Category Archives: Technology

8 Ways Technology Will Grow Your Business in 2023

grow your business in 2023
Manage Service, Security, Technology, , , , ,

Technology continues to play a role in the growth of businesses. But if you can’t keep up with what’s going on in your field, you might fall behind in the competition. Even worse, you might put your business at huge risk in online safety. That is an absolute no-no if you want to grow your business in 2023.

The rapid changes in technology in 2023 might seem scary, but don’t let them overwhelm you. All you need to do is stay on top of whatever technology is available and use it to your advantage. And the first step to achieving this is awareness. Hence, to give you a heads-up, here are 8 ways technology will grow your business in 2023.

Use Artificial Intelligence to Grow Your Business in 2023

Created to replicate the way humans think, artificial intelligence is now found in vast and diverse applications. AI is used a lot in business for online shopping, advertising, web search, digital assistants, stopping fraud, and more. The two most notable benefits of AI are that it saves you time and resources and gives you more detailed insights that will help you improve your business.

Cloud-Based Solutions

Cloud-based solutions are among the most significant technologies to help grow your business in 2023. Instead of limiting your business to the limited physical resources you have, cloud solutions give you a lot of ways to grow your business. Aside from the web-based services readily available, there are business-focused cloud solutions like SaaS, IaaS, PaaS, and many more.

Cybersecurity Solutions

As technology grows, so do the capabilities of hackers. This threat means the need for reliable cybersecurity measures is more critical now than ever. Fortunately, there are many ways that you can use modern technology to boost your defenses. Always stay a few steps ahead of cybercriminals by equipping your system with the latest cybersecurity tools and solutions. Simple things like multi-factor authentication or phishing simulations can go a long way.

Internet of Things

The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the network of objects, devices, and data systems that connect through sensors and software applications. Because practically everything is located online, the IoT plays a role in keeping your business in line with current technology trends. Through IoT, you can eliminate some of your business’ overhead costs and boost efficiency by a large margin. This will help reduce business finances and help grow your business in 2023.

Automation to Grow Your Business in 2023

Time is a precious resource, and with time management, automation is a godsend. Automation technology is very advanced. It is now easy to automate processes in lead generation, sales, e-commerce, and even customer service. Take advantage of the simplification that it brings and watch your business grow at a much faster rate.

Vendor Management

For a smaller business, vendor management is a relatively simple process that is done manually. But as your business grows and you add more suppliers, you can use a more effective way to keep costs down, get the most out of each one, and reduce risks. It’s time to upgrade to a more modern and capable VMS or vendor management system, for your operations.

Renewable Energy

Using renewable energy was not so popular back in the day when fossil fuels and other traditional energy sources were more popular. But with technology in 2023, not only is it much more affordable to use renewable energy today, but it saves millions of dollars for many industries.

Quantum Computing to Grow Your Business in 2023

Quantum computing is one area of technology that businesses should keep an eye on in 2023, even though it isn’t as common as the other examples. Research in quantum technology is moving forward quickly. This new technology will make improvements to both software and hardware, which is great for business growth.

As we said, technology can be daunting but empowering at the same time. If you are ready to benefit from the latest IT advances but a bit of hesitation is holding you back, we are right here! From explaining the need for a reliable managed service provider to being your partner in using technology to grow your business, SystemsNet has got your back.

To download our Free Infographic on why you need Vendor Management, click here. Call us today for a free consultation!

What Is IT Security and IT Compliance?

IT Security
Cybersecurity, Security, Technology, , , , , ,

IT security and IT compliance are two essential matters for any business or organization. Many people think they are the same, while others frequently confuse one for the other. They are not the same thing, but when implemented together, they can provide maximum digital safety and minimize the risk of data breaches and other online threats. In this article, we’ll explain which is which and why both require your attention.

What Is IT Security?

