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Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for weaknesses in one’s network. Since companies today allow data access to several employees, partners, and consumers for efficiency, it exposes the network to multiple threats. What is a Network Perimeter? A network perimeter is a boundary between the internal network and the Internet. It is the edge of what a company has control over. In perspective, it’s like a virtual wall that allows and prevents specific aspects based on rules and policies. Network Perimeter includes the following: Firewalls: A firewall can either be hardware, software, or both. It serves as the first line of defense in network security wherein it monitors inbound and outbound network traffic and decides whether to block or allow it based on security policies. Some types of firewalls include: Proxy firewall Stateful Inspection Firewall Unified Threat Management Firewall Virtual Firewall Border Routers: It’s a router deployed to monitor the network’s activity since they direct traffic within, into, and out to the organization’s network. Through filtering, it often serves as the network’s first and last defense. Intrusion Detection System: The IDS detects and notifies your systems for any malicious events or policy violations. An IDS can be host-based or network-based depending on its environment. Host-Based IDS: Designed for specific endpoint and protect it against internal and external threats. A host-based IDS is limited only to its host machine, but it allows deep visibility to monitor traffic to and from the machine. Network-Based IDS: Designed for monitoring an entire network. It provides wider visibility into the traffic flowing through the network and has the ability to uncover extensive threats. However, this system doesn’t have deep visibility into the endpoints they protect. Intrusion Prevention System: This system is designed to monitor intrusions and prevent threats from developing. The system monitors your network continuously and scans for possible risk to gather more information and administer the proper preventative actions. This system can be used to identify violations against rules and policies. De-Militarized Zones: The purpose of DMZ is to enable access to resources from the untrusted network while keeping the system or host on an internal private network secure. Resources that are commonly placed within the DMZ are Mail servers, FTP servers , Web servers, and VoIP servers. Importance of Network Perimeter In today’s business environment, we rely heavily on our devices to stay connected and our dependence on network security has increased due to the growing number of cyberattacks. However, as businesses expand, so are the location and the addition of devices and many of which are being used outside the network perimeter, then, presents a problem when it comes to security. Since most people can now work anywhere, data can be shared and collected on a massive scale and the security team’s capacity to monitor all these data could be out of control. The concept of network perimeter will allow your organization to think strategically about how you can protect critical internal data from external threats. So, how can you secure your network perimeter? Creating a Secure Network Perimeter The security of your network perimeter is an important defense to safeguard important data. Understanding that having multiple layers of security is important since threats and other potential risks can evolve. Here are some best practices: Strengthen device configurations and update software The first line of defense is to have a solid foundation or wall to prevent attackers from penetrating the system . This typically includes network security devices such as firewalls, routers that serve as the guard to your system. Each software, device, or operating system you are using to protect your network should be kept up to date and properly configured. One frequent problem among organizations is being complacent with all the layers of security they have but one misstep can already give a cybercriminal entry to your system. Virtual Private Network VPN’s employing data encryption can enable users outside of the network to access the internal network. Passwords are essential but most breaches are a result of weak password or password theft, thus, utilizing two-factor authentication to ensure identification and integrity of the user trying to connect to the network is necessary. Segmenting the DMZ Firewall rules should be tightened to only allow traffic to necessary services within the DMZ, so you need to configure the DMZ managed by the security system. One rule is to allow source IP addresses to specific servers and add proxies within the network from which admins are allowed access. Also, consider segmenting systems within the DMZ to limit the effect if the system is breached. The first step to protect your data is to secure your network perimeter effectively. A multi-level defense system is strongly recommended to reduce cyberattacks on your internal network. If you want to check the efficiency and improve your network perimeter’s security, contact us today !

IT has become an asset for any organization but there are still a lot of questions that needed answers. How can your business maximize investments in technology? How can you effectively implement IT to improve business operations and productivity? or how IT can safeguard critical information? IT Management and Its Components IT Management is more than just one person, it’s a team of individuals who deals with your tech issues such as engineers, support specialists, programmers, technicians, and more. IT Management is composed of different components, but simply put, it is the management of all things related to IT or technology within your organization. The three components: IT Strategy The most important component where it maximizes the return on IT investments. IT strategy is the plan of action to align the capabilities of Information Technology with business requirements. With the use of technology becoming a norm, businesses, or organizations who do not have an IT strategy developed will not survive in today’s market. Multiple drivers can influence your IT strategy, such as: Mobility  Since many employees now are using their devices for work, the demand to work from anywhere anytime is increasing. Your IT strategy should support the employees to be efficient and productive, without losing control. Cloud Since the cloud is scalable, it’s easier to adjust your business’s needs depending on your company’s growth. Cloud solutions enable you and your employees to easily collaborate virtually. Data Management  Implement systems and policies to protect your most important assets: information and your people. Establish a strategy where you can foster innovation and add value to your business Security Businesses, big or small are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Educate your employees on the best practices to safeguard information and intellectual properties. Related Article: Why is an IT Strategy so important? IT Service Providing a good IT service includes millions of things and it’s