Author: ARRC Technology

With ransomware attacks, most people today have grown very much at home in the digital environment. Being online is now such a part of our daily lives. We chat with friends, go to meetings, do our shopping, and so many other things, all on our computers and mobile devices. And as we enjoy these technological conveniences of modern life, internet dangers lurk in every corner, yet many of us are unaware of them. A large majority of these dangers today come at us as ransomware.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that hackers employ to take your data or render it inaccessible, only relinquishing it after you pay a ransom. It’s just like how a regular ransom operation goes, except that the hostage, in this case, is data.

These attacks seldom happen independently. Usually, they are a component of a complex phishing strategy. Over the years, online criminals have developed more sophisticated methods to lure average individuals and even educated professionals.

How Serious Are Ransomware Attacks?

These days, it would surprise you at the hefty sums that exchange hands. Some multinational companies have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars because of a ransomware attack!

Ransomware has become a daily thing and is now one of the leading online threats worldwide. From 2020 to 2021, the number of ransomware attacks doubled. Throughout the pandemic, there has been a shift in the approach to large corporations that pay higher ransoms.

What’s the reason for the rise? Because it works. Sometimes the ransom seems unbelievably high, but it’s not a random number. Hackers consider how big a company is and how much they value its data. In setting a ransom, they make it lower than the price of data restoration. Hence, companies opt to pay the hackers and rely on their backup strategy. While the FBI discourages companies from paying the ransom, it might seem the only viable option.

Recent Victims of Major Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware attacks get mentioned in the news because hackers target governments and private businesses. Florida has seen seven separate ransomware attacks in 7 municipalities. Tallahassee paid half a million dollars in ransom to get their data back, using money that was supposed to be for employee payroll. In another case, the Riviera Beach government paid $600,000 worth of Bitcoin after a staff member became a victim of a phishing attack.

Even national governments have become victims of ransomware attacks. In Ecuador, over 40 million attempts took place to hack into their system, and they spent massive amounts of money to retrieve stolen data.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Business?

The best strategy for thwarting ransomware attacks is the same method for avoiding many other kinds of online threats. Take a proactive approach. Protect your system before the attack happens. Should a breach occur, you must also have a backup and recovery plan to fall back on.

Phishing is one of the most common means of entry for ransomware attacks. If you have trained your employees in online safety measures, these attacks are easy to remedy. You can use our Employee Readiness Check to gauge how your staff stands in terms of awareness of phishing and other online threats.

Do you think your business is ready for a ransomware attack? We can help you make an assessment. Call us today, and we will build a cybersecurity strategy to protect you from this increasingly dangerous online threat.

If you’d like to learn about the benefits that a MSP will provide for your company, download our free eBook, “The Ultimate Guide to Finding and Hiring a Superstar IT Solutions Provider for Businesses.” There are a ton of additional advantages you’ll find to keep your business safe and profitable. Download it today!

A Virtual Private Network, commonly known as a VPN, is a tool that protects your online identity by masking your IP address. It encrypts your data and keeps it safe from hackers. It sends your connection to an encrypted server in a location that you select, thus allowing you to bypass locational restrictions. VPNs are helpful for businesses and individuals that rely heavily on remote access. Many people also use VPNs for gaming, streaming, and when traveling.

There is no question about the usefulness of VPNs currently. The problem is that many people do not want to pay for this service, especially now that tons of free VPN services are available. If you are thinking of downloading a free VPN, let us stop you right now! Using a free VPN might save you a few dollars a month, but the payoff will be much more in the long run. Today, we talk about the real dangers that you are getting yourself into with the use of free VPNs.

Inadequate Data Protection

A good VPN uses a reliable method of encrypting your data to protect you from the prying eyes of hackers. Many free VPNs encrypt your data, but most still use the old PPTP method, which is not a reliable solution. But since it is the easiest to implement and does not require costly software, it is naturally the choice of free VPN operators.

The Risk of Malware Infection

Research shows that over 80% of free VPNs carry some malware. By downloading these free VPNs, you are also downloading malware that can wreak havoc on your devices. These statistics are very alarming since many sinister programs will collect sensitive data. Just imagine that even if a single employee uses a free VPN and inadvertently infects one of your computers, it can cause massive losses for your company. Therefore, employee training should be a priority in any company’s cybersecurity strategies.

Injected Advertisements

Most free online services come with ads. That’s how the provider makes money since the users are not paying for the service. These ads can be very annoying when they keep popping up, but that’s not even the worst part. Most injected ads will automatically redirect you to malware-infected sites or display pop-ups. These can cause damage to your system and expose you to phishing attacks should you accidentally click on the links.

Slow Internet Speed

Using a VPN can reduce your connection speed because it involves the encryption and decryption of your data to ensure the privacy of your internet usage. Most high-quality VPN subscriptions use powerful servers that can handle the extra processes, minimizing the lag you will experience on your end. With free VPNs, you will feel the delay. It will waste time while you wait for websites to load.

An MSP Can Help You Find the Best VPN

If you want a free VPN, look for one that uses open-source code, provides reliable encryption, does not slow down your connection, does not pop-up ads every few minutes, and does independent audits. We’re not saying these free VPNs do not exist, but they will be very hard to find. And we can help you find a VPN that fits your needs.

