3 Ways AI Makes Almost Any Business Task Easier
AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s Bard can help you boost productivity and actively grow your business. How? We have the details.
Are Your Productivity Tools Slowing You Down?
If productivity tools aren’t embedded properly within your business, tasks can actually end up taking longer than they should.
Ramping Up the Fight Against Ransomware
If you own a small or medium-sized business in NYC, you may already know that ransomware could present a significant threat to your business. What is ransomware, exactly? Ransomware is software designed to render your files impossible to use. If you’re infected by ransomware, you won’t be able to use the information on your device or network until you pay what the attackers demand. This article details actions to help your business stay protected from ransomware.
Ransomware is constantly on the rise. It affects large corporations as well as smaller businesses, in the Long Island area and across the globe. Ransoms are getting higher, too–the average payment rose 82% in 2021 from the previous year.
Working with an experienced IT team like LI Tech Solutions can help you protect your assets from ransomware attacks. However, there’s also a lot you can do to minimize risks. Let’s take a look at how you can effectively partner with your IT team and keep your business safe.
What are some basic things can I do to prevent ransomware attacks in the first place?
You can do a lot to keep ransomware attackers from impacting your business in the first place. Here are a few common-sense precautions you should never overlook in the fight to keep your business protected from ransomware.
Keep your software updated
Don’t ignore that software update prompt! Patches and updates can be annoying, but they are necessary to protect your devices and networks. It’s much harder for attackers to target a device that’s up to date. Automated patch management can make this much easier since you won’t have to remember to check for updates.
Keep your data in a secure location
Storing important data on just one device is asking for trouble. You should keep information on a separate device as a back-up. If ransomware attackers successfully target your primary data source, your information won’t be lost forever–and you won’t be stuck playing their games.
Educate everyone in your organization about social engineering strategies
What is social engineering? Simply put, it refers to techniques that trick users into giving attackers access to your information or systems. Social engineering can take many different forms. Here are a few of the most common.
- Phishing is a deceptive message, such as an email, that tricks users into clicking on a malicious link
- Baiting is any technique designed to use curiosity or greed to get users to grant restricted access to systems or information
- Pretexting occurs when a person with malicious intent pretends to be someone else, like an IT professional or auditor
Remember to avoid opening messages or clicking on links that seem suspicious. Frequent training will help everyone on your team know how to watch out for new strategies. Also, be sure to require proper email inbox filters to keep emails from attackers at bay.
Be proactive about following password guidelines
Using the same password everywhere you go is a good way to fall prey to ransomware attacks. Everyone in your organization should change their password frequently and follow proper complexity guidelines.
Where can I learn more about taking basic precautions?
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is an American government agency devoted to cyber defense. Their website offers guidelines, resources and tools to help you stay protected.
What are some more advanced steps I can take to protect my business from ransomware?
You know how to spot scam emails a mile away, and you’re aware that “12345” is not an acceptable password. However, there are also some less familiar steps that you should strongly consider to protect yourself from ransomware.
Monitor networks and endpoints to spot threats
What is an “endpoint”? In this context, it’s a device like a laptop or phone that might fall prey to attackers. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) is a process that can help you spot attacks on these devices quickly. You should also monitor your network routinely to avoid any blind spots. It’s important to perform routine scans to check for vulnerabilities in your systems that you may have overlooked.
Limit access to systems and data as much as possible
If everyone in your organization can access all of your information, you may need to improve your identity and access management techniques. Making sure your users have only the access they truly need is a great way to minimize threats.
Break your network into smaller parts
The more spread out your network is, the harder it is for attackers to deal a crushing blow. Segment your network into small pieces so that malicious attacks can only do so much damage.
4 Dangerous Ransomware Myths Proven False
How can my organization stay protected from ransomware while using devices that connect to the internet?
Everyone knows that the internet can be a dangerous place. When someone from your organization connects to the internet, they should take several precautions to prevent attacks.
- Install antivirus software and update it as needed
- Only use secure browsers to access the internet
- Always browse the internet with a firewall enabled
- Never use a public network to connect to the internet
- Never download a file if you can’t verify the source’s credibility
How can I find the right professional partners to stay protected from ransomware?