not just about the input your tech team can give. Delivering a top-notch IT service involves the individuals who use these services: employees and customers. Employees rely on technology to conduct business operations and having access to a stable internet connection and internal data is essential. Employees are also encouraged to be trained with regards to responsible network access and they also expect a platform to report any technical issues and get them fixed quickly. Customers on the other hand would expect that their data won’t be compromised by a faulty system. They will also require a stable connection if they drop by your office for a meeting, or a reliable system to conduct business with your company. IT Assets Any information, system, and hardware that is company-owned and used for business are an IT asset. Within the organization’s system and network infrastructure, these assets are a vital element. When managing the IT assets of a company, well-developed processes and policies are required. An IT manager’s task is to ensure that each asset is valuable, and they should understand how each can contribute to the environment. Best Practice of a Good IT Management Good IT management aims to focus on improving IT processes and customer satisfaction as well as the continuous development of solutions to meet the future demands of a company. NIST Cybersecurity Framework – The Framework Core There are several best practices for good IT management, but we’ll focus on risk management and how private organizations can enhance their ability to prevent, identify, and respond to cyberattacks. As per NIST, “The Framework provides a common language and systematic methodology for managing cybersecurity risk. The Core includes activities to be incorporated into a cybersecurity program that can be tailored to meet any organization’s needs. The Framework is designed to complement, not replace, an organization's cybersecurity program and risk management processes.” The cybersecurity framework consists of three main components which are the Framework Core, Implementation Tiers, and Profiles. But in this article, we’ll focus on the Framework Core. Within the framework’s core are five high-level functions and each consist of various categories: Identify NIST indicates that this function focuses on “understanding the business context, the resources that support critical functions, and the related cybersecurity risks enables an organization to focus and prioritize its efforts, consistent with its risk management strategy and business needs.” This function will be the foundation of your organization’s cybersecurity actions and response. It determines the risk associated with your current environment and how it will align with your business goals. The categories linked with the Identify function are the following: Asset Management involves the system, equipment, facilities, users, and data that supports the key business functions, which should be managed according to their importance. Business Environment covers the company’s processes, mission, and goals which will be utilized for assigning roles, responsibilities, and key decision-makers. Governance is about understanding the organization’s policies, and procedures for managing and monitoring legal, risk, environmental, and operational requirements. Risk Assessment is about identifying different cybersecurity risks that can affect the business, the users, and the IT systems. Risk Management Strategy connects to the organization’s challenges, priorities, and risk tolerances for enabling the best operational risk decision. When you successfully implement the Identify function within the NIST framework, your organization will have a firm grasp on your current assets and environment, as well as a properly defined plan to protect these assets. Protect The purpose of this function to create and implement a proper security solution to ensure seamless delivery of Infrastructure Services. According to NIST, this function supports the ability to limit or contain the impact of a potential cybersecurity event. For successful implementation, your organization should have controlled access to multiple assets, and provide employees with proper training. Establish your process to secure critical data and ensure that maintenance is regularly scheduled to prevent unauthorized access. The most common threat businesses face nowadays is ransomware, thus the importance of deploying safeguards to ensure that no threats can compromise important business functions. Detect You can never be too complacent and expect that your company won’t fall victim to a cyberattack. At some point, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll experience it in some form. Consistent monitoring and scanning for any suspicious activities are important so you can detect any breach and prevent it from damaging your system and business operations. One example of the outcome within this category, according to NIST includes: Implementing Security Continuous Monitoring capabilities to monitor cybersecurity events and verify the effectiveness of protective measures including network and physical activities. Your organization should be able to foresee any cyber incident and have all the necessary information to respond and solve it. Respond Response planning usually depends on the organization’s strategy and its priorities. When an incident occurs, who will be the liaison and who will oversee contacting stakeholders and law enforcers? What are the necessary steps the employees should follow? This function covers the steps in which an organization should take when a breach occurs and how to properly resolve and contain the impact on the business. Adopting the respond function should start with an incident response plan to ensure compliance with requirements transmitted to a given location. And the next step should be a mitigation plan where it will identify the steps your team will take to remediate the risk to your organization and plan. Recover Your organization should have developed a plan to restore the system, and services that were impaired by a cyber incident. This function involves the assessment of your existing plans and strategies, as well as reprioritizing and making improvements to your recovery response plan. The recover function should enable your business to recover on time and reduce the impact of a cyberattack. Based on the experience and the lessons learned, your organization should be able to implement improvements on your existing strategies. Both your external and internal communications must be coordinated following the recovery from a cyberattack. Related Article: A Guide to Disaster Recovery Plan Conclusion Adopting the NIST Cybersecurity framework allows your organization to have better cybersecurity and bridge gaps between the technical and business stakeholders. Given the flexibility of the framework, it will allow your organization to have a cost-effective way to combat cybersecurity challenges. Enable your organization to focus more on protecting its critical assets. Managing your IT system is critical and challenging, but the security of your critical information is a top priority. Contact us today !

