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Blog Articles from ATS Communciations

Why Are Cloud Video Surveillance Systems Beneficial

December 1st, 2023 by admin

A person about to touch a digital surveillance camera icon

Security systems have come a long way from the good old alarms that would ring a bell when someone entered your premises in the dead of the night without an invite. Cloud video surveillance involves the use of cameras that capture video footage...

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Posted in: Cloud

How Email Security Can Protect Your Business

November 16th, 2023 by admin

A hand about to press a blue digital lock

In the digital age, email has become the lifeblood of business communication. The channel helps build relationships with clients and make final decisions, and vital information flows through it. However, this essential tool is also a prime...

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Posted in: Security

ATS Receives Managed IT Industry’s Top Award

May 19th, 2023 by admin

2 people handshaking with transparent network overlays

Technology Assurance Group Recognizes ATS Communications as the Elite Provider at their 22nd Annual Convention CONCORD, CA – ATS, a leading managed security and IT services provider, announced today that the company received Technology Assurance...

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Posted in: Press Releases

How Video Surveillance Solutions Benefit Your Business

April 25th, 2023 by admin

 A photo of a security camera attached to a building

Video surveillance solutions for businesses are used to monitor and protect facilities, employees, inventory, the public, and much more. These systems provide a variety of features, such as motion detection, facial recognition,...

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Posted in: Security

Unified Communications as a Service Improves Employee Mobility

April 4th, 2023 by admin

A woman using her phone to have a video conference with her colleague

Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) is an all-in-one communications solution that combines voice, video, messaging, and collaboration functions into a single platform. UCaaS enables users to communicate using any device or application from...

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Posted in: Solutions

Reasons to Use Multi-Factor Authentication

February 22nd, 2023 by admin

Photo of a multi-factor authentication request on screen

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security used to ensure that only authorized individuals can access a system or application. This type of security requires users to provide more than one form of authentication,...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services

The Importance of Cyber Security Awareness Training

February 10th, 2023 by admin

A person using an e-learning platform to learn new skills and gain knowledge

Cyber security awareness training is a program designed to educate employees about the risks of cyber-attacks and other digital threats, the importance of establishing secure online practices, and how to respond if they become victims of an attack....

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Posted in: Services

Leveraging Powerful Artificial Intelligence Anti-Phishing Technology to Keep Email Inboxes Safe

January 24th, 2023 by admin

A login form on a business card with a fishing hook in it. Phishing concept.

Leading MTSP Shares Why Email Is an Easy Way to Destroy A Company's Network CONCORD, CA - ATS Communications, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), recently announced that they are protecting small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) with...

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Posted in: Press Releases

Why Dark Web Scanning Is Important

January 24th, 2023 by admin

A hacker wearing a gray sweatshirt using a laptop

Dark web scanning is the process of actively seeking out publicly available data related to an organization, its employees, customers, vendors, or partners on the dark web. This process looks for indicators that could be used by malicious actors to...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services

The Benefits of Antivirus and Email Filtering

December 16th, 2022 by admin

A fish hook in a credit card. Phishing concept.

Antivirus and email filtering are important tools in keeping your computer safe from malicious activity. By regularly performing security scans and monitoring incoming emails, these programs can help protect you from online threats such as viruses,...

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Posted in: Security

Educating Customers on the Importance of Cybersecurity Insurance

September 21st, 2022 by admin

A blue lock with a human hand pointing at the lock

Leading MTSP Shares How to Protect Businesses from Cybercrime CONCORD, CA - ATS Communications, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), is educating small to mid-sized business (SMB) owners on how they can protect their organizations...

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Posted in: Press Releases

How Can Desktop Management Benefit Your Business?

March 31st, 2022 by admin

Close up of business man's hand using tablet with digital code design overlay.

Businesses across industries invest a lot of time and put in hard work to ensure their network's health and performance. After all, if something goes wrong with the system, the productivity of your business is likely to suffer. But with...

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Posted in: Services

ATS, High-End Innovative IT Services for Bay Area Businesses

April 1st, 2021 by admin

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For more than 40 years, ATS has provided innovative technology to California businesses. We pride ourselves on our reputation of designing, implementing, and proactively supporting solutions for clients. Our technology solutions provide companies...

