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If you’re struggling with a slow PC, there might be several reasons why and quick solutions to speed it up. Working with a slow computer can be frustrating and can even make the simplest task feel like a hassle. Slow computers do not necessarily mean it needs an instant replacement. A few simple tweaks can give your computer a bit of a boost in the performance department. Common Reasons Your PC Is Slow a. Too Many Apps & Programs Running There are multiple applications that are programmed to automatically load upon startup like Skype or Spotify. All these applications that are running can use your computer’s memory and have proven to drag your computer’s processing speed throughout the day. Even after rebooting your computer, it does not necessarily mean that these programs have stopped running. If the setting is enabled to run at startup, they will just pop right back up. How to fix it: Simple. Delete programs that you no longer use, close programs you currently do not use and disable programs from launching at startup. To Delete Programs: 1. Type ‘remove program’ into the Windows search bar and enter 2. Arrange and sort programs by size to determine the heaviest programs 3. Highlight the program and hit ‘Uninstall’ To Close Unused Programs: 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager 2. Sort through the list and find programs that use a significant amount of memory that you aren’t currently using 3. Click and hit the ‘end task’ button To Disable Launching on Startup: 1. Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Task Manager 2. Go to the ‘Startup’ tab 3. Select the ‘enabled’ program that you don’t need to launch at startup, and click on ‘disable’ b. Not Enough Storage Space Computers store files and install programs in the hard disk or storage drive. When the storage drive is full, your PC can slow down. Your Operating System (OS) requires space to create temporary files, and swap files. Lack of memory from your storage can make these tasks impossible thus slowing down your PC. Even with multiple drives, ensure that each has at least 500MB of space to help your Operating System manage your files better. How to fix it: Empty Your Recycle Bin Clearing your recycle bin occasionally will help your PC to perform better as files on the bin can build up every time you use your computer. Delete Temporary Files Files that programs download when installing updates are generally stored in a temporary folder and it can build up over time, taking up space on your hard drive. Use Cloud Storage Consider moving large files to Cloud storage that only you and your employees can have access to. You can ask for the assistance of a trusted IT Service provider to help you navigate these changes securely. Related Article: Cloud Backup Tips To Keep Your Data Safe c. Your PC Is Infected with Virus Malware and viruses can cause a lot of problems on your computer and slowing it down are just one of them. It infects everything from your browser to your hard drive. Make sure you have anti-virus software installed and regularly updated. Anti-virus programs take part in protecting your computer even from spyware, but they can slow down your computer when running. The best way to do a virus scan or malware scan on your computer is when you’re not using them, so it doesn’t interfere with your workday. Related Article: What To Do When Your Computer Is Hacked? d. Your PC Is Too Old Nowadays, computer programs work with the latest technology. It’s similar to how mobile phones work where some updates are not compatible with the current OS of the device. Older PCs cannot keep up with these latest updates thus slowing it down even more. If all else fails and your computer is still slowing down or freezing a lot, then maybe an upgrade may not a bad idea. You should consider spending on a computer with the right specifications, as a more high-end computer can last longer. Is your PC running slow or are there any certain programs that limit your productivity and efficiency? Contact us today and learn how we can enhance your PC’s performance.

