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

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

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

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

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.