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Posted in: Cloud, Services, Solutions

Helping Businesses Shift from Survival Mode to Strategic Growth Mode in 2021

February 23rd, 2021 by admin

A man in a dress shirt and tie with the sleeves rolled up point his finger down towards a tablet he is holding as numbers along with white and blue block fill the foreground around him

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Educates Businesses on Dramatic Increase in Cybercrime Directed at Small-Business Owners and How to Prevent It CONCORD, CA - ATS Communications, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP),...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Press Releases

How Moving to a Private Data Center Cloud Solution Benefits Your Business

January 20th, 2021 by admin

A graphic showing three blue computers connected to a blue cloud, with three sets of three reds computers connected to each other off to the side

Many businesses have found themselves making the switch to the cloud, and when you look at everything it offers it's not hard to see why. They give a wealth of benefits that most would be hard-pressed to ignore, such as improved security...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services

Protecting SMBs from Exponential Growth in Cybercrime

January 13th, 2021 by admin

A shield blocking red skulls representing cybersecurity

Leading Managed Technology Services Provider Educates Businesses on Dramatic Increase in Cybercrime Directed at Small-Business Owners and How to Prevent It CONCORD, CA - ATS Communications, a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP),...

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Posted in: Press Releases, Solutions

How to Improve Your Remote Workforce's Security and Efficiency

December 31st, 2020 by admin

A man working from home at his desk talking on his smartphone

Many companies have made the switch to remote working this year due to the pandemic, doing their best to adapt to changing work culture. However, the struggle doesn't end with just establishing your remote operations. Now that you've reacted, it's...

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Posted in: Cloud, Services, Security, Solutions

How to Ensure Your Remote Workforce Is Successful in the New Environment

July 23rd, 2020 by admin

A bearded man working from home using his laptop

Companies made the switch to remote work to keep employees safe from COVID-19, and with the pandemic still affecting businesses, long-term remote work appears to be the solution. Ensuring your employees have the tools and infrastructure to be successful...

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Posted in: Services, Solutions

ATS Communications Provides Cybersecurity for a Remote Workforce

June 9th, 2020 by admin

A businessman working remotely in his home office

With businesses moving to a remote workforce, they face different challenges that they didn't deal with before. One of those challenges is how to keep your network secure while operating under a remote model. Here are some recommendations to ensure...

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Posted in: Services, Security, Solutions

Why Are Businesses Migrating to the Cloud?

February 27th, 2020 by admin

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With each passing year progressively, more businesses are switching over to the Cloud. Yet there are still companies that haven't made the leap or taken advantage of this innovative technology. Many business owners are still hesitant to shift...

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Posted in: Cloud, Solutions

ATS Protects Your Network From Security Threats

January 16th, 2020 by admin

Blue shield with keyhole providing protection from cybersecurity

Protecting your data networks is one of the most important things your company can do. At ATS, our experience and expertise enable us to bring the most innovative cybersecurity solutions to the table. There are numerous types of cyberattacks,...

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Posted in: Services, Security

IP Surveillance to Protect Your Business and Employees

January 9th, 2020 by admin

Silver Security Camera with a red light

Network security is a hot topic nowadays, and rightfully so. Protecting your data networks from hackers is one of the most important things your business needs to do. But, has your company taken the necessary steps to protect its physical location,...

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Posted in: Security, Solutions

The Cybersecurity Workforce Gap and How It's Affecting Businesses

November 21st, 2019 by admin

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As cyber-attacks continue to intensify, businesses are having a hard time finding skilled cybersecurity workers to protect their operations. The cybersecurity industry has taken a significant hit with the labor shortage causing many companies to fall...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Support, Services, Security, Solutions

Secure WiFi-as-a-Service Protects Customers from Cyber Attacks

October 2nd, 2019 by admin

Yellow lock on a blue background with technology concepts

Concord, CA – Announcing the launch of a Secure WiFi-as-a-Service program to protect our customers from cyber attacks through wireless access points. Over the past few years, the prevalence of cyber attacks has continued to grow, expanding...

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Posted in: Press Releases

Alerting Businesses About Robocall Scams

August 3rd, 2019 by admin

Finger touching business phone

CONCORD, CA – We are proud to announce that we are alerting small to midsized businesses (SMBs) about the prevalence of robocall scams and how any organization can best handle these calls to ensure that all sensitive company information...

