Search Results

Many users have complained in recent months about spam emails appearing to come from their own accounts. Despite not knowing why, reports of friends, family, and contacts receiving spam emails that appear to come from them have worried many people. Some have had their accounts suspended or shut down by their service providers.  For many, this experience can be highly disruptive. It's a problem that can cause many issues in both your professional and personal life. The key to defense is learning how these attacks happen and figuring out how to protect yourself and your contacts against them. Hackers Using Your Email Against You Scammers who send out spam messages continually look for ways to make the process faster, cheaper, and more efficient.  It's the best way to make more money daily by scamming unsuspecting victims for even more cash. One of the most efficient ways they do this is by hijacking ready-made, trusted email accounts like yours.  Hackers have several tools at their disposal to attempt to hijack your accounts. Some of the principles which make email fast and easy to use means that details, such as those in the 'from' field, are easy to fake.  A hacker might change the information supplied to make it appear that the email comes from anyone. You cannot do much to defend your email against such an attack.  However, you can work to verify that an email, even one you expect to receive, does come from the person you believe it to be.  If your email provider flags an incoming email as 'suspicious' or 'untrustworthy', it may be. Stolen Credentials Hackers often buy large bundles of email addresses and passwords from the dark web.  Following hacks of major companies and service providers, leaked emails are often put up for sale. The value of these details comes from the fact that passwords are unlikely to have been changed, the details attached to them are trusted, and hackers often use them to access additional services. How To Detect an Email Intrusion Knowing that malicious hackers are using your details can take a long time.  You might even be the last person in your contacts to know. The first sign to look out for is many unexpected emails in your inbox.  These are likely to reply to emails you never sent in the first place.  Out-of-office, automatic responses, people complaining about spam, and people responding to the email as if it were genuine may all come to you first. Keep a close eye on unexpected emails appearing suddenly in your inbox or outbox.  A hacker may be spear-phishing someone that you do business with or trust.  By acting as you, using your address and details, they may be able to divert payments or confidential information to their accounts instead. Protecting Yourself Against Hackers, Attackers, And Hijackers Sometimes, your computer might have been compromised, giving hackers access to your services. Malicious software may have infected your machine to steal data and infect your contacts. Take extra care to change your passwords if you believe a hacker has accessed your email.  Use a different, more secure password for your email than for every other service.  Your email account is often the key to accessing many of the services you use most. Run a virus scan and maintain security updates if you think your computer could have been infected.  If you believe your data is being used in a risky way, have your machine and services looked at by a professional. If you think your email could have been hijacked or your details used elsewhere, call us at (786) 233-2002 to have it cleaned up today.

Your old computer is beginning to slow down, so you invest in a shiny new laptop. The clouds part and the sun shines on this bright, lovely new device. Everything will be faster and easier. However, the latest laptop has been lagging since the first day. Why is it running so slow? Here a couple of reasons your brand new laptop running slow. #1 Not enough computing power.   In many cases, the laptop doesn’t have enough RAM ( Random Access Memory ). RAM is the computer’s main memory. This helps your computer do more at once. Information from the operating system, application programs, and data are kept here for quicker processing.  RAM is like the computer’s short-term memory, while the hard drive is the long-term memory. Just as the human brain can’t hold everything in short-term memory, RAM can get overloaded, too. When this happens on your laptop, the computer processor must go to the hard drive. This slows things down. Resolution: You might see 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or more of RAM available. How much you need will depend on what you plan to do with the computer. For a laptop with Windows 10, we recommend at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB is more comfortable and provides a better experience. Not all laptops allow you to access the RAM. When you can, though, upgrading memory can be quick and affordable. #2 Mechanical hard drive.   Often, a single part is letting you down. With a less expensive computer, manufacturers skimp. While it’s less common these days, some laptops will come with a mechanical hard drive. You might think of this as a record player with a needle reading the vinyl album. Since something is moving to find data, the laptop runs slower than it would with a Solid-State Drive (SSD), which has no moving parts.  