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Covid-19 pushes businesses to navigate not only the financial challenge, but also the operational side of the business while tackling the needs of their people, customers, and partners. With more services shifting online, our business’ ability to adapt can be put to the test. What are the challenges this pandemic poses? Our current situation is unsettling, we are facing a lot of challenges ensuring that our business continues to stay afloat, not only for us in Uniserve, but also for other businesses. Changing Customer Habits The COVID-19 outbreak has pushed us to reevaluate how our support center is leveraged, and how can our team deliver appropriate customer experiences, and how digital tools can be utilized to support business continuity not only through this crisis but in the future of service. This pandemic has changed our experiences and behavior as customers, business owners, and employees. The demands and experience have been shifted, forcing us to rethink digital strategies to capture new targets and opportunities. Workforce Disruption Businesses around the world are experience workforce disruption. We are all still determining how we will conduct our business in the short- and long-term. Workforces are doing their best to function and perform well while trying to cope with what is happening around them. Helping people within the organization to navigate the shift from working in the office to working from home, still stays as a challenge. Regular virtual chats and conversations remain a key factor to protect and empower employees. Operations Changes to consumer behavior and routines are throwing our business off balance. The response to this pandemic is to think about how we can speed up the process of adopting agile ways of working to cope in these uncertain times. Restructuring our business to avoid risk and allow for growth post-COVID-19 is necessary. How we utilize Digital technology to thrive during a pandemic We all know the importance of having the right tools to ensure that our business is running smoothly even when employees are working at the comforts of their home. As an IT Company, we need to be an example for our clients to highlight the benefits of digital technology such as Microsoft 365 tools, which enables us to continue providing good service for our clients. From the basic office tools like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Outlook, there are other 365 apps you can utilize to thrive during a pandemic. Microsoft Teams The importance of staying connected in these trying times is vital not only for productivity but maintaining the professional relationship within the employees. Utilizing Microsoft Teams has allowed us to quickly reach out to any member of our team and collaborate no matter our location. Microsoft SharePoint SharePoint is a very useful tool among enterprises, it can be used for data storage and document management. Aside from this, it can also be used for other purposes such as project management, employee onboarding, and more. SharePoint is highly customizable allowing you to customize according to your needs. It’s easy to use and allows a business to save time and cost spent on training employees to use the platform. SharePoint enables our business to be well organized and centralized. Microsoft Stream Videos can make our work-life more exciting; it can easily be shared, and it is a useful type of content to conduct training, workshops, or meeting. Microsoft Stream fits any type of business. If you are onboarding an employee, you can create a welcome video, explain the policies, and work culture of the organization. You can also create videos that encourage all your employees and give reminders, especially in these times that mental health is a great concern. As technology continues to advance, it is important to tap into various platforms such as videos. Microsoft Whiteboard No matter the size of your business, Microsoft Whiteboard offers various advantages. Businesses have a different department, and each is composed of team members who are regularly communicating and collaborating. Microsoft Whiteboard allows collaboration in real-time, laying out strategies, flows, or presentations, it is an efficient and effective tool to use. Gone are the pens and post-its to express ideas. Now that we are working virtually, brainstorming can still be enjoyable with Microsoft Whiteboard. Keeping things stable during an uncertain time The coronavirus outbreak has tested our capabilities. Businesses need to have the right set of digital solutions to successfully collaborate and conduct business operations remotely. Business continuity is important to prevent the devastating situation of unemployment once this pandemic is over. Remote work should be an option not only in today’s time but also for the future.

With all the issues surrounding data security today, one important thing to consider is our emails. How secure do you think it is? How accessible it is and how can you protect it? Email has improved our work efficiency and communication in the workplace. With our reliance on sending business information through email, an email breach can be your business’ downfall. Email data should remain confidential because a simple mistake can expose any of your company’s top secret. If it’s imperative for you to send sensitive data through email, consider email encryption as part of your security plan. What is Email Encryption? It is a process where email content is being secured from outsiders looking to get access to the user’s information. Contents of the email are converted into a code to protect it against any malicious threats. Once the email is encrypted, it will no longer be readable by a human. Only with your private email key can the email be unlocked and decrypted back to its original message. Types of Email Encryption There are various protocols used for encrypting emails: TLS (Transport Layer Security) which is used by email providers like Google or Microsoft where it secures email while it is in transit. TLS encryption alone does not offer enough level of protection as it only secures and stops emails from being read after they are sent and before they are delivered. End-to-end email encryption certifies that email contents are encrypted by the sender and ensures it can only be decrypted by the intended receiver. With end-to-end encryption, emails are guaranteed secure at every step of the delivery. There are two methods where an organization can implement end-to-end encryption: PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) is an email encryption solution where it masks your email content before sending them. Each user with an email address has a pair of keys to encrypt and decrypt an email. One is tied to your email address and can be accessed by anyone, and the other is a private key that is not publicly shared. S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) is mostly like PGP where it uses public-key cryptography to secure email, however, the difference between the two is, S/MIME uses digital certificates instead of keys. Digital certificates are a bunch of code provided by a Certificate Authority (CA) . Pros of Email Encryption 1. Safeguard Critical Information Our emails can contain a lot of sensitive information, from banking account details, critical business data, and personal information. To prevent any data leaks on this important information, email encryption is vital for your business. 2. Efficiency If your business emails are encrypted through the actual platform or program, your employees don’t need to do extra steps to secure their emails. The responsibility lies with your email provider, and your team can just quickly type and send their message without thinking about the multi-step process of securing the attached files. 3. Authentication Using encryption can help your team identify authentic senders. Spam emails always exist and applying encryption in combination with digital signing indicates to the recipient that the sender is authentic, and the contents were untampered. 4. Cost-efficient When your email service has encryption integrated to the server, there is no need for you to purchase any additional software or fees per user. Since all the essential features for encryption are included, you can save a lot of money by getting a trusted third-party service. 5. Prevent Business Risk Without encryption, any person can get access to the information contained in your email. Nowadays, there is a lot at stake, and you don’t want to send unencrypted emails. External or internal threats are always present, and information collected can be used against your business. To prevent such risks, it is recommended to go for encrypted emails. Cons of Email Encryption Organizations opt to go for end-to-end encryption because it’s thorough in scope and goes beyond the basic protection needed, however, end-to-end encryption is not without its drawbacks. It needs to be maintained regularly and it can be a challenge to manage. Another potential pitfall of an encrypting email message is making sure that your email recipient has the necessary tools to decrypt your email, otherwise, he or she could end up getting it and won’t be able to read it. Protect Sensitive Information With a simply added security, you can be confident that all communications done through an email is not compromised. For additional insights on email encryption, as well as other IT Security concerns, drop us a message or give us a call today.