When you partner with LI Tech Solutions as your managed service provider, you’re working with industry leaders in data protection. We can help you effectively respond to attacks, but we can also ensure you take the proper protective measures to avoid ransomware attacks in the first place. Call us at 516.210.6400 today, and start working with the top IT service providers in NYC and Long Island.
The Latest Technologies in IT Solutions for Businesses on Long Island, NY
Do you own a business on Long Island or in NYC? If so, it’s important to stay on top of the best technology solutions for businesses in NY. As technology rapidly evolves, your IT solutions will need to adapt and grow accordingly. Choosing a comprehensive, proactive MSP like LI Tech Solutions is essential. If your IT partners are unable to adapt quickly enough to changing trends, your business could fall behind competitors.
What emerging technologies for IT solutions in businesses in NYC should you keep an eye on? In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest technology solutions for businesses in NY.
Emerging technologies for IT solutions in businesses in NYC: what does the future hold for your business?
Your business may or may not be working with these emerging technologies yet. However, the future of tech is rapidly evolving, and new tech is changing the way we live and work at lightning speed. Evaluating the role these technologies might play in your business is a great way to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why it’s important to partner with an MSP that stays on top of current trends, like LI Tech Solutions. Let’s take a look at what tomorrow might hold for businesses on the cutting edge of technological advances.
Futuristic technology solutions in IT for businesses in NYC: Artificial intelligence
What can AI do for your business? It likely has the potential to streamline your processes and reduce mindless, repetitive tasks for your employees. Some industry watchers tend to worry that AI will replace humans in the workforce. However, AI’s role in the workforce doesn’t have to be destructive–it can be freeing instead. When meaningless tasks are outsourced to computers, humans are free to innovate, be creative, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships.
Advanced technology solutions for businesses in NYC: Blockchain technologies
What is a “blockchain,” anyway? In the simplest terms, a blockchain is a database, but it’s different from traditional databases in some important ways. Information is shared among the nodes of a computer network, and data is structured in blocks rather than in tables. Since information isn’t centralized, blockchains offer increased security and efficiency, among other benefits.
People tend to associate blockchain technology with cryptocurrency. However, it has far-reaching potential to revolutionize fields such as healthcare, finance, supply chains and voting procedures. In fact, blockchain is already being used by 81 of the top 100 public companies. Blockchain is only positioned to grow as one of the leading technology solutions for businesses in NY.
Futuristic technology solutions in IT for businesses in NYC: VR, AR, and XR
Virtual reality, augmented reality and extended reality will only become more essential to running a successful business in years to come. As the lines between the physical world and digital worlds become more blurred, it’s important for your company to assess the roles virtual reality might play in your future success.
What if you could let potential customers preview your products by offering immersive experiences? What if you could replace a traditional assembly or instruction manual with a virtual experience? Tomorrow’s customers will expect your business to stay on the cutting edge of virtual reality technologies. Delayed adoption of advanced technology solutions for businesses in NYC is usually a mistake.
Today’s technology solutions for businesses in NY: Don’t let the competition leave you in the dust
Your company might still be working on its long-term artificial intelligence or virtual reality strategies. However, some relatively recent technologies are essential today for most businesses–not only for large corporations, but also for small and medium-sized businesses. What are some recent trends that your business should respond to? Let’s take a look at some of today’s emerging essentials in the world of business technologies.
Advanced technology solutions for businesses in NYC: a growing need for sustainability
Today’s consumers, top talent, and investors are looking for greener and more energy-efficient processes. The world expects your business to use tech for the benefit of our planet. According to Forbes, technology is an indispensable tool for achieving global sustainability. More and more companies are taking responsibility for their environmental impacts and looking for ways to reduce waste. As a best practice, your small or medium-sized business should be proactive about participating in this trend.
How can technology help your business become more green? There is a whole world of possibilities. From carbon-negative data centers that produce energy instead of consuming it, to smart waste bins that create a more environmentally-friendly workplace, the options are endless.
