prefer using the same device for work and at home and most have Mac devices at home. As companies started to apply BYOD policies to reduce expenses, home Macs have started to make their way to the corporate environment. b. Hardware and Software The design quality of Mac is said to exceed the hardware quality of Windows devices and Apple’s move to web-based applications was a huge advantage for Apple. c. iOS Devices Integration The integration between iPhones and iPads to Macs added another factor that benefited Apple. iPhone and iPad users will likely choose Mac devices because of the advantage end-users receive by having a complete suite of solutions. Mac Management For Enterprises 1. Patch Management This ensures that all your Mac machines are updated with the latest security patches for macOS. With patch management service, it will generate audits and report and scan your network for vulnerability issues and deploy scheduled patches. 2. App Management With the available tools and applications you can get right out of the box, Mac computers are popular among consumers. Having a device management solution in place ensures that you have all the apps you need, configured, and secured for your environment whether it is a built-in app or from the App Store. 3. macOS Inventory Inventory matters because the amount of data collected ensures that you get up to date with the latest device information. It can answer questions such as the number of apps deployed which can help with management decisions. Data that can be collected with Mac management solutions extend from hardware serial numbers, list of Apps installed, to security status, and purchasing information. 4. Modern Management With just a few clicks, you can enroll new or existing devices through modern management. We can provide users with control over device restrictions, Wi-Fi configurations, and FileVault encryption. Also, your Mac devices can be easily managed through Geo tracking features, remote lock, and more. 5. Mac Security Device security and data privacy are some of the major concerns and top priorities for any company. macOS has built-in security features and adding our Apple management solution can ensure that aside from your device, the network and apps are also protected. 6. Remote Access The remote access service for macOS features a multi-monitor support and prompts confirmation to users before allowing access to the remote desktop. It can also access a computer remotely on LAN and Wan through HTML5 viewer. Mac Device Management with Uniserve At Uniserve, we provide a suitable solution to manage your Mac devices. If you have a specific query about enterprise Mac management for your infrastructure, contact us , and benefit from our team of expert and helpful engineers.

One of the major topics being discussed in the business world today is cybersecurity, for obvious reasons. Data is the most important asset for any company and to lose it would put businesses at risk. Most breaches came in through a network, and threats are progressively coming in via endpoints. To have a head start over questionable activities across endpoints, users, and networks, implementing a centralized endpoint security solution will boost your defenses against multiple threats. What Is Endpoint Security? Endpoint security or endpoint protection is often confused with other network security tools such as antivirus or firewalls but there is a significant difference between each. While antivirus is about protecting PC’s, and the firewall is about filtering the traffic coming in and out of a network, endpoint security covers the whole picture. An endpoint is a device that can communicate with a network in which it is connected. Endpoints include: Desktops Laptops Mobile Tablets Servers Smart Watches Internet-of-things (IoT) devices Printers Each device that connects to your network can pose a threat as it embodies a vulnerable entry point for cybercriminals. The exposure of endpoints to a wide array of dangers including viruses, malware, and brute force attacks makes them the main target for criminals looking to gain illegal access to target networks. In today’s world where mobility is changing the modern workforce , endpoints have now become a major concern when it comes to cybersecurity. Securing every aspect of your network is what endpoint security is all about. It is a combination of protection, detection, and prevention against threat which help businesses determine the cause and monitor actions to stop possible intrusions. How Endpoint Security Can Benefit Your Business? Establishing an integrated security solution to protect your network is ineffective if you are not combining it with an endpoint protection system. Aside from your business having a Disaster Recovery Plan in place, your endpoint security still plays a vital role when it comes to keeping every corner of your business safe. Prevention The first line of defense in your cybersecurity strategy should be preventing any malicious threats from getting near to your network devices. Your business should already have a firewall and antivirus software that can protect users when they are online. While each protection is good, it doesn’t stop malware from gaining entry through an external device plugged into your network nor blocking access to your network. With an endpoint protection solution in place, it can proactively monitor your network, your weak points, and your devices maintaining the overall health of your system. Downtime Decreases A downtime outage can cost your business a lot. When your network is compromised, the time spent fighting off malware prevents you from providing continuous service to your customers. If a breach leads to loss of data from your server, you might not only suffer financially, but your reputation is compromised especially if an outage lasts for too long. A proactive endpoint security solution will prevent these scenarios from happening. Finding Unpatched Devices Hackers used unpatched endpoints as the first step to their main target, most of our endpoints are behind on updates and it usually takes time to install patches for each. One of the benefits of endpoint protection especially to your IT team is finding unpatched devices before hackers can exploit them. In addition, endpoint protection can patch devices that won’t interrupt your employee’s workflow. Simplified Cybersecurity You might think that overloading your endpoints with multiple protection decreases the risks of a breach, but it can create more vulnerabilities. The fewer, the better, in which comprehensive endpoint security provides. Related Article: How Managed Endpoint Security Solutions Can Benefit Your Business? Are You Managing Your Endpoint? Acquiring an endpoint security system will allow your business to take control of all your entry points. Aside from removing cyber threats, it also blocks malware’s attempt to access your business network. Uniserve IT Solutions combines the best of both worlds for your endpoint protection: IT Security and IT Management. We will provide you with the right endpoint security solution and give you peace of mind that your business is always protected. Contact us and get started with a new security solution for your business.