We’ve talked about the definition of Data Loss Prevention  and its benefits in our last article. Now, we’ll tackle the best practices in creating your own DLP policy and why do you need to have it. Key Reasons for having a Data Loss Prevention Policy Your business’ data is available in the cloud and as more of your employees work from home or at any remote location, access to critical data from mobile devices is at risk. Compliance There are various levels of government regulations on how a company gathers and secures personally identifiable information. Complying with data regulations is an important part of your data loss prevention policy. Intellectual Property Your company may have trade secrets and other strategic propriety information that can be targeted by cybercriminals or malicious insiders. Visibility Most of your business’s critical data are found on servers, laptops, cloud storage, and other databases. With a DLP policy in place, you can learn how end-users use sensitive information and therefore, better safeguard it. Data Loss Prevention Policy Best Practices You can prevent any unauthorized access and protect your business from potential threats with the help of a data loss prevention policy. Following best practices will help you implement a successful DLP plan. 1. Identify & Classify The first stage to creating your Data Loss Prevention policy is identifying the location of all your organization’s data and determine how much of it are sensitive information. Analyze the current structure and identify existing security gaps in your data management. To effectively protect your data, you should know the types of data you have. Where is your data located? Common locations are within: Network Storage Cloud Storage Hardware Storage All critical data should be clearly labeled so you can protect it in accordance with its significance to the organization.  Personal Identifiable Information (PII) Payment Card Information (PCI) Customer Information Intellectual Property / Proprietary Information Internal Information Public Use / Domain Information Every time new data is created or modified; the classification should be updated. However, access controls should still be in place to prevent other users to change any settings of the data. 2. Regulatory Compliance Regulatory Compliance depends on the nature of your organization, as well as the location of your business, local regulations may be added to your DLP plan. Some government regulations require companies to either employ internal staff or keep external advisors with data protection knowledge.  This is just the baseline of your structure as it doesn’t cover other factors your company needs to be protected such as intellectual assets and other growth strategies. 3. Business Information DLP Once you’ve established that you comply with legal regulations, you will now have to look at your business information. These are the data that you need to ensure is secure from unlawful use: Strategic Plans Financial Reports Proprietary information and processes Other additional information that may not be covered by data protection regulations. 4. Internal Processes Create an outline with appropriate questions to make informed purchasing decisions. Choosing Data Loss Prevention solutions can be a challenge thus the reason for evaluation. Also, define the roles of each person involved with Data Loss Prevention, not just for monitoring but also for implementing rules and regulations. The goal is to safeguard the most critical data, so start with the specific data to address first and build upon that. Documenting policies before your software set up will help ensure that it is well organized and can be incorporated properly for employee training and efficient implementation. 5. Educating the Workforce You cannot implement a Data Loss Prevention policy without your team’s support. Educating your employees about the importance of data loss prevention can improve your company’s security position. Internal threats may not be a common situation, but it can happen. Each of your employees should have a good understanding of their responsibilities when it comes to business data especially if they are outside of the business network. Your DLP solutions should also support your DLP. Microsoft 365 has a function of notifying an employee when they do something that violates a DLP rule. 6. Monitor Once you set it up, don’t just forget about it. After implementing your DLP plan, you and your team who are in charge of it should closely monitor the effectiveness of your processes to ensure it’s working properly and ensure that you can fix gaps within your strategy. Investing in a solution that monitors your company’s security system 24/7 means that you can focus on other tasks while your software does the work. Build an automated audit and risk report to get visibility into your data loss risk and adjust it as per report results. Software such as Microsoft 365 includes a default template that you can modify depending on your location and situation. Implementing your policy template won’t be successful if you don’t establish your data prevention policy and being able to understand what data is being collected and stored. If you’re unsure on how to start implementing your policy or having trouble setting it up, contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