Every business relies on Information Technology (IT) to effectively process information. From the way you communicate through emails or telephone systems to storing large amounts of files through your database. Computers, laptops, and mobile devices are being used every day to communicate, process, and manage information. We all rely on technology more and more, but what if a disaster happens and technology suddenly stops working? What do you do? In this article you will learn: What is a Disaster Recovery Plan? Why do you need it? Steps to develop a plan for your organization Is your business prepared for a disaster? What is a Disaster Recovery Plan? A Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) is a document that facilitates an organization to respond to a disaster and take immediate action to prevent losses and quickly salvage its operations. It is a detailed document outlining the exact measures that will take effect in the event of a disaster to guarantee business continuity. Why do you need it? Disasters can happen to anyone at any time and your business is not exempted. Even an hour of downtime can cost you thousands, therefore having a disaster recovery plan is a must. Disasters are divided into 3 classifications: Natural: floods, earthquake, epidemic or pandemic (e.g. Covid-19 ) Human-induced: cyberattack or sabotage Technological: hardware or infrastructure system failure. You cannot always avoid disasters, but having a plan can alleviate any potential damage. Steps to develop a plan for your organization Creating a disaster recovery plan is not as simple as you think. It requires in-depth research to understand your business needs and the risks it might face. Aside from planning and created, you should also conduct a test to make sure it works and regularly update it to ensure relevance. Here are the steps to guide you in disaster recovery planning: 1. Identify your assets Distinguish what your business needs to protect, this can include your hardware, software, network equipment, and critical data. List all your assets under IT management and map where each asset is located virtually or physically, which network it is placed, and relation to other vendors. 2. Risk Assessment Now that you have identified your assets, go through each and list the internal and external threats including natural, man-made disasters, and incidents associated with technology. It also includes the probability that an event may happen and the impact it might occur. How would it affect your business continuity? 3. Determine the criticality of data and applications Categorized assets into high, medium, or low impact. You must evaluate your business process to identify which are vital to your operation. Focus on short-term solutions such as revenue flow rather than a long-term response to restoring your business to its full operational capacity. But, critical processes such as payroll shouldn’t be delayed. 4. Define recovery objective Consult with your business colleagues and ask some of these questions to have an alignment: What applications does your department use? Would you consider restoring data that is more than a year old? 3 months? 6 months? Are there times that an application is not being used, internal or external? What is your leniency for downtime? Use this information to define your Recovery Time Objective (RTO) and Recovery Point Objective (RPO). RTO is the time you will set for the recovery of your business’ IT and activities after a disaster. RTO’s goal is to calculate the maximum acceptable time your business can be offline. RPO is more focused on your business’ tolerance concerning your data. What is the acceptable amount of data you can afford to lose? If your tolerance is high, your RPO can be from hours to days. If you can’t afford to lose data, then your RPO will be seconds. 5. Establish the right tools Choose Software or hardware that will help you achieve the required recovery set up. Would it be cloud-based ? There are plenty of solutions available on the market today but make sure that it offers the right level of protection your business needs. 6. Communicate your plan Don’t leave the rest of your employees vulnerable. Circulate it across your team and be sure that you will store your plan where everyone can have access to it. 7. Test and review your DRP Practice doesn’t make it perfect, but practice leads to progress. Try your plan and make modifications if you encounter any problems. Review the plan every now and then, to ensure its relevancy to your structure. Is your business prepared for a disaster? Having a solid plan in place can help you minimize loss should the worst happen. In short, it’s always good to have a plan ready so you’ll feel more prepared for whatever might happen. Ready to start creating your disaster recovery plan? Get in touch with our team today!

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen a lot of changes, not only to our lifestyle but also on how businesses operate. Home quarantine, social distancing and working from home has become the norm. Although it’s all temporary, the practice of remote work will have a long-lasting impact on how businesses connect and coordinate with their employees. Aside from the challenge of effectively managing a remote team , most businesses or organizations are not prepared for a remote work set up particularly with cybersecurity. However, with the help of an IT services provider, remote working can be set up in a secure manner enabling safe collaboration between your employees. Here are some of our security tips while working remotely: 1. Work with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) A VPN can establish a secure connection between the business network and the remote worker’s device. All the data sent through this channel is encrypted and protected ensuring that all files remain safe. The downside is it requires a high internet bandwidth depending on the files your employees are working on or the applications they will use. It is not recommended to use a VPN to connect personal computers since the files can be copied or stored on the user’s computer. Related Article: Does VPN Protect Your Online Privacy 2. Use of Cloud Applications When you use web-based applications, you can let your employees work from any location. Most cloud service providers have their security policy, and they are better equipped to secure any data within the apps. 3. Use of a Hosted VoIP Phone System A hosted VOIP phone system securely allows remote access from computers, phones, or tablet. It provides internet-based phone calling for businesses and offers secure audio/video conferencing. Your employees can access it remotely from any device while retaining the functionality of an office desk phone, so no need to change or have a new number. 