As the term implies, IT security refers to ensuring the security of a company’s or organization’s IT infrastructure. When creating a security strategy for your business, IT security experts usually have two goals to achieve. First, it should be able to thwart cyberattacks that will damage the system or put the company’s data in danger. Second, it should give attackers a way to do as little damage as possible if they get through the defenses.

When developing an IT security strategy, a few key points must be considered. Some of the most important ones are the confidentiality of sensitive data, the integrity of the system, and the accessibility of vital information and systems.

With these goals in mind, it is easy to see that IT security involves best practices to guarantee the safety and protection of an organization, regardless of the industry or size of the business.

What Is IT Compliance?

IT compliance is about meeting the needs of a third party so that the business operations or services are accepted. For example, governments have rules about technology that companies must follow if they want to do business legally in the government’s territory. Some industries also have specific IT guidelines that we must follow. IT compliance also includes meeting the contractual terms of a client or customer.

Most times, IT compliance overlaps with IT security. Many of the requirements have to do with protecting the system and data. However, the purpose of IT compliance is to meet specific requirements. If you can’t meet these requirements, you might not get a license or certification that you need, or a potential client might not choose you for their project.

What Are the Differences between IT Security and Compliance?

Although they have some similarities, IT security and IT compliance have three major differences.

1. What They Protect

IT security protects your business’s data and IT infrastructure. This is done by using best practices and the best protection possible. IT compliance safeguards your company’s operations by ensuring that all rules are followed. This protection lets your business run smoothly and without problems.

2. Who They Benefit

Your company is the one that benefits from IT security procedures because it is your data and your network that are guarded from online risks. With IT compliance, you have some benefits, but its primary purpose is to meet the demands of a third party.

3. How They Are Implemented

IT compliance is when a third party sets specific requirements, and once these requirements are met, the job is considered done. But IT security requires ongoing upgrades and maintenance to fight current threats. It needs to change with your business and may need to be updated and improved all the time.

If you need help with either of these aspects of your business, it is best to enlist the services of experts rather than attempt to tackle it with limited skill or experience.

We can prepare a solid strategy to keep your company protected, and we can help your business recover quickly if you become the victim of a cyberattack. Just give us a call, and we’ll be on it right away! In the meantime, download our FREE Infographic to learn Ten Tips on what to do after you’ve been hacked.

A Guide to Protecting Your PII

pii
Cybersecurity, Data Backup, Security, Technology, , , , , ,

PII is short for Personal Identifiable Information, which refers to any data that can identify a specific person. A hacker can exploit your PII to gain access to restricted areas, make unapproved purchases under your name, or even steal your identity entirely. To keep these incidents from happening, you must know about protecting your personally identifiable information. This is a practice that you must do both online and offline.

Physical Ways of Protecting Your PII

Although we now do most of our business online, there is still a lot of tangible data that hackers can get their hands on if you are not careful. Mail, account statements, and utility bills all have PII like your name, full address, and account numbers on them. Thus, you need to keep these documents safe from data thieves.

Secure Storage

One of the crucial steps in protecting your personal identifiable information is the safe storage of your documents. You can start by having a lock on your mailbox, which is a must. You can also use a secure PO Box where only you can access your mail. It is also advisable to keep your important documents in a fireproof safe at home instead of carrying them around in your purse.

Scrutinize Your Mail

When you get bills or account statements, go through them carefully and check for items you might not recognize. Even better, check your financial statements online regularly instead of waiting for the paper bill. Mail is notorious for including your PII, and is why mail theft is so common.

Use a Shredder

Never throw away bank statements or any financial documents, even if you don’t need them anymore. Hackers are not beneath the practice of dumpster diving, trying to recover any data that can help them do their dirty work. Invest in a personal shredder that you can use to dispose of sensitive documents.

Digital Ways of Protecting Your PII

It is now much easier for hackers to get access to people’s data because almost everything is online. Be very careful when traversing the web to keep your PII safe.

