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When it comes to IT services, knowledge is power. The single most valuable thing we can pass along to our clients is our expertise.
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Start Up Requiring Robust Infrastructure – From Planning to Implementation
The 7 Irresistible Qualities of Cloud ERP
Learn why ERP tools are an critical component for many businesses.
Why a Business Continuity Plan is Essential
Learn why your company needs a business continuity plan.
Ransomware 101
If you’re looking for ways to stop ransomware dead in its tracks, the experts at CCS Technology are here to help.
How managed services make the difference
Learn more about the benefits of partnering with a managed services provider.
Cloud Services and the SMB Revolution
Learn more about how Cloud Services from CCS make your life easier.
Office 365 Migration Made Easy
Migrating over to Office 365 has never been easier with CCS Technology.
The Advantages of Working with I.T. Pros
Learn how working with a seasoned technology pro makes your work easier.
Closing Common Cybersecurity Holes
Learn several critical cybersecurity tips and tricks any SMB can use.
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7 Sources of Network Problems
/in Blog, Managed Services /by Chris HigginsSolving network problems is a frequent task for IT departments. While there are many possible network problems, problems commonly arise from these causes:
1. Configuration problems
There are multiple places where misconfigurations can lead to network problems. These include IP addresses that are assigned incorrectly, firewall rules that block valid data, and pointing to the incorrect DNS server.
2. Hardware problems
Hardware problems can arise in any of the devices involved in networks, including bad network cards in users’ computers, bad routers, and damaged cables. These problems can be as simple to fix as tightening a loose cable or require replacing the whole device.
3. Overload problems
Overloaded networks greatly degrade the user experience. Buying a bigger pipe can help, but so can solutions such as blocking user access to bandwidth-intensive sites that aren’t required for business, such as video streaming services.
4. Network design problems
Bad network design can lead to both performance problems and security problems. Sometimes the problem is that the network wasn’t designed to provide the type of service being used, such as VoIP. Even a good network design that’s badly documented can make network support harder than it needs to be.
5. Security problems
Problems can be the result of malware or a targeted attack on your systems. Appropriate security tools can help block malware and detect attacks before they’re able to damage your systems.
6. Application problems
Poor application design can contribute to network overload.
7. Shadow IT
Although shadow IT is often used to describe unauthorized usage of cloud services, there can also be unauthorized use of applications and other technology resources on premises, and these can put excess load on network. Be on the lookout for unapproved applications as well as internet of things devices.
Many network problems can be diagnosed through real-time monitoring that shows where slowdowns are occurring. Applying policies to users and groups will help ensure the existing network capacity is properly used. Sometimes the best solution is upgrading the network to higher speed or higher capacity components, along with redesigning subnetworks to improve traffic flows.
One way to minimize the impact of network problems is through comprehensive managed services such as those offered by CCS Technology group. Managed services provide around-the-clock monitoring and resolution of system problems, as well as planning and preventative maintenance to prevent problems from developing in the first place. With network support, server support, and desktop support, managed services provide all your IT resources with the care and attention they need. Contact us to learn more about how managed services can help your network and your business run more smoothly.
Additional Network Resources
Know What’s Happening on Your Network with Network Monitoring
Is your network safe from cyber attacks?
Are QuickBooks Workarounds Putting Your Business at Risk?
/in Blog, ERP Software /by Chris HigginsAs a software product built on delivering a simple accounting-focused solution for small businesses, QuickBooks does laudable work. But start adding other processes—sales tax, inventory management, warehouse, and the like, and the solution no longer delivers answers. Just questions, spreadsheets, and workarounds.
Following our last blogs on the annoyances that come with a QuickBooks file size limit that holds your business back and the challenges that come from a desktop software in a remote world, we would today like to turn our attention to another challenge—or should we say commonality—of using QuickBooks: The use of workarounds.
Shadow IT and the Necessity of Workarounds in QuickBooks
As discussed in a recent article on the risks of Shadow IT, “Shadow IT is any IT service that is accessed without the oversight of company information technology teams. It can be in the form of spending approved by business departments or it can be accessed by individual employees without the knowledge of their supervisors.”
Why Employees Use Shadow IT
These services are often used either as a workaround, a simplification, or an ad hoc integration, and any way that you look at it, they present risks to both security and visibility ranging from unforeseen audits and penalties to risk of data loss, breaches, and more. Employees use shadow IT to overcome some kind of limitation or annoyance that comes from using a software product. Though not limited to QuickBooks, the product’s limitations are often a common reason that employees use it.