People tend to disregard their devices’ security and often, it’s already too late before they realize how important it is. Knowing the various types of computer viruses and how they work is vital to containing and eliminating them. What is a Computer Virus? A computer virus is a piece of code embedded in a legitimate program and is created with the ability to self-replicate infecting other programs on a computer. Just like how humans catch a cold or flu, it can remain dormant inside the system and gets activated when you least expect it. A computer virus is developed to spread from one host to another and there are numerous ways on how your computer catches it. It can be through email attachments, file downloads, software installations, or unsecured links. These viruses can steal your data such as passwords, hacked into your social media accounts or online banking accounts, and even wiped out all your data. Common Types Of Computer Viruses Cybercriminals are getting better and better at stealing our confidential data and viruses that are being created are evolving rapidly. There are millions of viruses around the world, but here are some common types you should be aware of: 1. File-infecting Virus A virus that attached itself to an executable program. It is also called a parasitic virus which typically infects files with .exe or .com extensions. Some file infectors can overwrite host files and others can damage your hard drive’s formatting. 2. Macro Virus This type of virus is commonly found in programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel. These viruses are usually stored as part of a document and can spread when the files are transmitted to other computers, often through email attachments. 3. Browser Hijacker This virus targets and alters your browser setting. It is often called a browser redirect virus because it redirects your browser to other malicious websites that you don’t have any intention of visiting. This virus can pose other threats such as changing the default home page of your browser. 4. Web Scripting Virus A very sneaky virus that targets popular websites. What this virus does is overwrite code on a website and insert links that can install malicious software on your device. Web scripting viruses can steal your cookies and use the information to post on your behalf on the infected website. 5. Boot Sector Virus These viruses are once common back when computers are booted from floppy disks. Today, these viruses are found distributed in forms of physical media such as external hard drives or USB. If the computer is infected with a boot sector virus, it automatically loads into the memory enabling control of your computer. 6. Polymorphic Virus This virus has the capability to evade anti-virus programs since it can change codes every time an infected file is performed. 7. Resident Virus A resident virus stores itself on your computer’s memory which allows it to infect files on your computer. This virus can interfere with your operating system leading to file and program corruption. 8. Multipartite Virus A type of virus that is very infectious and can easily spread on your computer system. It can infect multiple parts of a system including memory, files, and boot sector which makes it difficult to contain. Related Article: What To Do When Your Computer Is Hacked? Protection Against These Types Computer Viruses A virus left untreated can wreak havoc on your device but if detected early, and appropriate measures are done, then the recovery would be quick. Just like how we protect ourselves from catching a virus, here are a few notes to remember to help keep your devices safe. Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Scan email attachments before opening it. Avoid clicking on pop-up advertisements and get a pop-up blocker for your web browser. When routed to another website, don’t do anything, and immediately leave the site. Install a reliable anti-virus program and always keep it up to date. Get Help from IT Experts! If you are concerned about your computer’s security and unsure of what to do, give us a call or submit your inquiries and we will be happy to help!

