3 Cybersecurity Strategies Businesses Must Think About

Cybersecurity Strategies

If your business struggles with network security, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most challenging parts of running a business, and even if you do invest a ton of time, effort, and money into your security systems, chances are you could still be doing at least something better. Today, we want to talk about three cybersecurity strategies you can use to improve your company’s security without completely draining your bank account.

Encrypt Whenever Possible

Encryption in and of itself will make your data and communications more secure. It scrambles your data so that it is unrecognizable to your average viewer. Encryption helps to keep your data secure from those who might harm it or steal it. Some common ways businesses implement encryption include virtual private networks, which encrypt traffic moving to and from your network to any connected devices. Other businesses might encrypt data storage, as well as communications. If you want to get started with encryption, a good place to begin is by calling us!

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication is a practice which attempts to make the password obsolete through the implementation of additional authentication measures. Basically, instead of using one credential to access an account, you use multiple credentials of various types. We recommend that you use something you have (a smartphone), something you know (a password), and something you are (a biometric) to keep as many accounts secure as possible. With so many barriers to your data, hackers are sure to hesitate against your network.

Practice Zero-Trust Cybersecurity Strategies

Zero-trust policies have gained a lot of traction in the business world, and it’s easy to see why. They are a means to guarantee that whoever is accessing important data on your infrastructure is who they claim to be. If the user cannot verify their identity, they cannot access the data, period. This goes for anyone, not just the average office worker. Even executives are subject to the same zero-trust policies. This helps to make data much more secure and controlled, and while it can be a bit tricky to implement, we recommend trying it out if you can.

Don’t let security be a major pain point for your business. Get started with better solutions today by reaching out to us at 954.474.2204.

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How To Protect Your Technology While Traveling

Young male character working on their laptop during the flight, modern millennial lifestyle and remote work. protect your technology

Traveling is one way that many of us are attempting to feel less isolated and alone during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, a certain level of caution must be exercised regarding the technology we use while we travel. Here are some ways to protect your technology and stay in check while traveling this holiday season.

Be Cautious of Your Internet Connections

A secure Internet connection is hard to come by while traveling, so you need to make sure that you are being especially cautious in places where large groups of people gather, like airports and hotels. You can never be too sure of what’s lurking on wireless networks, especially in places like the above that are not necessarily secure the way your on-premises network might be. It would be best always to use a Virtual Private Network or VPN when working remotely or outside the office.

However, it’s important to note that there is a big difference between consumer-based VPN solutions and commercial ones. Consumer-based VPNs like NordVPN, TunnelBear, and ExpressVPN might be effective for traveling, but they are not commercial solutions. They encrypt data sent over Wi-Fi but remember that you get what you pay for. If you want to secure your business’ connections, then you should be prepared to work with high-quality products like the ones WheelHouse IT recommends.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication and Location Services on Mobile Devices

If you have ever lost a device, you know how stressful it can be. It’s even worse if you have lost it while traveling and not in the comfort of your own home. It would help if you took extra precautions in these situations to make sure that your data is protected, like enabling multi-factor authentication and location services whenever possible. This will help you protect your data and potentially even track down your device should you lose it.

Implement Mobile Device Policies

If you cannot find your device, you must have the capability to wipe all data from it as a precaution. Having device policies in place for each user on your network that might use a mobile device is a crucial step to protect your technology.

Along with this, you also want to keep in mind that doing so means that any data stored on the device will be gone for good. Therefore, this mustn’t be the only place this data is stored. All of this data should be stored on your business’ central network storage. Then, backed up regularly to prevent data loss.

WheelHouseIT wants to help your business stay safe while your employees are traveling. To learn more, reach out to us at (954) 474-2204.

Best Secure Email Solutions for 2023

secure email

What Is the Best Encrypted Secure Email Service?

Maintaining a high level of security is essential when it comes to email. It is crucial to have a secure email system in place, particularly since email for corporate communication is becoming more widespread.

Anyone, especially business owners, should take extra security measures to ensure that their email communications are protected from prying eyes, whether those eyes belong to a busybody colleague or a hacker attempting to break into your network. Fortunately, this is when encrypted email services come into play. 