For organizations to get ahead with competitors in today’s market, investing in Information Technology (IT) ensures data availability and confidentiality. But external and internal threats are increasing every day and your IT system can be exposed to multiple threats, thus the reason for an IT audit. What is an IT Audit? IT audit is a process wherein you evaluate and examine the organization’s IT infrastructure , policies, and operation. It covers a wide range of software applications, security systems, operating systems, and more. An IT audit is essential to ensure that your system is not vulnerable to any attacks. The main objective of an IT audit is to evaluate the availability of computer systems, the security, and confidentiality of the information within the system, and if the system is accurate, reliable, and timely. Categories of IT Audit Systems & Application This audit focuses on verifying that systems and applications are valid, appropriate, reliable, timely, and secure at all levels of the system’s activity. This audit’s objective is to assist financial auditors. Information Processing Facilities This audit ensures that the process is working correctly, timely, and precisely, whether in a typical or disruptive situation. Systems Development This audit verifies that the systems are developed in compliance with the organization’s standards. Management of IT and Enterprise Architecture This audit ensures that the process and structure of IT Management are precise and effective. Client/Server, Intranets, and Extranets This audit focuses on telecommunication control are in place because they serve as the bridge between the client and the server. IT Audit Process The auditing process involves the following steps: 1. Planning During this step, preliminary assessment and collecting of information are done to determine the following: Operating environment The criticality of the IT system Organization’s structure Software and Hardware in use The following information gathered by the IT auditor will be used to identify the existing and potential issues, formulate a plan and objective, and define the scope of work. 2. Defining objective and scope The objective of your IT audit process should cover all aspects of your IT, from infrastructure, system, development process, and procedure, including all the security factors such as passwords, firewall, user rights, and physical security . The scope, however, should include the extent of the assessment, duration of the audit, the locations, and the different areas to be covered. 3. Collection and evaluation The collected evidence should be substantial and relevant to support the auditor’s conclusion regarding the organization, activity, and function under the audit. Before data collection, auditors should have a good understanding of the process and method chosen. Types of Audit Evidence: Documentary audit evidence Analysis Process and existence of physical items 4. Documentation and Reporting It is essential to document all the audit evidence inclusive of the audit basis, executed operations, and contain planning and preparation of the audit. The report should be complete with objectives, scope, findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Why it is necessary? Your IT systems are always vulnerable to multiple risks and as you continuously rely on technology or your company’s IT system, it’s only essential to protect it from various threats. Since an IT audit’s main objective is to identify inaccuracies and inefficiencies in the management and use of the IT system, it is necessary for any business. IT audit isn’t a simple procedure, but it is helpful when you want to understand the status of your company’s IT infrastructure. An audit is a very useful tool to protect your assets and keep the efficiency of your company’s business operation. Are you currently dealing with potential risks? An IT audit might be the right solution for you. Contact us today !

The most important asset of an organization is its people because they contribute to the growth and success of a company. HR today has become the prime focus for most organizations as they are the ones in charge of the people within the company. Challenges in HR Management Companies have various HR requirements depending on how big or small the organization is. As business models change, HR can face different challenges, such as: Changes in Management When the business grows, so is the workflow or operations. New strategies, policies, and processes will develop over time and these changes can affect work productivity and morale. Adapting to Innovation Since technology is constantly changing, businesses, no matter the size, should be quick to adapt or risk being left behind. One challenge is for employees to accept these shifts in technology. Compliance with Policies For business owners and HR department, keeping up with the ever-changing laws and regulations continues to be a challenge. Smaller businesses who are not focused on HR might find themselves in trouble for non-compliance. There are multiple ways to combat these challenges and one of them is to utilize Microsoft SharePoint to boost HR Operations. Leveraging SharePoint for the HR Department Every day, the HR department faces several requests and queries that take time to resolve. SharePoint has different functionalities that can eradicate communication breakdown and encourage employee’s productivity and efficiency. Mobile Workforce Enablement People have now the option to work more flexibly and having access to apps and tools from a mobile device is helpful especially for a remote workforce. The interface of SharePoint is mobile-efficient which makes the process of completing a task or even a simple update on a document within the app is easier. The last thing your HR wants in a platform is to slow things down instead of speeding things up. Document Management – Company Policies, Forms or Templates SharePoint can be utilized as an HR/Employee Portal where it enables employees to get access to different documents or files that don’t require them to contact HR and waste time spent on unproductive chats or calls. Since the digitization of documents is necessary these days and privacy is a major concern for employees, SharePoint allows you to safely store documents and only allow access to specific users. Leave Management HR department deals with a lot of requests every day, and some can be demanding because it requires immediate attention. SharePoint enables the HR team to automate leave requests and ensure that the right people will be notified once the request has been made. Through Microsoft Flow, an automation tool that helps with this automation process, SharePoint can generate a workflow where it will be sent to the appropriate department (HR personnel) to approve or deny the request, and once it is done, a notification will be sent to the employee and a calendar event will be created in the Outlook. Here is an example of Uniserve’s Leave Management in SharePoint: HR Announcements – Events, Birthdays, New Hires If you want to highlight any company events, holidays, or news, you can utilize the SharePoint calendar to showcase important dates. This can simplify HR operations since employees do not need to ask HR frequently for any upcoming events or holidays, they can simply point them to the SharePoint site, and everything is there. Using SharePoint for Onboarding, Offboarding, or Training SharePoint can be used as a database of applicants where you can easily find a resume that matches the required position. SharePoint also allows the HR department to streamline the process involved in onboarding new employees or offboarding. For example, you can set up an onboarding site where there will be a list of tasks the new employee is required to complete, such as going through the company policies, and procedures. You can also create a training video using Microsoft Stream that they can watch during the onboarding process. Effectiveness of SharePoint from an HR point of view We’ve asked an HR officer about the effectiveness of SharePoint in the organization and if there is any improvement seen regarding the business operation, she said that “ with the improved SharePoint type which is called "Modern Team site", it does not only function as the traditional file sharing tool, but it has a lot of features that could facilitate easy information access that can be customized to tailor fit with the organization. ” She also mentioned that the most useful aspect of SharePoint is the file-sharing wherein HR Management can modify the files depending on its confidentiality amongst team members and the leave management system that they were able to apply and utilize in SharePoint. While there are still some features that need to be improved like the flexibility of its interface and additional function on the SharePoint calendar, the benefit still outweighs these minor imperfections. “ A well-built Modern SharePoint is a great advantage for sharing information, announcements, policies, and other organizational documents, especially for newly onboarded employees. And now that we're in the middle of Pandemic, it is a great tool to share and encourage employees by sharing articles on its "news-type/section" strategically.” SharePoint might not be the complete solution for HR but with its features and capabilities, it can provide a valuable framework that delivers a secure solution to your HR needs and employee's demands. Are you considering SharePoint to streamline HR operations at your organization? Contact us today !