The best thing to do is to find a reliable VPN subscription that provides high-end protection at a reasonable fee. Most VPNs come with a free trial period, so you can take advantage of this to see if it would be a perfect fit or not.

If you’d like to learn more about safe VPN use and other ways to protect yourself online, check out our free downloadable eBook. We can also conduct a phishing test in your office to check if your employees are following the proper online safety practices. Call us to learn more!

Every business owner wants to achieve continued success for their business. Several processes and tasks need to be taken care of in creating and maintaining a successful business. Most owners cannot handle these because there is too much to do and not enough time. For this reason, many business owners rely on the services of IT managed service providers, or MSPs.

If you’re a regular reader of our blogs, you’ll remember that we have covered some of the most valuable services MSPs can provide for your business. Here is a quick look back at those services and how they can boost your overall business performance.

Quarterly Business Reviews

Quarterly business reviews, or QBRs, give a thorough and accurate assessment of your business performance over the last three months. While you can conduct your QBR, it is much better to relegate the job to an MSP, who will give a completely unbiased review of your business. The QBR lets you know the areas where your business needs improvement and which ones are doing well.

Technology Business Consulting

If you find it hard to understand IT processes at work or are clueless when solving IT-related problems, join the club! Most business owners are not IT experts, but the technology business consulting services offered by MSPs can be very helpful in giving you at least a solid understanding of the basic concepts and functions needed to run your business.

Technology Hardware Programs

Like the previous service, technology hardware programs are helpful for non-techy business owners. You no longer need to confuse yourself by figuring out which hardware to use. Your MSP will recommend and help you choose the best equipment that meets your needs.

Vendor Management

If you work with suppliers of products or services regularly, vendor management services can be very beneficial. Efficient vendor management will lead to a better professional relationship with your vendors and reduce overall expenses by speeding up the onboarding process and guaranteeing that they complete all deliveries on time.

Operating Environment

Smooth and organized operations are crucial to the success of a business, both on a day-to-day basis and in the long term. With an MSP ensuring that your operating environment is seamless, you can enjoy benefits like full coordination between multiple locations, adequate bandwidth for all business processes, and being updated with current technology trends.

Business Phone System

When your MSP sets up your modern business phone system, you can enjoy benefits like integrating several phone functions, cost efficiency, and scalability. The phone systems that are available today also have built-in functions to protect privacy, increase data security, and broaden access for your clients and business partners.

Cloud Computing

We have repeatedly stated how the cloud network has proven to be instrumental in the growth of many businesses, and we will repeat it here. For a very reasonable monthly fee, the cloud gives you access to advanced business tools that you would otherwise have to spend hundreds of dollars on. It also gives you unlimited storage space for all your business data and programs, which makes it easier for you to grow. Cloud computing also increases the productivity of your employees and minimizes system downtimes that disrupt business operations.

Security

Network and data security are crucial to businesses now more than ever when online threats are so rampant. One slip and you might inadvertently expose your business to serious security risks. On your own, all you can do is install an antivirus program and implement basic security precautions. But with the help of an MSP, you can safeguard your business in its entirety, and your network and data are secure.

Business Budgeting and Planning

It might seem unnecessary to use IT resources for something as basic as budgeting, but these days, even this fundamental business procedure has become quite complicated. With the prevalence of hidden costs almost everywhere you look, you will need to monitor your business spending to ensure that you don’t spend more than you should. Our hidden costs calculator can help reveal these unnecessary expenses so you will avoid them in the future.

Final Thoughts

When you look at these tasks individually, you will probably be able to accomplish them well on your own. However, you can’t just pick one or two of these processes. You’ll have to do every single one of them. How can you do that yet still have time to run your business?

We can provide all these business services and so much more. If you want to learn more, call us to discuss in greater detail just how we can help boost the performance of your business. To make sure you are using an MSP that works best for you, we are offering you an on-demand webinar where we talk about choosing the best managed service provider. Click HERE to listen to this important information and let us know if we can assist you in any way.

No matter what kind of business you run or what industry you are in, we all know that technology is crucial to our success. Using the right technology can put your business on the path toward growth and success. And a lack of proper IT tools and strategies could make you fall behind your rivals and lose considerable profits.

Practical Applications of Technology for the Modern Business

Most business owners understand that a reliable IT system is necessary for network security. Internal and external communications, database management, and other high-priority areas. But IT is also valuable in improving practically all aspects of your business. Let’s look at the following not-so-typical applications.

Onboarding

In most companies, onboarding is the transition process your new employees go through right after they come aboard. This process can take a lot of time. Through technology, you can speed up the onboarding process by using paperless forms, digital introductions, and online training, allowing your new employee to adjust quickly and work with minimal delays.

Offboarding

Similarly, when an employee leaves the company, there is an offboarding process for efficiently managing their exit to reduce business risk and workflow disruption. Manual employee offboarding is the traditional method, but we have already shown this to be risky and tedious. With the help of technology, you can increase the speed and efficiency of the entire process while also strengthening the security of your business.

