Business Travel and the Internet
These days, travel and computer use almost go hand-in-hand. Whether you’re carpooling across state or you’re flying internationally for business, almost all companies have some sort of ties to the mobile workforce.
In fact, many companies plan for it by making laptops accessible for employees on the go. Other companies rely on Blackberrys and other portable digital devices to keep their employees connected to email and the web.
However, Internet access tends to be rather sketchy on the road. Unless you’re able to supply your computers with wireless capabilities through a 3G network or other mobile routing system, it may be difficult for employees to send large files or share information from a remote location.
These days, car companies and airlines are stepping in to provide mobile Internet access. Automobile makers like BMW offer computers as a part of their more luxury vehicles. These computers have in-vehicle Internet access as long as you’re within range of their network. Airlines are also offering onboard Internet access, as long as you’re seated in one of the equipped stations (usually in business or first class) and you pay the appropriate fee.
Like most advances in technology, it’s only a matter of time before these types of services are offered more universally. Although they come at an added expense right now, experts estimate that most people will have more mobile Internet options within the next five years.
If your business is on the cutting edge of technology, it might be worthwhile to invest in these types of “on the road shortcuts” right now. However, if you’re content to wait, you can tap into netbooks and PDAs as a way to provide a little more connectivity until the rest of the technology catches up.
How to Reduce the Threat of Computer Viruses
Almost all personal computers and business hardware has anti-virus software as a way to keep viruses and other malware sources at bay. The reason is simple: it’s easy to install, easy to update, and easy to use.
However, in the business world, just installing the anti-virus software isn’t enough. In order to keep your data secure and your client information confidential, you must follow up to ensure that the software is being used to its maximum potential.
- Regularly update all of your software – even ones that aren’t related to information security in any way. Viruses are usually developed to get into operating systems and programs that are outdated or otherwise weak. When a software update is offered, it’s usually because the programmers have found a way to make it more secure (and usually easier to run, too).
- Keep an eye on your employees. Although it isn’t always deliberate, the number one cause of viruses on work computers is employees who accessed unsafe sites or opened an email they shouldn’t have. Whether you need to restrict Internet access, train employees on Internet safety, or instill a new policy into your company manual regarding computer use and viruses, you should always make sure your staff knows the rules regarding viruses and information security.
- Put up protection behind the protection. No matter what business you’re in, anti-virus software simply isn’t enough. Your company’s reputation and your customers’ safety is dependent on your network being a safe, secure place that keeps viruses and other sources away from sensitive information. Sometimes, this means hiring an IT vulnerability manager to help you overhaul your entire network, and other times it means taking steps to improve policy management.
When it comes to viruses and other types of malware, IT solutions don’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes, it’s the small steps (anti-virus software, employee training, limited Internet use) that can have the biggest impact on your information safety measures.
What Do You Do When a Critical IT Employee Leaves?
No matter how well you compensate your staff, sooner or later a critical IT employee will leave your company. He or she may have another offer, need to relocate, or even retire.
The loss of IT staff members leaves a gap in your security as well as a need to find a new employee to replace them. Chances are, these professionals handled some specialized and complicated tasks. How can you make sure their duties are being handled while you take the time to find a new staff member for the position.
- The first thing you need to do is to secure your system. Be sure to change passwords, get the employee’s security badge, and terminate his or her email and system access. In most cases, employees won’t try to pull any stunts, but it’s always safer to cover your bases. This way, you know there is no easy route for them to get back into your network.
- The next step is to find a new IT employee. This process can take weeks, but it doesn’t have to be a hassle. By contacting an IT consulting firm, you can get help ensuring your IT needs are being met while you are in the hiring process. The IT consultants may be able to help you streamline your IT processes while they are at it – meaning you get experienced help and as well as a better system.
Losing an employee can be stressful, but by taking the time to eliminate his or her access to your network as well as to call on the experts to share the load, you can make the transition easy.
Hacking Isn’t What it Looks Like in the Movies
We’ve all seen movies and TV shows that present someone breaking into a computer. From early 80s teen movies to recent Hollywood blockbusters, hacking is everywhere on the big screen. While these movies occasionally show a nerdy sort of fellow cracking codes, by and large it’s suave, attractive, highly competent people doing the work for a big payoff.
In the real world, this is rarely how it works.