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Posted in: Press Releases

The Importance of Understanding Your Cyber Security Risk Tolerance and Exposure

July 14th, 2019 by admin

Hooded figure in black with technical code

It is common for companies to underestimate their security risks and think that specific attacks could never happen to their business until it happens. While it is always essential to stay prepared no matter the likelihood of an attack,...

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Posted in: Security, Solutions

Types of Phishing Attacks: Whaling, Deceptive, Pharming

May 25th, 2019 by admin

Discrete hacker looking for vulnerable code

Phishing attacks occur when communication that appears to be reputable is fraudulent. These sorts of scams are made to extract personal and sensitive information from victims such as social security numbers, addresses, bank information, and more. People...

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Posted in: Security

The Importance of Cyber Security

May 9th, 2019 by admin

Password and data security lock

Throughout 2018 data breaches were a typical story from corporations of every size. The stories either tell of a breach that happened during the year or they're about ones that occurred years ago. Those common press releases about how their client's...

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Posted in: Services, Security

Educating SMBs on Surveillance & Security Breakthrough

April 15th, 2019 by admin

A cylindrical modern security camera.

CONCORD, CA – We are helping small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to take advantage of dramatically increased capabilities in surveillance cameras. As security, both online and offline, has become a growing concern for many small business owners,...

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Posted in: Press Releases

Offering Next Generation Cybersecurity Solutions

February 5th, 2019 by admin

Close up on an eye with technology images

CONCORD, CA – We are proud to announce a new solution to help small to midsized businesses (SMBs) equip themselves with the necessary cybersecurity protections that every modern company needs to survive. In the past, large organizations...

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Posted in: Press Releases

ATS Knows Security

January 29th, 2019 by admin

Lock

Your business needs a dependable and robust cybersecurity solution, plain and simple. As technology continues to advance and new threats are coming to the forefront, it is essential to have the proper security and management behind you to ensure...

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Posted in: Security

Identifying the Top 4 Network Security Risks

November 15th, 2018 by admin

Shadowy Figure Overlaid with Digital Code on Dark Background

Security for your business is crucial. Everyone knows that, but settling for any old security system won't give you the protection you need against modern-day cybercriminals stealing sensitive data and monitoring operations. ATS offers great network...

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Posted in: Security

Take the Guesswork Out of Email Filtering!

July 5th, 2018 by admin

Chains on a keyboard

Did you know email can be a huge security risk for your businesses? Careless or unaware employees can click on malicious emails, opening up your network to security issues and downtime while it is being repaired. ATS offers easy and affordable anti-virus...

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Posted in: Services

3 Steps to Getting Your Business BYOD Ready

July 3rd, 2018 by admin

If your business is considering a Bring Your Own Device environment, there's a great deal of security preparation work to do beforehand. A successful BYOD strategy and BYOD policy is all about finding the sweet spot of control, where your business is...

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Posted in: Solutions

Making the Switch to BYOD? Pros, Cons and Security Implications to Consider First

June 26th, 2018 by admin

Sleek, slim laptop on a gray business desk

Making the switch to a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) business environment extends well beyond the decision to let employees choose their devices. Your business should look at the pros and cons of the concept before deciding how to approach it and to what...

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Posted in: Support

Key Strategies to Boost IT Security in the Workplace

June 20th, 2018 by admin

Conference room

Businesses have more to worry about than ever when it comes to dealing with new forms of cyber-attacks. The shift to a BYOD workplace adds even more challenges to protecting your digital assets. While hardware and software solutions continue to improve...

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Posted in: Support, Security

Datto Drive, Business-Class File Sync and Share (FSS) Solution

June 10th, 2018 by admin

Cloud Security

As a business with a highly mobile workforce, you need File Sync and Share (FSS) solutions that are not going to leave your important business data exposed. With people being more and more on the move and often switching between devices, from desktop...

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Posted in: Solutions

7 Ways to Keep Work Secure on Employee Personal Devices

May 14th, 2018 by admin

Blond-haired business man looking at mobile phone while leaning against a window

Technology improvements have made it easy for employees to get work done on their personal devices from anywhere. However, that freedom comes with additional security risks and requires extra diligence to keep data secure. Safeguarding information is...