Cloud Computing

The cloud platform is a very cost-effective alternative to traditional business solutions. By transferring a portion of your operations onto the cloud, you can save funds you might otherwise spend on physical hardware. In addition, you will also enjoy better resource management, increased efficiency, and portability of business operations.

Business Automation

By automating business processes like data collection, billing, and monitoring, you can relieve your staff of these tasks and let them concentrate on their duties. Using technology frees up time for your employees and reduces business costs.

Information Security

Online threats are continuously becoming more rampant in this digital age. Employing the right IT strategies for security is crucial to keeping your data and your network safe. It also protects the confidentiality of your business information and the privacy of your employees.

Remote Work

Technology allows people to work from remote locations and deliver high-quality performance without being physically present at the workplace. This benefit has been helpful in the last couple of years. Also, remote work gives businesses easy, fast and convenient access to experts from any part of the world.

Business Expansion

There are a lot of tasks to take care of during business expansion, like scouting for a new location. Canvassing for new suppliers, hiring new employees, purchasing new equipment, and so on. By using technology, these procedures can be simplified and made more organized.

Ways to Keep Your Business Updated with the Latest Technology

Having the right technology for efficiently running your business is essential, but not enough. Keep your business updated with the latest IT solutions as time passes. Technology changes rapidly, so you need to keep up with it to stay ahead of the competition. Here are some of the best ways you can keep your business updated.

Being Proactive

As opposed to being reactive, being proactive means being able to expect new IT developments and plan for these changes accordingly. Instead of solving a technical problem when it happens, you should be able to predict it and already have the necessary IT solutions in place before it even arrives.

Partner with an MSP

Since most small businesses can’t stay on top of technology on their own, the practical solution is to work with an MSP, or managed service provider. A good MSP will keep your technology updated for you. Choosing the right MSP helps your business keep up with technology and provides many other services for the growth of your business. If you need and help with new technology, or if you’re ready for upgrading your old equipment, we are here to help you. It’s our job to make sure your business operates as smoothly as possible. To make sure you are using an MSP that works best for you, we are offering you an on-demand webinar where we talk about choosing the best managed service provider. Click HERE to listen to the webinar and let us know if we can assist you in any way.

In the digital era that we live in, we cannot overemphasize the significance of an IT provider for the different aspects of your business. It is impossible to start or operate a business without relying partly on IT services and support. It is a challenge to stay competitive in your industry if you do not have a trusted IT person or managed services provider by your side.

Ways of Getting IT Support

There are different ways to get the IT support you need for your business. Each method has its pros and cons, and the choice will depend on your business. And the particular needs of your operations.

Having an Internal IT Guy

Some companies hire an IT expert as a regular employee, which seems convenient as there will always be someone to rely on if any technical issues arise. However, this is a limited strategy since you will only benefit from the skills of a single individual. And they will not be available on weekends, holidays, vacation days, or when they’re sick.

Break-Fix Method

Many small businesses use this method, which means they will only hire an IT professional whenever the situation calls for it. When something breaks, they will contact an IT professional to fix it. This approach appears to be the most cost-efficient, but when emergencies happen, especially outside business hours, it might not be easy to find help.

Managed Service Provider

Contracting an MSP is the most reliable way of getting IT support for your business. Working with an MSP gives you access to top-quality support and other services you may need. They will not only fix your problems but can also help you set up, manage your network, improve your data security, and even grow your business.

Choosing Your IT Provider

As in any other industry, there are some problems that you might encounter with hiring an IT expert. Some providers might not have the right skills you need. Consequently, certain individuals may impose unreasonable prices. Some do not communicate well or respond too slowly when you need them. To avoid these problems, be meticulous when selecting your MSP.

Interviewing a Potential IT Service Provider

The interview is the first and possibly the only time that you will get up close and personal with a potential IT provider. So you need to take this opportunity to ask the right questions. There might be dozens of things that you want to know. But given the limited time of an interview, it is best to stick to the most important topics. Ask them about the IT services they will provide for network upkeep, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity insurance. Ask about the level of expertise they possess and gauge whether this will be sufficient for the needs of your business. It is also worth asking about their guarantees for task completion before deadlines and within the budget. We have compiled a list of 21 crucial questions that you should ask a potential IT provider before hiring them. Click here to check out the list.

Knowing When to Replace Your IT Guy

Despite your intense scrutiny during the interview, you may still hire someone who is not the best fit for your business. For this reason, you must consider the first few days or weeks of a new IT provider to be a period of observation. Watch out for signs that show that you might have made the wrong choice. For starters, if they are consistently late or do not show any sense of urgency when you call in an emergency issue, then it would be best to replace them immediately. The same is true if you find out they bill you with extra charges not mentioned in the initial quote you’ve received. Or if they make the initial problem worse or more complicated because they could not deal with it properly.

Conclusion

IT services are crucial for your business, but you should not just get them from anyone. You must have the right IT service provider to ensure smooth operation and the ultimate success of your business. We have prepared an on-demand webinar that illustrates what could happen if you do not have a MSP. When you partner with us as your Managed Service Provider, you will get superior technical support and reliable customer service. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss how we can help take your business to the next level!