Email encryption is a layer of security that ensures only the email recipients can read the entire message. If you want to send emails more securely, signing up for an email encryption service can be your best option.

However, finding secure email providers may be challenging today due to numerous choices. Not to mention the rise of some popular email service providers, such as Zoho Mail, Office 365, Apple Mail, and Google Workspace. You can do a few simple things to protect your email account.

How to Secure Your Email with the Best Encrypted Service

Here are some tips to help you secure your email with the best-encrypted service:

Pick a Password That Is Difficult To Crack

Since we spend so much time online, we must have strong passwords to safeguard our online accounts and personal information. When you set up a password for your email account, whether it’s Zoho Mail, Outlook, Apple Mail, or Google, you should choose a password that is difficult for others to figure out.

A secure master password should be at least eight characters long and comprise a combination of letters, numbers, and special symbols. It is also essential that you avoid using phrases that are simple to figure out, such as “password” or “123456.”

It is highly recommended that you use a separate password for each online account. Moreover, you can use a password manager to create and store secure passwords. It is crucial to have strong passwords to protect your information, even if it may take a little bit of additional effort to make them.  

Make Sure Two-Factor Authentication Is Activated

You can add an extra layer of security to your account by using something called two-factor authentication. To access your account using two-factor authentication, in addition to entering your password, you will be asked to input a code that has been delivered to your mobile or other trusted device.

A private encryption key or code must be entered before accessing your account. Because of this, it will be much more difficult for someone to hack into your account, as they would require access to both your password and your phone.

Refrain From Using Free Public Wi-Fi Networks

Staying away from public Wi-Fi connections is one of the most effective strategies to keep your email safe. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, all the emails in transit go through an unprotected network or mail servers. This risks your personal information because active users on the same network or email servers can steal your data anytime.

Use a VPN

Utilizing a VPN, also known as a virtual private network, is another method to safeguard your email. You should also be aware of the danger posed by IP address tracking. Your IP address might be revealed and used by hackers to get access to your account or private data in certain situations. Since a virtual private network (VPN) protects all the content you transmit and receive, it is far more difficult for a third party to steal your details, such as credit card information or address book.

Avoid Clicking on Any Links That Seem Dubious

Spam messages, phishing emails, or any incoming messages with dangerous links are methods that hackers use to get access to your account. You might be sent to a malicious website if you click on one of these links. If you click on the link, you can be sent to a fraudulent website or a contact portal that has been designed to seem just like the login page for your email service provider. After you have entered your login information on this screen, the hacker can access your account.

To prevent this, make it a habit to click on links coming only from reliable sources. You may also avoid being scammed using email aliases or disposable email addresses.

Make Frequent Updates to Your Software

Be sure you are using the most recent version of your software at all times; this is an additional step you can take to safeguard your email. Maintaining up-to-date software and security features, including your operating system and web browser, is one of the best ways to defend yourself against cyberattacks since hackers are constantly developing new techniques to take advantage of security flaws in older software versions.

There are a variety of additional steps you may take to boost the safety of your email communications. But in the end, it’s collaborating with an IT support company that’ll offer the best security for your data and provide you the peace of mind of knowing that your email contents are safe. 

Work With a Reputable IT Support Provider

Although encryption may seem a big task, an IT support team can help you get started. Several trustworthy IT support providers can help you establish and manage an encrypted email system with robust security features. Working with a reliable IT service provider for your email encryption needs comes with many additional advantages, including the following:

They will provide you with the most recent version of the program available.

When you partner with an IT service company, they will see that you have the latest edition of any email encryption software you may need. This is significant because the field of email encryption is in a state of ongoing change and evolution. You need to ensure that you are employing the best software and advanced tools available to you.

They’ll take care of updates for you as needed.

Working with an IT support company also has the advantage of having all upgrades handled automatically. The company will manage all necessary updates and security fixes, so you don’t have to.

You can count on them for professional assistance.

When you deal with an IT support company, you can be confident that your email encryption requirements are met with knowledgeable professionals’ help. This is important since email encryption may be a complicated matter. You need to be sure that you have somebody who can handle your concerns. Then, assist you in solving any possible difficulties.

