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How time flies as we venture into a new decade. And unsurprising, technology will progressively change again, including culture within the workplace. The Modern Workplace is a transformation to new digital technology. It stimulates a culture of open communication, effective collaboration even with long distances between. Discover the 5 Characteristics of a Modern Workplace : 1. Have a Mobile Workforce The modern workplace is not limited to a single location. It’s powered by advanced tools and platforms, where multiple teams separated geographically can continuously collaborate efficiently - as if they are working next to each other. Therefore, working remotely is one of the key aspects of modern workplaces. 2. Collaborate Effectively Collaboration, traditionally known as “working together” is one of the key elements of a successful team. Effective collaboration brings out the best of two or more individuals working together to get things done in the most efficient way. The Microsoft 365 suite of collaboration tools empower teamwork within the modern workplace. Primarily, Microsoft Teams provides instant messaging and audio/video chats for better collaboration. This also allows the team members to co-edit documents continuously, problem-free from multiple versions of documents. 3. Smarter with their Data Businesses, regardless of its size, acquire countless amounts of data within the organization and even externally from clients. As the complexity of data expands, many, if not most, of companies are leaning towards the modernization of data back-up and recovery through “Cloud Storage”. Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that helps organizations in data storage with a high level of security. 4. Belief in Open Communication Establishing a successful modern workplace requires open communication. Significantly, open communication builds trust, prevents impending conflicts, and resolves issues faster. Aside from the conventional email and traditional office meetings, team members can constantly and quickly communicate through Microsoft Teams. Another part of Microsoft 365 is Yammer , a private Social Media platform dedicated to businesses. This tool encourages group collaboration by hearing out employee’s voices and opinions. 5. Utilize Modern Tools As technology constantly evolves, advanced workplace tools and platforms have been introduced to stimulate high-levels of productivity and efficiency. At times, management may be overwhelmed due to constant advancements but along with investing in better tools, they’re investing in an organization’s growth and equipping every employee to be motivated and getting ahead with the latest technology trend. This is where you are headed when adapting to a Modern Workplace. Start investing in your employees and with the latest workplace technologies. Contact Uniserve to see how we can help your business to modernize your workplace.

The end of Windows 7 Support is just around the corner. After 10 years of commitment to provide product support for Windows 7, Microsoft announced the end of support on January 14, 2020.

Let’s face it, mobile security is on the top list of every businesses’ concern. With the increasing number of people who constantly depend on mobile devices for personal or corporate usage, it is no wonder that there is a high vulnerability of sensitive data. As there are different factors that can contribute to mobile device security or risk, it is of great importance that every user should understand how to protect mobile devices. Find out Uniserve’s recommended guidelines of “ Mobile Security Best Practices” for protecting mobile devices. 1. Password Protect Your Device The simplest way to secure a mobile device is to make sure that a screen lock or passcode has been set up with a strong password. Other mobile devices have a special authentication feature, Face ID and Touch ID, unique to the owner. Ideally, passwords for devices should also be set to time out after the device has been idle for a short period of time which requires the user to re-enter the passcode. 2. Keep the OS Up-to-Date Maintaining the OS up to date is fundamental for every mobile device. Pop up for system updates may not seem important and it takes time to run on the device, however outdated software increases vulnerabilities for hackers. Make sure to turn on automatic updates on your mobile devices to improve mobile security. 3. Install Anti-Malware Software Few people realize that, similar to computers and laptops, mobile devices can also be infected by malware. Installing mobile antivirus software improves security for a device that you’re most likely on as much as your computer. There are many options free but choosing software that can help manage your device with policies, like encryption, passwords, filtering, etc is worth paying for. 4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi and Use VPN How appealing it is to connect your mobile devices to FREE public Wi-Fi networks. It may seem safe to use but in reality, it increases the susceptibility of the information on your device to hackers and malware. The use of a Virtual Private Network is essential when connecting through an unsecured connection where everyone is connected to. It increases the online security and confidentiality of the information when surfing the internet. When your VPN is connected, all information is strongly encrypted thus keeping transmitted information safe on all your mobile devices. 5. Remote Lock and Data Wipe Ensuring that the remote lock and data wipe options are available and are turned on helps with device loss and / or theft. When a mobile device is lost or stolen, the owner or business has the ability to either remotely lock the device or completely remove stored confidential data. Security professionals believe that this is basic and necessary that every end-user should understand how important and beneficial it is to the business. 6. Cloud Backups As mobile devices become the primary device of people, it becomes more convenient to work from and to store confidential data on mobile devices. Part of every companies’ business continuity and disaster recovery planning is to consider cloud-based back-ups for mobile devices and machines. 7. Partition your Data It is inevitable for mobile devices to contain both personal and business information. To increase the security of both personal and business information, it’s highly recommended to partition the data on your device. Separating data eases the process of permanently removing business information in should you need to wipe the data. Mobile malware attacks have rapidly increased in 2019, and security professionals have found that hackers are getting more sophisticated in targeting mobile device users. With the ever-growing range of security threats, it is essential for personal, enterprise as well as small and medium-sized businesses to improve mobile security. Contact Uniserve to see how we can help you and your business improve your Mobile Security Best Practices.