Are you making the most out of Microsoft Teams? Over 300,000 organizations have adopted Microsoft Teams as their trusted application for collaboration and the reasons are obvious. With Microsoft Teams, setting up multiple threads or discussions among your team is seamless. It also allows you to send, share, and organize video or audio meetings. This application makes collaboration and communication so simple and straightforward. If your organization is already making use of Microsoft Teams, try out the following tips and tricks that you can incorporate for improved productivity, engagement, and organization. Productivity Tips with Microsoft Teams Use the command line The search bar within Teams can also be used as a command line, and it can save you time. Commands can be used to perform a common task in Teams such as /dnd to change your status to Do Not Disturb, /call to make a call, /files for viewing recent files, and so on. Commands are only available on desktop and web app, and if there is a specific command that isn’t working for you, your organization might have disabled it. For more lists of commands, you can visit Microsoft’s website . Customize Notifications If you belong to multiple active channels and you won’t like being interrupted with alerts, you can customize your notifications for a better experience with Teams. You can modify this by clicking on your profile photo located at the top right corner, select settings, click on the notifications tab, and set your preferred alert type and frequency. Use of @mention @mentions are extremely useful when filtering activities and messages. To get quick results on messages directed at you, just click the filter button while you are in the activity feed and choose @mentions from the menu. This is also useful when you want to shoot off a quick message to your colleague, without leaving your current task at hand. On the search bar, just type the @ sign, find their name, and instantly send off your message. Mark your messages as unread If you don’t have the time to address messages right away, Microsoft Teams allows you to mark messages as unread so you can circle it back at a later time. Just click on the three dots next to the message and mark it as unread. Use Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are one quick solution to find or do whatever you need within Microsoft Teams, such as replying to messages, editing your messages, attaching a file, or muting yourself during a meeting. Here are some useful shortcuts: Ctrl + Shift + M – Mute & unmute Ctrl + Shift + O – Turn on & off your camera while in a call Ctrl + N – Start a new chat ^ – Edit the last message you send Ctrl + O – Select the file to attach and send in your Teams chat Ctrl + 4 – Open your calendar Alt + Shift + R – Reply to thread Ctrl + Shift + A – Accept a video call Ctrl + Shift + S – Accept an audio call Go to Microsoft website for more list of Team’s keyboard shortcuts. Engagement Tips with Microsoft Teams Send urgent notifications If you need an immediate response from your colleague, there is an option in Microsoft Teams where you can send an urgent message. Click on the exclamation sign below the message window and click the Urgent menu. Microsoft Teams will send notifications to your respondent every 2 minutes for 20 minutes. Create and send your GIFs Animated GIFs can make your chats more fun and engaging, especially for the younger minds in your organization. While Teams features a lot of animated GIFs that you can send into your chats as a form of motivation or encouragement, you can also use the Giphy app to create your very own GIFs. Who wouldn’t love personalized GIFs? Rich-text Messages Make it easier for your colleagues to view and understand the information you are trying to convey by composing rich-text messages. Click on the ‘A’ button under the text box and format your messages by changing the font style, size, color, add links or bullet points. Also, add subject lines to grab their attention and to divide your conversations into different threads. Organization Tips with Microsoft Teams Utilize SharePoint It’s an important feature that is highly integrated with Microsoft Teams to secure your files and easily collaborate on shared documents. In an organization, team members can be in one place or spread across different locations, thus the importance of SharePoint. Utilize it for better collaboration and organization. Integrate Microsoft Planner Microsoft Planner is a great tool to monitor task by all the team members. Since this tool can be easily integrated inside Microsoft Team, you can use it to reference tasks via Planner without the need for a third-party task manager. You can also use Teams and pin the Planner for easier accessibility. Bookmark Important Messages If you want to save important messages for later, you can do so by selecting the bookmark on the specific message to ensure you won’t have trouble finding it. To review your bookmarks, type the command /saved into the search bar. Contact us today if you want to learn more information, tips, and tricks about Microsoft Teams.