Virtual Private Network or VPN are becoming a popular option for businesses and personal security, but does it protect your privacy online? The Internet has become a necessity in today’s world since it delivers fresh information, entertainment, and connection in seconds. Do you know that your online activity can be valuable to hackers or even advertisers? There are different factors on how we can be tracked online, and it is important to be wary of how we access the Internet, especially in public places. Browsers provide users with an option for privacy such as Google’s “ Incognito Mode ” or Safari’s “Private Window” that allows you to surf the Internet without saving cookies or browsing history to the computer. However, even with these safety measures, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can still track your online activities, and it can be used for several reasons. Some sell it to advertisers, thus the reason for seeing multiple ads related to your online queries. The data that your ISP collects can also be acquired by government agencies legally. In public, such as coffee shops, or shopping malls, unsecured public WIFI’s are available, and that is how hackers or online spies can get to your personal information once you’re connected. The role of VPN Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows you to have privacy or anonymity when surfing the web. It hides your Internet Protocol (IP) address, so your online actions are untraceable by your ISP. Virtual Private Networks creates a secured tunnel between the sender and receiver, making it seem like you’re in another location. VPNs’ goal is to provide secure data transmitted through the Internet by hiding the real IP address of the sender, making it extremely difficult for snoopers to access your online communication. It is commonly used by businesses when working remotely , as it provides an encrypted connection to your work’s network, allowing you to work securely. However, your internet activity would still be visible to your employers. What else can VPN do: Protect your browsing history Provide secure Internet connection Bypass geographical restrictions Provide access to blocked or restricted sites or channels Change the current location to a selected one Hides your identity from ISP tracking For many business owners, privacy is very important, especially when handling projects that require confidentiality, and acquiring a good VPN provider is essential. Here are a few tips in choosing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider: 1. Privacy Policy When evaluating for a VPN service, a clear and precise privacy policy is the most important element. Most of us agree to privacy policies without reading it, but most service providers lie about not logging your data. The VPNs privacy policy should specify what data they log and what they don’t on their policy. 2. Clear Connection Protocol Different protocol exists depending on protection, speed, and level of encryption. Ensure that your VPN provider could identify the protocol you want to use. 3. Avoid Free VPNs at all cost If you’re a small business owner, you might be tempted by free VPNs, but avoid them at all cost. VPN providers need the revenue to run their service, so if they are not getting it from their users, expect them to be selling your data to someone else. 4. Kill Switch The kill switch ensures that your real IP address is not leaked whenever the VPN drops the connection, which is vital, especially when protecting your online privacy. Still not sure about what to do next? Contact us today and learn how we can help secure your internet activities from the prying eyes.

The best way to protect your business from being hacked is to keep your software and applications up to date. Are you one of those people who often ignore software update notification that pops up on your screen now and then? We tend to overlook these things and we used to say, “if it’s not broken, why fix it?”, but it is one of the most common mistakes we usually commit that can cost us our business. Windows, iOS, or any other software updates may take a few moments of our time, but those minutes will keep your information from being vulnerable to hackers. Even the biggest names in the technology can be hacked, such as the Microsoft incident that happened in 2019. Given this fact, if they are at risk, so are you. Software providers deliver regular updates to fix functionalities and most update it automatically, but you must make sure to click agree once prompted to install updates. Following are the common software and applications to keep updated: Operating Systems (e.g. Windows, Android, Mac OS & iOS) Anti-Virus Software Browsers (e.g. Chrome or Safari) Microsoft Applications (e.g. Microsoft 365 ) Plugins (e.g. Adobe Reader, Flash player, etc.) Reasons Why Software Updates Are Important Cybercrime Protection Hackers can be lurking in the system waiting for the right moment. All your private information – personal identification, confidential documents, passwords , and bank account information – can be used to commit crimes. As a business owner, these wouldn’t only affect you and the business but also your employees’ safety. Regularly updating your software and system will keep the hackers out. Fix Bugs and Malware There is no such thing as perfect software no matter how much the software providers try. Even with all the tests, they can still overlook some bugs and malware thus fixing it through updates and patches. If you keep on ignoring those updates that pop up on your screen, then you’ll continue to be vulnerable to hackers and viruses. Better Security Hackers are getting better and data security is becoming more intricate. For small businesses, reliance on old and outdated software is the only option but the risk of data leakage or hacking is high. Investing in software that offers constant updates will ensure that your system is continuously supported by software providers. Benefit from New Features Updates are not only about fixing bugs or malware, oftentimes, they also add new features based on the current trends and needs of the users. Regular updates will let you and your employees enjoy these benefits. Decrease Downtime Downtime means a loss of productivity and profitability. Some IT issues can be solved by keeping your software up to date and it will definitely save you a lot of money than replacing all your systems. How To Manage Your Updates? Determine the best time to install updates in your office, if you are running a 9 to 5 business, then after office hours would be the ideal time so production time won’t be affected. Once a schedule is deployed, inform your employees and make sure that they all have a back up of their files. You can also develop a policy for your employees to install non-critical updates that don’t require them to restart their computers and let your IT support team handle the rest. How Uniserve IT can help you At Uniserve IT, we can provide your business with a strategic IT Management service to keep your office system up to date. Contact us today!