4. Multi-Factor Authentication Passwords can easily be compromised but with the implementation of multi-factor authentication, you’ll get an additional layer of security. Chances of stolen data are highly unlikely, so you and your employees will have peace of mind every time you access accounts. Related Article: Authenticator App: Microsoft or Google? 5. Firewalls, Anti-Virus Software and Anti-Malware Either you’re providing devices for employees or they will be using their own – including mobile phones and tablets, ensure that firewalls, anti-virus software, and anti-malware are up to date. Your employees don’t all have the same level of technical expertise so you should be prepared to provide technical support when needed. 6. Training Your Employees Your employees shouldn’t worry about jeopardizing the company’s data security. As business owners, you can provide them with proper cybersecurity training especially if they are going to use their own devices. They should be able to spot any unusual computer activities which can be a sign that malware is present. Your employees should also be prepared for phishing attempts and educate them on whom to contact in any case of suspicious activities. By doing this, you can prevent any cyberattack. Not all businesses are the same. When working remotely or at home, some organizations may only need collaboration tools, and others may require a direct connection to your company’s network or need all of it. One thing is certain, each factor should include cybersecurity protocols so your company’s data will remain safe. While this is a stressful time for most of us, it’s also a good opportunity to think about how your business is prepared for emergencies and how well could you do remote work. Reach out to us today and we’ll help you set up a secure remote work environment tailored to your business needs.

When you think about a modern workplace, you think of open spaces, gaming areas, and unique furniture. That’s all true, but it’s much more than the physical features. Technology is changing the way all of us work within and outside of our offices. The modern workplace is digital and smart. The nature of work has changed, and consequently, the nature of the workplace has changed too. One of the many challenges business owners face is finding ways for employees to communicate, collaborate, engage, and keep focus. For a modern workplace to be successful, aside from meeting the needs of people, investing in the right technology is one of the key factors. Related Article : 5 Characteristics of a Modern Workplace Communication Tools Communication and collaboration are vital for employees and businesses to succeed. Investing in tools with essential features like file sharing, chats, team conferences, and calendar syncing should be utilized for this to be effective. Some factors to consider when choosing the right tools are: Accessibility – should be available on all devices Reliability – should function even with connectivity issues Adaptability – should be user-friendly Interconnectivity – should be integrated easily Mobility In today’s modern world, you’ll often find yourselves no longer working in a confined space. You will always look for flexibility and the ability to work from any location, any time of the day. Businesses find themselves adapting to a highly mobile workforce that allows employees access to corporate technology and offering a compliant system that connects them 24/7. The market today is demanding and competitive. Employees need a mobile work setting to meet the demands of customers and be responsive. Businesses need to embrace this new concept to improve employee’s creativity and productivity. Security Tools Data security is non-negotiable in a modern workplace. No one is safe from cyber-attacks, and it’s not only external. Internal mistakes such as employees sharing passwords or making it visible can compromise your business’ security. Security tools that can manage users’ identities and authenticating such users are fundamental to ensure that your modern workplace is always secure and monitored proactively. As the number of threats continues to rise, your workplace security must keep up and evolve. Most Used Apps and Software Businesses all over the world are investing in apps and tools that focus on communication, collaboration, and security. Some of the most used apps are: 1. Slack An app for internal communication and management of projects for discussion and brainstorming among team members. 2. Zoom An app that provides remote video conferencing or meetings of up to 100 people from any locations. 3. Teams A platform for collaboration and communications that combines file storage and sharing, chat, video meetings, and more. 4. Trello A web-based app that allows users to manage projects and track progress. 5. G Suite A productivity and collaboration tool developed by Google where users can share and store files, create documents, chat, and do video conference. Our Recommendation Aside from the apps mentioned above, the ideal software for a modern workplace is Microsoft 365 . It’s an integrated solution for productivity, communication, and security. With a simple and secure login, you can access Outlook, Word, Excel, OneNote, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and more from anywhere, on any device, any time. Contact us today and learn more about the products in this article, and we will answer all your questions.

