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    13Dec, 2023
    Tech-tips for SW Florida Professionals

    (Ho, ho, ho….)

    Tip: Technology Tips for a Smooth Holiday Season

    The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, and technology often plays a significant role in making the festivities even more memorable.

    Whether you’re giving or receiving new devices, hosting family gatherings, or simply wanting to ensure the security of your digital and physical assets, these technology tips will help you make the most of your tech during the holiday period.

    Preparing New Devices

    If you’re planning to give someone a new phone, tablet, or gaming console, it’s essential to set it up properly before wrapping it. Most devices require initial updates to ensure optimal performance and security. By turning on and updating the device beforehand, you can avoid the frustration of slow updates on Christmas morning when everyone is eager to start using their new gadgets.

    Securing Devices Digitally and Physically

    During the holidays, especially with young children, it’s crucial to digitally and physically secure your devices. Implementing digital security measures, such as setting up passwords or PIN codes, can prevent accidental deletion of important documents or unauthorized access to personal information.

    Additionally, be mindful of the physical safety of your devices. With the excitement and chaos of holiday gatherings, accidents can happen. Keep devices out of reach of young children or consider using childproof cases to protect them from accidental drops or spills. Also, be careful with charging cables and ensure they’re placed in safe locations where they won’t be tripped over, potentially causing the device to fall.

    Guest Wi-Fi Network

    If you’re hosting family and friends during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to set up a guest Wi-Fi network if your router supports it. A guest network provides a separate Wi-Fi connection for your guests, while keeping your main network secure. This separation prevents guests from accessing shared folders or other resources on your network, protecting your sensitive information from any potentially infected devices brought by your guests.

    Even if you completely trust your guests, their devices might unknowingly be infected with malware that could spread to your own devices. Setting up a guest network creates an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

    Need Tech Help? We’re Here for You!

    While these tips can help you navigate the holiday season smoothly, we understand that technology can sometimes be challenging. If you encounter any issues or need assistance with your tech, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts is here to help you with any tech-related concerns and ensure you can fully enjoy the holiday season without technological hiccups. Call us today at 941-447-8582.

    Remember, the holidays should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, and with a little bit of preparation and caution, you can make the most of your technology while keeping it secure. Wishing you a joyful and tech-savvy holiday season!

    Fun Fact: The U.S. state of Florida has a total of 4,510 islands that are ten acres or larger.

    (Anna Maria Island, Manatee County)

    This is the second-highest number of islands of any state of the United States; only Alaska has more.

    Major island chains include the Florida Keys, the Ten Thousand Islands, the Sea Islands, and the barrier islands of the Atlantic coast, the Panhandle Gulf of Mexico coast, and the Tampa Bay Area and Southwest Florida Gulf coast.

    Tool: Protect Your Business with Passwordless Authentication

    (A great option if you are tired of remembering your PW)

    “123456,” “letmein,” and “password” remain all too common passwords. It’s difficult to believe, but people still use simple, obvious passwords. They even repeat them across sites to avoid having to remember various logins. It’s a major problem for business, one you can address with passwordless authentication.

    What is passwordless authentication?

    As the name suggests, it means accessing information technology without a password. Yet there are different options that qualify as passwordless authentication.

    Magic links are gaining popularity. In this approach, the user provides their email address. The system then emails a link to click that provides immediate access. Hidden from view, the system is ensuring it can find the user’s email address before authenticating.

    Possession factors are another common solution. A user can authenticate their account only using something that they own. The system could rely on:

    • a code sent to, or generated by, a known authenticator app (e.g. Okta or Authy);
    • a one-time password sent via text message to the user’s registered smartphone;
    • a hardware token (e.g. a key fob or thumb drive, such as Yubikey). These may connect to the system or generate a one-time access code remotely.

    A third alternative identifies people using biometrics. Using physical attributes, such as fingerprints or retinal scans, the system authenticates users. Biometrics sounds more sci-fi than the other options, yet many iPhone users already unlock their devices with facial scans.

    In fact, behavioral biometrics can also help identify imposters if they do get into a system. The software learns how an individual typically interacts with a keyboard or touch screen. If a user in a session shows different habits the authentication software could flag a potential threat.

