How Natural Disasters, Breaches, and Hackers Affect Businesses Big and Small

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The success of a business is often attributed to the strong decisions of its management. Yet, that is not the entire story. Often, both failure and success can be determined by how a business deals with situations out of its control. A business may fail because it wasn’t prepared for an unexpected event. Conversely, another business might be able to survive a natural disaster simply because it had a plan in place for such an event.
All businesses, whether large or small, have lots of potential threats. If one of these threats happens, it can have devastating consequences. According to ZDNet, the top three threats to society include cyberattacks, natural disasters, and extreme weather. Interestingly, they put cyberattacks on the same level of devastation as extreme weather and natural disasters. It is unfortunately true. The consequences of natural disasters, breaches, and hackers lead to threats to businesses and data loss. Since many businesses rely on connected services and the internet, the damage from cyberattacks can be huge. It’s one of the biggest risks the world faces today.

Types of natural disasters

There are many types of natural disasters. All of them can affect businesses and data loss. Here are some examples of natural disasters:
• Earthquake
• Fire
• Tsunami
• Flooding or extreme precipitation
• Hurricane, tornado, cyclone
• Volcanoes
• Lightning
• Famine and drought
• Landslide
• Extreme temperature (heat or cold)
• And, as we’ve seen, pandemics

Impact of natural disasters

Before we delve into exploring businesses and data loss from natural disasters, we can’t ignore the devastating results of these natural phenomena outside in general. According to Our World in Data, there are around 60,000 deaths from natural disasters worldwide. The deadliest of natural disasters is usually an earthquake. Typically, natural disasters affect poorer populations more heavily. This is often due to a lack of protective dwelling construction or adequate response to the event.

How does disaster impact businesses? 

No one is ever 100% prepared for a disaster. Whether the disaster is an earthquake, tornado, or flood, an organization’s plans can be thrown into disarray. There might be a breakdown in supply chains. Maybe employees are unable to reach the premises. Or there may be damage to the facilities, equipment, or the power or internet may be down. In any disaster, including the technological kind, a business will need to find ways to deal with the situation at hand. This is why it is important for all businesses, regardless of size, to have contingency plans for disasters. It should be a priority.

How can businesses plan for natural disasters?

Businesses should ensure they look at their entire operation and consider how a natural disaster might disrupt every branch. It’s not just about planning emergency evacuation routes or having emergency supplies. Businesses also need to consider things like how to contact employees if connections are down.
Depending on the business type, an organization might also need to think about how to sort out their supply chain if they are unable to access the major transit routes due to natural disasters. Having an alternative plan if facilities can’t be used is a must for survival.

Natural disasters, data breaches, and hackers for businesses, and data loss

While we’re talking about disasters that affect businesses, we must also consider technological disasters like hackers and data breaches. These can have just as much of an impact on businesses and data loss. In some parts of the world, these events are more likely than a natural disaster. According to Forbes, hackers and cybercrime are more devastating to business operations than a Transit Strike, a Fire, and even Floods for small and medium-sized businesses.

Final thoughts

While we can’t prevent any of these disasters from causing problems for businesses and data loss, there are steps that we can take to reduce their impact. The main takeaway is to plan for all possible scenarios. For the impact of events to be reduced, there must be a detailed process in place. One solution is an on-site BDR (Backup, Disaster, Recovery) unit. A BDR automatically backs up all your data every 15 minutes. It is connected to an auxiliary power unit so it can back up everything when the power goes out. There are also Cloud solutions that backup your data safely, in multiple locations. This ensures that your data is always available, no matter what happens. If you have any questions about Backup solutions or would like to change the ways you are currently saving your data, contact us any time. As your Managed Service Provider, the safety of your data is our concern too.

Why is Disaster Data Recovery Important For Business?

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What does disaster data recovery mean? This term describes the method businesses use to regain access to stored information after a disruptive event. Any event, like a cyberattack, ransomware, a natural disaster, or even something new like the Covid-19 pandemic. When data is lost, businesses can employ a variety of methods for their disaster data recovery plan.