Today’s technology solutions for businesses in NY: the importance of cybersecurity
Cybersecurity has always been at the top of the list of vital technology solutions for businesses in NY. However, today, it’s more essential than ever before. Major companies, including Facebook, have recently experienced notoriously disruptive cyberattacks. Other recent data breaches have affected industry leaders like Chick-fil-A, Uber, and even MailChimp. Particularly since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, cyberattacks have been increasing in volume and complexity.
How can you stay ahead of the ever-growing need for better cybersecurity? LI Technology Solutions has the answers you’re looking for. We stay on the cutting edge of data protection and backup solutions. When it comes to technology solutions for businesses in NY, we lead the way in the industry.
Emerging technologies for IT solutions in businesses in NYC: the growth of cloud computing
Cloud computing is among the most important advanced technology solutions for businesses in NYC. It offers many benefits to small and medium-sized business owners. A few of these include:
- Better insight
- Improved collaboration
- More customer engagement
- Enhanced speed
If your business isn’t taking advantage of what cloud computing can offer, you risk being left behind. LI Technology Solutions offers end-to-end cloud computing solutions, so your team can focus on what you do best: running your business.
Futuristic technology solutions in IT for businesses in NYC: the benefits of tech outsourcing
Why is tech outsourcing among the top emerging technologies for IT solutions in businesses in NYC? Partnering with an MSP like LI Technology Solutions offers the maximum value for your dollars. Let’s consider a few of the benefits that tech outsourcing can offer.
Access to top talent
Your business may not be ready to hire a full-time IT professional who specializes in a specific cutting-edge trend. However, when you partner with an MSP, you get access to industry specialists who can put their expertise to work for you on an as-needed basis.
Increased agility in the face of emerging trends or crises
Technology changes fast, and a data breach or hardware failure can strike when you least expect it. Partnering with an MSP gives you the option of a sudden increase in labor, so you can effectively respond. Otherwise, you may not have time to quickly hire additional staff when an urgent need arises.
Reduced costs
By partnering with an MSP, you can avoid the expense of hiring full-time staff, without sacrificing quality. LI Technology Solutions offers predictable, flat-rate pricing so you can effectively manage your IT expenses.
LI Technology Solutions: the top technology solutions for businesses in NY
Why should you partner with LI Technology Solutions as your MSP? You’ll gain an IT partner to handle all of your business’s needs, without bringing additional full-time staff on board. LI Technology Solutions is an industry leader among technology solutions for businesses in NY. We stay on top of current trends and technological advances, so you don’t have to worry about getting left behind. Call 516.210.6400 today for a free consultation and technology assessment!
8 Reasons Every Company Is Now a Technology Company
Whether you sell shoes or run an accounting firm, you need some type of technology to operate. Today’s companies aren’t just in the business of selling their own goods and services anymore. They also must master various types of digital tools.
These include software, payment systems, computers, Wi-Fi networks, mobile devices, and more. Companies also need to protect their devices and network.. If that technology isn’t working, it can impact a business significantly.
98% of surveyed organizations say that just one hour of IT downtime costs more than $100,000. The reliance on technology means that every company is now a technology company.
This is the case no matter what products you sell or services you provide. Let’s discuss exactly why this is the case in today’s world.
What Makes Technology a Backbone of Any Business?
1. Technology Is a Critical Part of Business
Even farmers use tech to check commodity prices, sell livestock, and keep their books. Most companies couldn’t operate without their software. Or without databases filled with important information.
IT downtime is so devastating for this very reason. Remember the breaches impacting global meat producer JBS and Colonial pipeline? Those companies had to halt operations because of ransomware attacks.
They both paid the ransom to their attackers so they could begin operating again. Without the technology that’s become a normal part of our day, a lot of companies would close.
2. Customers Expect an Excellent Digital Experience
Customer experience came in first in a survey of top business priorities for the next 5 years. Nearly 46% of respondents said it was at the top of their list.
If a customer has just one bad experience with your company, they will likely go elsewhere. In a digital world, those experiences are often:
- Navigating your website
- Checkout experience
- Appointment scheduling ease
- Shipping notifications
- Helpfulness of online chat
- Response time from customer support
- Ability to contact your company via social media
To keep up with consumer expectations in 2023 and beyond, means you need to use technology. From your website to your payment experience, people expect a smooth digital flow.