    Securing your business from cyberattack

    It’s abundantly clear that passwords can be cracked. As many as 23.2 million people were using “123456” as their password in 2022 breaches, so hackers can start with a simple guess.

    Bad actors can also program computers to guess options over and over until they get in. Humans would take ages to do this, but machines can do it quickly. In fact, it’s estimated that a 10-digit numeric password won’t stall a hacker. Even adding one lowercase letter only takes them one minute to crack.

    Passwordless authentication adds another hurdle. They often need the cybercriminal to have direct access to your email address, or to have your smartphone or hardware token in their hands.

    Securing your business from cyberattack

    We can’t tell you that passwordless authentication is 100% safe. Nothing is, as technology and the ways criminals attack continue to evolve. Yet these approaches beat passwords by requiring more effort to infiltrate your systems.

    Want to avoid being an easy target for cyberattacks? Talk to our experts about authentication methods and shoring up your security posture.

    Resource: Take advantage of Ricoh Business Booster

    (FREE Business Boosters for Commercial Printing)

    …One of the many benefits you receive by partnering with a leader.

    Ricoh Business Booster is a unique business development program designed exclusively for Ricoh Commercial Printing Business customers. With the information, education and resources available, you’ll be able

    to strengthen your operations, broaden your revenue streams and stay ahead of the curve.

    At the program’s core is RicohBusinessBooster.com, a robust,

    continuously updated website that provides a wealth of information and exclusive resources, all in one place, from a partner you trust. We provide content on a wide range of topics, from graphic arts, commercial print, sign & graphics, critical communications, direct mail and more. We cover all spectra of the market so that you can benefit from the information that’s most relevant to your business.

    As a partner who is with you every step of the way, we encourage you to take advantage of these resources. Use them to create your own marketing materials, promote your services, educate your sales team, discover new opportunities and more.

    On this Date In History: December 15th 1791

    (Protect you freedom and liberty)

    Bill of Rights ratified when Virginia gives its approval, becomes amendments 1-10 of the US constitution.

    Trend: Beware of the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam

    (Have a scam free Christmas)

    Have you recently received an email claiming to be from Norton informing you of an upcoming subscription renewal? Be cautious, as this could be a scam.

    The “Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam” is making the rounds. This article aims to inform you about what to look for and how to avoid it.

    The Deceptive Email

    The Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam involves a fake invoice for antivirus renewal. Norton, a well-known antivirus brand, is being used as a disguise to trick users into believing they need to renew their subscription immediately. The scammers prey on the trust associated with the Norton brand to deceive their victims.

    Recognizing the Scam

    Several red flags can help you identify the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam. First, the price mentioned in the email is often exorbitant, and a sense of urgency is created by stating that the invoice must be paid within 24 hours. The email may also instruct you to call their billing department to cancel the subscription or request a refund for the amount that hasn’t actually been charged.

    The Scam Unfolds

    Once you call the provided number, the scam begins to unfold. The scammer on the other end of the line may request remote access to your computer, claiming they need to resolve the issue or process the refund. This is a major red flag, as legitimate companies such as Norton would never ask for remote access to your computer over the phone.

    The scammer might then ask you to log into your bank account and note the current balance. They will then manipulate the code on the Web page to make it appear that they have refunded a larger amount of money than they were supposed to. They will demand that you repay the excess amount back to them, insisting that it was a mistake. Unfortunately, the initial refund never occurred, and by paying the difference back to the scammer, you have fallen victim to their scheme.

    Protect Yourself

    To protect yourself from falling victim to the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam, it’s important to remember a few key points:

    • Be suspicious of unsolicited emails: If you receive an unexpected email regarding Norton subscription renewal or any other service, take the time to verify its authenticity before taking any action.
    • Verify with trusted sources: If you are a Norton customer, contact Norton directly, either through their official website or customer support hotline, to confirm the legitimacy of the email and the renewal request.
    • Never give remote access to your computer: Legitimate companies will never ask for remote access to your computer over the phone. If someone requests this, it’s a clear indication of a scam.

    Reach Out for Help

    If you have fallen victim to the Norton Subscription Renewal Email Scam or need cybersecurity assistance, we are here to help. Scammers may have planted malware on your computer when they had access. Call us today at 941-447-8582.