How does disaster data recovery work? 

Disaster data recovery relies on the data being replicated in an off-site location that has not been affected by the outage. When a server goes down due to a cyberattack, equipment failure, or a natural disaster, businesses can recover their lost data from a backup location. When the data is backed up on the Cloud, businesses can access their data remotely so they can continue to operate.

What are some key elements of effective disaster data recovery plans? 

We need a plan! A data recovery team will assign specialists to create, implement and manage the data recovery plan. Should a disaster occur, the data recovery team will facilitate communication with employees, customers, and vendors.

Risk evaluations. An effective data recovery plan needs to assess all potential hazards. Depending on the type of disaster, the risk assessment will dictate what needs to happen for the business to resume operations. For example, if there were a cyberattack, what measures will the data recovery team use in response? A natural disaster will require a different response.

Identification of critical assets. For a disaster data recovery plan to be effective, it needs to include a list of all assets. Vital resources, systems, and applications that are critical to the business are at the top of the list. Next, it’s important to have the steps that need to be implemented to recover the data.

Backing up your data. An effective data recovery plan needs strategies and procedures for backups. You should know who will perform the backups and how often they will be done. Those responsible for data backups must also work out the business’s recovery time. Calculate the amount of time the organization can be ‘down’ after a disaster and work from there.

Optimization and testing. The data recovery strategy should be tested and updated continually to protect the business from new threats. In this way, the business will be able to navigate challenges successfully. Planning a response to a cyberattack ahead of time will make sure your team will know what to do.

Types of disaster data recovery 

There are a variety of options when it comes to data recovery. Perhaps the simplest method is backup. Your data is stored on or off-premises, or both for extra safety. However, relying solely on data backup gives minimal protection for businesses. If there is no backup of the IT infrastructure as well, there could be even bigger issues. For example, are your critical programs backed up as well?

 Using DRaaS – Disaster Recovery as a Service

DRaaS is another way in which businesses can protect their data and infrastructure in the event of a disaster. Your business’s computer processing happens on the DRaaS cloud infrastructure. This means that the business can continue to operate seamlessly, even if its servers are down. A DRaaS plan can be either a pay-per-use or a subscription model. A similar solution is Back UP as a Service. But this only backs up data and not infrastructure.

 Why is IT disaster recovery important? 

There exists no business that can ignore disaster data recovery. Having a plan in place for this means that businesses can protect themselves from closure. Most businesses can’t even afford to close for one extra day. With a strategy in place for disaster data recovery, businesses will be able to get back to normal operations much more quickly. They might even be able to continue operating as normal. Why would anyone risk their business without a Backup Disaster Recovery plan?

As your Managed Service Provider, we can assist you with your Backup Disaster Recovery (BDR) plan. You know how valuable your data is. Don’t run the risk of losing it! Contact us today and we can go over our data recovery solutions.

True Cloud vs. Fake Cloud

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If you are thinking it is time to embrace a fully integrated ERP system, or replace your aging ERP system you will find an overwhelming number of choices.  How do you know which is best for you?  You will find expert advice for comparing solutions, but they may miss one of the most critical choices that should be at the top of your criteria list. Is the solution truly a cloud based solution, or is it a wolf in sheep’s clothing?  Many “cloud” solutions are simply repackaged older technology on-premise solutions that are being run on a cloud server, but lack True Cloud features.

 

It is more than using mobile devices

True cloud software supports all mobile devices without requiring additional software. However, just being mobile doesn’t provide the benefits you need to compete.  When it comes to growing your business, speed is the name of the game. Your bottom line depends on your ability to exploit new business opportunities before your competitors do.  Post Covid distribution businesses are getting squeezed in the supply chain and  keeping up with customer demand.  New warehouses are springing up everywhere and one is bigger than the other.  Skilled labor is impossible to hire and you will have a wide variety of computer skills levels in your employee base.