3. Employees Need Devices to Drive Productivity
How do employees work productivity without the use of a computer, tablet, or mobile device? These devices keep staff connected to each other and your customer data. Devices enable communication and are how much of the work in offices gets done. If they don’t run well, business productivity suffers.
4. AI & Automation Help Companies Stay Competitive
AI and automation help organizations move faster. AI can personalize a consumer shopping experience. Automation can help sales teams close 30% more deals and improve conversions by over 200%.
To stay competitive, companies must integrate technology tools with AI and automation capabilities. This means they need to know the best ways to use these tools. Plus, integrate them well with existing solutions.
5. Information Is Being Generated at a Rapid Pace
Companies generate information digitally at a dizzying pace. Can you imagine what it would be like if you had to go back to all the paper files? You’d need a separate building just for all the filing cabinets.
Files, documents, and customer records are largely digital now. Keeping track of all that information and making it searchable requires technology skills.
6. Vendors/Suppliers Are Leaving Legacy Systems Behind
Think of the vendors you use to run your business. Could you interact with any of them offline only? No email, no digital documents? In most cases, the answer is, “No.”
The companies that you rely on for your business are also “technology companies” in the same way. Most will be leaving behind legacy systems like fax machines and paper documents. Thus, you need to use digital means to interact with them.
7. It’s Difficult to Grow Without Tech Innovation
People are limited by what they can mentally and physically do in a day. Computers and technology have exponentially increased that. They do a lot of the processing and manual work.
The cloud is often touted as leveling the playing field for small businesses. It allows smaller companies to leverage technology to do more affordably.
It’s hard to continue growing your business without the smart use of digital tools. This includes reviewing your technology infrastructure and looking at innovations on the horizon.
8. Business Continuity Needs
Business continuity is about keeping your company running despite any crisis events. One natural disaster could severely impact a building and everything in it. But, if you are storing your data in the cloud and using cloud software, your business can still operate.
Companies that aren’t employing backup systems are at significant risk. Tech solutions create the ability to continue operating from anywhere, increasing business resiliency.
What Does Your Innovation Roadmap Look Like?
Using technology securely and to its fullest can be a full-time job. Give us a call today. LI Tech Solutions can help take that burden off your shoulders.
This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
6 Steps to Effective Vulnerability Management for Your Technology
Technology vulnerabilities are an unfortunate side effect of innovation. When software companies push new updates, there are often weaknesses in the code. Hackers exploit these. Software makers then address the vulnerabilities with a security patch. The cycle continues with each new software or hardware update.
It’s estimated that about 93% of corporate networks are susceptible to hacker penetration. Assessing and managing these network weaknesses isn’t always a priority for organizations. Many suffer breaches because of poor vulnerability management.
61% of security vulnerabilities in corporate networks are over 5 years old.
Many types of attacks take advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities in software code. This includes ransomware attacks, account takeover, and other common cyberattacks.
Whenever you see the term “exploit” when reading about a data breach, that’s an exploit of a vulnerability. Hackers write malicious code to take advantage of these “loopholes.” That code can allow them to elevate privileges. Or to run system commands or perform other dangerous network intrusions.
Putting together an effective vulnerability management process can reduce your risk. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just follow the steps we’ve outlined below to get started.
Vulnerability Management Process
Step 1. Identify Your Assets
First, you need to identify all the devices and software that you will need to assess. You’ll want to include all devices that connect to your network, including:
- Computers
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- IoT devices
- Servers
- Cloud services
Vulnerabilities can appear in many places. Such as the code for an operating system, a cloud platform, software, or firmware. So, you’ll want a full inventory of all systems and endpoints in your network.
This is an important first step, so you will know what you need to include in the scope of your assessment.
Step 2: Perform a Vulnerability Assessment
Next will be performing a vulnerability assessment. This is usually done by an IT professional using assessment software. This could also include penetration testing.
During the assessment, the professional scans your systems for any known vulnerabilities. The assessment tool matches found software versions against vulnerability databases.
For example, a database may note that a version of Microsoft Exchange has a vulnerability. If it detects that you have a server running that same version, it will note it as a found weakness in your security.