    Remember, staying informed and cautious is the best defense against scams. Stay vigilant, question suspicious emails or phone calls, and seek professional assistance when needed. Together, we can protect ourselves and create a safer digital environment.

    11Dec, 2023
    Small Breach, Massive Fallout: The Danger of Inadequate Security Measures

    In our modern, highly interconnected world, it’s crucial to recognize that even minor computer security issues have the potential to rapidly escalate into significant problems.

    This article provides an example of the chain reaction that can occur when even minor computer security issues are not addressed.

    The Domino Effect of a Leaked Password

    Imagine a user’s password was leaked due to a security breach on another service. This seemingly minor issue can be the starting point for a significant security breach.

    Let’s delve into how this can escalate into more significant problems.

    Step 1: Access to Email Account

    According to a recent survey conducted by Google, a staggering 65 percent of individuals admit to reusing passwords across multiple websites, if not all of them.

    A hacker can access the victim’s email account if the leaked password is the same as that used for the victim’s email address. Once inside, they can access all incoming and outgoing messages, contact lists, and any sensitive information stored within the account.

    Step 2: Exploiting “Forgot Password” Features

    Once hackers control the compromised email account, they can exploit the “forgot password” feature on other online services. By initiating password resets, they can intercept the password reset emails sent to the compromised email address. This allows the hacker to change passwords for other online accounts, effectively locking out the rightful owner and gaining unauthorized access.

    Step 3: Unauthorized Access to Other Services

    With access to the compromised email account and control over password resets, hackers can gain further unauthorized access to a wide range of services linked to that email address. This includes social media accounts, online banking services, e-commerce platforms, and cloud storage.

    From here, they can gather privileged information about the victim, such as bank account numbers and tax records, which will help with further attacks.

    Step 4: Further Exploitation and Damage

    Once hackers have access to these accounts, they can exploit them differently. This could be to steal money, conduct fraudulent transactions, or use these compromised accounts to launch more sophisticated phishing attacks against people who know and trust the victim.

    Preventing Escalation: The Importance of Robust Security Practices

    It is crucial to adopt robust security practices to prevent minor computer security issues from escalating into major breaches. Here are some key measures to consider.

    Strong, Unique Passwords

    Using a strong, unique password for each online account is vital. A strong password should combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Consider using a password manager to store and generate complex passwords securely.

    Two-factor authentication (2FA)

    Enabling two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. With 2FA, even if a password is compromised, hackers would still need a secondary verification method, such as a unique code sent to a trusted device, to gain access to an account.

    Regular Security Audits

    Perform regular security audits of your online accounts and systems. This includes checking for suspicious activities, reviewing privacy settings, and updating software and applications to their latest versions, as updates often contain security patches.

    Security Awareness and Education

    Invest in educating yourself and your team about computer security best practices. Stay informed about common phishing techniques, regularly update your knowledge on emerging threats, and exercise caution when interacting with suspicious emails, links, or attachments.

    Timely Response to Security Breaches

    Take immediate action if you suspect a security breach or notice suspicious activities. Change passwords and seek help from a managed service provider to assess and mitigate any potential damage.

    Conclusion

    Minor computer security issues can quickly snowball into significant problems if not addressed promptly. Reach out to us today to learn how we can prevent minor issues from becoming big ones. Call us at 941-447-8582

    16Oct, 2023
    The Dangers of Smartphone Ransomware

    You’ve likely seen news coverage of ransomware targeting large companies or hospitals. Maybe you’ve seen Homeland when Claire Danes’ character falls victim to laptop ransomware during a surveillance mission. But did you know that ransomware attackers can also target your smartphone?

    A smartphone, after all, is a portable computer in your palm. Take a moment to imagine being locked out of your own phone. The hackers could gain access to your saved passwords and emails. You could lose access to your contacts, notes, and images, and even your three years’ worth of effort on Candy Crush.

    What You Need to Know About Smartphone Ransomware

    Also known as mobile ransomware, these attacks infect your smartphone. Instead of stealing the actual device, the bad actors take it hostage. They typically encrypt your data and make it so you can’t do anything.

    It may not be as widely publicized, but there’s already a long list of smartphone ransomware programs. The list continues to grow with examples such as ScarePackage, LeakerLocker, and LockerPin. ScarePackage can infect more than 900,000 phones in a single month.