You might be aware of the benefits the cloud can bring to your organization and you’ve started thinking about migrating to the cloud but there might be some common misconceptions about cloud migration that might be holding you back from taking advantage of its benefits, so let us debunk the myths for you. Myths about Cloud Migration Myth # 1. Cloud is only online Cloud software allows you to work online and offline such as Microsoft 365. Once your documents are stored in OneDrive, you can access it to edit your documents and once you connected to the internet, your modified documents will be uploaded automatically. Myth # 2. Migrating to the Cloud is too complex Many believed that cloud migration is a long and too complex of a process but migrating data isn’t the heavy part. The real work and the most complex would be the planning and preparation for your end-users. Cloud migration is done in the background for a few weeks and ensures that your business won’t be interrupted so it doesn’t require downtime, as long as it is well-planned. Also, you won’t have to maintain hardware and upgrade software all the time, decreasing the inconveniences and increasing your time spent on improving your business operations. Myth # 3. Storing data on-premises is more secure than in the Cloud Both have security vulnerabilities like most of the other tools, applications, and software. However, as most companies rely on technology more and more, cloud service providers have invested in improving cloud security for the data protection of consumers and compliance. The cloud can be audited, updated, and secured comprehensively more than the physical infrastructure. Most data breaches are caused by human errors, so remember, the security of your cloud can only be guaranteed if you follow best practices and if it’s regularly maintained. Myth # 4. Cloud eliminates the need for Disaster Recovery Planning Yes, cloud reduces the risk of a disaster happening, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for a Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) . Situations such as physical security, power outages, robbery, or fire destruction can’t be prevented so local backups are still required. You can also set up multiple clouds to minimize risk and figure out how you can synchronize data when one site is down. But, whether it’s one, two, or more cloud providers, you need to understand the level of service they provide to know what risks your plan should be included in your DRP. Myth # 5. Cloud migration will result in vendor lock-in The fear of vendor lock-in might be one of the reasons you are wary of cloud migration. There’s a lot of reservations about being dependent on a single cloud provider for all your needs. However, there are multiple ways where you can avoid vendor lock-in but still get the most out of your cloud investment. The most important thing is for you to do your due diligence before selecting a vendor. When you migrate to the cloud, you have to determine goals and assess your current IT situation that includes a thorough edit of your infrastructure and resources. Also, learn and understand the capabilities of your cloud vendor , and if possible, you can consider opting for multiple cloud strategy so you can utilize your applications more. Myth # 6. The cloud is more expensive The initial investment might seem significant but once your business starts operating in the cloud, the capital disbursement is almost nil, while the operational expenses are minimal. Migrating to the cloud allows you to save up money from building a data center that includes space, electricity, cooling, and maintenance fees. Based on the demands of your business, your cloud applications can be scaled up or down allowing you control over your IT costs. Debunking the myths, and plan for the future. Many beliefs today are based on misconceptions and fear of change. Once you have the knowledge and understanding of the positive impacts of the cloud for your business, you’ll be able to fully utilize its capabilities. Cloud migration is a big step and requires proper planning and awareness of its potential. If you are having doubts about moving to the cloud, drop us a message and we’ll be happy to help.

One of the critical aspects of a business is cybersecurity and we cannot emphasize it enough. You might think that most cyberattacks are done by hackers trying to force their way into your system, but most data breaches occur due to human error. Why employees should care Employees are the biggest weakness of a company’s IT security. Like we’ve mentioned a few times, employees are the first line of defense against cyberattacks and if they don’t have the proper training or knowledge when it comes to cybercrimes and cybersecurity, your company’s IT security strategy will fail and your business will be at risk. Human errors can be intentional or unintentional and that is one of the things you need to be aware of, as an employer. What employees should be doing to combat cyberattacks 1. Being smart when working outside the office Since the BYOD policy has been implemented for most companies, the number of employees doing work using their laptops and smartphones is increasing. This is caused by contributing factors such as public Wi-Fi and how it allows employees to be flexible and do their meetings in a café. However, while it’s convenient to have that kind of flexibility at work, allowing employees to use public Wi-Fi with their devices is unsafe. Cybercriminals can easily get access to your employee’s data or even sensitive business information through public networks. In situations where they would have no options but to use public Wi-Fi, ensure that employees are equipped with knowledge on how to protect their data: Don’t log in to apps using their social media profiles, like Facebook authentication. Ensure they only download supported and legitimate apps Ensure they use 2FA (Two-factor authentication) Don’t leave their devices unattended and always lock their screen. 2. Following Password Policies Instill the importance of strong passwords. Employees often prefer simple passwords that they can easily remember but that shouldn’t be practiced. Passwords that are somehow related to an employee’s identification, like birthdays or pet names, can easily be cracked and will allow hackers to breach your company’s system faster. Implement multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection. Also, for employees to generate or create strong passwords that even they can’t remember, provide them with password management tools that will allow them to store and quickly access their accounts with the added security feature. It’s just not about strong passwords but changing it frequently. Take the time to change your email, social media, and other online account password details. Passwords that are the most difficult to crack are those with capital letters, symbols, and numbers. 3. Mobile Device Security If employees are allowed to bring their own devices and use them for work, there’s a chance that it can be lost or stolen. In order to protect your business information from their mobile devices, have them report these types of situations immediately so any mishandling can be managed. Also, established a policy that indicates what work-related activities are allowed on their mobile devices to limit the exposure to a data breach. Have them install anti-virus and anti-malware software to combat any attempted access. Provide full disk encryption on mobile devices to prevent cyber thieves from reading the data once it is lost or stolen, and also take advantage of the built-in security controls such as screen lock and failed log-in attempts. 4. Data and Internet Usage Ensure there are clear rules laid down when employees are connected to the business network. Provide policies that will ensure the company data’s protection. One, specify that company emails are only to be used at work and personal emails should be restricted. Second, portable storage devices should be prohibited unless it is provided by the company and scanned for any threats. Rules that aren’t too complex are important, and you can get employee’s insights on what they need access to. Unless it’s necessary for the job, you can limit employees’ access to websites that aren’t important, such as social media accounts or online video streaming. These will allow employees to focus on the task at hand and to also avoid going to fraudulent websites that may potentially breach through your network. 5. Consistent Training Keep employee’s cybersecurity awareness up by providing constant training consistently. There are different tools out there that you can use to disseminate information on cybersecurity using video, such as Microsoft Stream. Informal training can also help them learn and be informed without sitting for long hours in a seminar about cybersecurity. Also, keep communication lines open in case of any incident or employees having concerns to reduce risk and improve response time. As an employee, they need to understand a certain risk and learn the importance of security to the company. Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility With proper knowledge, planning, and training, employees can be your strongest assets. Employees need to be fully committed so your cybersecurity policies and strategies can be successfully implemented and protect not only the company but their jobs. If you’re looking to implement or build your cybersecurity strategies and in need of assistance, experts at Uniserve are here to help. Drop us a message and get the right solutions.