Resolution: In many cases, a mechanical hard drive can be easily upgraded to an SSD. However, some super-slim laptops have limited upgradability. #3 Bloatware.   Retailers like to tout all the bells and whistles that come with their laptops. So, when you turn on your computer for the first time, you may notice a lot of preloaded software. You’ll probably never use much of it. Maybe there are toolbars you don’t need, games you’ll never use, or stock widgets you couldn’t care less about. These examples of bloatware slow down your computer. Third-party applications are a revenue source for the manufacturer but won't always help you. Microsoft, for instance, sells a line of computers without pre-installed third-party software. Computerworld reported those PCs “ start-up 104% faster, shut down 35% faster, and have 28 minutes more battery life. ” Resolution: When you get a new laptop, check out the pre-installed software before you add your own. Determine what the existing software will do, and uninstall anything that you won’t want. If your laptop is slow on the first startup, this may be due to system updates—for instance, a Windows 10 automatic update to bolster the computer's security. You can’t do much about these, but look on the bright side—your laptop security is current! Improved speed is the main reason to invest in a new laptop. Don’t let a lagging laptop disrupt your productivity. We can help with a slow-running laptop. Instead of wasting valuable time waiting on a slow computer, give us a call at (786) 233-2002

Microsoft Office has been the office suite for over a decade, whether for business or students doing homework. Other applications have come and gone, but it’s expected that most people will be doing their work in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint. While you may have an older version of Office that you love, there are three good reasons you should upgrade to Office 365. It’s more accessible: Office 365 operates in the cloud, which means you can use your Word, Excel, Outlook, and other Office products from anywhere.  This means no more forgotten homework, files you can’t access until you get to work or lost documents. The cloud has them already and waiting for you, wherever you are. Save important files to a USB drive or your computer and use the cloud versions as your mobile copy; there are no restrictions on how flexible Office 365 can be. Another benefit is that the barriers between Mac and PC versions have been erased since it's in the cloud. It runs on both platforms and any device - iPhones, iPads, Android, tablets, and many other smart devices. A hefty allocation of cloud storage comes with it in the form of OneDrive so that you can access your documents from any device. Many people have started using their OneDrive to store important data, including photos, media, and recipes. You can even share your files with a simple link; you always have complete control over who sees what. It’s more affordable:   Previously, there was a significant upfront cost per computer, and you were stuck with that version until you dug deep and upgraded. This was a costly way to obtain software for people with more than one computer in their home, such as two laptops and a desktop. Office 365 has no significant upfront costs, no matter how many computers or devices you need to install it on. It’s a monthly or annual subscription for a small amount, with no contracts. Depending on your location (pricing differs across countries), you can have five Office 365 licenses for a whole year for less than the cost of your previous version. It’s constantly updated: You are rocking the latest Office version. You aren’t stuck with the one you paid for years ago, like Office 2007, 2013, or 2016. Office 365 is always the very latest. If you’re still using an older version, you’ll be surprised by how much Office has evolved. Gone are the annoying paperclip helpers, tacky-looking clipart and templates, and confusing buttons. Everything is intuitive and easy to use, so you no longer need to take classes or tutorials to work it. Even the jargon has been stripped out in favor of human-speak so you can get your tasks done faster and finally break up with the undo button. With the latest features, your files also take on a new level of professionalism. Plus, any updates, upgrades, or patches happen automatically, so whatever Microsoft cooks up to impress you is added to your Office immediately. In the past, when you upgraded your Office version, it was quite the drama and often left your files in a mess. Switching to Office 365 is like a breath of fresh air, as it’s essentially a signup-and-go situation. Older files remain intact, your hard drive doesn’t get cluttered, and you’re up and running in minutes. With Office 365, you’re essentially getting more while spending less. It’s a popular option for good reason. The fact that it’s always available, always the latest version, and works anywhere is reason enough to make the switch, particularly if you have students or work-at-home users. The baked-in security features also mean you’re less at risk of cyber-attack, so you can get on with your tasks and let Microsoft deal with the dirty work. It is a stress-free solution, saving you time and money. Click to read about Remote Working with Office 365 . Switch to Office 365 - Call us today at (786) 233-2002 Add your company website at SonicRun.com Increase your company search results with SonicRun.