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Posted in: Security

5 Email Disasters: How a Service Like ATS Can Prevent Catastrophe

May 3rd, 2018 by admin

Dense, color-coded code in depth-of-field blur

Often, businesses don't prepare for email disasters until after one has hit. But while email may comprise just a small part of a company's day-to-day operation, an email disaster can have a staggering impact on your business. The 2016 Democratic National...

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Posted in: Security, Solutions

Cybersecurity and C-Level Execs: Protecting Data While On the Go

March 26th, 2018 by admin

Silhouette of a businessman standing in front of window blinds in an office

While all employees need to be mindful of security, the nature of C-level executives makes them more attractive targets for hackers. That means it's necessary for them to take greater precautions. According to TechRepublic, C-level executives are more...

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Posted in: Security

IP-Based Surveillance with Avigilon Control Center

March 19th, 2018 by admin

Toshiba and Mitel

As a business owner, ATS knows that your number one priority is the safety and security of your employees and assets. Whether you want to ensure that you’re covered in case of theft, vandalism or other crime or you just want the freedom to check...

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Posted in: Solutions

The Mirai Botnet Returns — and Why You Should be Concerned

March 13th, 2018 by admin

Stylized stream of meta data against a dark background

The Mirai botnet refers to a massive-scale network of Linux-running Internet of Things devices turned into remote-controlled bots through a malware infection. Hackers can use the network to run a distributed denial of service, or DDoS, by having the infected...

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Posted in: Security

Spectre and Meltdown: Valuable Lessons for Your IT Security Team

February 12th, 2018 by admin

White lock icon on a backdrop of code snippets

At the end of 2017, the world learned about Spectre and Meltdown: two far-reaching security threats that exploit how CPUs work to expose protected information on nearly every recent PC, server and smartphone. Hackers can use these exploits to do things...

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Posted in: Security

5 Specific IT Considerations for Remote Employees

February 5th, 2018 by admin

White-bloused businesswoman using a slim laptop on a birch colored desk

Businesses have a lot to gain by hiring remote employees, including the ability to recruit from a larger talent pool and the potential for less expensive workplace accommodations. However, remote employees introduce new challenges in IT security because...

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Posted in: Solutions

Does Fintech Pose a Threat to Cybersecurity at Financial Services Companies?

January 29th, 2018 by admin

Sample portfolio summary being displayed on an iPad

Financial services companies should embrace a healthy dose of caution when implementing new fintech in their business. Fintech, or any technological innovation in the financial sector, is not inherently more or less secure than any other new technology,...

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Posted in: Security

Four Security Threats Your Company Could Face in 2018

January 16th, 2018 by admin

Close up view of network Ethernet cables plugged into ports on a switch/router

Hot off the tail of the massive 2017 Equifax breach that exposed personal information of 143 million customers, businesses are on high alert concerning IT security in 2018. While the IT security industry has been successful in mitigating and cracking...

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Posted in: Security

HTTPS: Securely Sending Personal And Private Information

December 28th, 2017 by admin

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Avoid costly data security breaches by training your staff to check for secure connections when handling private information on the Internet. Secure Hyper Text Transfer Protocol, or HTTPS, is a technology legal, healthcare, and financial businesses use...

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Posted in: Security, Solutions

New Phishing Technique Hijacks Legitimate Conversations

October 24th, 2017 by admin

Hand holding up a clip-art style yellow lock, against a blue field of 1s and 0s

A new spear phishing technique, being used in a hacking campaign called FreeMilk, takes advantage of a Microsoft Office vulnerability in order to hijack existing email conversations to spread malware to high-profile targets. This new technique phishing...

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Posted in: Security

Equifax Breach: What does it teach us about IT security?

October 3rd, 2017 by admin

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The 2017 Equifax hack is teaching a painful lesson about the necessity of businesses keeping up with software patches for IT security and to avoid catastrophic damage. The hack, which resulted in potentially exposing the financial information necessary...

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Posted in: Security

Is Your Office Router Secure?

July 25th, 2017 by admin

Netgear ProSafe GS108T router with 4 Ethernet cables plugged into it

In June 2017, WikiLeaks released secret documents that exposed the tools the CIA uses to infiltrate public and private networks through routers. These documents have shined a light on how easy it is for someone to hack a router. This begs the question,...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Security

Flaws in 2-Factor Authentication Methods Could Leave You Vulnerable

July 11th, 2017 by admin

Close up of a businessman holding a Microsoft smartphone in his hands

If your business is using 2-factor authentication or 2FA, methods to secure your important accounts, you may need to investigate better ways to implement the practice. Security experts widely recommend using 2FA, a system which utilizes a second security...