 

It is about making more with less

As a distribution Business Owner you are looking for ways to fill more orders faster – with less people.  Your purchasing department needs to know what is selling, what stock is in low status and they have to do that without having a 2 hour meeting with the warehouse manager.  Centralized information is key, and a True cloud system that is easy to use and accessible to all employees all the time is the vehicle to make that happen.  When cloud technology is deployed to its fullest potential, it can remove the biggest obstacles to productivity at all stages of the business. Removing the barriers to getting information into the system improves the executive decision making process.  After all, the best decisions are made when you have better information with which to weigh those decisions. Deciding to take a hit or stand while playing blackjack is easier if you know what cards have already been played from the deck.

 

Get your complimentary white paper

CCS Technology and Acumatica want to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Our True Cloud vs. Fake Cloud: How Companies Can Tell the Difference in Distribution whitepaper breaks down what it means to be a true cloud solution—and how its distinct advantages define truly effective ERP software.

You’ll learn:

  • Why mobile devices alone can’t meet the need for real-time information
  • The 4 ways an industry-specific cloud solution can enhance your productivity
  • Not all clouds are equal—“hosted” legacy software poses risks
  • How to identify a true cloud software for maximum ROI

DOWNLOAD IT NOW

What does “built for the cloud” really mean–and why does it matter? Find out in our complimentary whitepaper.

Acumatica – The Cloud ERP #1 in Customer Satisfaction and Usability

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Is your current accounting/ERP system delivering the actionable business insights you need?

 

The right ERP system uses the latest cloud technology, is easy to use and works the way your company does business.

 

“Acumatica achieved high levels of user satisfaction compared to similar ERP products in the market.” – Rob Light, research principal, G2.com.

 

  • G2.com has published over 1,000,000 authentic and unbiased reviews about thousands of software products.

 

“Acumatica received the highest overall customer satisfaction score in our survey their customers” – Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Core Financial Management Suites for Midsize, Large and Global Enterprises 2018

 

Download the Gartner analyst report.

Acumatica offers your company a modern ERP with:

  • Custom reporting and analysis tools
  • Unlimited user pricing
  • Cloud and on-premises deployment options
  • Integrations to many third-party industry and eCommerce software solutions

 

Acumatica’s two major releases every year offers users the latest features, functions, tools, and capabilities to improve usability and productivity.

 

Former Everest CEO, Ryan Brown (now CEO of xByte), said switching to Acumatica:

  • “Dramatically improved visibility into financials
  • “Helped xByte connect with third-party software, such as FedEx
  • “Increased sales responsiveness and productivity
  • “Shaved three hours a day from daily invoicing
  • “Streamlined warehouse operations”

 

We hope you’ll explore these unbiased reviews to learn why we chose Acumatica Cloud ERP over all the other options.

 

Your ERP system should help you make actionable business decisions that create competitive advantage for your company.

 

Contact us to learn more about how Acumatica might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Is your accounting system falling short on actionable business insights?

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Do you want a detailed analysis about how every part of your company is performing at your fingertips without hours (or days) of number crunching?

 

Whether you’re considering your first ERP system, upgrading your outdated ERP system or looking for a secure cloud-based system accessible from anywhere, Acumatica is one of the solutions you should consider.

 

We could have chosen to partner with any ERP system. We chose Acumatica. We think you will too, but we recommend that you at least check it out.

 

Acumatica Cloud ERP is:

  • built for the Cloud
  • designed specifically for small and mid-market companies
  • designed for your industry specific needs including:
    • Manufacturing
    • Distribution
    • Field Service
    • and Construction
  • scalable so it grows with your business
  • remarkably easy to use

 

Imagine an integrated business management solution that is built for the needs of every department. With better data, you’ll make strategic decisions that will leave your competitors wondering what happened.

 

Click HERE to get your ERP Buyers Guide that will walk you through the important factors that you should consider at every step along the way.

 

If you’d like more information about the cloud-based ERP system we recommend, click here.