In today’s situation where everyone alternates between working from home and working within the office, data breaches and other risks are more likely to happen. Large companies have more data to steal from, but smaller companies have less secure networks making them an easy target for cybercriminals. There are multiple solutions your business can implement to protect data, but technology is only effective if the people in charge of monitoring and managing it is as good as your tools. Your solutions should complement your strategy regardless of the industry and size of your business. What is Data Loss Prevention (DLP)? DLP or Data Loss Prevention is a security strategy that protects users from accidentally sending critical data or information outside the business network. DLP is a set of tools and processes ensuring all your corporate data is not misused or being accessed by unauthorized users. DLP tools can encrypt your data being transported through an internal or external network to an endpoint destination. Data Loss Prevention also monitors the data used by applications or in service and safeguards the data that is currently on your archived. Different types of DLP Solutions Network DLP Detection, prevention of accidental loss, and malicious threats are why Network DLP is vital. The capability to hinder critical information from being transferred outside of your corporate network will ensure that the data in motion are secured. Once in your system, Network DLP scans all contents passing through your company ports for monitoring, tracking, and reporting of all the data in transit. If there is an unintentional policy violation within your business network, DLP will notify the user and provide explanations to help training for proper protocols. Storage DLP Your employees store and share a lot of information and most of it contains confidential data that may be at risk for leakage, which is a great concern for many business owners. Through storage DLP, it allows you to view corporate data that are shared and stored within the corporate network. The possibility of identifying sensitive files and preventing data leakage with this solution will enable you to work without worrying about stored or shared files across your network. As a business owner, you want to protect your company at all costs, and if all your data is stored in the cloud , for example, this would be a good solution for you. Endpoint DLP Last month, Microsoft announced the extension of data loss prevention to the endpoint in Microsoft 365 due to businesses shifting to remote work and the need to reassess their security and risk management policies. Microsoft Endpoint DLP has the capability of monitoring and protecting confidential data that are on Windows 10 devices. Once the device is onboarded into the M365 , it will enable you to see the user’s activity and implement protective measures on important files by DLP policies. Preventing risky and inappropriate sharing or use of sensitive information following your business policies is one of the great advantages of Endpoint DLP. Note that Endpoint DLP only works on subscriptions or add-ons in: Microsoft 365 E5 Microsoft 365 A5 (EDU) Microsoft 365 E5 compliance Microsoft 365 A5 compliance Microsoft 365 E5 information protection and governance Microsoft 365 A5 information protection and governance Reasons your organization needs DLP Increase of Outside Threats Loss of critical data is a situation you don’t want to happen. Hackers or data thieves are getting more sophisticated and new ways of accessing networks are created every day. Data breaches can cost your business a lot of money paying fines and incurring negative publicity and lose customers. Given this situation, proactively monitoring for new threats is essential which is why implementing a DLP strategy is necessary. Malicious Insider Threats Employees stealing and selling data rarely happens, but it does happen. People you hire might have intentions to cause harm to your company especially the disgruntled employees who already have access to sensitive information. Implementing a Data Loss Prevention strategy can discourage your employees to sell data. With proper implementation along with effective training, they can help you catch those who do it and help prevent creating serious damage that will affect your business operation. Mobility Threats New channels for communication are added regularly. With the increase in implementing BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), numerous companies can operate more effectively. However, it’s always going to be a challenge tracking the rising number of mobile devices being used and poor maintenance of your BYOD policy can negatively impact your security. With BYOD, employees can unintentionally share confidential data through their devices. Some of your employees might not be aware of the data’s level of security within their device or being transmitted. DLP can provide access and monitor activity on your employee’s mobile device, thus protecting sensitive information. Cloud Storage Aside from the challenge brought by BYOD, another point to be taken is employees storing files on their storage like Google Drive or Dropbox. This can happen if your business doesn’t implement proper security measures and protocols. As a business owner, it is your responsibility to have an ironclad business network security measure in place ensuring your employees have authorized access to data and make certain that it stays within the company network. People make mistakes and it’s normal, but it shouldn’t be used as an excuse to forget about your security plans. Implementing a well-thought-out DLP strategy to keep an eye on your critical data will ensure that you and your employees will prevent making these mistakes again and again. It’s a subject where you should be paying attention to and laying a strong foundation from the beginning will result in fewer problems down the road. Those who have the right version of Microsoft 365 may already have the DLP solution but if you want to explore more and prevent being a victim of a cyberattack, reach out to us today and we will be happy to assist.