They can quickly identify the solution that effectively meets your needs.

It can be challenging to determine which email encryption solution is the best for your company. There is such a wide array of options are available. An IT specialist can evaluate your requirements and provide advanced tools and services that will be most suitable for you.

Having an IT support team is cost-effective and time-saving.

This is because they can supply you with a unified solution that addresses all of your requirements. Contrary to if you were to cobble together various products and messaging services.

In general, forming a partnership with a company that provides IT services is the most effective way to guarantee your email communication’s safety and protection.

WheelHouse IT

At WheelHouse IT, we know how critical it is to maintain compliance and security for your company. Because of this, we provide email encryption services to assist your business in recognizing legitimate senders. Additionally, this prevents unauthorized parties from gaining access to confidential information.

Our technique for encrypting emails uses digital signatures to convey to recipients that the sender is genuine, and the content has not been altered. This guarantees the safety of your communications and your company’s continued compliance with the standards set by the industry.

In addition, we also provide a variety of other services, including the following:

  • Managed IT Services
  • Secure Cloud Storage Solutions
  • Web Design and Marketing
  • Web Hosting
  • Cybersecurity Services
  • Structured Cabling
  • Mobile Device Management

Employing these services will provide you the confidence that your business is utilizing the most up-to-date and effective security procedures and tools. All while protecting the confidentiality, accessibility, and integrity of your data.

Secure Email Service: In a Nutshell

Ultimately, email encryption is a must-have for businesses operating in the modern world. Your email communication can be guaranteed safe and in full conformity with the industry’s standards when you work with a company specializing in IT services.

IT companies provide a variety of methods to protect the privacy and security of your electronic correspondence. This includes two-factor authentication, digital signatures, managed IT services, and secure cloud storage solutions. Working with a seasoned staff ensures that your company uses the best practices.

Signs That Your Technology May Be Failing

failing technology

As a small business owner or a manager, you will eventually come across a situation where you have to determine whether or not a piece of technology needs to be replaced or removed altogether. The first and probably the most critical decision you need to make is how this technology affects your specific product, service, or company. If the piece of technology can still be utilized, it promotes efficiency and productivity, or is simply a benefit to the company, then the answer is clear. Unfortunately, sometimes the answer is not always that easy. Continue reading to learn about the various types of technology and the signs that they might fail.

Failing Server Hard Drives

The most common computing environments use hard disk drives, also known as HDDs. These hard drives typically last between three to five years and will have indications that a failure is approaching. Some possible signs include the following:

  • The disk drive is making strange noises, such as clicking, whirring, or humming
  • Repeated crashes and software errors
  • Repeated disk errors
  • Strange computer behavior

If it has already reached this point, it is likely too late and possibly affecting your business operations. Fortunately, there are various monitoring utilities that will give IT administrators early warnings of a possible hard drive failure. Action can be taken before the failure results in data loss or disrupts your business.

Other computing environments may have solid-state drives, also known as SSD. SSDs are known to last longer, between five to seven years. Solid-state drives do not always provide indications of failure like HDDs normally would. Therefore, monitoring of SSD should be done on a regular basis. The software can be downloaded and will allow the monitoring of SSD.

Besides routine monitoring, there are some signs of SSD failure. These include the constant “popping up” of error messages, files that cannot be read or written, and frequent crashes during the boot phase. Upgrading the hard drive before a major failure of your systems would keep downtime and all the related costs to a minimum.

Networking Equipment

Networking problems can result in the disruption of business operations. The loss of access to the Internet can result in employees being unable to perform their job duties, thus negatively affecting productivity, efficiency, and overall profit to the company. If your company is having difficulty staying connected or receiving the right amount of bandwidth needed, you may have an issue with the router, switch, or another part of the networking system.

What is worse than having failing hardware? Not having that hardware in the first place. If your business needs assistance with its wireless network, mobile computing management system, or any other system, the IT professionals at WheelHouse IT can help. If your IT systems seem like they are failing, we can conduct a full assessment of your company’s technology today. For more information or any questions, please contact us at 954.474.2204. 

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