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Posted in: Security, Knowledge

79% of Businesses Were Hacked in 2016. Was Yours One of Them?

June 27th, 2017 by admin

Stylized graphic of a computer monitor with a pane of glass shattering in front of the screen

Getting caught off-guard in a cyber security attack is a disaster for any business, large or small—and the frequency of attacks is only getting worse. According to the CyberEdge 2017 Cyberthreat Defense Report, hackers successfully compromised...

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Posted in: Support, Security

Intranets and Small-To-Medium Business Productivity

June 13th, 2017 by admin

Finger touching an array of icons laid out on a pale blue background

Many small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) have taken to hosting their own intranet to increase productivity in the workplace. For those unfamiliar with the term, "intranet" is not a typo, but rather an internal network that behaves like a private Internet....

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Posted in: Solutions

Android and IOS: Is the Device Just Old, or Is It Obsolete?

May 23rd, 2017 by admin

Relief drawing of a pocket watch with roman numerals I through XII

When trying to determine if a piece of technology is simply old or completely obsolete, keep in mind that there are different criteria for Android and iOS devices than for desktop and laptop computers. An employee stuck using an obsolete device is likely,...

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Posted in: Support, Solutions

Scheduling Security: Take Control of Your OS Updates

May 10th, 2017 by admin

The word 'update' written in chalk on a blackboard, with a red analog clock between the 'p' and 'd' letters

It happens to everyone: You turn your computer back on after you intended to leave the office, or come in early to get a head start on a new project, only to be greeted by a 20-minute operating system (OS) update session. This common workplace frustration...

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Posted in: Solutions

Top 5 Security Tips for Email and Social Media Accounts

April 26th, 2017 by admin

White email envelope icon with several red, pink, and gray circles behind it

Email and social media accounts provide a wealth of cyber security challenges for businesses. Hackers often look for exploits in account operations to steal information and seize control—both of which can be extremely damaging and difficult to combat....

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Posted in: Security

The Battle for Cyber Security

March 27th, 2017 by admin

Cyber Security

We’ve been noticing an alarming trend regarding cyber security. Actually, more so a lack of security. One of the best practices on the frontline of security is your password. Unfortunately, this is an area that a lot of people will gloss over, often relying...

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Posted in: Services, Security

Network-Attached Storage: Data Backup and Transfer Options for Small Businesses

March 9th, 2017 by admin

File upload icon in 5 colors: gray, green, red, blue, yellow

Network-Attached Storage (NAS) servers are a great asset for small businesses managing data. For the uninitiated, NAS is essentially a streamlined server designed specifically for sharing files between devices. Because of their simplified...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Knowledge

Digital Sticky Notes: A Time-Saver for Your Entire Team

February 15th, 2017 by admin

Stylized depiction of nine sticky notes in various colors

It's a familiar sighting in the workplace: the employee with half a dozen sticky notes attached to their computer monitor. While not the most confidential or elegant solution, these employees are on to something. Fortunately, technology has stepped in...

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Posted in: Solutions, Knowledge

An Expert's Guide to Avoiding Phishing Scams

January 24th, 2017 by admin

White security lock icon spotlighted on a dark field with a background of programming code

Unlike most IT security threats, phishing scams attack the human element instead of the machine element. Phishing scams try to bait a person into exposing confidential information by posing as a legitimate, reputable source, typically by email or phone....

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Posted in: Security, Solutions

Boost Productivity and Security with Google's Cloud Applications

January 11th, 2017 by admin

For anyone unfamiliar with the Google Applications platform, Google Docs et al. are a Cloud-based spin on mainstay office suite programs that can help your staff work better together. With a zero-dollar price tag (compared with Microsoft Office's...