Is Your Tech Partner a Team Player? In business, relationships are everything. One of the most essential today is with a technology partner—someone who advises on hardware, software, security, and other IT needs. This partnership lets you focus on your main priorities, but ask yourself: Is your tech partner truly a team player? Many companies label themselves "technology partners," but the term is often loosely applied. Technology vendors selling specific hardware or software may promise partnership, but their primary aim is to serve their business goals. They typically steer you toward their products and charge for support whenever needed. This creates a conflict of interest—they profit when you face challenges. That’s not the kind of partner you want on your team. A True Partnership with your MSP Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer a unique technology partnership and aim to be valuable additions to your team. In an MSP partnership, your business pays a monthly fee to maintain smooth IT operations. MSPs proactively manage IT systems and secure end-user devices, focusing on preventing issues before they arise. Unlike reactive vendors, MSPs prioritize strengthening your security and ensuring compliance. Partnering with an MSP means adding experts who understand your business needs and work to enhance efficiency and flexibility. With predictable pricing, MSPs streamline IT management and suggest ways to reduce costs. Because MSPs have connections with various vendors, they can secure the best prices when providing access to new technologies. MSPs are generally brand-agnostic about new hardware, software, or productivity-boosting upgrades. While they may have preferences based on experience, your business needs come first as they seek the most suitable solutions. They’ll assess current workflows, understand the IT environment, and gather employee feedback. MSP experts start by identifying the specific business challenges you face. Then, they research and recommend solutions tailored to your team and environment. To extend the sports analogy, MSPs bring a complete playbook—they craft IT strategies that align with your business objectives. MSPs are committed to long-term partnerships, unlike vendors whose relationships may center on sales and support calls. Their model is built on collaboration and communication, driven by a passion for helping clients optimize, grow, and succeed. Plus, MSPs are flexible partners for businesses of any size. They bring the same commitment to small and mid-sized companies as they do to large enterprises, serving as reliable IT allies in the field. Key Takeaway Consider the benefits of the relationship to assess whether your technology partner is a true team player. While a vendor might provide the technology you ask for, they often focus on maximizing their profits. An MSP, on the other hand, takes time to understand your user experience and business goals, ensuring their solutions genuinely add value. Unlike vendors who may profit from your tech challenges, an MSP is motivated to keep your systems running smoothly, proactively preventing problems before they start. If you want a technology partner who will find the right solution for the team, call us at (786) 233-2002.

In today’s business world, sharing your website address is as common as providing your email or phone number. Your web domain represents your business identity online, so protecting it from cyber threats, like domain hijacking, is crucial. Your website reflects your brand—from the design and images to the email addresses that use your domain (e.g., sales@yourbusinessname.com ). Now, imagine the distress of discovering that someone else has taken control of your domain. If your domain is hijacked, you lose access to your website, email addresses, and other associated accounts, and recovery can be challenging and costly. Consider these real-world examples from the Infosec Institute: One advertising agency spent $15,000 and 19 months reclaiming its stolen domain. ShadeDaddy.com ’s owner lost $50,000 and had to lay off six of eight employees after a domain theft. He described it as feeling like “your house got stolen.” How Does Domain Theft Happen? There are several ways a domain can be stolen: Expired Domain : The simplest form of domain theft is allowing it to expire unknowingly. Domain registrars are required to notify you one month and one week before expiration, but those reminders may go to an outdated email or to a web developer you no longer work with. Once a domain expires, it returns to a pool where anyone can purchase it. Domain Traders and Cybercriminals : Opportunists buy expired domains to profit from a business’s need to reclaim them or from redirecting traffic to their own sites. Hijackers may also use your domain to send fake invoices, intercept emails to gather sensitive information or redirect your site to malicious content. Email Account Breach : Cybercriminals may hack the email account used to set up your domain, gaining access to your domain account through phishing or password reset requests. Registrar Breach : If your domain registration company is compromised, cybercriminals could access your domain. This is why choosing an accredited registrar is essential. Any of these scenarios can lead to serious, lasting impacts on your business. Once a hijacker has control of your domain, they can use it for their own purposes, often at the expense of your reputation and financial health. Protecting Your Domain Against Hijacking To safeguard your domain, start by securing your account credentials. Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of protection. Consider setting up a registry lock, which requires additional confirmation if anyone attempts to change your domain’s registration details. This proactive approach alerts you to suspicious activity, giving you time to react and maintain control. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of domain hijacking and keep your online presence secure. It’s also important to know who is managing your domain name and how it is being managed. A Managed Service Provider can take care of this ongoing process for your business. Reach out to our Web experts today! Call us at (786) 233-2002