For growing businesses, adapting the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) trend and enterprise mobility is no longer an option. We’ve seen an increase in demand for mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets, which creates endless possibilities for end users, like the onset of 5G . Managing the growing number of mobile devices connected to your corporate network can be a challenge, thus the question: how can you manage all devices to boost its efficiency? What is MDM? Mobile Device Management or MDM is the process of managing mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, or other endpoints in terms of security controls, applications, and content management. Each mobile device can be tracked to determine the applications that can be installed and ensure its security in case of theft. The purpose of MDM is to enhance the functionality and security of mobile devices within the organization while safeguarding the business network at the same time. How does Mobile Device Management work? Mobile devices that are connected to the MDM server acts as a client while the MDM server remotely drives apps, configurations, and policies to each device connected. Via the MDM server, the IT administrator can remotely manage mobile endpoints . An MDM Solution includes key elements such as: Configurations Management to identify and manage the settings of your hardware and software based on your location, profile, and identity. Software Updates where MDM can remotely control software updates and licenses across all devices. Risk Management to monitor the activity of your devices and notifies suspicious behavior to restrict issues such as unauthorized logins to the business network. Asset Management provides support for companies and implements custom organizational policies across all enrolled devices. Content Management to synchronize your business information across all devices in your network. Access Management to ensure that all connections, devices, and data are provided to authorized users. Data Security to ensure that all the data being accessed and transferred across your network is in following the policy. Tech Support can be provided remotely if needed. Why You Need Mobile Device Management? Since mobile devices are replacing traditional desktop computers, most data and programs are run from the cloud to allow employees access at any location with an internet connection. The more reason to manage your mobile devices . Better Productivity and Workflow Mobile device management helps end users set up their devices on the corporate network much faster, saving you time and resources. An MDM enables more efficient collaboration where managers or the head of an organization can quickly designate jobs and organize team projects. Through MDM, you can monitor the progress of multiple tasks at once. Improved Security Through mobile device management, you can ensure that your team is taking the necessary security steps, both on their personal and company device by abiding the security policy. It can also help you configure their devices to further protect personal and corporate data and lock the device when lost or stolen. Cost Saving Most businesses that properly implemented MDM realizes that it can save money over time. Since MDM supports BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), your business can reduce the cost of purchasing new devices and licenses by using their device for work. Through MDM, you can centralize everything and limit the number of device acquisitions as it identifies unused or missing devices. Controlled Updates Employees often forget to update their software until the last minute which can endanger the security of your network. Hackers are always lurking and can take advantage of these vulnerabilities to gain access to your network. MDM will allow you to control updates and apply system changes across all devices in your business network. Regulatory Compliance For managed service providers, operating under IT standards is important. If your business has many devices that need monitoring and support, it can be difficult to manage and ensure that each is following these guidelines. Since devices can be handled in one dashboard through MDM, you can easily monitor all devices, ensuring that your team complies with regulatory standards and legal requirements. Any business, small or big can benefit from Mobile Device Management. Most enterprises are using smartphones and tablets to do their daily routines and provide services to customers. MDM allows you the opportunity to simplify the process of controlling data stored on your employees’ devices and enhance its security while working remotely. When choosing an MDM solution, it’s important to have a good understanding of what it does for your business. If you have any more questions or inquiries regarding the management of your mobile devices, drop us a message or give us a call , and we’ll be happy to discuss the best option for you.

Users are forever in search of the best smartphone that has longer battery life. Gone are the days where batteries are easily replaceable. Today, we have to be conscious of our battery usage to minimize the expensive professional service that comes with smartphones. Almost all smartphones are equipped with lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and while we all use the same type, no battery has the same lifespan. It all depends on our habits and how we use our phones that can determine how long can we keep the health of our smartphone batteries. Best Practices to keep your Smartphone Battery Healthy If you have been with your smartphone for more than a year, you might notice that batteries don’t last long compared to when it was brand new. Down the line, many phones can’t make it through a day with a single charge. There are various ways to extend your phone battery lifespan. You might be familiar with it or it might sound new to you, but here are some best practices you can follow to keep your smartphone battery healthy: Partial Charging Most of us are guilty of fully charging our phones out of habit but in reality, it’s bad for the battery. Also, some are using their phones until the battery goes 0 percent before plugging it in, which should be avoided. The best way to charge your phone and extend its lifespan is to charge it partially and frequently. For example, you can charge it for up to 80% and use it until it goes to 20% before charging it again. With this charging cycle, you can improve your smartphone’s battery life. Avoid Extreme Heat Li-ion batteries don’t respond well to heat or extreme cold. If you are located in a cold area, its’ best to use thick phone cases that can keep it warm. For hot weather, don’t leave your phone exposed to sunlight. Heat is the worst enemy for Li-on batteries while cold might damage its health temporarily. It’s best practice not to leave or store your mobile device in an enclosed space where there’s minimum ventilation as it raises the phone’s temperature, especially inside a hot car. Decrease Screen Brightness Turning down your screen brightness will save energy. Your smartphone screen is the component that uses battery the most. For iOS and Android devices, it gives you an option to automatically reduce the screen brightness when there’s light, though it still uses a light sensor. It’s advisable to disable auto-brightness. You probably don’t require the full brightness, so manually setting your screen’s brightness depending on the ambient lighting is best recommended and will save your phone battery life. Avoid Using Phone While Charging Most people can’t keep away from their phones because it’s now considered a necessity. However, when it’s charging, it is better to avoid using it. When you use apps that require a large proportion of battery to operate, it’s consuming a lot of energy, thus reducing your battery life in the process. It can also lead to overheating the device and as mentioned earlier, heat is the worst enemy for Li-on batteries. The best solution is to turn it off while charging, or if it’s really necessary to use it, then keep the workload very light when your phone is plugged in. Avoid Using Non-Compatible Charging Cables The most common practice people do is to use a counterfeit or third-party charging cable. You might think that you are saving some money because you bought it for a lower price, but it can seriously harm your smartphone battery. Accessories that are not manufactured by the original provider are made of cheap materials that don’t work the same way as the original cables. Ensure that you are only using the right charging cables to protect not only your battery but also your smartphones. Reduce Screen Timeout or Auto-Lock Similar to laptops or computers, your mobile’s screen can automatically turn off if not in use. You can save energy by reducing the screen timeout or auto-lock by 1 minute or even 30 seconds. Both iPhones and Androids have these feature and it’s easy to set up. Check Your Apps All smartphone apps use power and data even if they are not in use, like Facebook. To extend your battery life, disable the background refresh activities of apps that aren’t crucial and do it regularly. When apps update, some new features are added and might consume more energy, so you’ll notice your battery draining. Make it a bit to monitor apps that consumes power even if you don’t use them. Related Article: Signs Your Phone Has Been Hacked Nowadays, Lithium-ion battery technology is more understood, but some myths remain in our consciousness. While most of the habit doesn’t severely impact your smartphone’s battery life, the decrease in removable batteries should be a reminder that we need to take precautions to prolong our smartphone’s battery life.