How can I say that? Well, because most of what is trying to break into your network aren’t people – good-looking or otherwise. They are programs, viruses, and malware.
They are also quite effective. If these programs can map your system and get inside, they can steal your data or even destroy it. If your data is taken, you will lose time, money, productivity, and possibly even your clients and customers. Is that a risk you can take?
So, what’s a heroic company like yours to do? Well, you need to find those weaknesses before anyone else can. Your best course of action is to contact some IT security experts. While these professionals may not get the glory in the movies, these are the people who can beef up your security and help keep your network safe in the real world.
It’s a small commitment with tremendous rewards, especially when you consider what types of damages can occur if you don’t. You may not be chased by the bad guy through the streets of Prague, but you could lose all the time and money you’ve invested in your company.
After all, with fewer security worries, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy the big picture.
Is a Data Center Right for Your Company?
In this day and age, one of the most pressings items of business in many companies is how to store data. Everything is done on computers these days, and there has to be some place to store it. Email, purchases, goods for sale, plans, detailed records, proprietary data and even transcripts of phone calls end up being saved. Couple this with the routine backups you should be doing on your network and, well, no matter what industry you are in, you’re probably going to need more storage.
A data center, also known as a server farm, is a third-party company whose business operates around storing other people’s data. Imagine not having to worry about your data being saved on time or being saved securely – it’s already being handled. Planning for your future storage needs is a critical part of any modern business plan, and hiring a data center takes this piece out of your hands and delegates it to data handling professionals.
Even if you are operating a small business, a data center can still be the right answer. Studies have shown that almost half of all small businesses collapse after a severe data loss. By minimizing the chances of this happening, you are making your company that much stronger. So, do yourself a favor. Look into data centers and see if they are right for you. Your needs may change over time, but you’ll always have information you need to keep safe.
The Damages of Using Social Networking Sites at Work
It’s amazing how much technology has changed our lives. We can find almost any product or piece of information online in seconds. We can send messages via email in the blink of an eye. In technological terms, however, these services are so yesterday. We now rely on them and they are no longer novel – they are a way of life. So, what’s the latest and greatest new piece of technological communication?
Social networking sites.
To be fair, these sites have been around for a good long while. People have been sharing personal information, favorite songs, and finding old friends for a few years now. What’s changing is that these sites are no longer populated by just teens and college students. More and more, adults of all ages are also flocking to these sites, and many of these people are your employees.
Now, why should you care what your employees do to socialize in their free time? Well, we all know that when people are cranky about the workplace, they tend to tell a friend. Now, instead of a one-on-one conversation, these negative thoughts can be spread across the Internet. Depending on how your employees handle their privacy, these thoughts may come up when potential customers and clients search your site over the Internet. Not only that, but if you are a big name in your company, people may search on you personally as well. The Internet is a public space, and you need to maintain a professional image in every way.
So, what’s a company to do? Well, you should have a policy about company business being discussed outside of the business, and you need to educate your employees. Chances are they love the company and just have off days, but comments made on an off day can hurt your reputation. Take a little time to explain your expectations to your people, and you can keep your reputation safe.
You Know That Software Is Licensed, Right?
Your business uses a lot of software, and some of it is pretty expensive. You need it to communicate, to create, and to keep your business running, so doing without it isn’t an option. Did you know that there are limits to the number of computers you can run your software on for each purpose? If you are finding ways to get around this, you are effectively stealing the software. That’s not only bad for business, it’s breaking the law.
Even if you’ve properly paid for all of the software you are using, you may not be aware that some software licenses expire after a set amount of time. You may have to renew the license or purchase it again, but all the same, you’ll have to deal with it or the software may stop working. One way to avoid finding out too late that your software has expired is to use a tracking program. It will keep a record of the expiration dates on your licenses to make sure that the products you are using are legal and that they’ll continue to run.
Another option is free software. Freeware is sometimes an option for a growing company. Provided it’s available for use in a business setting, it can be a great way to save a little cash. Finding the good stuff in the piles of free software available, however, can be tough. It’s also hard to know if the download is reputable. One way to make this process worry free is to ask an expert. An IT consultant is up-to-date on all of the software you could want, both paid and free. By using them to help you sort through licenses and freeware, you can be sure you’re getting the best products and a great deal. After all, don’t you want less to worry about?