Don’t let your business be a victim of cyberattacks. Implementing cybersecurity measures will ensure that you and your business won’t become a target. Why Cybersecurity is important? We can’t remain complacent when it comes to our privacy and security. Now that cyber attackers are becoming more innovative and users having more than one device, it can be a challenge to protect people and businesses from cyber threats. Understanding the reasons why implementing security measures are important not only for our business to remain protected but also for each person’s private information can be kept secured. Types of Cybersecurity & Definition 1. Network Security Network security is the process of safeguarding your data from unauthorized entry through your computer networks. Network security includes software and hardware technologies and ensures your security from a variety of threats. It acts as a wall between your network and malicious activity and as an organization, you want to protect your network so you can constantly deliver services to meet the demands of your employees and customers. Generally, protecting your reputation as a business. Here are the types of Network Security: Firewall. This can be software, hardware, or both. A firewall acts as a barrier between your trusted internal network and external network. Email Security. Emails are among the most common gateways for a security breach. Email security prevents any incoming attacks to prevent loss of sensitive data. Anti-virus and anti-malware software. Anti-malware programs scan malware upon entry, monitor files for anomalies, and remove it to fix any damage. Application Security. The applications you use to run your business might contain vulnerabilities that can expose and infiltrate your network. Application security patches these vulnerabilities and prevents any breach. Data Loss Prevention . As business owners, you want to ensure your staff doesn’t send sensitive information outside of your network. DLP prevents users from sharing, uploading, or forwarding critical information in a risky manner. 2. Information Security Information Security or InfoSec is the process of designing and deploying tools to safeguard your critical business information from destruction, disruption, and alteration. It is a crucial factor in cybersecurity where it is specifically designed for data security. The main objective of InfoSec is the confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) of your business data. It is created to guarantee that only authorized users, apps, or systems can access certain information. Here are the types of Information Security: Cloud Security. Mainly focuses on the vulnerabilities coming from Internet services and shared environments. It protects the application and Infrastructure security from cloud-connected components. Cryptography. This is a process of obscuring content to secure information and only the user with the correct encryption key can access the encrypted data. Cryptography retains the confidentiality and integrity of data in transit and storage. Vulnerability Management. This type of InfoSec is a process where it scans the environment for any weak spots, such as unpatched software. For growing businesses that are constantly adding new users, applications, or updates with infrastructure, this is an important factor to monitor potential exposures. Incident Response. A role where it monitors and probes possibly malicious behavior. To contain threats and ensure that your network can be restored, an incident response plan is essential. Also, this preserves evidence for possible prosecution and further prevent breaches. 3. End-User Behavior You, as a user should know your role when it comes to cybersecurity. Users are the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Many security issues can be addressed and prevented by users. Knowledge and education on security best practices will help your organization to avoid exposures against any type of cyber threat, especially now that we live in a digital world where we are always prone to cyberattacks. Allow your business to have proper security awareness training where you can cover different threats, phishing scams, device security, password creation, physical security, and more. 4. Infrastructure Security It is a security measure where it protects critical infrastructure, such as network communications, data center, server, or IT center. The goal is to limit vulnerabilities of these systems from corruption, sabotage, or terrorism. For business owners and organizations that rely on critical infrastructure should understand the liabilities and ensure the protection of the business against it. Cybercriminals can aim at your utility systems to attack your business, so evaluate how it can affect you and develop a contingency plan. Other critical infrastructure includes: Power supply and transmission systems Water supply Cooling system Heating and Air circulation Protecting your Business Depending on the nature of your business, different cybersecurity strategies can be implemented to protect your company assets and critical information. It’s an investment worth spending for. If you want to learn more about what is best for your business, drop us a message and we’ll help you develop the right cybersecurity solution.

Imagine coming in to work one day and finding out that your system is offline, you and your team don’t have access to your work devices, and you have urgent matters to attend throughout the day. What would you do? The more we incorporate computers and technology into our business processes, the more we tend to rely on them. From sales, manufacturing to accounting, we utilize technology to simplify our business operations. Should you Outsource IT Support? To maintain the availability of your systems, IT support is essential to your business. While most think that in-house IT is convenient, their expertise can be quite limited. From our own experiences, there are multiple reasons why most businesses opt to outsource, and here are a few: In-house Management Most of the small businesses cannot manage or recruit a qualified IT professional. Managers outside the field will struggle to effectively train and improve the performance of their in-house IT which can result in an employee getting frustrated or businesses relying on IT with sub-average performance. Advanced Skills IT problems can vary, and the skills required to complete each task doesn’t necessarily require a highly skilled professional. So, as a small business owner, it wouldn’t make sense to pay for a Level 3 engineer just to ask him to repair paper jams or restart machines. An outsourcing company can match your tech issues to the skill of the professional resulting in greater job satisfaction. Need for IT Strategy All IT professionals can provide necessary technical support, but not everyone has the business insight to develop long-term IT strategies to support business goals. When you outsource your IT support, they would be able to help you navigate the steps required to build and create a strategic plan. When to Start Outsourcing IT Support As mentioned above, there are numerous benefits to outsourcing IT support, especially for small to medium-sized businesses, but how do you know when it’s time to invest? 1. You want to push your Company Forward Technology should speed your business up, and not slow you down. Every time software or application comes, an internal IT person would still need to study, research, and train to understand each change. By outsourcing a provider that offers IT support services for small business, you can improve the efficiencies of your business operations since they are in front of trends and today’s newest advances. 2. You need to protect your Data and Network If you trust your IT and all your confidential information to an internal IT employee, you might be putting yourself at risk. Data breaches are common , and it can be a serious issue for any business. Don’t expose yourself, your employees, and customer’s personal information to a novice when outsourcing can provide you with state-of-the-art technology that strengthens your security. 3. You need to Reduce Labor Cost Even if you’re running a small business, you always find ways to cut costs. Each dollar you lost can be invested in the right technology or it can go to marketing your company. Outsourcing for an IT service will enable you to save money for hiring an in-house IT that includes benefits package and paid leaves. 4. You need a leg up on your Competition We all know how competitive the market is today, especially for SMB’s. Any advantage you can find to stay ahead of the game can make a huge difference between success and failure. If your internal team can’t handle a specific task, how can you focus on your strategies and stay on top? Outsourcing as the Best Solution Between operations, accounting, marketing, and sales, IT and Cybersecurity can become an afterthought. Outsourcing IT support to a good MSP (Managed Service Provider ) is now a common solution for small to mid-size businesses. Outsourcing will enable you to have scalable and reliable IT Solutions. The principle behind outsourcing IT support is for you to focus on pushing your business forward and build a relationship with clients. There is no point in spending time worrying about your IT if you can outsource it. If you’re interested in learning how we can help you with your IT support, then contact us today .