By now, most people are familiar with ransomware, in which cybercriminals encrypt your data and demand payment for its release. Leakware, or extortion ware, is a similar threat but with an added risk: attackers threaten to release confidential information online if their demands aren’t met. Consider the sensitive information your business wouldn’t want made public—your intellectual property, trade secrets, customer databases, or financial data. Leakware targets these assets and can damage your business and the individuals whose information may be exposed. This puts your customers or citizens at increased risk for fraud or identity theft. Specific sectors are especially vulnerable to leakware attacks. For example, the public sector faces threats to disclose confidential citizen data, and healthcare organizations are prime targets due to the sensitive nature of patient information. Like ransomware, leakware is costly, with expenses extending beyond the ransom itself. Associated costs may include: Downtime and lost revenue Damage to brand reputation Recovery and mitigation expenses Non-compliance fines and penalties Fraud protection services for affected individuals Loss of customer trust and potential sales According to Acronis, "Nearly 3 out of 4 companies infected with ransomware suffer two days or more without file access," underscoring the far-reaching impact of these attacks. Leakware Prevention and Planning Preventing leakware requires a similar approach to ransomware defense. For instance, hackers recently accessed sensitive data in Johannesburg and demanded four bitcoins to avoid releasing it. The city refused to pay, though it remains unclear if the data was ultimately exposed. To defend against leakware: Use Robust Security Software : Ensure antivirus and firewall software is installed and up to date. Security patches often include fixes for new vulnerabilities, so don’t skip those updates. Adopt the Principle of Least Privilege : Limit access to data based on roles, granting users only the permissions they need. Adjust access if roles change, reducing the risk of data exposure if an account is compromised. Implement Content Scanning and Email Filters : Set up filters to detect and block malicious content before it reaches your employees. Prioritize Employee Awareness : Educate staff on social engineering threats and safe internet use, especially when working remotely. Encourage the use of a secure VPN when connecting from public networks. Maintain Regular Backups : Follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy—keep three copies of your data, one copy in the cloud, and two copies on separate devices, like a local computer and a backup drive. By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risks of leakware and ensure your business and customers remain protected. Leakware and ransomware are on the rise. No business or industry is immune. Protect your data. If you need help with your prevention efforts, call (786) 233-2002.

Cybersecurity protection is essential to safeguarding any business's operational integrity, data security, and reputation. A comprehensive system with dedicated resources and expert teams enables companies to detect, prevent, and respond to threats promptly. As the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks increase, from targeted breaches to widespread ransomware attacks, businesses face heightened risks that require proactive strategies and continuous monitoring. Without these protective measures, organizations are vulnerable to data theft, financial loss, and disruption, which can harm both short-term operations and long-term viability. Essential Cybersecurity Measures to Keep Your Business Safe: Cybersecurity and Data Protection 1. Strong Password Policies: Encourage employees to use complex passwords (mix of letters, numbers, and symbols) and change them regularly. Consider using a password manager for convenience and security. 2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security beyond passwords by requiring additional verification (like a code sent to a phone). It significantly reduces the chance of unauthorized access. 3. Regular Software Updates: Outdated software can be an easy target for hackers. Set systems to update automatically and always use the latest versions of software and operating systems. 4. Employee Training and Awareness: Educate your team on phishing attacks, social engineering, and safe online practices. Well-informed employees are the first line of defense. 5. Data Backup and Recovery Plan: Ransomware attacks often target company data. Regularly back up all critical data and test recovery procedures to ensure quick restoration if needed. 6. Network Security: Secure your network with firewalls, anti-malware software, and by segmenting networks to limit access. Regularly monitor network activity for unusual or unauthorized access. 7. Access Controls: Limit access to sensitive data only to employees who need it to perform their jobs. Implement role-based access controls and regularly review permissions. 8. Incident Response Plan: Have a clear plan in place to handle a cybersecurity incident, including a list of steps to take, team responsibilities, and contacts for immediate support. 9. Secure Mobile Devices: Ensure that all devices accessing company data (including phones and tablets) have security controls, are updated, and can be wiped remotely if lost. 10. Regular Security Assessments: Conduct periodic vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify and fix any weaknesses in your systems. Staying on top of these essentials can protect your business from potential cyber threats. Simple steps can make a significant difference in ensuring data safety and maintaining your company’s reputation. Why Partner with Simple Solution Tech for Cybersecurity and Data Protection? For companies that aim to protect critical data and ensure business continuity, partnering with Simple Solution Tech can be invaluable. As an MSP (Managed Service Provider), Simple Solution Tech offers specialized cybersecurity solutions designed to fortify defenses, streamline incident response, and proactively manage evolving threats. With expert support, your organization can maintain a strong cybersecurity posture without needing extensive in-house resources, allowing you to focus on growth and innovation while mitigating risk. Simple Solution Tech works as an extension of your team to protect the data that fuels your success, providing the reassurance of continuous monitoring and fast, effective response if incidents arise. This partnership equips your business to thrive securely, even as the threat landscape grows increasingly complex.