 

If you want to set up a no-cost, no-obligation discussion about your business and system challenges, contact us.

Spot Business Opportunities Being Missed

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In just the past five years, the amount of data available in your accounting system and in your industry has grown exponentially.   All levels of the company from clerk to CEO are getting overwhelmed with data.

 

DATA DATA DATA!

All companies, even the smallest are getting more data every day.  You are compiling some level of customer data, vendor data, competitive market data.  It can get overwhelming.  What do you do?  Some people choose to do nothing. As a result, they will never know if there is gold in that pile of data.  Others will shudder at the thought of the army of people needed to analyze the mountain of data they have collected.  Meanwhile, a few will turn the page and consider embracing modern solutions.

 

FROM DATA TO BUSINESS INSIGHTS!

Business owners and executives have to make decisions regularly.  The best decisions are made when you have better information with which to weigh those decisions.

 

Finally!  There are tools to quickly filter through all that data to provide you with the information.  Information that allows you to spot opportunities in your industry that your competitors are missing.

 

Information that provides real reasons to make that decision, to create a new strategy, and with acknowledgement to Star Trek – To boldly go where no one has gone before.

 

Are you ready for a company-wide enterprise system that:

  • has all of your data in one spot?
  • identifies future trends based on historical data?
  • provides an unbiased view of the financial performance of every product and service?
  • shows you which products or services are losing money?
  • shows you which customers are most and least profitable?
  • sorts through all of your data and identifies strategic opportunities that your competitors are missing?

DOs and DO NOTs

You do not need to learn a programming language, you can become an expert in machine learning or study artificial intelligence.

 

You Do need to:

  • identify your company’s top three business challenges
  • document the challenges you are having with your current system
  • calculate the financial benefits you will gain if you had the data listed above at your fingertips
  • list out the negative impacts on your company’s performance that would occur if your competitors have these tools and you do not

 

Throughout the month of June we’ll help challenge your team’s thinking about what your company could achieve with the right tools.  Furthermore, we will provide you some thoughts on what to look for in the right tools for you.  We will share some studies and metrics from industry leading experts.

 

We look forward to partnering with you to help your company achieve record-setting results!

 

If you can’t wait and want to know more today, learn more. Our consultation comes at no-cost, no-obligation. We are here to discuss your business and system challenges and what modern ERP solutions can do for you.

 

 

Remote Working in Today’s World

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This is the final blog post in our series of four on the topic of remote and hybrid working. In it, we’ll summarize what we’ve talked about in the previous three blogs and finish with a quiz so you can see how much you’ve taken in. 

The start of the Covid-19 crisis seems like it happened a long time ago. But these past 12 months or so have caused the biggest shift in working practices in modern times. Before 2020, few companies were offering their employees the chance to work from home. You’d see the occasional ‘hot desk’ company or the workers who logged onto coffee shop Wi-Fi for a change of scenery. Ultimately, though, remote working wasn’t common practice.  

A few stats 

COVID-19 changed the way we do business. Social distancing caused us to modify the way we interact. Owners are deciding how things will look in a post-pandemic world. Some business owners seem to have a “trust” issue with employees they cannot keep an eye on. Many workers and businesses don’t see a complete return to office working anytime soon. 

Pre-pandemic, less than 20% of employees across the country worked from home. 

Currently, up to 70% of employees work from home at least one day a week. And that number is expected to grow. 

Surprisingly, almost 50% of businesses in the U.S. do not allow their employees to work remotely. There are many reasons for this, but the number one reason is usually this: productivity. 

However, the statistics show a completely different story. Several studies came to the same conclusion; remote workers have less unproductive time, work more hours per week, and are up to 47% more productive than the workforce in the office. 

Moving forward, we see more of a hybrid model taking place. Many businesses were able to downsize their office space, so they can’t bring everyone back. And, the fact is, the employees are getting used to the new arrangement. At least 50% of remote employees wish to remain remote, even after the pandemic has run its course. 