Information Technology (IT) plays an important role in the day-to-day operation of today’s businesses, probably more important now that we are facing a global pandemic. Businesses are starting to realize the importance of IT to keep things working, not only here in Hong Kong but around the world. IT is generally defined as the study, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems and typically includes software, hardware, networks, and servers. IT has its benefits, such as: Expense reduction through Automated Tasks Electronic Data Management Better Collaboration Data Sharing Knowledge Management but it also brings different challenges to organizations: Over budget and delays Not delivering the expected value Security Risks Creates new threats This brings us to the importance of an IT Strategy for your business. What is IT Strategy? An IT Strategy is a comprehensive plan that defines how technology should be utilized to meet IT and business goals. It is a blueprint of how technology can support your overall business strategy. It should encompass all facets of technology management, including cost, hardware and software management, vendor management, and risk management. Key Elements of an IT Strategy To ensure objectivity when creating a strategic IT plan , many organizations utilize consultants to carry out the process. However, if you believe that your organization has the resources or expertise to develop the plan in-house, its recommended to include stakeholders outside of IT to assist with fairness and buy-in across the company. IT is no longer considered as a support function but as a foundation on which a successful business is built. Executing and developing a clear and strategic IT plan can play a major role to help you achieve business goals. Vision and Mission The most important component where you need to come up with a vision that outlines where your business aspires to be, with regards to IT and how you can get there. Roadmap A detailed roadmap where it will include the steps your organization has to take to drive more value from IT and achieve a competitive advantage. Business Alignment Given the deep integration of IT with every aspect of your company, the alignment of IT goals and business goals is crucial to have an awareness of what the company expects to achieve and what can be contributed to these goals. Budget Your IT Strategy won’t be complete without knowing the budget your company has and the cost you would allocate to reach your business goals. Developing a financial assessment of IT systems and processes can give you control over the company’s performance. Competitive Advantage Ensure you always have the edge against competitors by conducting a competitive analysis and specify what advantages the company has with respect to its competitors. Short-term Goals Your IT strategy should state what your organization is looking to achieve in the short-term. This can include training staff, assessment of current IT structure, and identification of non-valued systems and processes. Long-term Goals In addition to your short-term goals, your IT strategy should also have a long-term IT goal. Your long-term goal should be clear and well-aligned with your vision. This can include modernizing your website, embracing AI, or integrating new technologies. Continuous Assessment and Monitoring We are all aware of the changing rate this new era presents and the chances of going off the direction of your roadmap are high. Continuous assessment should be part of your IT strategy to help you evaluate your current position and what adjustments are needed to ensure you are going in the right direction. Governance It signifies the limitations your business can place on your IT strategy. Through effective governance, your company can execute the right actions or tackle issues that come with technology adoption. IT Infrastructure This component presents all the software, hardware, application, networks, and systems necessary to run the business. Your IT infrastructure will help your business achieve its goals on time and budget. Why is an IT Strategy important? If you don’t know where you want to be in 5 years, what are the chances of you getting there? How can you empower your employees to make decisions and move initiatives forward without being involved in every step? A strategic plan can help you address unexpected emergencies and allows you to create a system for achieving what is important. An IT strategy is essential in most organizations today to maintain the business strategy and manage risk. As a business leader, proper understanding and implementation of your plan will ensure that your business is well-positioned to engage in a vigorous business environment. Incorporate the components above and leverage your IT to achieve positive results. Contact us today and let us help you create an effective IT Strategy plan.