The security of macOS devices is often overlooked as many believed that Macs don’t get any viruses. However, this belief is considered a myth. An article written by Thomas Reed from Malwarebytes stated that “The average person, though, understands a virus to be any kind of malicious software. (A better term for this is “malware.”) Since there definitely is malware for the Mac, as well as a plethora of other threat types, the spirit of the “there are no Mac viruses” claim is completely false.” There are a few areas where malicious threats could come from: Via email, Via the internet, and By a person who has access to your Mac. When it comes to your Mac security, the most sensible thing to do is to update your macOS when Apple issues it. There will be a few times where a macOS can catch a bug and Apple normally respond quickly and will fix it through an update. Related Article: Reasons Why Software Updates Are Important For Your Business Boosting the Security of your Mac Aside from the obvious security measures you can do, such as installing a Mac antivirus software and VPN software to protect your data and devices, there are a few more useful tips you can follow to boost your Mac Security. 1. Creating a Standard Account When you set up your new Mac, the OS assistant requires you to enter a name, username, and password. This will be used to set up your administrative / default account and is useful to install software and other applications, but it can still be risky as malware writers can take advantage of it. It is recommended to create a non-admin user account for everyday activities. Standard accounts have limited access rights on a Mac device where you can do emails, web browsing, and saving files on your home folder. This will protect you from possible threats or potential disasters. To create a standard account, choose “Users & Groups” from your System Preference pane, unlock the preference pane, and click on the + sign to add a new user. 2. Uninstall the Standalone Flash Player Adobe flash player is a known target for hackers to get access to your computer, and it is peppered with vulnerabilities. It requires frequent updates to patch new issues and will certainly put you at risk. To uninstall Adobe Flash player from your macOS, you can follow these instructions . 3. Disable Automatic Login Automatic logins mean that anyone who finds your Mac only needs to start it up and get instant access to your files. When you’re at home, this might not be a problem, but when you travel and bring your laptop anywhere, it presents a serious risk. To disable automatic logins, on your Security & Privacy preferences, under the General tab, tick the box to Disable Automatic Login. 4. Run a Two-Way Firewall Implementing multiple layers of protection will be your best defense against attacks. Apple has a built-in firewall that provides inbound network protection. However, you will also need an outbound protection that prevents unknown malware from connecting to your network. The outbound firewall will prevent malicious programs from linking to the internet and locks down access to your device to prevent data leakage. 5. Enable Full-Disk Encryption In the case of stolen Mac devices, encrypting your data files and folders will prevent thieves from accessing your private data. Turn on Apple’s FileVault full disk encryption for an additional layer of protection. When your FileVault is enabled, the entire drive will be encrypted as soon as you shut down your Mac. When the authorized user turns the device on and logs in, then the drive’s content will be unlocked. Another reason to have a strong password . 6. Enable Find My Mac If there is Apple’s Find My iPhone feature, there is also a Find My Mac feature in case of lost. You can enable this in your System Preferences>iCloud, ensure that you checked the box for Find My Mac, and, when you click on options, also turn on the Offline Finding. This feature will help your device to be found even if it’s not connected to a Wi-Fi. If your Mac is lost, you need to visit www.icloud.com on a web browser, log in to your Apple Id and find your device through the Find My iPhone application. Don’t believe in myths about Apple products security and never assume that your Mac is always safe. These useful security tips will ensure that you won’t be a victim of cyber threats. If you’re having trouble with your Mac devices and would require additional support regarding Mac Security and Management, you can reach out to us anytime and we will be happy to assist.