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Posted in: Cloud, Support

A Primer on Phishing Attacks

December 21st, 2016 by admin

Credit cards with a lock resting on top of them

Phishing attacks are a dangerous and devastating method hackers use to steal personal information and accounts—primarily by striking the user instead of the machine. According to the APWG Phishing Activity Trends Report, the first quarter of 2016 saw...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Security

Antivirus Software: When One Is Better Than Two

December 7th, 2016 by admin

Yellow 'Anti Virus' in yellow on a black background

If your company’s antivirus software is letting you down, you should think twice before installing a second one on a computer: It may actually make things worse. Multiple antivirus programs working in conjunction on the same device is not a case of...

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Posted in: Security

Hack of 500 Million Yahoo Accounts Reminds Industry to Increase Security Measures

November 23rd, 2016 by admin

User name and password dialog box

In September 2016, half a billion Yahoo account users received the bad news that their names, email addresses, phone numbers, and security questions were potentially stolen in a 2014 hack. According to CNET, the Yahoo hack is the largest data breach...

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Posted in: Security

Massive IoT DDoS Attack Causes Widespread Internet Outages. Are Your Devices Secured?

November 1st, 2016 by admin

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As you probably know already, the United States experienced its largest Internet blackout in history on October 21, 2016, when Dyn—a service that handles website domain name routing—got hit with a massive distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack...

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Posted in: Backup, Security

Are Comatose Servers Draining Your Wallet and Leaving You Vulnerable?

August 30th, 2016 by admin

Black skull and crossbones graphic

Those old servers your business no longer uses—and keeps running anyway—are more than just a security risk: They’re hurting your firm’s bottom line. The term comatose server describes a functional server, connected to a network, that sits idle virtually...

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Posted in: Solutions, Knowledge

Don’t Forget About Printer Security

August 9th, 2016 by admin

Array of 6 white printer icons against backgrounds of various color

There was a time when printers—in your office or home—were considered relatively "simple" office equipment: plug it in, connect it to the local network, and keep the ink fresh, and there wasn't much else to worry about. But times have changed. Today's...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Knowledge

Defend Your Network Against Advanced Persistent Threats

July 12th, 2016 by admin

You Have Been Hacked - cartoon of a robber climbing out of a black laptop

If you've looked over our previous posts since we've started our blog, you know how serious we are about protecting your company from everyday cyber-threats—mainly phishing, ransomware, and various other malware. Today we'd like to discuss a different...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Solutions, Knowledge

The “Wearable Revolution”: Is Your Company Prepared?

July 7th, 2016 by admin

A man's forearm wearing a smart watch displaying numerous colorful icons

It's a fair bet that one of your employees has already shown off a trendy new wearable gadget around the office. What began with Bluetooth earpieces would branch off into smartwatches, smart glasses, wrist-worn fitness trackers, and even smart clothing...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Security, Knowledge

The “Seven Deadly Sins” of Ransomware

June 29th, 2016 by admin

Large, shiny red '7' in a blocky format

Readers of our blog over the past few years know we were among the first in the Bay Area to warn our customers about the growing threats of ransomware—from the emergence of CryptoLocker and CryptoWall to our federal government's startling admission...

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Posted in: Support, Security, Knowledge

Where's Your Company's WISP? Why You Need One NOW

June 14th, 2016 by admin

Businessman reviewing 3 papers while poised to write on one with a fancy pen

A WISP is one of the most important documents for any company doing business over the Internet—which, in this day and age, is pretty much everybody. Who's responsible for drafting and maintaining your company's WISP? Or are you even sure what a WISP...

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Posted in: Security, Knowledge

Data Breaches: Dark Times in the Golden State?

June 1st, 2016 by admin

Four brightly colored locks intertwined together in a square shape

Being the cyber-security geeks we are, we took great interest in combing through this year's California Data Breach Report, released by the Attorney General's office this past February. The report tabulates data collected from breach incidents which...

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Posted in: Data, Security

New Threat Targets Older Android Devices

May 11th, 2016 by admin

Three smartphones with happy, neutral, and sad faces on them

Smartphone users can be broken down into two camps: those who can't live without lining up to buy the latest and greatest model the day it hits the stores, and those who hold on to their tried-and-true phone until it suddenly dies one morning. There's...

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Posted in: Security, Knowledge

URGENT: Uninstall QuickTime for Windows NOW

May 3rd, 2016 by admin

Red and yellow depiction of a ringing alarm clock with hands at 12:15

Today we'd like to pass along a critical security advisory to all our customers: If any of your company's Windows systems still retain Apple's QuickTime for Windows software, uninstall it immediately—as soon as you finish reading this post (if not...