Mobile devices predominantly emerged as the leading platform for security threat and danger. Stay updated on the Mobile Security Threats this 2019:

It’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and when cybersecurity is mentioned, malware can’t be far behind. Basically, “malware” is short for “malicious software”, which refers to various files attempting to obtain unauthorized access to a system. Did you know that there are over 350,000 new strains of malware discovered each day? With that level of immense cyberthreat, it’s important to know the types of malware your network could run into. In the fast-changing cybersecurity landscape, staying safe online and safeguarding your critical business data is an utter necessity. Read along as we discuss the different types of malware and how you can prevent your business from being prey to one. 1. Virus Viruses are the most common malware. A virus is a malicious software attached to a file that supports macros to execute its code and spread from host to host. Viruses are designed to disrupt a system’s ability to operate, resulting in significant operational issues and data loss. 2. Worm Worms are programs that replicate themselves and destroys data and files on the computer. Worms corrupt the system operating files and data files until the drive is empty. 3. Trojan Trojans, coined from the Trojan Horse, cover up as legitimate programs. Trojans are mostly acquired via email or from infected websites. With malicious instructions, Trojans spread by tricking end-users to execute them, making security software useless. 4. Spyware Spyware runs secretly and reports back to a remote user. It targets sensitive information and can grant remote access to predators. This is frequently used to steal financial or personal information. 5. Adware Adware displays ads on devices, attempting to expose users to unwanted, potentially malicious advertising. Therese commonly redirects users to look-alike web pages that promote other products. 6. Ransomware Ransomware is a form of malware that locks the user out of their files or their device, then demands an anonymous online payment to restore access. A ransom note pops up, demanding payment in cryptocurrency for decrypting the files, causing significant business loss. 7. Fileless Malware This is malware that operates from a user’s computer’s memory, and not from files on the hard drive. This malware disappears when the victim’s computer is rebooted. To prevent malware, protect your network with multiple layers of security. The most essential tool for this is dependable endpoint protection like Sophos . Sophos ensures your endpoint protection and firewall are working cohesively together. This means you get better protection against advanced threats and spend less time responding to incidents. As a business owner, you want to diminish your exposure to malware by taking the necessary cybersecurity measures. Contact us today to learn more about the best IT Security plan for your business.

Cybercriminals target businesses of all industries and sizes. According to a study conducted by the Better Business Bureau, 22% of small businesses have been the targets of cyberattacks. Almost all cyber-attacks are intended to obtain personal data to use in identify theft. While larger organizations store much more information to steal, small businesses have less secure networks, making it easier to breach the network. It's important to protect your business from cyberattacks, but some business owners aren't quite sure how. Implementing cybersecurity basics and putting them in practice will help you protect your business and reduce the risk of a cyber attack. To help you assess the efficiency of your current business cybersecurity practices, here's a 10-step plan to help you navigate through the world of cyber threats. 1. Inform your employees about your cybersecurity policies. Set up IT cybersecurity practices and policies for your employees. This includes requiring strong passwords and establishing appropriate Internet usage guidelines that comprehensively discuss your business cybersecurity policies. 2. Update your software. Cybercriminals can enter your computer network through outdated apps with known vulnerabilities. Make sure you regularly install software updates and patches for applications and operating systems as soon as they’re available. 3. Place a firewall. One of the first lines of defense in a cyberattack is a sturdy firewall. We recommend that all small to medium-sized businesses set up a firewall to create a barrier between your data and cybercriminals. Installing internal firewalls is also an effective practice to provide additional protection. 4. Back up all your data regularly. Always back up all your business data including those stored in the cloud. To have the latest backup, check your on-premise and cloud servers regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly. 5. Secure your wi-fi networks. Make sure your wi-fi network is secured, encrypted, and hidden. To hide your wi-fi network, set up your router so it does not broadcast the network name, and protect its access with a strong password. 6. Install anti-malware software. Anyone can be a victim of data breach, no matter how vigilant one is. Since phishing attacks center on installing malware on the employee’s computer, it’s imperative to have anti-malware software installed on all devices and in your network. 7. Make an action plan for mobile devices. Mobile devices can also impose cybersecurity threats, more so if they store confidential business data. It is best to require all employees to protect their devices with passwords, install security apps , and encrypt their data. In addition, establish protocols for reporting lost or stolen company equipment. 8. Implement strong data protection procedures. Running your office machines on the latest software, web browsers and operating systems are the best defense against cybersecurity threats. Devise and follow a business data protection strategy that encompasses strong security measures centered around the restriction of access. 9. Use strong passwords. Basically, strong passwords are a complex combination of special characters, numbers, and letters that provides more security for all your online accounts. Require all employees to always use two-factor authentication when accessing sensitive business data. It’s also best to encourage them to never disclose their usernames to third parties. 10. Restrict authority for software installations. Employees should have limited access to all data systems and software installations. Any installation should only cater to their role’s specific needs, and under the permission of the network administrator. Your business cybersecurity is a moving target, and these cybercriminals become more advanced every day. To help you stay on top of the latest when it comes to cyberattacks and innovations on prevention technology, seek assistance from a dependable IT Managed Services Provider . At Uniserve, we take advantage of industry-leading technology tools to provide our clients with the best IT Security plan that’s custom-built for their business. Contact us today, and discover how we can take your business cybersecurity to the next level.