Considerations for Creating a “Green” IT Infrastructure
Turning to technology for things like virtual conferencing and streamlined communications is actually a great first step in creating a more environmentally-friendly workplace. That’s because one of the worst ways a company can leave a larger carbon footprint (and spend unnecessary money) is to send employees by plane for things like conferences, training, and meetings.
However, when it comes to really having a positive impact in the business world, there are additional considerations. Depending on where in the building and planning stages you are, you might consider:
- Switching to electronic record-keeping. If your business keeps all correspondence (such as emails and text messages) and routinely prints out receipts or other documents for storage in a filing system, consider using electronic versions as a way to save on printing. You’ll also want to ensure that you have a secure backup system, including offsite and possible even offshore storage options.
- Building data centers in areas that offer greater options in eco-friendly technology. For example, an area that is naturally cooler and already in touch with alternative energy options is going to allow you to reduce your energy input. Choosing a location that allows for easy commuting can also be a good idea. This is an especially important step if you’re in the planning states of your IT development.
- Plan for automated processes wherever possible. It doesn’t matter whether you automate your monthly vulnerability management program or a paper-based customer service process – when things are planned in advance to be streamlined and efficient, the result is good for both your bottom line and the environment as a whole.
Of course, if you’re really dedicated to turning your company into a more “green” place to work, you’ll also want to consider eco-friendly building codes, employee incentive programs, or even more advanced technology options. The good news about going green is that no effort is too small, and anything you do today will impact tomorrow for the better.
What IT Consultants Have that You Don’t
In many cases, hiring an outside consultant for your business is all about finding and securing the type of experience you simply don’t have on your own team. In today’s business world, much of success is due to finding and perfecting a niche market; if you are really good at one thing, and you know how to make that one thing work, you can start to grow the kind of business that is synonymous with success.
When you really narrow your field, however, you might find that you’re missing out on certain skill sets required to succeed in today’s increasingly global and technological age. For example, perhaps you make and sell purses but don’t know the first thing about selling them online. Maybe you’re in the business of finance, and your tech employees are so busy setting up and maintaining your infrastructure that information security falls by the wayside.
It doesn’t matter how large or how small your operation is; there are times when that IT consultant can fill in the gaps left by your traditional staff.
IT consultants have a number of qualifications that make them especially suited for offering information technology and information security assistance. When you choose the right firm, you get:
- Higher levels of education, in everything from computer science and electronics to management information systems or even engineering.
- Greater specialization, particularly when it comes to types of software, programming, and security unique to your business type and size.
- More comprehensive services, including everything from infrastructure design and planning to full network administration.
- Quality professional control, since most IT consulting firms can only be as successful as their clients.
Perhaps the most important thing that IT consultants have that you don’t, however, is time. Because these professionals make it their business to see to yours, you can forget the hassles of technology to really get back to what it is you do best.
Streamlining IT Solutions
Whether they realize it or not, most of today’s companies take a “patchwork quilt” approach to information and Internet security. This means that instead of relying on a unified program to oversee and track vulnerabilities, a company can have as many types of protection software as they do types of hardware and networks.
This sort of approach makes sense; after all, your company is growing and expanding, and the infrastructure you had in place two years ago might not be sufficient to meet current needs. The automatic response is to add new programs and hardware as your business grows, and to add the latest in information security to the new infrastructure at the same time.
While this can work as a short-term solution, information security is about a lot more than simply having any old barrier up in place. In order to really get the most out of your vulnerability protection, you have to take a more proactive and comprehensive approach. This means throwing out that old patchwork quilt and replacing it with a solid blanket of protection designed to grow with your company.
There are a number of benefits to this kind of capacity planning and vulnerability management:
- When your system is overseen by a single vulnerability protection plan, you get tracking data that is consistent and usable for the entire system.
- You can install vulnerability protection programs that allow for growth while still taking advantage of existing information security measures, saving you both time and money in the long-term.
- You reduce the possibility of patchwork “holes” that sometimes occur when an information security system is simply pieced together over time.
No matter what your current infrastructure looks like, your business can benefit from a vulnerability assessment and consultation. Not only might you find vulnerability holes you didn’t know existed, but you can streamline the way you run your vulnerability management program – and that can save you time, money, and the trouble of a system weakened by viruses or other outside threats.