Working remotely or working from home has become a necessity for businesses right now. As a business owner, manager, or team leader, you’ll suddenly find yourself managing an entirely remote team, which is quite challenging, especially if unprepared for this type of management. How can you establish a personal connection? How do you make sure that your team is truly working on their tasks? How can you motivate them to be engaged and to communicate with each other? There are going to be a lot of questions, and here are some tips to guide you on how you can manage your remote team effectively: 1. Communication and Transparency One of the biggest challenges of working from home is the sense of isolation and loneliness, primarily if your team is used to an office environment. As a leader, you need to lead by example. Share your visions and objectives, get them involved, get them to share ideas, opinions, and discuss projects with you and others. Check-in with your team regularly and help them settle in. You may not be able to do it daily, but developing a rhythm will help you in establishing that personal connection with everyone and can make them feel included. Small gestures have the most significant impact reminding them that you’re all in this together. 2. Set Expectations Be clear about your expectations. You can’t expect your employees to be successful if you don’t set clear deadlines on a project, working hours, or response times. You’ll want these expectations to align with others to avoid confusion and overlap. Team members must know the short and long-term objectives, in particular: Weekly tasks and specific projects they need to work on and to prioritize Level of availability you expect them to have Ways to reach you if there are some matters to be discussed 3. Utilize Technology As a leader, it’s your responsibility to keep your team connected and engaged. Choose a communication tool that is best suited to your company’s needs. Investing in reliable tools is the first step to make collaboration possible. Tools like Microsoft Teams have features that allow your team to chat, call, schedule meetings, do video conferences, collaborate, and share files from anywhere. Make sure that they all have access to the internet because there’s no point in working remotely if they can’t even connect online. You can also utilize these tools to celebrate special occasions virtually, post company milestones, and give shout outs of recognition. It will inspire connection among your team and develop a more engaged remote team. Read: Get The Most Business Benefits With Microsoft Teams 4. Build Trust and Accountability It’s so easy just to call, check-in, and get back to work within minutes, but if this is all you’re doing, then you lack in leadership and management skills. To have a strong working relationship with your team and build rapport, establishing trust will improve their level of confidence. We all know that without trust, problems will go unaddressed, which leads to a decrease in productivity and, in the end, negatively impacts the business. Get to know your employees as a person to help you build a more committed workforce. 5. Be Flexible With the ongoing situation right about COVID-19, social distancing, and home quarantines, it’s important to understand everyone’s situation. It’s not an excuse not to get work things done but to be more considerate. Regular working hours are probably out. Give them freedom and flexibility to work on the tasks at a schedule that works for them and helps them be more productive. There are real benefits of working remotely, but managing a full team of remote workers can be tough, not only for you as the leader, but also to your employees. Being organized in your process and following simple rules can help you reach your business goals sooner. Reach out to us today and find out how we can help set up your business for remote work and manage your team effectively.

This World Backup Day, we want to increase awareness on the importance of backing up your data and keeping it secure in the Cloud. The Cloud has become a place where data is continually stored, USB’s or external hard drives are now rarely used, and the number of cloud users increases yearly. The complete shift from working offline and into the Cloud is happening. From confidential business documents, passwords to identification card scans, the Cloud has become the storage for businesses and individuals alike. But how can you be sure that your data is safe on the Cloud? What Is Cloud Backup? It is the process of storing or sending data to a cloud-based server through a secured public or propriety network. Cloud storage is often confused with cloud backup. Cloud backup users can synchronize data where any changes made in the original file reflects in its cloud version. Cloud backup services continuously scan your virtual setup for changes and updates it in the Cloud. This service ensures data recovery in the event of a disaster. There are multiple approaches to cloud backup that can fit your business’ requirements, these includes: Public Cloud: Third-party providers such as Microsoft 365 offers cloud services over the public internet that can be available to use or purchase. Public Cloud is either free or sold on-demand, allowing users to pay per bandwidth or storage they consume. Private Cloud: Also known as the internal Cloud, are typically used by one organization and are not exposed to the public. Private cloud infrastructure is protected by a firewall guaranteeing that only users inside the company can have access to the data. Hybrid Cloud: It connects a company’s private and public Cloud into a single infrastructure, enabling organizations to meet their business objectives more effectively than public or private clouds alone. Read: Cloud vs. On-Premise: Which server is the best for your business? Tips To Keep Your Data Safe In The Cloud 1. Don’t Store Sensitive Information It is sensible to avoid storing confidential and sensitive information on the Cloud, such as your passwords or credit card details, because honestly speaking, there is no such thing as privacy on the internet and identity theft continues to rise. It is not only your personal information but also your business properties such as copyrights, blueprints, etc.; this data can accidentally land on another system, which can lead to potential data leakage. 