When it comes to a dependable IT infrastructure , an innovative and structured design should be on top of the mind to reduce operational costs and boost workplace productivity. As your business expands, so does your need for an upgrade in all the elements that support the management and usability of data and information. This includes the physical hardware and facilities (including data centers), data storage and retrieval, network systems, legacy interfaces, and software to support your business goals. In addition, your IT Infrastructure is one of the foundations that support your business. In computing, it is composed of physical and virtual resources that support the flow, storage, processing, and analysis of data. This may be centralized within a data center, or it may be decentralized and spread across several data centers that are either controlled by the organization or by a third party. Overcoming IT challenges is just one of the many hurdles small business encounters. A dependable IT infrastructure is essential for any business to be fully agile, secure, and service-oriented. Best of all, it is necessary in providing the best customer experience. In this fast-changing digital landscape, can your IT infrastructure deliver the competitive advantage your business requires? Read along to learn more about the qualities of an IT infrastructure that can measure up to keep your business going. As a business, how do you ensure your IT infrastructure can accommodate your business’ needs? This is where a reliable IT Managed Service Provider comes in. Our expertise lies in constructing efficient IT plans for each of our clients, along with proven technology solutions.  By understanding your business and existing processes, we will partner with you to achieve improved technology platforms, and simplify your operational processes. Before we can start developing an IT plan for you, we’ll need to start with a simple conversation about what you’re looking for, and how Uniserve fits with your needs. Contact us to discover how we can help you with your technology challenges.

For most small to medium-sized businesses, maintaining a secure and stable IT network is something they can’t handle on their own due to varied restrictions. And even if they are capable to handle IT processes, chances are, the resources used for these processes could be better allocated elsewhere. This is where finding a reliable IT Managed Services provider comes in. These service providers should be able to manage your infrastructure efficiently without causing any disruption in your business processes. With all the options available in selecting the best service provider for your business, how are you supposed to know which one of them to go with? To help you make a sound decision, read along to discover the top qualities to consider in choosing the best IT Managed Services provider. 1. Provides Satisfactory Service Level Agreements (SLA) As a key decision-maker, you have certain expectations for the level of service your chosen company will provide. Basically, Service Level Agreements are made to ensure that the provider you’re working with is held accountable for maintaining a certain level and quality of services. To guarantee accountability, ask potential providers what happens if they’re unable to meet the agreed-upon levels of network performance and availability. 2. Maintains a Focused Partnership An ideal IT Managed Services provider sees your engagement as a partnership. They should be a partner that understands your business goals and are equipped to help you strategically improve your business. Also, they should be willing to allocate a comprehensive phase to understand the entire landscape of your business prior to developing solutions that are tailored to your needs, infrastructure, and budget. 3. Committed to a Strong Support Process Service providers commonly assure to provide 24/7 support. However, it all boils down to what they do to spot and prevent potential threats before they become an issue. Aside from addressing potential threats even before they arise, your managed services provider should also be able to provide support either on-site or remotely, as required by the problem or by your preference. 4. Proven Industry Experts IT Managed Services providers will lean on industry tools to help them manage your network. Look for a partner who has a strong foundation of experience. This is crucial in creating the suite of services catered to your business. This ensures that your IT infrastructure is designed with your business on top of mind, primarily to enhance productivity and efficiency in the company. 5. Highly Adaptable Per your SLA, your service provider should be able to provide the support you need, the way you want it. Their vendor relationships shouldn’t drive technology decisions, your business technology requirements and preferences should. With customized technology decisions, the way support is delivered should be tailored to your preferences as well. When it comes to finding an IT Managed Services provider to look after your business’ IT needs, it absolutely pays to find the perfect fit. Our team at Uniserve prides itself on having these top traits and more. Contact us today , and let’s create a plan to help your business get ahead with IT.