The benefits of remote work

Forced to adopt the practice of remote working, many businesses call it a success. What started as a challenge has turned out to be a benefit. Most businesses are planning to keep their employees remote at least on a part-time basis.  

This means companies have had to improve the performance of their networks. Their IT infrastructure has changed to be more efficient. MSPs have certainly played a role in this and have had a big part in improving the IT systems for businesses around the world. 

Small and large companies have turned to MSPs to help them with their IT needs during the pandemic. These MSPs can access the latest technology and offer 24-7 support, Around-the-clock support isn’t possible with in-house IT teams who work 9-to-5. 

Remote working risks revealed 

Of course, with such changes, companies have experienced the downsides to remote working too. With remote workers, there’s often a higher risk of cyberattacks or security breaches. MSPs have helped in this regard too. They monitor for threats, back up data, and give peace of mind that they’re always on the lookout for threats. 

After the Pandemic 

Many companies have enjoyed the new way of working more than they anticipated in the first place. With the experience and confidence in remote working, it is thought that many companies will strive to keep at least some aspect of remote working going forward. And it will remain even once the pandemic has ceased.  

Hybrid working means different things for different companies but essentially, employees have more freedom as to their working pattern. They might be required to work in-house for one or two days a week and be at home the rest of the time, for example. There are lots of ways in which hybrid working might work but it is likely to mean that there isn’t as much need for office space in the future. With hybrid working being highly likely, we expect to see an increase in Managed IT services too. 

MSPs and the hybrid workforce 

Many companies had to adapt during the pandemic, but so did MSPs. It could be said that their challenge was greater in some ways, given that they had to learn and adapt quickly so that they could help their clients more efficiently. 

MSPs were able to help companies be available for their clients with great success and have shown how they are key partners in a company’s functionality. That’s not to say that MSPs have taken over and there is no need for in-house IT teams, quite the opposite. MSPs’ work complements that of existing in-house teams.  

Conclusion – remote work in today’s world, is it for you? If you have any questions about supporting a hybrid workforce please contact us. As a Managed Service Provider, we can help you find the perfect solution. Remember: we’re your business growth partner, so take advantage of our knowledge. 

 

Solving the Challenges of the Hybrid Workforce

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In our last blog, we mentioned how companies have adapted their workflow amid the pandemic. We now expect that this new hybrid practice, where employees mix home working with office working, is here to stay. To put a figure on it, the Institute of Directors carried out a study, which showed that 74% of companies are going to offer support to employees who work remotely after the pandemic. Of course, this is good news for many but it is also a challenge for those in IT. 

When the majority of employees only visit the office a couple of times a week, it becomes important to have a smooth-running IT infrastructure. There are many challenges to overcome, including data security, reduced visibility, and home Wi-Fi connection issues. To work effectively and keep businesses moving forward, hybrid working needs IT support. 

COVID-19 Challenges 

The global health crisis of 2020 created many challenges for most companies. It was an opportunity for us to enhance, shift, and adapt to our new reality. Managed Service Providers quickly learned how to help businesses stay available for their clients as well as their employees at home. However, many companies still used static and inflexible network designs. This meant they had to make big changes to be able to support their remote workforce. Poor bandwidth was the first big hurdle. Security issues and increased cloud traffic meant many companies had to turn to IT professionals to help them adapt. 

MSPs as key partners 

Managed Service Providers have worked tirelessly to help solve the new problems arising from the increase in remote working. What makes MSPs effective in their role as a key partner is their relationship with the network operators. This means they can find the best available services for their clients to help them solve their problems. MSPs also help remote workers with phones, software, data storage, and security. 

An MSP complements any existing in-house team. They can monitor network security and server performance and prevent potentially costly outages by increasing security. Essentially, a good MSP minimizes disruption to key functions in a business. 

Another thing that MSPs can offer is mobility support. This means they can arrange plans and devices for remote workers to help them be just as effective at home as they were on site. Setting up phones, tablets, and webcams will ensure your team never loses connection with you. 