    And before you think, “That won’t happen on my iPhone,” know that no smartphone manufacturer is secure. The type of ransomware may vary due to the different operating systems, but you can be at risk on both Android and an iPhone.

    Unlike other malware, the hackers usually want you to know they’ve gained control. Typically, they will notify you on your lock screen or home screen. You’ll often see a list of demands and a deadline to comply. That said, some mobile ransomware stealthily steals your data.

    What To Do About Mobile Ransomware

    The first thing to do? Be cautious. Keep these best practices in mind always:

    • Regularly update your device’s operating system and applications to patch any security vulnerabilities.
    • Exercise caution when downloading or installing apps from untrusted sources.
    • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or opening email attachments from unknown senders.
    • Enable app and system updates to ensure you have the latest security patches.

    If you become a ransomware victim, try to disconnect your device from the internet. Turning off Wi-Fi and mobile data limits communication with the attacker’s server.

    Avoid paying the ransom. It’s tempting but not recommended. You are counting on hackers to keep their word and provide the encryption key.

    You can find decryption tools online for less complex ransomware. If the ransomware came from a malicious app, immediately delete that app if you can.

    What you can do will depend on the specific ransomware variety. In general, it’s best to seek professional help. Work with an IT expert who can remove ransomware without further compromising your device. We can also help you restore clean, unaffected backups. Contact us today at 941-447-8582.

    30Jun, 2023
    How Much Does Data Loss Really Cost?


    “Contrary to what many may think, very small organizations are just as enticing to criminals as large ones, and, in certain ways, maybe even more so.”  — Verizon’s extensive Data Breach Incident Report 2022

    You always hear how data loss has a significant impact on businesses, especially small businesses.

    Yet, how much does it really cost?

    IBM and Ponemon Institute’s 2022 report put the cost for a SINGLE data record lost at $164 or $4.35 million per incident in total.

    Our latest eBook explores:

    • Why data loss costs so much
    • What causes data loss
    • Best practices to protect your data

    Instant Access to the ebook How Much Does Data Loss Cost? today!

    26May, 2023
    Tackle These Four False Assumptions about Cyber Attackers

    There’s one big assumption about cyber attackers that we regularly refute: “It can’t happen to me.” At this point, most businesses do recognize the serious nature of the cyberattack threat. Yet other assumptions about cyberattackers may also make your business vulnerable. Educate your employees about these four main misconceptions. Raising their awareness can help secure your systems against social engineering attacks.

    Start with the assumption that any technology is 100 percent safe. This is as misguided as the idea that your business won’t be a victim of a cyberattack. Some employees may believe that Google and Microsoft activity is always secure. That’s not the case.

    Google and Microsoft have massive market shares, and it makes sense that bad actors target their cloud storage and content distribution. Once they’re in, they have ample opportunity to scam people.

    Another false assumption is that threat actors go in blind with a scatter-shot approach. In fact, many social engineers do their research first. They learn what they can about your employees, your org chart, and what your business does. This helps them to develop more credible attacks.

    Cybercriminals take the time to build rapport before initiating an attack. They may send unassuming conversational emails first, which helps them lull your people into seeing them as a trusted source. After establishing false security, criminals make an urgent request or plea for help.

    Counter these misconceptions too

    Cyberattackers may also make their play over the phone. So, don’t assume that your online interactions are the only thing to protect. There are hundreds of thousands of “vishing” threats every day. The bad actor may send an email without any malicious links or attachments, but there’s a number to call. If your employee calls in, they’ll talk with a convincing criminal. The bad actor might act as a call center or customer service agent.

    Also warn employees against the assumption that responding to an existing email is always safe. It is much easier than they might think for someone to hijack a colleague or client’s email inbox. Then, the criminals use a pre-existing email thread to send a malicious attachment or URL, or use the connection to ask the employee to perform some action for the threat actor.

    Finally, emphasize the point that anything is fair game. Cybercriminals will attack anyone, in any way they can. This includes leveraging current events, pop culture, and even international health crises. One campaign exploited victims by offering early access to Season 2 of the streaming success “Squid Game”, and during COVID lockdowns, hackers offered free masks or free tests to get people to download infected files.