In today’s fast-changing digital landscape, cybersecurity is a topmost priority, especially for businesses. Scammers use emails or text messages to trick internet users into giving them your personal information. They try to steal your passwords, account numbers, and even Social Security numbers. Once they get that information, they could gain access to your email, bank, or other accounts. These scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day. But what exactly is phishing? As defined by phishing.org , phishing is a cybercrime in which a target or targets are contacted by email, telephone or text message by someone posing as a legitimate institution to lure individuals into providing sensitive data such as personally identifiable information, banking, and credit card details, and passwords. The information is then used to access important accounts and can result in identity theft and financial loss. Phishing attacks can trick you into giving up your passwords or trick you into installing malware. As a business, what measures di you take to protect your organization from phishing attacks? How do you make sure your valued business and personal data are protected from online attackers? Read along this guide to help you to identify phishing attacks when you see them and outline some practical ways to defend your business against them. 1. Double-check your emails’ senders. A surefire way to determine if an email is a phishing attack is to recheck through a different channel with the person or organization who supposedly sent it. If the email was deliberately sent from your bank, don’t click on links in the email body immediately. Instead, call your bank or open your browser and type in the URL of your bank's website. Banks do not require typing in your personal credentials online. 2. Keep your software updated. Phishing attacks brought by malware depend on software bugs to get the malware onto your machine. Once a bug is detected, a software manufacturer will release an update to fix it. This means that older software has more publicly-known bugs that could be used to help install malware. Keeping your software up to date reduces the possibility of phishing attacks and malware risks. 3. Use two-factor authentication keys when logging in. To avoid phishing attempts, some websites allow you to use a special hardware token with advanced capabilities. This is called Universal 2nd Factor or “U2F,” as it is a standard way to require a second authentication method, in addition to your password at login -providing an extra layer of security. If you are on a phishing site, the browser will know not to log you in with credentials established on the legitimate site. Entering two-factor authentication keys means that even if phishers trick you and steal your password, they would not be capable of compromising your account. 4. Be cautious with emailed instructions. Some phishing emails claim to be from a technical support representative or a technology company and ask you to reply with your passwords, allow them to have remote access to your computer, or to disable some security features on your device. The email may claim that your mailbox is full or that your computer has been hacked. If someone sends you a suspicious email or link, don’t think twice. Don’t open or click on it until you’ve assessed the situation with heightened precautionary measures. 5. Install an anti-phishing software to detect phishing emails and websites. There is no better way to recognize and prevent phishing attacks than by installing antivirus software with anti-phishing features, the best of which is provided by Microsoft Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) . Microsoft 365 ATP builds user awareness with attack simulations, warns users before they click on unknown links, and helps users report suspicious content. In addition, Microsoft 365 ATP has actionable insights to help identify, prioritize, and provide recommendations for addressing potential threats such as phishing and malware, and proactively securing your business from malicious cyberattacks. Protect your business against cybersecurity threats such as phishing and malware. Partner with Uniserve today to ensure the safety of your organization’s IT network, and guarantee your business continuity.

In enterprise cybersecurity, a network endpoint is any electronic asset that is connected to the business’ network that transmits or receives data. Some examples of network endpoints are computers, smartphones, tablets, IoT devices, and point of sale (POS) terminals. Moreover, endpoint security, also known as endpoint protection, refers to internet-connected devices such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, and tablets against cyber threats. As a business, having all these devices accessing your network can be a challenge for endpoint security, as any of them could act as a door to let malware and other threats into your system. To protect your business data from these threats, a strong and secure endpoint security is a must. With this, many businesses opt to use managed endpoint security services to save on IT expenses and better protect security endpoints. Read on to learn more about the many advantages of using managed endpoint security to protect your business from modern cyber threats: Don’t risk the security of your business. Protect your valued business data with Sophos Intercept X . Contact us today to get started with optimizing your endpoint security.