Cloud Technology 

With remote working at an all-time high, cloud technology has been essential. Forbes believes that almost half of the data in the world will be cloud-based in 2025. MSPs can help businesses migrate their IT infrastructure to a cloud-based system. This means employees can continue being just as productive wherever they are working. This ease of accessibility needs to be secure, and MSPs are there to help. 

Automation 

Automation can help the hybrid workforce by removing a lot of the friction they encounter. For example, repetitive processes – e.g. data entry – can be an automated task. That means employees can focus on other, more complex tasks. They become more productive as a result, which means the business can grow. 

It is also possible to automate other things, such as diagnostic tools. With automated diagnostics, employees can troubleshoot, identify and fix small issues on their own, remotely. This reduces pressure on other team members and saves the company time. 

Automation also helps improve visibility in the organization. It means that interactions, progress and updates are kept in check for all to see. This is vital to preserving transparency when hybrid working is involved. 

 

Final thoughts – helping companies adapt to their new ‘hybrid’ way of working 

The hybrid workplace is going to be around for a long time. Perhaps forever. MSPs can help companies embrace the changes that the pandemic forced upon them. They can help businesses maintain their continuity and provide them with the support they need for their future growth. Simply put, an MSP can help companies reap the rewards of a solid IT support base. 

If you have any issues or questions concerning your network infrastructure, or about creating a hybrid workplace, please let us know. As your MSP, we are here to help you with everything technology related. Contact us to discuss your needs! 

Is Your Company Ready for the Post-Coronavirus Workplace?

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As the Coronavirus eases, how is your company going to structure work hours? Will you require some meetings to be in-person meetings? How will you provide for flexible workspaces, social distancing, working from home, working in the office, or a hybrid model that combines working at the office with working from home?

 

In any case, know 3 things:

  • Once you establish a solution, it will change as circumstances continue to change
  • Your employees will need to learn and use new tools to make sure the needs of the customers are met regardless of where employees do their work
  • Your IT systems need to be enhanced to provide SECURE remote access while providing employees the tools they need to stay productive.

 

The Future – A Hybrid Work Environment

A hybrid work environment is challenging to create. It requires technology solutions, SECURE remote access, the bandwidth to support remote access, and the tools/apps to help employees work together as if they were all in the office or sitting around the same conference table.

 

As mentioned above, hybrid work environments are challenging to create, but here are four things to consider as you invest in creating your hybrid work environment:

 

  1. Most important, can your IT system handle the additional demands you will place on it? You need SECURE remote connections, dramatically more bandwidth, and collaboration tools/apps that are not necessary when everyone works in the same office all day. You want your employees to remain productive and your customers to be delighted with your customer service.

 

The issues listed above are on top of an IT system that prevents virus attacks, hackers, ransomware, or something even as simple as some data not being backed up in the cloud (i.e., on new employee laptops, etc.).

 

If your IT system goes down, your employees are unproductive, and your customers are unhappy.

 

Bottom Line: Make sure you have IT support that will proactively monitor your IT systems for potential issues as well as keep your systems up and running.

 

2.     Ensure that employees have the tools (laptops, docking stations, monitors, phone apps, etc.) so that they remain productive at the office, at home, and on the go.

3.     Ensure that all spaces provide for robust network connectivity and videoconferencing, so it is as if your remote employees are as productive as they are when they are in the room with you.

4.     Implement solutions so your employees can seamlessly collaborate and serve customers no matter where they are located.

 

As we recover from the pandemic, the world of work and how it gets done is changing every week. Make sure your IT systems and your employees are equipped to meet and exceed your customer’s expectations – while your ill-equipped competitors drop the ball.

 

If we can answer any questions for you or help make sure your systems are equipped for whatever is ahead, please let us know.

The Benefits of Using an MSP

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Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, a majority of companies have had to make the switch to working remotely to protect employees. This happened quickly when the pandemic was new, and we were told to enforce social distancing. We had to adapt to the acceptance and implementation of becoming a remote workforce. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) have been instrumental in providing IT support to businesses across the globe. They assist businesses and companies by securing, monitoring, and maintaining networks and IT infrastructure. 