    There is money in cybercrime – a lot of it. The bad guys are highly motivated and always looking for new ways to exploit human weaknesses. Discuss cybersecurity assumptions with your employees and put protective measures in place to secure your IT. Our experts can help. Contact us today at 555-5555.

    Tackle These Four False Assumptions about Cyber Attackers

    There’s one big assumption about cyber attackers that we regularly refute: “It can’t happen to me.” At this point, most businesses do recognize the serious nature of the cyberattack threat. Yet other assumptions about cyberattackers may also make your business vulnerable. Educate your employees about these four main misconceptions. Raising their awareness can help secure your systems against social engineering attacks.

    Start with the assumption that any technology is 100 percent safe. This is as misguided as the idea that your business won’t be a victim of a cyberattack. Some employees may believe that Google and Microsoft activity is always secure. That’s not the case.

    Google and Microsoft have massive market shares, and it makes sense that bad actors target their cloud storage and content distribution. Once they’re in, they have ample opportunity to scam people.

    Another false assumption is that threat actors go in blind with a scatter-shot approach. In fact, many social engineers do their research first. They learn what they can about your employees, your org chart, and what your business does. This helps them to develop more credible attacks.

    Cybercriminals take the time to build rapport before initiating an attack. They may send unassuming conversational emails first, which helps them lull your people into seeing them as a trusted source. After establishing false security, criminals make an urgent request or plea for help.

    Counter these misconceptions too

    Cyberattackers may also make their play over the phone. So, don’t assume that your online interactions are the only thing to protect. There are hundreds of thousands of “vishing” threats every day. The bad actor may send an email without any malicious links or attachments, but there’s a number to call. If your employee calls in, they’ll talk with a convincing criminal. The bad actor might act as a call center or customer service agent.

    Also warn employees against the assumption that responding to an existing email is always safe. It is much easier than they might think for someone to hijack a colleague or client’s email inbox. Then, the criminals use a pre-existing email thread to send a malicious attachment or URL, or use the connection to ask the employee to perform some action for the threat actor.

    Finally, emphasize the point that anything is fair game. Cybercriminals will attack anyone, in any way they can. This includes leveraging current events, pop culture, and even international health crises. One campaign exploited victims by offering early access to Season 2 of the streaming success “Squid Game”, and during COVID lockdowns, hackers offered free masks or free tests to get people to download infected files.

    There is money in cybercrime – a lot of it. The bad guys are highly motivated and always looking for new ways to exploit human weaknesses. Discuss cybersecurity assumptions with your employees and put protective measures in place to secure your IT. Our experts can help. Contact us today at 941-447-8582.

    25May, 2023
    Supercharge Your Business Operations with our ChatGPT AI Cheatsheet

    As a business professional, you have probably heard that AI is changing the game. That’s why I wanted to share our ChatGPT cheatsheet with you.

    With real-world examples, our cheatsheet shows how ChatGPT can help your business. From hiring to sales and marketing, AI can optimize your operations and help give you a competitive edge.

    Don’t miss out on this opportunity to harness the power of AI for your business. Download our ChatGPT Cheatsheet now and unlock the potential of AI in your operations.

    Download the cheat sheet here – no email required!

    If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help! 941-447-8582

    All the best,

    Doug MacDonald, The Document Warrior

    21Mar, 2023
    8 Signs you need new IT support

    When your IT provider isn’t providing the quality support you can experience:

    • Lost employee productivity
    • Security breaches
    • Lost business revenue
    • Low return on IT investment
    • Employee turnover
    • Business downtime
    • Drop in reputation with customers

    None of these are good. Learn eight indicators that you’re suffering with subpar IT support. These include poor communication, suffering outages again and again, or seeing your business lag behind the competition.

    Don’t settle. Sure, change is difficult, but you don’t want to be held back by these IT provider issues. For Instant Access and no email required, Download 8 Signs You Need a New IT Support Provider to make sure you’re making the best choice for your business.

    15Mar, 2023
    Tech-Tips for SWFL Professionals

    Tip: Benefits of a Veritical Monitor

    You’ll find it’s easier to scan websites, view search engine results, and read online content or long blocks of code. If you’re big into cryptocurrency, you might enjoy displaying data in an easy-to-read form, plus, you’ll be able to react more quickly. You can also have a full view of photographs or a project if you’re trying to design something with a vertical layout. Vertical screens can also reduce eye strain. With this setup, you reduce the range of movement, which can save your eyes from getting as tired.