Choose Strong Passwords

Good passwords are hard to figure out because they use a combination of letters, numbers, and other special characters. Change your passwords at least once a month for more security.

Use Only One Credit Card

You are at greater risk of having your credit card information stolen if you frequently shop online. Don’t use more than one credit card when shopping online, this will keep your PII safer and less likely to be stolen.

Be Mindful

Whether you are browsing the web, checking your email, or checking your social media accounts, always keep your guard up. Do not click on suspicious links or attachments, and ignore pop-ups because these are all likely to contain malware.

PII: Steps to Take If You Think You Were Hacked

Despite all your precautions for protecting your personal identifiable information, you may still feel that someone has compromised your data. There are a few critical things that you need to take care of right away. Instead of going into a full-blown panic, we strongly recommend that you follow our FREE 10-step guide on what to do if you think you have been hacked. You might feel helpless at first, but by following this guide, you will get on the road to recovery much faster and have a good chance of recovering your data and regaining control of your network. To learn more about protecting your personally identifiable information and keeping your network safe, you can check out the many useful resources we have or give us a call!

What Is Social Engineering and How Can It Affect Your Business?

social engineering
Cybersecurity, Phishing, Security, Technology, , , , , , ,

Terms like phishing and malware have become very common terms these days because of their widespread use online. Did you know that these activities are but a small part of a much bigger operation known as social engineering?

Definition of Social Engineering

The term might be new but the practice has been going on for centuries. It’s the infiltration of something secure, intending to acquire information or secure access through cunning means. With the use of modern technology, social engineering is now possible with the victims not even knowing. If you are caught unprepared, as a result, this could potentially lead to the downfall of your business.

External Threats in Social Engineering

Businesses these days rely heavily on technology across all operations and as a result, it makes our life easier. This gives social engineers vast opportunities to trick people into providing all sorts of information, such as the following.

Phishing

Phishing is by far the most prevalent form of social engineering attack. It is a very straightforward kind of trickery, and that simplicity is also the reason why it is so effective. Through an authentic-looking email, the hacker would take victims to websites that look real and ask them to log in, which many people would do without a second glance. Just like that, you would just as well be giving the hackers the keys to your network.

Spear Phishing

This kind of social engineering attack is a highly targeted version of phishing. It is directed at specific victims and involves a great deal of preparation, making use of contacts and references very familiar to the targeted victim, making the scam almost imperceptible.

Baiting

Just as the term suggests, this strategy is all about enticing the victim to fall for the bait. There are many approaches to this, like telling them they won something then asking to click on a link to claim the prize, or letting them know that their computer has been infected and again, getting them to click on a link that will supposedly fix the problem.

Internal Threats in Social Engineering

Once a hacker is in the system, there are countless ways that they can steal information or wreak havoc on your business. So getting their foot in the door is of the utmost priority for many of these devious social engineers.

Doing this physically is not as difficult as it might seem. One of the commonly used methods is tailgating or entering the premises on the pretense that they are an authorized entity. Many hackers also take advantage of what they can glean from public information, which is surprisingly a lot, especially if they have the patience to do a regular observation of the target area, or are willing to go dumpster diving.

How to Keep Your Business Safe from Social Engineering Threats

It’s quite scary to think that many use social engineering tactics today, but with awareness and the presence of mind, you can easily avoid becoming a victim. Simple practices like refraining from opening suspicious-looking emails and attachments would be very helpful. It is also advisable to implement multifactor authentication in all your systems and to keep your antivirus software updated.

In conclusion, as a business owner, it would be in your best interest to have all employees undergo training that will equip them with the tools and skills needed to circumvent any social engineering attack. You can find out just how much your staff knows about social engineering and other online threats by having them take this free cybersecurity quiz.

We can help bolster your company’s defenses against online threats of all kinds. From training your employees to updating your network, we can cover for you. Just let us know when you are ready and we will be happy to be of service!