Over the last 12 months or more, the demand for MSP partnerships has exploded due to the huge increase in remote working. And it won’t go back anytime soon. In fact, over 75% of the workforce hopes to continue working from home when the pandemic ends. The surge in interest is thanks to the huge benefits managed services offer. With this in mind, let’s take a look at what these benefits are for using someone to manage your IT. 

  

Improved Network Performance

Having a network that performs well is vital for efficiency. This is even more important now that people are working in lots of different environments. If a network can receive, transmit and exchange data easily, we can consider its performance to be good. We achieve this efficient data exchange by making sure there is the right balance between qualitative and quantitative data. This is the task of network administrators who measure, review and improve services so employees can access the network without issue. This means both in-office and remotely. 

When a company delegates the role of the network administrator to a Managed Service Provider, it makes tackling the challenges of remote working a lot easier. The technological advancement and expertise of an MSP fills the need for an in-house IT team and increases its proficiency. Managed Service Providers have better resources and experience to identify and fix network problems in real-time. What’s more, with an MSP’s continuous monitoring, there is less room for error and fewer problems relating to server space. There is also less downtime. 

  

Accessing the Latest Technology 

The culture of remote working means that many companies have fast-tracked evolving their technology. Alongside a change in tech, there is an inevitable need for infrastructure changes. With a robust MSP, growing businesses can tap into new technology enhancements. New technology means that companies have tools like hosted telephone systems, virtual desktops, and VPN, as well as lots of applications that provide help for remote working and productivity. Migrating to a web-based cloud needs careful consideration, however, as there are risks if you have no cloud experience. 

  

24/7 MSP Support Available  

With an in-house team, support is generally only available during working hours. Many MSPs, however, provide around-the-clock services for tech issues, including remote workers. 

Some business owners are skeptical about the value of 24/7 support. That’s because the value is hidden, like the saying, out of sight, out of mind. We’ll just touch on two of the biggest features of 24/7 value as examples. 

First is continuing cybersecurity support. It’s safe to say that hackers never sleep. So why should your business? MSP’s monitor cybersecurity threats overnight as part of their coverage. This gives you an extra layer of safety that you don’t have if everyone goes home at 5:00. 

The second benefit that goes unnoticed is getting network projects done while the workstations are idle. This can be updating or installing software, backing up files, or migrating huge chunks of data to the cloud. This means there is no downtime for your employees. The days of gathering around the water cooler while engineering runs updates are long gone. Also, running these tasks in the middle of the night usually means a lower cost of electricity. Especially in the summer months. 

  

Risks of Working Remotely  

With remote working, employees are seen as a weak link for cybersecurity. This risk has grown since companies have had to switch to remote working quickly and without warning. 

So, what risks are there with remote workers and how can MSPs help? 

The most likely things to bring organizations grief are ransomware, credential theft, risky clicks, and phishing campaigns. A big concern for business is exposed compromised credentials. If workers have weak or reused passwords, it makes for an easy way in for cybercriminals and hackers. 

We can’t stress enough the importance of password hygiene. This step, along with regular employee training, goes a long way in protecting your company from cyber-attacks. 

  

How can MSPs help to reduce risks associated with remote working? 

An MSP will install anti-virus software in every workstation. Both in-office and remote. This protects employees from immediate danger and defends employees from malicious emails and ransomware attacks. MSPs will also monitor networks regularly for threats, and will backup data regularly. This means if there is a breach or crash, the MSP can help recover any lost data. 

  

Using an MSP to help with remote working is a great way to enhance your performance and protect your data. Tasks like migrating on-premises infrastructure to the cloud require careful consideration. It must be done correctly. 

As your MSP we are here to help you with all of your technology needs. From PCs to servers, phone systems to the cloud, we can help. Whenever you need us, don’t hesitate to contact us!