You might have heard of cloud computing many times, but do you know what this term means and how does it work? Cloud computing is increasingly becoming popular in the business world today. As we can see, technology is evolving at a very fast pace and many businesses, small or large, are slowly turning to the Cloud. Organizations recognize the impact of cloud computing on their revenue, productivity, and security. Implementing a cloud solution can get you ahead of your competitors. What is Cloud Computing? Simply put, cloud computing means storing and accessing data over the internet instead of a hard disk. It is defined as a service that provides users to work over the internet. Users can access data on the Cloud and must provide a user ID and password to gain entry, for security reasons. The data stored can be anything from images, videos, files, and programs. With the help of a good internet connection, users don’t need to download and install applications to carry out tasks on their computers or smartphone. Cloud computing is everywhere, and you might not be aware of it, but you are using it daily. How? When you store and back up a data When you stream audio and video content When you do Data Analysis, and When you require On-demand services Cloud Computing Service Models Software as a Service (SaaS) Also known as a ‘Software on Demand’ and the most common option for private users. SaaS is hosted by the vendor or service provider where applications are made available to users over the internet. Traditionally, software applications are bought upfront before installing on the computer. With SaaS, instead of purchasing the software, users can subscribe and pay monthly via the internet. If you are a small company that requires collaboration between teams and needs applications that is accessible via web and mobile, SaaS might be a good option for you. This is also recommended for businesses who don’t want to get involved with servers or hardware issues. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) The most common type of Cloud service where users can rent their entire IT Infrastructure from a service provider and pay corresponding to their use. This includes servers, storage, networks, and operating systems. Some reasons that small businesses or firms prefer IaaS are that it is faster, easier, and cost-efficient lessening the responsibility of the organizations to maintain their infrastructure. This service model is recommended for businesses that require increased security and need control over the infrastructure. Platform as a Service (PaaS) This service provides a facility for users to publish and customize software applications in a hosted environment. PaaS allows developers to create applications faster without the need to configure the infrastructure. The service provider has its hardware and software freeing the user from installing it to implement a new application. One benefit of PaaS is its lower cost and the user only pays for essential things. If your business is planning to create a customized app and multiple developers are working on the same project, PaaS is a good option. Benefits of Cloud Computing For Your Business Fewer Expenses Moving to the Cloud will reduce the cost of IT systems management and maintenance. Instead of purchasing new systems and equipment for your business, you can take advantage of the resources from your service provider and reduce the cost of system upgrades, energy consumption, and labor. Security Most providers follow policies to ensure the security and protection of your data and infrastructure against threats. Also, it enables data backup and recovery which can be reflected throughout multiple services and can be accessed at any time. Related Article: Cloud Backup Tips To Keep Your Data Safe Flexibility We all know how important it is for businesses to be flexible especially in these trying times. Cloud computing will allow your employees to work anywhere since they will get access to data, provided they have an internet connection. Collaboration When your team needs to work on a certain project, and each are in different locations, they can utilize cloud computing to work and share files at the same time. It is secure and will allow your business to connect and communicate easily. Automatic Updates Cloud-based applications automatically update so you don’t need to call for support to manually install updates on your device every time. Updates could include the latest versions in addition to server upgrades and more, which allows your business to save time and money. Choosing the right service model for your business? Understanding the different service models is necessary to ensure that you are getting the benefits you are hoping for when you upgrade to the Cloud. Matching the right service model that fits your business needs can be complicated and it might take time for everyone to adapt. It’s always recommended to get assistance from a managed service provider with expertise in the Cloud to guarantee that your transition is smooth, and your Cloud is operating properly. Uniserve IT Solutions offers cloud services that guarantee your advantage in today’s market. Contact us and find out what ‘as a Service’ model is right for your business.

5G is not just about faster speeds, it can transform your business so start thinking about how you can utilize it. 5G networks have started rolling out and as businesses start to gear up to take advantage of 5G, not everyone is prepared for it. 5G creates a lot of potential for business owners but it also brings in challenges in the form of data security. What is 5G? 5G is the next generation of the mobile network after 4G LTE which is expected to change the way we live and work. If 2G brought us SMS and MMS, 3G with the mobile internet, 4G with streaming and social sharing, 5G is the future where it will bring all devices interconnected in today’s modern society. 5G can be a game-changer for businesses but not everyone can simply implement modern technologies immediately. But, what does 5G mean for businesses? Benefits of 5G Network For Businesses Faster Speed and Higher Capacity 5G networks are said to be 100 times faster than 4G which can provide a major boost for companies. Placing that into perspective, if downloading on an LTE can take 10 to 15 minutes, with 5G, it would be possible to do in under 10 seconds. With faster speed, transferring a large amount of data will no longer be a problem. 5G also offers a greater capacity to cope with multiple applications all at once. The battery life for your smart devices is expected to improve along with these features that will allow your business to become more responsive. Increased Productivity 5G will allow businesses to work faster and provide more services in less time. More employees are consuming data continuously through their smartphone or mobile devices and you want to ensure that their time spent on mobile phones is productive. With a much more reliable network, your employees will spend less time fretting about connectivity and more time to focus on important tasks. Smart Working One of the major advantages of a 5G network in the business world is the ability to work anywhere. Yes, some professionals are already working remotely but still, there are a few setbacks. With the promise of higher data speeds, remote work can be completed at a quicker rate even when employees aren’t connected to the business network. In addition to that, smart buildings and offices are likely to develop continuously with 5G connectivity which can provide a more secure and efficient working environment that businesses can operate in. Innovation 5G can create new opportunities for your business. If you have a network that is capable of faster speed, higher capacity, and lower latency, you can develop new business models or embed new systems so your business can grow faster against your competitors. How To Get Your Business Ready? “China Mobile Hong Kong, Hutchinson and HKT have launched commercial 5G services in Hong Kong as of April 1”, according to an article from RCR . With these developments, how can you ensure that your business is ready? 1. Long-Term Strategy Start planning for your Digital Transformation Strategy. You should probably have an idea of what should be included and how 5G fits into it. If not, do your research, learn its capabilities and how can you incorporate your current business processes to sync with the new technology that comes with the 5G network. Make innovation a part of your company culture and there should be clear communication within the organization to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Every department or area in your business will be affected by 5G and old processes might have to be discarded to make room for changes. Related Article: Building A Successful Digital Transformation Strategy 2. Organize Your IT Systems Get your IT systems ready for 5G and start transferring your systems and files to the cloud if you haven’t already. Prepare to scale up and address concerns such as data security. Each company can have different solutions, but it should include the extensive use of cloud computing services. Your business can benefit from using the cloud as it can be accessible to anyone on your team with their mobile device even when they are outside of your business location. 3. Find the right partner When you adopt 5G to your business, you will need a trusted partner to help you manage your IT infrastructure, devices, and systems as your business expand and change. Look for a partner that provides you with proactive IT service management . You might think that you can do it alone, but you might miss vital details that are needed when you slowly incorporate 5G into your business. To learn more about how Uniserve team can support your business, send your inquiries , or call us at +852 3622-8500 .