As a business owner, it can be challenging to keep up with all the numerous ways technology can help your operations. If you don’t keep up with technology and you’re thinking, “if it isn’t broken, why fix it?”, then you’ll fall behind and you won’t be able to offer the same service that your competitors might do. Learning a few things about technology can simplify your day-to-day business operations. Here are a few tech tips you can start with and see how your business can succeed. Tech Tips for your Small Business Tech Tip #1: Move to the Cloud The cloud is a powerful tech tool for any small business. Simple changes like using cloud-based tools can make a huge impact on your business. It improves the way you run your business and collaborate with your team. Modern cloud-based software can store all your data or files in the cloud, and it can be accessed by authorized persons anytime at any location.  It’s a great way to save money instead of acquiring a physical server, and it eliminates the need for expensive upgrades. Cloud storage is well suited for small businesses, as you can easily keep track of your spending since you are charged for the space you use. However, keep in mind that as your business grows, you might need to spend more, and switch to a dedicated server. Related Article: The Basics of Cloud Computing Tech Tip #2: Embrace Technology & Digital Transformation There are multiple interpretations of Digital Transformation, however, in simplest terms, it’s the initiative to utilize technology for better business results. For small business owners, it’s imperative to try and understand how technology can affect your work efficiency. In today’s digital era, modern communication relies on technology and your customer service depends on communication. Without the proper tools to communicate, your employees won’t be able to keep up with demands and your customers can get discouraged, and your business suffers as a result. Devices, servers, smartphones are constantly changing, and keeping up with the advancing technology can be a full-time job. As software application gets more sophisticated over time, the hardware that runs it should be able to adapt or it won’t operate properly. Related Article: Building A Successful Digital Transformation Strategy Tech Tip #3: Take Advantage of Mobile Every small business owner needs a competitive edge to stay ahead of the game. It’s not all about what’s new or relevant but understand what your competitors are doing with the latest technology innovations. You’re probably already using mobile devices for your workplace, so always be on the lookout for new services or applications that might help your business operations. If you allow employees to use their devices for work purposes, implement an Effective Mobile Device Management policy. When running a small business, time is money, and being on a mobile can help you bring the business with you. Implement a system where you can forward calls from your office phone to your smartphone, so you won’t miss any important messages. Mobile devices can keep you connected with your team and allows you to operate your business on the go. Not only it improves productivity, but it offers your client that opportunity to reach you regardless of your location. Streamlining your office communication is a huge time-saver aside from being cost-efficient. Tech Tip #4: Outsource your IT Services You might not have thought about it but allocating a budget to outsource your tech support is well worth the investment. When your systems malfunction and it affects your productivity or a security breach may put your business at risk, you’ll have a reliable IT Support system that prevents these situations from happening. Your company may already be updated when it comes to technologies that are well suited for your business. Even so, an IT support team can bring a more cutting-edge technology that can maximize your company’s potential. Peace of mind is one of the major benefits of hiring an IT professional to provide technology solutions for your business. You can bypass any worries related to technology and let professionals take care of any IT issues that may arise, and you can focus on achieving your business goals. Invest for the Future In the end, it doesn’t have to be a massive restructuring of the way you operate the business. Small steps can make a big difference. Don’t let your software and equipment age, invest wisely, and choose the right technology fit for your needs and not just because it’s a trend. Start by consulting with your IT company about automating some of your daily tasks and get the right solution suited to your business needs. The key here is you should be willing to start modernizing your office and don’t let your business get behind.

Apple has finally revealed this year’s September event inviting everyone to tune in remotely on September 15 at 10 a.m. PT or September 16 at 1 a.m. HKT. While the rumors suggest that this event will focus on iPhone 12, Bloomberg has reported that this will only include iPad and Apple Watch details and iPhone 12 will be unveiled in October. The last quarter of 2020 would be good for Apple product fans. We have heard a lot of news that a brand-new model of the iPhone is coming out, and other new Apple products are about to be announced soon as well. We’ve seen a few product refreshes and announcements from Apple, such as the MacBook Air, Magic Keyboard, iPhone SE, and iPad Pro last March and April, so we can expect more within the next few months. What Apple Products are coming out this fall? September of every year, Apple refreshes its iPhone and the Apple Watch models, but there are also many other products that we could see being announced at the same time. Due to delays in production and testing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, Apple stated that the new iPhones will be delayed by a few weeks. iPhone 12 Based on rumors, the newest Apple iPhone will have new and exciting improvements. This coming fall, Apple is expected to introduce a 5G capable iPhone with a laser-powered time-of-flight 3D rear camera. It is also rumored to come in at 5.4, 6.7, and two 6.1-inch display sizes. Rumors indicate that the 6.7-inch and 6.1-inch iPhone models will be the higher-end devices with triple-lens cameras, while the 5.4 and the other 6.1-inch iPhone models will be the lower-end with dual-lens cameras and a more affordable price tag. Lower-end phones are most likely to come out first before the higher-end models, but we can expect that it will be released by October 2020. Apple Watch Series 6 The next-generation Apple Watch is said to have a new feature capable of monitoring blood oxygen. Also, updated with faster performance, better resistance with water, and improved wireless communication for faster Wi-Fi and cellular speeds. Among other new features of the 2020 Apple Watch is rumored to be a Sleep Tracking tool, which has been requested by users for a long time. AirTags Apple is also gearing up to introduce a wireless tracking tile that will enable you to track your iOS and macOS device via find my app. It is rumored to look like a circular disc with the Apple logo that can be attached to any item, like keys, bags, or luggage. It is said to notify the user on their iPhone should they move out of range of the tag, which will enable them to not leave their keys in the office or anywhere. Also, it is said to have a feature that will enable the user to add certain locations that it can ignore, such as your house. New iPad Air Reports are suggesting that we may be introduced to a new iPad this September. We're hearing that it will have a larger screen since the Home button will be removed, and apparently, the Touch ID feature will be moved to the on/off switch at the top edge of the device. HomePod 2 According to rumors, the new HomePod is said to be cheaper and smaller to compete with Amazon and Google. It is expected to feature the same form factor but with reduced audio quality and smaller size. The cheaper model would also include two tweeters as a replacement for the seven that are within the current version. Managing your iOS and macOS devices We know you’re excited to get your hands on these new Apple devices but always be reminded to keep them secured and protected from external or internal threats since more and more businesses are implementing Work From Home and BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies in using personal devices for work. In a modern workplace where employees are looking to have more flexibility, maintaining the security and protection of business data is critical, thus the reason for end-user device management strategies. If your business uses multiple devices that need monitoring and support, managing, and ensuring that everyone is following the policy can be difficult and challenging without the proper resources.