Making sure that your business software is properly licensed can at times be overlooked by your own IT department. This is usually due to people being unaware of the repercussions of using unlicensed software. These licenses come in many configurations like OEM, SaaS , and enterprise licensing, to name a few. And understanding the differences can be quite a challenge for an IT staff, being a vital part of every business’ IT requirements. Small to medium-sized businesses that don’t have a dedicated staff to handle software could be taking a risk with licensure compliance. When your software is not up to date with license requirements, your business runs a significant risk of becoming non-compliant, by both the developer and the law. Failure to be compliant can result in significant fines. Good thing outsourcing software license management is widely available from IT Managed Services Providers, primarily to offload this tedious network manager's responsibilities. Read along to know the benefits of outsourcing your business software licensing. Whether you run your software on-premise or in the cloud, outsourcing its licensing can ensure the most cost-efficient ways to update its license, aligned with your business needs. A mandatory software audit can be a time-consuming duty for your in-house IT department. By outsourcing your software licensing to a trusted IT Managed Services Provider, you can rest assured that your business always remains compliant and not violating any law by using unlicensed enterprise software. An expert IT managed services provider can help you make the most of your IT budget by subscribing only to the software that cater to your business process needs, and not to those which do not serve a purpose to your business. We can help you find the most effective way of licensing your business software, while your business remain compliant. By outsourcing your software licensing to Uniserve. We’ll do the heavy lifting for you by taking the complex task of managing different software licenses in your organization. Contact us today to learn how Uniserve can help your business remain compliant, and provide added peace of mind.

Source: http://winsupersite.com/ignite/ microsoft-ignite-your-email-will-be-more-secure-and-it-wont-affect-your-productivity Summary: We support and manage many clients whom use Office 365; having access to improved reporting and protection helps us protect against risks before they hit. YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG9BTMLV1Wc

WannaCry and Petya might be one of the top IT search terms this year as they threatened every single business across the globe creating devastating effects on many businesses. The scale of recent cyber-attacks may have raised awareness of cybersecurity or vulnerability management for major business entities - which might be the only “positive impact”. However, many small businesses remain calm even if hackers generally target larger companies. In fact, it is common for hackers to hack smaller businesses through its weakest link, and then further hack the larger ones, if possible, through their network. In other words, every company might be involved. Since the industry is currently reeling from weaponized exploit kits, there are ways for small businesses to prevent another WannaCry or Petya from taking their precious data hostage. Use application whitelisting to protect computers and networks from potentially harmful applications or unapproved programs from being installed. Restrict administrative privileges to operating systems and applications based on user roles and responsibilities. Patch operating systems and applications such as Flash, web browsers, Microsoft Office, Java PDF viewers, etc. Don’t allow your servers to initiate connections with the internet (if possible) Redesign your network under segmentation and isolation to avoid wide-spreading infection from one machine You will never know how terrible it would be until you’re the victim. Ask your IT engineer to follow up with network updates and planning, and to enhance vulnerability management. Or contact Uniserve today to see what we can help you with IT. Original Source: http://buff.ly/2tylojn Image | thedailysignal