2. Encrypt Your Data Cloud services provide local encryption of your data, where it needs to be decrypted before gaining access; this protects your data from administrators and service providers itself. Multiple third-party tools also allow you to encrypt data before storing it in the Cloud. They generate and apply passwords before uploading, giving you the extra assurance that your private information is tightly secured. 3. Create Strong Passwords This may sound repetitive, but creating a general or basic password wouldn’t work since it’s the easiest way to compromise your Cloud. It’s imperative to have a secure and complex password apart from frequently updating them. Read: Password Security and Best Practices 4. Install Anti-Virus Software The problem might not be the cloud security but the system you are using. Encryption, passwords are among the security measures that can be done. If there is no proper protection in place for your systems, hackers can still get access to your account, exposing it to viruses that can penetrate your cloud storage. In conclusion, you can’t rely on one method alone for securing data in your Cloud. At Uniserve IT Solutions, we can help you find the right solution to keep your cloud backup data safe and secure. Contact us today!

A lot of IT analysts and experts claim that there is no substantial difference between a service desk and help desk. Users are even more confused about which term to use or what department to call if they need assistance. Before we dive deep into these two different terms in the world of IT, it’s very important to know where they originated and how it is defined back then. Back in the early 1980s, the help desk is more focused on troubleshooting IT issues along with the goal of helping IT teams and not the end-users. Service desk, however, is the point of contact between the service providers and end-users where they manage service requests and handle communications with the users. Basically, the help desk is considered as a division of a service desk. Throughout the 2000s, both terms weren’t considered different, companies might call it a Service desk while end-users call their IT Support as a help desk. What is a Service Desk? A service desk serves as the communication center of an employee or companies where they can ask for help from their IT service providers, this means that regardless of the kind of help being provided, the goal of a service desk is to provide high-quality assistance to customers in a timely manner. Service desk often includes multiple aspects of IT Service Management (ITSM) such as: • Service Request Management • Incident Management • Knowledge Management • Self-service Support Generally, it provides a customer-centric and robust way of providing support from IT to customers. A Service Desk can almost do what a help desk does, but it goes much further. What is a Help Desk? IT help desks is all about meeting the needs of the end-user. If something needs troubleshooting, you call for a Help Desk and log a ticket so it can get fixed. Organizations use the help desk to help customers on a specific request aiming to provide technology solutions. It is typically composed of a group of technicians who finds a solution that best responds to their customers’ needs or requests which is usually divided into two levels: Level 1: Deals with customers asking for common information regarding a product or service. Level 2 : Usually require a technician for assistance through on-site support or telephone support due to the complexity of the problem. A Help Desk uses helpful features such as Email Management, Tagging, and Automation . These features help in ensuring that all incoming requests are being tracked, monitored, and resolved. What are the differences? Service Desk team or individual is the company’s internal support that is responsible for handling hardware and software issues. While the help desk is the external support that handles a company’s product or services. Each type caters to a different audience: help desk for customers and service desk for employees’ IT well-being. A help desk can also function as the PR team for companies since they deal with consumers on a daily basis. How a Help Desk and a Service Desk can help your business? If your company requires immediate action to be more productive, a help desk is recommended but if you want to focus on corporate strategy and give importance to your IT functionality then a service desk is more beneficial for your business. Both services exist to fix what is not working. Systems and devices must run smoothly, and both of these services ensure that preventive solution is being implemented to avoid future technical issues. In conclusion, both services are valuable for the company to function daily. Understanding their difference will help your business to develop more efficient support. Contact us today and learn how we can help you with our IT Support service.