Before thinking about what your digital strategy would be, or how do you start, ask if implementing a digital transformation is feasible for you. Most of us are getting the wrong idea about what digital transformation means. It’s not just upgrading your technology but also restructuring your business process to easily adapt to changes. Digital transformation is a way of integrating technology to create or modify an existing business model and generate new experiences for customers and team members. Understanding what digital means is essential in building a successful strategy. A Roadmap To Digital Transformation Strategy For your business to implement an effective digital transformation strategy, planning is vital. Once you determine what is you want to gain from developing your digital foothold, then you can get started on how to get there. Step 1: Establishing your Goals and Direction Answer these questions: What is your end goal? What are you trying to achieve? Digital transformation goes beyond having an internal IT. Digital transformation can give you an opportunity to revise your overall business process and allows you to gain an advantage against the competitive market, instead of just updating one part of your business. In this step, you need to establish your vision and the objective of your transformation. This will allow you to determine the next steps of your digital strategy and help you discern the results. Define your KPIs so you can measure the effectiveness of your strategy once implemented. Increasing digital competency across the organization can be one of your short-term objectives or reducing turnaround time from delivery to order is your long-term. These are just examples and it doesn’t necessarily need to be specific to digital, but how technology can be applied to achieve it. Step 2: Assess the Current Market Your digital transformation strategy should be customer-centric. Keep in mind that customers always look for something different or something more personalized for them. Technology development is becoming more aggressive and changes in different industries are more noticeable, analyzing the current market trends will help you create a more relevant strategy. Be mindful of the gaps you can bridge to improve customer experience. Step 3: Prepare for Culture Change Get everyone in your company on board with the idea of digital transformation, one of the key contributors to a successful transformation is company culture. Culture change is a roadblock that your business needs to overcome. Ensure that everyone understands the reasons behind the change and must be open to it. A company culture that can embrace these changes, inspire collaboration, and motivates employees about digital transformation is more built for success. The concept of the new digital culture describes how technology influences the way we engage with others or the way we think and behave within society. The new digital culture is the result of a disruptive technological revolution that surrounds us today. Step 4: Building your Execution Team How will you execute your plan? Who will be responsible for it? The person or team who will lead the implementation should help employees feel secure in times of change. This can be your Chief Digital Officer (CDO) or Chief Information Officer (CIO) or even an external team. The chosen team should have the willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies as your business continues to evolve. Digital transformation is a continuous process that’s why your organization needs the expertise to keep everything on track. Step 5: Investing in the right technology In this step, you need to assess your current infrastructure and adjust it according to the imminent changes. Various solutions can assist you with your digital transformation, but it requires a lot of decision making. You need to take time choosing the right technology that best suits your plan to avoid wasting time and money. What are the tools or technologies that drive your digitalization efforts? It can be 5G powered smartphones, and collaborative applications (e.g. Microsoft 365 ) or artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Before investing in new technology, ask if it aligns with your goals, and fills the gap in your organization. Step 6: Measure and Adjust Once you’ve implemented your plan, it’s time to look at the results. Remember that the digital transformation process doesn’t have an end. Take a step back, analyze the metrics, and monitor the impact before adjusting if it’s necessary. Change is inevitable. It is necessary to update your strategy based on current market trends and conditions. Effective Digital Strategy For Modern Businesses As you plan your own digital strategy, keep in mind that it’s all about your customer experience. Ensure that your transformation strategy will center on how you will provide your services or product and not on what technology should you use. Putting your focus on technology alone can be a recipe for disaster. Clients would still prefer human interaction than robots. Technology should be used as a tool for communication, collaboration, and engagement. Your digital transformation plan can only be effective if everyone in your organization is open to the changes that come with it. The journey can be difficult as you go through different challenges and encounter failures, but success is never an easy task. Ready to start with your Digital Transformation journey? If you’re looking for a team of professionals to help your business with digital transformation, reach out to us! We have years of experience assisting various organizations in different industries execute a successful transformation plan.