As someone who operates an MSP company, finding tools that streamline daily tasks while remaining cost-effective is crucial. After extensively using the Zorin OS Pro version as my primary operating system, I've seen it as a powerful alternative to Windows. One of the standout benefits is its ease of use, with a familiar interface that eases the transition from Windows. This simplicity is critical for minimizing downtime and staying productive, especially when managing client systems. Additionally, Zorin OS is incredibly lightweight and performs exceptionally well even on older hardware, which helps keep costs down while maintaining efficiency across different machines. Check out the desktop layouts in Zorin OS Another critical aspect of my business is security and privacy. Zorin OS, being Linux-based, provides a secure environment that requires far less intervention from third-party security solutions than Windows. Its open-source nature and minimal telemetry have helped me maintain privacy and control, which are crucial when handling sensitive client data. Furthermore, the system’s stability and less intrusive updates ensure that my workflow remains uninterrupted, unlike Windows, which often demands reboots during updates. All these factors contribute to Zorin OS being a reliable, resource-efficient choice, allowing me to focus more on managing my business rather than troubleshooting operating system issues. Here’s a comparison of Zorin OS  vs Windows  in terms of benefits: 1. Ease of Use Zorin OS : Designed for simplicity, especially for users transitioning from Windows. It offers a familiar interface and different desktop layouts that can mimic Windows, making it easy to adapt. Windows: Widely known for its user-friendly interface, it is pre-installed on most PCs, making it familiar to many users. 2. Cost Zorin OS : Free for most versions ( Core and Lite ), with a paid Pro version offering additional features. Being open-source, there are no licensing fees or upgrade costs. Windows : Requires a license purchase, and major upgrades ( e.g., from Windows 10 to 11 ) may involve additional costs for some users. 3. Performance Zorin OS : Lightweight and optimized for both modern and older hardware. It can breathe new life into old PCs, making them run faster than they would on Windows. Windows : Performance can degrade on older hardware as Windows requires more system resources, especially for newer versions like Windows 11. 4. Security Zorin OS : Being a Linux-based OS, it’s generally more secure against viruses and malware. The open-source nature means vulnerabilities are usually patched quickly. Windows : More prone to viruses and malware due to its more extensive user base, but it comes with built-in antivirus ( Windows Defender ). However, it often requires third-party security software for better protection. 5. Privacy Zorin OS : Privacy-focused with no tracking or telemetry. As an open-source system, you have more control over what data is shared. Windows : By default, it includes telemetry and data collection features, though some privacy settings can be adjusted. It often collects user data for diagnostics and targeted ads. 6. Software Availability Zorin OS : Supports a wide range of open-source software and allows Windows applications to run through compatibility layers like Wine. However, specific Windows-exclusive software (e.g., Adobe suite, Microsoft Office) may not run natively. Windows : Extensive software support, including many industry-standard programs exclusive to Windows, like Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office, and many gaming platforms. 7. Updates Zorin OS : Updates are less intrusive and typically do not require a system reboot. The update process is quick and efficient, giving users control over when to install updates. Windows : Frequent updates, often requiring system reboots. Windows updates can sometimes be disruptive, with forced updates being a common issue for users. 8. Customization Zorin OS : Highly customizable. You can change desktop layouts, themes, and even functionality to suit your preferences. Zorin OS allows deeper personalization compared to Windows. Windows : Offers some customization, but it’s more limited in terms of layout and functionality compared to Linux-based systems. 9. Resource Efficiency Zorin OS : Lighter on system resources, meaning it can run smoothly even on older hardware with minimal RAM or CPU power. Windows : Heavier on system resources, requiring more powerful hardware to run efficiently, especially for tasks like gaming or graphic design. 