Cybercriminals are getting sneakier every single day and you should know what actions to take if your computer is hacked. As a business owner, it’s important to take immediate action and to not hope for the best. Controlling the situation and having a backup plan should be on your priority list in any case of a breach. The best solution to combat cyberattacks is to be prepared. No individual or business is safe, and chances are that hackers are just waiting for the right moment to strike. Knowing what to expect and how can it be fixed is necessary. Here’s What You Need To Do: 1. Reset your Passwords Change all your passwords, not only on your computer or laptop, but also your email and social accounts, and every other service that holds your personal and billing information. There might be a chance that you cannot log in to your account, so try resetting your password or look for another account recovery option. If it still doesn’t work, it is recommended to contact the company provider directly and they can take immediate action. Remember to use different passwords for different accounts so your information won’t be compromised. You can also implement multi-factor authentication for an additional layer of security. Read: Password Security and Best Practices 2. Scan and Update your Security Software One of your installed software might be the cause of it. Run a security scan on your device using an anti-virus program and malware detector to eliminate programs or infections that are creeping around on your hard drive waiting to do more damage. If malware is found, it is best to reset your passwords again as this malware might have logged your new password. Read: Reasons Why Software Updates Are Important For Your Business 3. Check and Verify Accounts After changing passwords, ensure that all your information is not changed. For example, your shipping or billing address, and ensure that there is no automatic forwarding set up in your email. In addition, check if your granting rights that authorize any third-party apps such as Facebook and Twitter on your account. The best thing to do is delete any application that you don’t remember installing in the first place. 4. Inform Your Family, Friends, and Colleagues Alert them that your computer has been hacked so they will be cautious of any messages sent using your account. If your email is hacked, it’s important to let your contacts know as hackers used affiliated accounts to gain access since it’s less suspicious if they have received e-mails coming from their contact list. 5. Keep An Eye On Your Online Accounts Hackers sometimes just get enough information to get access to your credit or debit account and make any fraudulent purchases online. Ensure that you are checking the activity on your account and report any suspicious transactions, you’ll know better than anyone if any purchases are authorized by you or not. 6. Reinstall Your Operating System If you’ve really suffered from a major hack on your system, you should consider reinstalling your Operating System (OS) and cleaning your hard drive before retrieving your back up files. It is recommended to get help from an IT professional to ensure that you’re not transferring any damaged or infected files to your reinstalled system. Remember that you can keep hackers out if you make it harder for them to breach your data. Remove old habits and follow best practices when it comes to protecting your information. Keeping your defenses up and placing a lot of barriers will help you avoid any cybercrimes or hacks. Contact us today and find out how we can help you when your computer is hacked.

An authenticator app provides an additional layer of security that is more than just a username and password. Let’s start with the basics… Authentication is the process a user goes through to validate who they are by way of logging basic identification details such as an email address or username followed by a password . To protect high-valued accounts, passwords aren’t always enough. How does multi-factor authentication play a role in preventing intruders from stealing your data? Multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security to avoid phishing . Passwords can be forgotten or compromised and MFA or 2FA helps access accounts more securely making it harder for other people to break in. There are numerous factors of multi-factor authentication: What the user knows: This includes security questions or PINs, wherein the user is the only one who knows the answer. What the user has: This includes mobile phones where it can give codes or a one-time password or even smart cards. What the user is: This includes a part of the human body such as fingerprints or facial recognition. The combination of two or all these types creates the multi-factor authentication method, and this is where Microsoft, Google, or any other authenticator app comes into play. Microsoft Authenticator or Google Authenticator App? Both app’s interface might look the same but there are a few features that differentiate them. It both generates time-based 6 or 8-digit codes during the verification process when you sign in on your online accounts and the apps work for mobile and tablet devices running on iOS and Android. Aside from Microsoft accounts or Google accounts, it can also be used as an authenticator for other products such as GitHub, Dropbox, Facebook, or interchangeably. Microsoft list the following ways to use Microsoft Authenticator app on its documentation: Two-factor verification. The standard verification method, where one of the factors is your password. After you sign-in using your username and password, you can either approve a notification or enter a provided verification code.Phone sign-in. A version of two-factor verification that lets you sign-in without requiring a password, using your username and your mobile device with your fingerprint, face, or PIN.Code generation. As a code generator for any other accounts that support authenticator apps. What Are The Differences? Microsoft Authenticator can support one account on multiple devices while Google Authenticator doesn’t. Microsoft Authenticator has a feature that lets you hide the code useful to protect your account. Google automatically syncs the time between the mobile device and app while Microsoft desyncs it, resulting in invalid codes. Microsoft offers a backup feature essential when the device is lost or stolen. Microsoft supports custom icons that make it easier to locate each account and code, which Google doesn’t have. No matter the app, it is vital to implement multi-factor authentication to prove a user’s identity and protect individuals from data theft. Contact us today if you have any questions on setting up multi-factor authentication for your devices.