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Posted in: Support, Security, Knowledge

Are Your Smartphones Properly “Containerized”?

April 26th, 2016 by admin

Cartoon of a brown picket fence with green grass in front and shrubs on the other side

Earlier today the cashier at the local drive-thru miskeyed the amount of cash I gave him into his register. Somewhat sheepishly, he asked if I had a smartphone so I could verify the correct amount of change. Fortunately, I never leave home without it....

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Posted in: Managed IT Services, Support, Knowledge

The Best Way to Check Your PCs for Malware - Fast and FREE

April 12th, 2016 by admin

Clip art of two badges, one red with an 'X' and the other green with a check mark

A couple months back, we touched on the story of our normally tech-savvy friend who got tricked into allowing his desktop PC to be infected with obvious malware. At first, he had the sickening feeling that comes with a virus-infected computer—but thanks...

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Posted in: Security

Prepare Now or Pay Later: More Ransomware Attacks in the News

April 7th, 2016 by admin

Silhouette of a running man carrying a giant 1 Euro coin, against a blue digital cityscape

We're only a few months into 2016, but we've already seen two high-profile ransomware attacks—where cyber-crooks heavily encrypt a victim's computer files before demanding payment for a decryption key only they can provide. Two notable incidents grabbed...

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Posted in: Backup, Security, Knowledge

The Latest Big Cyber-Threat: Are Your Servers “DROWN-proof”?

March 30th, 2016 by admin

Life preserver in alternating red and white colors, hanging on a wooden wall

If you think there's a new cyber-threat to worry about every week, you're probably right. The latest vulnerability to send shockwaves through the enterprise security community has been given a rather ominous acronym: DROWN, short for Decrypting RSA...

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Posted in: Security, Knowledge

Are Macs “Ransomware-Proof”? Not Anymore

March 23rd, 2016 by admin

Clip art of a hacker in a purple shirt using a blue computer

Since Apple famously introduced the Macintosh over three decades ago, Mac users have been confident that their computers are virtually immune to ransomware and other malware threats which plague their Windows counterparts. But those days are over. ...

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Posted in: Security, Knowledge

IoT Devices: Security Holes?

March 15th, 2016 by admin

Cloud of icons connecting to other icons on a blue background

Hackers can take advantage of a newer technology prevalent throughout your business to break into your network and compromise security: Internet of Things devices. Your business may have never considered that the handy new Smart Thermostats throughout...

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Posted in: Security

iPhone “Backdoor”? It Already Exists! Why Your Company Needs It

March 8th, 2016 by admin

Close up of a woman with pink fingernails using an iPhone while carrying a black bag

February's big story in the tech world was the conflict between Apple and the FBI over the creation of a "backdoor" to retrieve encrypted data on iPhones. The government is looking for any clue as to what—or, more specifically, who—motivated Syed Farook,...

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Posted in: Security

Fake Phishing: The Ultimate Security Training?

January 5th, 2016 by admin

'Do Not Enter' traffic sign of a red circle with a white horizontal line

What is the current state of your company's IT security training program—if you have one? Many companies settle for an annual group training session to broadly review the major types of cyber-threats—viruses, malware, and phishing. The problem with...

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Posted in: Security

Video Surveillance

July 15th, 2015 by admin

While video surveillance does help to protect your business from crime, that is not all it does. It also... Protects your staff in case of customer disputes Enforces safe work conditions allows you to see whether procedures and protocols are being...

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Posted in: Security

CryptoLocker & Ransomware - What You Need to Know

November 15th, 2013 by admin

Example screenshot of having been victim to CryptoLocker

CryptoLocker CryptoLocker is a new, and particularly malicious, breed of ransomware discovered only a couple months ago. CryptoLocker is a Trojan horse malware that encrypts and restricts access to the infected computer while demanding payment for...

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Posted in: Data, Security

How a Managed Service Provider Can Increase ROI and Influence Long-Term Business Success

September 30th, 2013 by admin

Two puzzle pieces being drawn in the air, one saying 'partner' and the other 'ship'

Partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) is one of the most important decisions you can make to ensure the longevity and productivity of your SMB. Why? An experienced MSP is a true business partner, reduces and streamlines IT costs, and takes...

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Posted in: Managed IT Services