    You don’t have to buy a special monitor to take advantage of a vertical setup. While many screens are only capable of a horizontal display, you may be able to adjust the way it is mounted. You can get a stand or mount that allows you to easily rotate the screen. As long as it is a VESA-compatible monitor, you can easily make the choice of horizontal or vertical. Then, you can change the layout in the operating system’s display settings. Windows, MacOS, and Linux all support vertical screen rotation.

    On this Date in History

    1783 In an emotional speech in Newburgh, New York, George Washington asks his officers not to support the Newburgh Conspiracy. The plea is successful and the threatened coup d’etat never takes place. Washington successfully calmed the soldiers and helped secure back pay, preventing any armed action against Congress.

    Tool: Merge PDF files for FREE

    Do you ever have the need to merge a bunch of different PDF files? We relax, becasue now you can for free, anytime. I found Merge PDF – Combine PDF files online for free (smallpdf.com) to be one of my favorite “Go-To” solutions on the web. TheirPDF merger allows you to quickly combine multiple PDF files into one single PDF document, in just a few clicks. No signup is needed to use this online tool. All the files you upload, as well as the file generated on our server, will be deleted permanently within an hour.

    The web app is browser-based. So, it works for all operating systems including Mac, Windows, and Linux. Amaze colleagues and client with this really nifty tool!

    Win a $10.00 Starbucks Card!

    WIN this….

    The first three people who answer this question correctly will be sent a Starbucks gift card: What are RICOH’s ” SPIRT of The Three Loves”? Please email answers to douglas.macdonald@RICOH-USA.com (Please, no RICOH employees, retirees or if you work outside of SWFL).

    Resource: 5 Questions Executives Need to Ask About Cyber Security

    Cybersecurity is a constantly changing field. A new technology is developed to keep criminals at bay, but soon after, bad actors find a way around it. As a business leader, you have a lot to manage, but don’t overlook the importance of managing cybersecurity risks, too. Asking these five questions prioritizes keeping data and systems protected.

    #1 What assets and entry points do we have that need protection?

    You need to have a full inventory of what you have to protect; otherwise, you can’t expect your cybersecurity to be effective. Determine what needs monitoring and management, as well as your priorities.

    #2 How are we securing our technology?

    Taking a multi-layered approach is best. Besides antivirus software, your business also needs firewalls (even many firewalls). Still, it doesn’t stop there. You can also take advantage of:

    • identity and access management tools;
    • encryption;
    • vulnerability scans;
    • penetration testing;
    • employee training in defending against cyberthreats.

    #3 How do we detect problems?

    Be proactive about detecting incidents.

    #4 What is our plan in the event of an incident?

    Few of us think at our best in crisis situations. It’s much better to anticipate the worst and think ahead. Leadership can make a plan to respond to ransomware, establish a disaster plan, and consider business continuity. 

    #5 What are we doing to create a cybersecurity culture?

    Fun Fact: Sudan Has More Pyramids than any Country in the World

    Not only does Sudan have more pyramids than Egypt, but the numbers aren’t even close. While 138 pyramids have been discovered in Egypt, Sudan boasts around 255.

    Trends: 4 Tech Trends to Know About for 2023

    A new year is an opportunity to start afresh. This is also true for your technology initiatives. Your business can begin 2023 on the right foot by considering these important IT trends.

    #1 Cloud migration

    The pandemic pushed businesses to work remotely. Even those that said they’d never work from home saw benefits. Now, with cloud computing battle-tested, many offices are choosing to remain remote or at least hybrid, even though they could now go back.

    #2 Automation

    Any opportunity to streamline processes can support competitive advantage. That’s why many digitally savvy businesses are embracing automation.

    Improve human capital use by automating workflows that take abundant employee time. You can free up employees to work on higher-value initiatives. Plus, you can reduce the risk of human data entry or data processing errors. You’ll also cut the security risk from human involvement with sensitive data.

    #3 Multi-factor authentication

    The days of securing business technology in a single, contained setting are gone. 

    #4 Optimizing IT budget

    This is not a new trend, of course. Still, with the uncertain global economic outlook for 2023, it is a higher priority. 