When dealing with technology, most business owners need the assistance of an IT Help Desk. One question remains, is it really necessary? Why is it important for your business? When your employees need someone to troubleshoot a printer, upgrade a laptop, or update security on a device, it’s the Help Desk that comes to the rescue. An IT Help Desk is responsible for responding to technical questions of its users or clients. IT companies use a Help Desk software that enables a support team to track, prioritize, and resolve customer issues. A Help Desk is designed for users to contact an IT expert whenever they are experiencing a technical problem. Why Outsource Your Help Desk? As your company continues to grow, you and your employee’s demands also increase and while some organization has internal IT support team, outsourcing proves to be a better option as it provides multiple benefits. Let’s look at the lists: 1. Quality: Outsourcing your Help Desk to a professional IT service provider will lead to improving the quality of your service along with a decrease in response time. Your company could look at the issues and use this information to improve. 2. Scalability: Your support system also needs an upgrade. With an internal Help Desk, it would consume your time, resources, and investment once the demand increases but when you outsource, these problems can easily be lessened. 3. Reduce Cost: When you have an in-house tech team, it requires a huge cost because everything must be purchased and maintained - computers, telephone systems to multiple software - in addition to recruiting, hiring, and training. By outsourcing your IT support, you are eliminating these strains and freeing up more of your resources for other vital services and save money at the same time. 4. Easy Management: When you outsource a Help Desk, they will do most of the work for you. As a business owner, you do not have to worry about tracking your internal IT department’s performance, time, and replacement when they leave. 5. Flexibility: If you have an office running a 9 am – 5 pm schedule, you will not have someone working on the Help Desk after the business hours which can lead to complaints if a client or employee calls in for assistance. Outsourcing Help Desk support from a professional IT service provider will offer you a 24/7 assistance. A Help Desk is made available to your users or client, so they can convey issues with regards to technology or services. Like in any relationship, the key for it to last is communication. When issues are resolved quickly, it will leave your employees or users in a good light. Understanding the Help Desk Support Levels Technical reports are classified as either critical or non-critical, and each support technician is group into different levels depending on their expertise to resolve an issue. Each time you call for any certain technical issues, it goes to a specific level of support. Level 1 This is the basic level of customer support which requires a customer representative to have a broad understanding of a product and provide tips on how to manage a problem. This includes basic technical issues such as password resets or printer troubleshooting. Level 2 In this level of support, the IT representative has more experience and handles more complex technical issues beyond a level 1 technician’s capabilities including software troubleshooting and network support. Solutions are based on experiences or within a database. Level 3 IT support technicians handle the most complex problem in this level. Issues include infrastructure, data management requiring a deeper analysis of the operating system, programs, or applications. Choosing Uniserve IT Solutions Businesses that want to remain competitive in a progressively complex and connected market need to find and leverage every strategic advantage possible that is why they are turning to outsourced Help Desk with Uniserve IT Solutions. Contact us today and find out how your business can benefit from our services.

Businesses, small or large need technology to operate, it is a must-have tool that directly impacts the success of your business. That is why IT budgeting is important when you do business planning. Unfortunately, for small business owners, understanding and creating an effective IT budget can be a bit of a challenge especially in this ever-shifting world of IT. Factors to consider when creating an IT Budget Creating an IT budget can be tricky especially for first-timers, but with proper research and understanding of your organizational structure along with these key factors, you will be able to start creating a cost-effective plan. Current IT Infrastructure Begin your IT budgeting by listing down your current IT assets - software, hardware, servers, printers, phone systems, network infrastructure, devices, etc. What infrastructure are you currently using? Your budget depends on the size of your infrastructure. Small organizations tend to prioritize upgrades and expansions to boost efficiencies. Business Requirements Your IT needs varies on the size of your operation, what technology do you require to keep your business going, short-term and long-term? Are there any expectations your current infrastructure doesn’t meet? Determine IT-related goals for your business, it’s not only an assessment of your current structure but forecast potential needs to account in your IT budget. Long-term Vision The long-term vision will play a vital role when planning your IT budget. If you’re only thinking of the short-term vision, then your IT budget will change drastically as the demands will increase. It is important to know that your IT Infrastructure will support your future vision if you are expecting a rapid growth of your business. IT Budgeting Best Practices For SMBs Some of the best practices we follow when planning an IT budget include: 1. Aligning with your business goals Be smart and don’t rush on your IT Investments just because you want to adapt to the latest trend in technology . When it comes to your business, ensure that you are truly investing in the right technology that will support your goals and needs. 2. Be outcome-based Business owners tend to focus on what type of equipment they need, rather than the result they require for a piece of equipment to achieve. Focusing on outcomes will allow you to consider several solutions, for instance, instead of replacing your server, think of what other solutions can meet your employee’s needs for storage data. 3. Be Inclusive Yes, it is your business, but that doesn’t mean that you are the only one affected by the changes. Seek the view of your people and you might get important insights on what can work that will help with your IT budget planning. 4. Reviewing your budget Look at the results and you will see where your business overspent or underspent. Be proactive so it will be easier for you to create a budget the next time you need it. Reviewing the budget will also help you see what works and what doesn’t, or what set up needs to change. 5. Plan for Disasters Allocate a disaster fund outside your standard budget, it will cost you more if you don’t set aside some of the budget and a disaster strikes. Related Article: A Guide To Disaster Recovery Plan (Free Template) The Don’ts of IT Budgeting Don’t stick to a fixed number as it will limit your vision. Forecast upcoming projects and consider multiple procedures. Don’t go too complex, or too generic. There’s always a balance when creating a budget. If you think that your budget is too simple, you can always add little details that will allow you to see where your money is going. Don’t wait for a piece of equipment to break before replacing it. You will waste time and resources waiting for it to be fixed. Need Help With Your IT Budget? At Uniserve IT Solutions, we have years of experience developing best practices to keep our clients focus on business rather than technology. We have a team of experts to be your outsourced IT department. Your IT infrastructure is our priority! Contact us today.