Have you experienced occasional troubleshooting but usually difficult to fix? These problems could be obvious or unnoticed in a workplace where computers, printers, laptops, and other equipment look functional from a distance. Users tend to forget its limitation to an extent overutilizing office equipment until it gets spoiled. Nobody wants to spend extra money, time, and effort in finding the best solutions. Technology experts have foreseen the inevitability of mistakes in harnessing IT particularly running a small business. Because of limited resources, owners of small-scale businesses overlook the value of upgraded IT facilities. Business owners struggle in dealing with prevalent IT mistakes that are commonly ignored until serious problems become unresolved. Most of these can be found and prevented internally. The good thing about today’s technological advancement is providing basic and comprehensive solutions to any type of business. Owners and employees in a small-scale business must be keen on looking out for common IT mistakes such as: 1. Use of Obsolete Hardware . Old desktop and laptop can still be useful to some who want to save money. But, its impact on productivity can be costly when used over its normal lifespan. Phased-out models of computers can slow down the business processes because of its outdated specifications and inefficient operating system. 2. Unsecured E-mail Platforms. Sending and receiving electronic mails is one of the overused functions, and generally seen as unsecured because messages are not encrypted. Its level of security can be unknowingly downgraded especially when end-users are drawn to practicality over reliability. 3. Lack of Staff Training. Running a small business with a limited number of staff can be complacent to technical training given its additional spending. The downside of this mindset contributes to limited knowledge and skills of employees preventing the cost-effectiveness of individual performance. 4. Underutilized Cloud Computing. Most of the small businesses have yet to discover or fully utilized the cloud computing system. Perhaps, the business model does not require a paperless, remote operation whereas considering a seamless way of doing business. 5. Untapped Features of Smartphones. The current models of smartphones are built with business-oriented features such as mobile applications and powerful software. Being clueless about its integration with business operation can be intimidating at first, but useful once integrated into the workplace. If you were the entrepreneur who just wants a decent earning, would you be alerted from these common IT mistakes? The answer is certainly yes to be conscious of possible setbacks for every decision made related to information technology. Regardless of the size and nature of the business, there could be a lot of common technical issues affecting business operations. Come to think of it most of the common IT mistakes can be avoided at its earliest stage if only its preventive measures can be managed within the organization. There could be solutions that are readily available but just needed integration. Some IT solutions can also, be outsourced from a third party who offers professional services fitted to the technical requirements of the business. It is never too late to make changes the way you do business so start today and discover how IT can be improved. Contact us today to learn more about professional IT support for your business.