10. Compatibility with Older Hardware Zorin OS : Specifically designed to work on both modern and older hardware. Zorin OS Lite is optimized for older machines. Windows : Newer versions of Windows (like Windows 11) have strict hardware requirements, making it incompatible with many older systems. 11. Community & Support Zorin OS : Backed by a large open-source community that can offer help and guidance through forums. There’s also a growing user base that provides documentation and support. Windows : Strong support through official Microsoft channels, with extensive online resources. However, support from Microsoft often comes at a cost after the warranty period. 12. Gaming Zorin OS : While gaming on Linux has improved, especially with platforms like Steam’s Proton, Windows still has the upper hand for native gaming support. Windows : Dominates the gaming market with native support for most games, gaming hardware, and services. Better compatibility with graphics drivers and gaming platforms. Conclusion Zorin OS  is ideal for users looking for a cost-effective, lightweight, and privacy-focused alternative to Windows, especially for older hardware. Windows  remains the go-to for those who require extensive software support, gaming, or work in environments that rely heavily on Windows-exclusive applications.

In order to ensure robust IT security practices, business clients should consider the following measures and seek out services from Managed Service Providers (MSP) companies like Simple Solution Tech: 1. **Regular Security Audits**: Conducting regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and gaps in the existing IT infrastructure. 2. **Employee Training**: Providing comprehensive training to employees on cybersecurity best practices to prevent social engineering attacks and phishing attempts. 3. **Data Encryption**: Implementing data encryption protocols to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. 4. **Firewall Protection**: Utilizing firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic for potential threats. 5. **Regular Software Updates**: Ensuring that all software and applications are regularly updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. 6. **Backup and Disaster Recovery**: Implementing a robust backup and disaster recovery plan to ensure business continuity in case of a cyberattack or data loss. 7. **Multi-factor Authentication**: Enforcing multi-factor authentication for accessing sensitive data and systems to add an extra layer of security. 8. **24/7 Monitoring**: Partnering with MSP companies like Simple Solution Tech to provide 24/7 monitoring of IT systems for early detection and response to security incidents. By following these IT security practices and seeking services from reputable MSP companies like Simple Solution Tech, business clients can enhance their cybersecurity posture and better protect their valuable data and assets. Direct Tech Support contact number 786-233-2002

Comprehensive Protection: Our MSP offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity solutions tailored to the unique needs of your business. From advanced threat detection and prevention to encryption and access controls, we've got you covered at every level. Proactive Monitoring: Don't wait until it's too late. Our team employs proactive monitoring techniques to identify potential threats before they escalate into full-blown attacks. With round-the-clock surveillance, we ensure that your systems remain secure and your data stays safe. Expert Guidance: With our experienced cybersecurity professionals at your service, you can rest assured knowing that your security posture is in capable hands. We'll work closely with you to assess your vulnerabilities, develop robust defense strategies, and keep you informed about the latest threats and best practices. Continuous Improvement: Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle, and we're committed to staying ahead of the curve. Through regular assessments, updates, and training, we continuously strengthen your defenses and adapt to emerging threats, so you can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Don't let cyber threats jeopardize your business. Partner with us today and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing your valuable information is protected by industry-leading cybersecurity solutions . Contact us now at (786) 233-2002 or info@simplesolutiontech.com to learn more and schedule a consultation.