Step 3: Prioritize Vulnerabilities by Threat Level
The assessment results provide a roadmap for mitigating network vulnerabilities. There will usually be several, and not all are as severe as others. You will next need to rank which ones to address first.
At the top of the list should be those experts consider severe. Many vulnerability assessment tools will use the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS). This categorizes vulnerabilities with a rating score from low to critical severity.
You’ll also want to rank vulnerabilities by your own business needs. If a software is only used occasionally on one device, you may consider it a lower priority to address. While a vulnerability in software used on all employee devices, you may rank as a high priority.
Step 4: Remediate Vulnerabilities
Remediate vulnerabilities according to the prioritized list. Remediation often means applying an issued update or security patch. But it may also mean upgrading hardware that may be too old for you to update.
Another form of remediation may be ringfencing. This is when you “wall off” an application or device from others in the network. A company may do this if a scan turns up a vulnerability for which a patch does not yet exist.
Increasing advanced threat protection settings in your network can also help. Once you’ve remediated the weaknesses, you should confirm the fixes.
Step 5: Document Activities
It’s important to document the vulnerability assessment and management process. This is vital both for cybersecurity needs and compliance.
You’ll want to document when you performed the last vulnerability assessment. Then document all the steps taken to remediate each vulnerability. Keeping these logs will be vital in the case of a future breach. They also can inform the next vulnerability assessment.
Step 6. Schedule Your Next Vulnerability Assessment Scan
Once you go through a round of vulnerability assessment and mitigation, you’re not done. Vulnerability management is an ongoing process.
In 2022, there were over 22,500 new vulnerabilities documented. Developers continue to update their software continuously. Each of those updates can introduce new vulnerabilities into your network.
It’s a best practice to have a schedule for regular vulnerability assessments. The cycle of assessment, prioritization, mitigation, and documentation should be ongoing. This fortifies your network against cyberattacks. It removes one of the main enablers of hackers.
Get Started with a Vulnerability Assessment
Take the first step towards effective vulnerability management. We can help you fortify your network against attacks. Give us a call today to schedule a vulnerability assessment to get started.
This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
How Cloud Computing Is Revolutionizing the IT Solutions Industry in 2023
The Internet has transformed the world in obvious ways. You only have to look at someone using their phone to see that. Eyes down, a quick giggle or two, then calling home and asking whether to pick up Chinese or Mexican food for dinner. Finally, using the same device to Google the local food pick-up spots. In a productive way, the Internet has made high-performance cyborgs of us all.
But what you might not have noticed is the invisible revolution that’s been taking place behind the screen: cloud computing. Imagine if you had sold steel during the railway boom of the 1800s. That’s what cloud computing is to the Internet: laying the groundwork that makes the digital world possible. The way we save our data and store our files affects everything around us. That may be why the cloud computing market worldwide might hit $1 trillion by 2028.
That’s still a long way off. What revolutions are happening in the meantime? Let’s look at how cloud computing figures into the IT solutions industry in 2023. Where is it going? What innovations will have the biggest impact? And how will cloud computing surprise and delight us in ways we never could have imagined before?
The State of Cloud Computing 2023
If the rail boom of the 1800s defined a century, then Google “revolution of cloud computing” and you’ll see something similar is happening right around us.
First, let’s get up to speed. We all know cloud computing has made saving files much easier. Save a file to the cloud, access it somewhere else, and voila—you never have to worry about data backup.
But for many of us, that’s where our knowledge ends. Let’s consider all the other ways cloud computing has had a bottom-line impact across every industry:
- Reducing costs. File storage and additional security can cost a lot of server time. If you host your own servers, that provides some advantages, like control. But it costs a lot on the bottom line. Security, electricity, and storage can all run up quickly if you store all of your information locally. And if you don’t need to hire an MSP or additional IT technicians and security personnel to oversee your file storage, that adds up to tremendous savings on payroll.
- Increased efficiency. There’s a reason it’s called “cloud” computing, after all. It seems like your important files are saved on some invisible “cloud.” That highlights the efficiency of cloud computing. You can outsource your file storage and security to a third-party location. This untangles your own systems, increasing your efficiency. Imagine, for example, that you didn’t need to use desks—you could just borrow a work surface whenever you needed it. That’s the kind of bottom-line efficiency you get out of cloud computing.