Remote support has been around for decades, but it is usually underutilized. As technology continues to advance, basic IT support will not be enough for your business to thrive, businesses must also consider having a remote IT support service which provides a lot of benefits. Now that we are experiencing a global health emergency regarding the new coronavirus which started in Wuhan, China. Is your business prepared for it? This kind of situation rarely happens but when it does, it would be better to have your remote support ready especially when your business uses technology all the time. Either you are a small or large business owner, it is important to have backups. How Does Remote IT Work? Remote tech support is an important tool in any help desks. With proper tools and a reliable connection, any IT support provider can solve issues of users without leaving their computers or desks. Remote support technicians can fix any issues similar to what an on-site technician does unless it is a hardware problem. Common technical issues that can be addressed remotely: Slow Computers or Laptops Password Resets VPN Connection Software and Program problems Locked Accounts Network Access Antivirus Protection Spyware Clean Up For businesses without the internal IT department, remote tech support is beneficial as they can support any clients from any location. Benefits of Remote IT Support For Your Business: Access to the Latest Technology As mentioned above, technology is always evolving, and it would be hard to keep up if you are running a business. Having a quality remote IT support provider can provide you access to the latest software and tools such as Microsoft 365 and cloud services . They can also offer advice on how you can improve your current infrastructure and set up your business for success. Convenient Most problems with IT can be done remotely. Knowing this, business owners can save time as remote tech support offers an immediate solution to problems instead of waiting for an on-site technician to get to your office which usually takes two to three hours at most. Besides, hiring remote support from your IT service provider will cost less than hiring full-time employees that offer the same benefits, plus a variety of options for support solutions and security. More Time to Focus on Business As a business owner, your main goal is to grow your business. If you and your employees are always having IT issues, the level of productivity will decrease. Having tech support that does the job remotely will lessen your worries and keep everyone’s focus on achieving business goals. Emergency IT Support With remote access, if your computer, laptop, or network encounters a problem, your IT support provider can fix any issues including upgrades and troubleshooting at any point of the day, especially after business hours. System Maintenance A managed IT support service provider will always keep an eye on any problems, ensuring that any system issues won’t affect the business. Maintenance is essential, and your remote support vendor can keep your business protected by regularly updating your software and firmware. Looking for a remote IT support provider for your business? Contact us today and learn how we can help you! Uniserve IT Solutions provides customers with the highest quality of IT Support Services.

Here’s the thing, weak passwords are still considered to be the biggest security risk. You’re making it easier for hackers to break into and control your device whenever you set weak passwords. Any unauthorized access on your device and its applications is a highly impending danger to all your sensitive data such as email, bank, and other accounts. Read Uniserve’s recommendation for “Password Security and Best Practices” and learn how to strengthen your account and device passwords. 1. Adopt Long Phrases The practice of combining uppercase / lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols has been around for a long time in setting up stronger passwords for accounts. However, with the hacker’s sophistication – they figured out how to replaced selected letters into numbers and symbols. Security Professionals urge individuals to set-up long passphrases that are easier to remember and more secure but would make it difficult to hack. Here is a good comparison of password and passphrase: Password: Paris2020! Passphrase: Iwant2go2Paris! 2. Create a Password Blacklist Hacker’s first base to start the attack is to predict the possible password of users from the database of most common passwords. Businesses may it be small, medium-sized or large enterprise are advised to create their own version of a password blacklist and manage their password policies. This will help to eliminate or restrict users in setting up weak passwords. 3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication Have you ever heard about Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)? 2FA has become more prevalent and adds an extra layer of security. This requires an additional step before a user can access the account. The user will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) or One-time code sent via mobile or email or an app on their mobile to confirm that the owner is trying to access the account. This authentication is known to be effective for enhancing security. 4. Add Advanced Authentication Methods As we move forward to a fast pacing world based on technology, there are other authentication methods that have been widely used today – this is the “ Biometric Authentication ”. This is known to be as effective as it is proven to be reliable and pretty simple to gain access on demand. One good example available is on iPhones and iPads is the Touch ID fingerprint sensor and Face ID detection. This allows the system to uniquely verify the user. 5. Apply Password Encryption What is the use of password encryption? Encryption is known to be the process of providing additional security for passwords. In cases of stolen devices or machines, confidential data that has been encrypted will be more secure compared to passwords that are written in plain text. 6. Ensure Secure Connection It is indeed appealing to connect your mobile devices to FREE public Wi-Fi networks. However, connecting your device through this unsecured connection increases the vulnerability of the information on your device to hackers. That’s why security professionals highly recommend the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) as it increases online security and confidentiality for information transmitted through the internet. Every business moving towards a Modern Workplace requires improved security. Contact Uniserve to see how we can help you and your business modernize the workplace with improved security best practices.