Before buying a computer for work, it’s important to consider whether your best bet is to get a consumer model or one built specifically for business use. You’ve probably seen business computers with the same brand name that you have at home, but that’s where the similarities end. Investing in the right system now will pay off long term, saving you time, money and a whole lot of frustration. Here’s what you need to know to make the best choice for your business and budget. Business-class Features When you invest in a computer, you want certain inclusions built-in and ready to go. For a business, those include features that will make your network more secure and staff more productive. For example, fingerprint readers, remote desktop software and data encryption tools. The operating system that comes pre-installed on a business-class computer will also have features the consumer options don’t, including the ability to join corporate networks. Computers designed for home use come with Windows Home or Starter editions, which may require hours of expert assistance to link into a secure business network. Usage Requirements Work out how often you’ll be using the computer for business. If the computer is mostly for home use and only occasionally for work, then a consumer PC with the appropriate work software and settings will be fine. On the other hand, a computer that is mostly for business use should be a business-class computer, not just for security but also build quality reasons. Durability and Reliability It’s probably no surprise that consumer PCs don’t have the same build quality as business ones. In fact, consumer models only have an expected lifespan of around 2 years. They just aren’t built to last. Business-class computers are built to last several years, with higher quality components and rigorous testing at every level. Most parts (if not all) are name-brand with an emphasis on reliability and long term durability. Warranty and Service Unfortunately, when a consumer PC fails, the burden is on the owner to send it away for repairs. The terms of the warranty will usually state that any other attempt to repair it will void the warranty.  Repairs can then take weeks and often involve a frustrating process of paperwork and following up. Contrast that with what happens when a business computer needs service – the technicians will come to you and fix it on the spot, often within hours. Business users enjoy a professional experience with priority status and a dedicated support line, all designed to reduce downtime and get you operational, faster. Talk to us today at (786) 233-2002 about choosing the right computer for your needs.

You hear about hacks all the time. The news covers major websites that have had data leaks containing your email and password. Computers get infected and capture your login details for bank accounts and credit cards. In the worst cases, identity theft occurs because it is an easy crime to commit to a high reward. In 2018, the passwords you used to trust to keep the bad guys out of your accounts are not enough anymore. Cyber attackers now use methods such as phishing, pharming, and keylogging to steal your password. Some have the power to test billions of password combinations. If you’re like the majority of people, you use the same password for several websites. That means anybody who has figured out that password has access to everything you’ve logged into with it. In a time when it is extremely easy to look up what a person named their first pet or high school mascot, security questions aren’t much help. Consider how a jewelry store operates. They don’t simply keep their valuables locked away with one key. There are alarms ready to be triggered, motion detectors, and sometimes even bars on the windows. Your data is valuable, just like jewelry. You need more than one line of defense to protect it. In the computer world, your second line of defense (after your username and password combination) is called “2-factor authentication.” Sometimes referred to as multiple-step or multi-factor verification, 2-factor authentication is a way to double-check a person’s identity. This can be enabled every time a person logs in or just under certain circumstances. For example, signing in from a new device or a different country might trigger 2-factor authentication. Many of the services you may already use, such as Facebook, Gmail, Xero Accounting, and more, have 2-factor authentication options. If your bank has ever sent you a special code through text or email to enter before logging in, you’ve already used a type of 2-factor authentication. They can also be in the form of a smartphone app or a physical electronic dongle. 2-factor authentication is absolutely crucial for online banking, email, and online shopping such as Amazon or PayPal. It’s also a must-have for cloud storage accounts (like Dropbox or Sync), password managers, communications apps, and productivity apps. This is especially true if you frequently use the same passwords for different websites and apps. Some may consider 2-factor authentication unnecessary for social networks, but these are actually very important to keep safe. For ease, a lot of websites and apps allow you to sign up through your Facebook or Twitter account. You need to keep these networks safe so that somebody with your password can’t suddenly get into every account you have linked. The point of using 2-factor authentication is to make hackers’ lives harder and prevent them from getting into your accounts. If they have captured your login username and password, they still need a second device to get in, especially when the computer or phone they are using has never logged into your account before. This makes it significantly more difficult for anybody to breach your account. Plus, if you receive a notification with a special code to enter for logging in, and you weren’t trying to log into that account, you have a good signal that somebody else was trying to get in. That means it’s time to change that password and be grateful you had 2-factor authentication. It’s unfortunate that there is currently an abundance of skilled hackers ready to take advantage of those unprepared. Luckily, you can still stop them -even if they have your login information at hand. 2-factor authentication is one of the easiest methods to keep your accounts safe. Give us a call at (786) 233-2002 to help secure your business and accounts. Blog Content