If it sounds scary, unvetted technology is one of the most common parts of QuickBooks. Everything from Excel Macros to side products might be considered shadow IT.
Another Tradeoff for QuickBooks Users
Yes, they may help you work around the limitations set in QuickBooks, but the problem comes in the lack of vetting from IT, the unnecessary permissions or access given to the workaround, or vulnerabilities in these workarounds that leave blind spots and openings for hackers.
Pair this with a lack of good user permission control, and one poorly vetted application could start running rampant through your storage, leaving you high and dry.
This is bad enough, but remember, if you’ve been paying attention to our series, you know that there’s a difference between business as usual and the current environment where security and product ability is already stretched thin.
Shadow IT and the Demonstrated Need for New Technology
That said, the use of shadow IT does provide one fringe ‘benefit’. It helps you understand how your employees work, demonstrates that your current software isn’t standing up to its promises, and points to the necessities that will be needed in any future solution. If your goal is to eliminate the need for shadow IT, a new solution can take you there.
Better yet, with many new solutions delivering a marketplace-based source for vetted and easy to set up applications, it’s much easier to overcome the dangers of shadow IT.
For example, the Acumatica Marketplace gives users an easy way to find the right add-ons or integrations for the specific needs of the business, taking the shadow out of shadow IT.
Secure, Easy to Use and Configured for You: Get to Know Acumatica
Growing businesses need to handle growing challenges—and QuickBooks is rarely built to handle these. Built on modularity and easy customization, Acumatica helps you get what your employees want and need.
Acumatica delivers a full-featured accounting suite that addresses the most complex requirements for companies of all sizes. Plus, it integrates with Project Accounting, Customer Resource Management (CRM), Manufacturing Management, and other product suites offered by Acumatica.
We invite you to learn more about your journey from entry level to the cloud by reading Seven Signs You Need ERP Software, 5 Benefits of ERP for Accounting and Financial Management, and How to Improve Efficiency with a New ERP Solution. Read to learn even more? Contact us for a free consultation.
8 Practices for Safe Computing When Employees Work at Home
/in Blog, Security, Work From Home /by Chris HigginsEmployees working from home can be casual about their dress, but they shouldn’t be casual about their computing practices. Whether they’re working on their phones, tablets, laptops, or desktop PCs, employees need to take steps to make sure the business they do at home doesn’t endanger their business.
Employers can help employees work safely when they’re working remotely by teaching them to follow these 8 practices:
1. Safe networks
Only secure WiFi connections should be used. When working from home, a home firewall should be turned on to block unapproved connections. When working away from home, employees should avoid free public WiFi and always double-check the name of the correct network. A virtual private network (VPN) is always a good idea.
2. Safe devices
Employees shouldn’t use obsolete hardware and should be sure they’re up to date with operating system security patches. They shouldn’t root or jailbreak mobile devices, as that can disable built-in protections. Antivirus software should be kept up to date, and devices should be paired only with known Bluetooth devices. Every device should be protected by a strong password. In addition to data security, physical security matters too. Employees should use a surge protector to prevent damage to their computer and loss of data.
3. Safe accounts
Employees’ devices at home might be shared with other users. Everyone should have a separate account. Keep passwords private and don’t write them down where snooping children might find them.
4. Safe applications
Because home devices are also used for personal matters and entertainment, you may not be able to limit them to business applications obtained via your company; however, employees shouldn’t download applications from unofficial sites on any machines used for business.
5. Safe data
Any business-related data stored locally should be encrypted. There should be regular backups to an official company data server or cloud location.
6. Safe computing
All the usual safe computing practices apply when working at home. Employees shouldn’t email sensitive information or use unapproved cloud services. Only business email should be used for business matters, and unexpected documents and suspicious links should be left alone.
7. Safe communicating
SMS messages can include phishing links, and employees should be cautious when clicking links, especially in unexpected messages. If employees use a videoconferencing service to keep in touch with friends and family, they should ensure that no company documents are visible.
8. Safe browsing
Employees shouldn’t go to unknown websites, and should avoid clicking on ads or popups unless they know they’re from a trusted source.
Working from home is becoming a key practice to keep businesses functioning during challenging times. By following these safe practices, risks to company data can be minimized. Contact CCS Technology Group for help training employees and ensuring your cybersecurity practices keep your business safe wherever your employees are working.
On-Demand Webinar: Learn More About Managing Remote Employees
For more information, check out our on-demand webinar: 5 Biggest Challenges Working Through COVID-19. We discuss:
Also, please consider joining us for our upcoming webinar (May 13) where we will discuss a tool to help you manage your remote workforce. Click here to learn more or register.