    Industry Insights

    If you are considering any of the following like:

    Taking the burden off IT staff from managing their print infrastructure.
    Reducing costs by eliminating print servers and buying software.
    Verifying security compliance
    Simplifying printing for hybrid workers.
    Getting support for mixed fleet environments

    Then you are in luck.
     
    RICOH CloudStream is a cloud-native designed Software as a Service (SaaS) platform solution that enables organizations to migrate, streamline, and manage their print infrastructure in the cloud to support today’s hybrid workforce and mixed fleet environments.

    With Ricoh CloudStream, customers can eliminate print servers, simplify driver management, reduce overhead and free up IT resources. Ricoh CloudStream is a vendor agnostic printing solution utilizing a single full-featured print driver for all printers. Hybrid workers can easily print from any device, to any printer, at any location. 
    2Mar, 2023
    Top 10 Ways to Find Cyber Security Gaps

    You may trust that you’re protected against cyber security flaws. Yet you need to take proactive steps to find and close any security gaps that put you at risk. Our infographic shares 10 top strategies to identify weaknesses and take action. 

    The advice includes:  

    • Monitor infrastructure 
    • Audit cybersecurity policies
    • Train employees 
    • Develop a disaster recovery plan
    • Consider third party/vendor risk
    • Partner with a managed service provider

    The systems you build and networks you maintain are inevitably vulnerable. Cut your risks today. Call Douglas MacDonald, SWFL Regional Account Manager at 941-447-8582.

    7Feb, 2023
    IT Services Agreement or Block Hours Support: Which Is Best for a Small Business?

    There are many types of IT support available for a business, and the two most common are “managed services” and “block hours support.” In this article, we’ll look at what these are, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and which one might be right for you.

    What Is Block Hours Support?

    With block hours support, you pre-pay a single provider for a certain amount and type of service. It’s usually a “block” or fixed number of hours, but it can also be a fixed dollar amount or an amount for a specific project.

    What Are the Advantages of Block Hours Support?

    Block hours support is usually cheaper than hiring your own staff. The provider has skilled staff with up-to-date training, so they can quickly and efficiently handle your needs. Your provider can also give you a bulk discount when you purchase more hours at a time.

    And with a block hours agreement, you pay only for what you need. For example, you can save money by maintaining only the infrastructure and staff you need when you need it. That allows you to avoid a closet full of expensive hardware that you thought you were going to need or staff that don’t have enough to do.

    What Are the Disadvantages of Block Hours Support?

    Block hours support is what’s called a “break/fix” type of service. In other words, your provider isn’t usually involved until you have a problem. You wait until something goes wrong, and then call your provider to fix it.

    That doesn’t give you the advantage of constant monitoring and management that can prevent problems before they start. That’s especially important for things such as cybersecurity, where it’s best to detect an attack and prevent damage instead of trying to fix it.

    In addition, everyone’s IT operations are unique, so it helps to have someone who’s familiar with your setup when you need help. But a block hours support provider usually can’t guarantee that you’ll always get the same technician or even the best technician for your job. That means your service might be slower or less effective than a more comprehensive approach.

    Reacting to a problem after it occurs also means you could experience more downtime. It could be hours before your provider can respond to your call and fix the problem. If you can’t afford to wait, you probably need a more proactive solution.

    What Are the Advantages of a Managed Services Agreement?

    With a managed services agreement, you typically have the option of more comprehensive services. For instance, instead of just reactive troubleshooting, your provider can continuously monitor and manage your processes such as cybersecurity.

    They can also provide more “premium” services, such as more comprehensive management and even strategic planning.

    What Are the Disadvantages of a Managed Services Agreement?

    Compared to “block hours support,” the main disadvantage of a managed services agreement is cost. Your contract will usually be a fixed monthly fee, which you pay regardless of whether you use any services. Typically, larger organizations use more services, so this isn’t an issue for them, but for smaller businesses, it could be that contracting for managed services is overkill that could cost you money.

    Which Solution is Right for You?

    Block hours support works well if you don’t have a very large or complex operation, and you can afford the downtime you might experience when a problem arises.

    Larger organizations can take advantage of premium services to help them save more on their operations.

    Want help assessing your outsourced IT needs? Give us a call at 941-447-8582.