- Flexibility. Switch devices? Sure. Worry about backing up your own files? Yeah, if you want to. But cloud computing’s remote security has added flexibility to our lives. We trust third-party servers to store our information. This takes a load off our minds, freeing us to focus on productive work.
That brings us to where we are now. But no matter how many “cloud computing industrial revolution” articles you might read, it still leaves one question unanswered:
Where is cloud computing going to take the IT solutions industry?
Cloud Computing and the IT Solutions Industry 2023
IT Solutions and cloud computing can have a love-hate relationship. Of course cloud computing is a boon to IT Solutions providers like MSPs. They often use it themselves for the reasons we just listed. But whenever an IT technician searches for “cloud computing revolution” online, it’s not always with curiosity in mind. They might be a bit suspicious of how much cloud computing is going to eat into their business.
We described it as a love-hate relationship for a reason. Let’s consider all of the factors at play in 2023:
What companies can outsource, they likely have outsourced already
After all, cloud computing is nothing new. It’s been a major portion of Microsoft’s income for a while. Even just this past quarter, headlines read: “Microsoft Cloud strength drives second quarter results.” Microsoft’s customers have already moved much of their systems and files to cloud solutions.
That includes file storage, yes. But it also includes solutions like Salesforce. Entire online shops run on solutions like Shopify.
This has eased the lives of IT technicians. After all, if there’s less IT for them to manage, then their lives are necessarily going to get easier. But companies also use cloud computing to outsource some of their IT work. This means fewer IT technicians being hired—there’s less to think about.
That isn’t the only challenge, however, because IT support specialists are still necessary. They may simply be necessary to handle the more difficult tasks—the ones that aren’t so easy to outsource to cloud solutions.
“Now that the simpler projects have been established on the cloud and the companies will be shifting,” writes Analytics Insight, “the more complex applications to the cloud in the hope of even better workplace efficiency.”
Cloud computing makes complex tasks simpler
When there are cloud-based solutions that only cost a fraction of the price of hiring a new team, most companies choose the former. Why wouldn’t they? Even at large-scale enterprise costs, many software solutions cost a fraction of what it would take to build out new solutions with human capital.
This means more companies are utilizing sophisticated information technology. After all, the solutions are easier to use than ever. If the average entrepreneur can figure out a complicated CRM (customer relationship management) software offering, it makes previously-complex tasks simpler. This provides more opportunities for businesses to scale. The simpler it is to onboard new employees and new systems, after all, the easier it is to replicate those systems as a company grows.
Where Cloud Computing Takes Us Beyond 2023
Where will cloud computing take us? It can go in all sorts of directions.
Forbes calls these “as yet undetermined opportunities.”
In NYC, for example, Forbes’ note on transportation is especially pertinent. “The Cloud’s infrastructure could enable the installation of a virtual computer in each car that would enable the development of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), where cars brake before they hit something,” writes Forbes. The minute ADAS becomes reliable enough to roll out safely, driverless cars are the next step.
Goodbye to Uber, taxi companies, and half the services in NYC and other metropolitan areas.
For the IT Solutions industry, this means information technology will become more important than ever, not less important. Yes, cloud computing could enable a veritable revolution in the way vehicles interact with the world. That’s bad news for taxi and truck drivers. But when a machine breaks down, it’s the IT professionals who have to step in.
This could also herald a revolution in ecommerce, as driverless trucks make it possible to host entire package-delivering fleets on the road, without having to scale up the amount of drivers you hire. Delivery fees could plummet, further providing incentives for customers to shop online. Once again, companies will be at the mercy of IT Solutions. They can’t afford to miss a delivery, after all.
The Cloud Computing Revolution for IT Services and MSPs
Though cloud computing might have made software more accessible to the masses, it’s also going to expand how many businesses rely on software. Many are looking at cloud computing as the 4th industrial revolution. At LI Tech Solutions, it’s our job to anticipate these changes—and make preparations for what that means for our clients. In the world of IT Services, the skill of knowing how to repair and maintain programs is going to be vital—in 2023 and beyond.