Cloud Security: 5 Tips From Atlanta Managed IT Services

Cloud security is a major priority for Atlanta managed IT services. With everyone switching to cloud storage, it becomes necessary to ramp up the safety of your data.

Services such as 1iX Network Solutions will provide the best security for your cloud server. But you still need to ensure you have a reliable login experience.

This is usually where inexperienced users will encounter problems. To aid your business, we've listed a few aspects you should take care of.

1. Do Your Research

When looking for trusted managed IT services in Atlanta, you need to do your research. You shouldn't settle for the first company that comes your way.

To ensure you'll have someone experienced in your corner, look for certifications from trusted sources. 1ix, for example, has Microsoft's certification of quality.

You could also check for an assurance from the Cloud Security Alliance. They have a program called STAR (Security, Trust & Assurance Registry) which certifies quality.

By getting your cloud services from approved providers, you can be sure you won't get scammed.

2. Security Starts with Strong Passwords

We mentioned in the beginning that you're the only one controlling your login experience. As such, you need to have multiple, strong passwords to stay safe.

Don't just use one password and its variations because it's easier to remember.

You'd be surprised how easy cyber attackers can guess your other passwords based on a single one. The security of all your accounts could be compromised.

Consider the benefits of added network security to prevent cyber-attacks in the first place.

3. Recommend Single Sign-On (SSO)

To avoid situations like the ones described above, you have to go one step beyond. An SSO feature might be just what you need to increase data safety.

SSO services generate tokens that only your employees and cloud system will recognize. That way, outsiders will have to go through both the password and token encryptions to do any damage.

4. For Added Security, Use Two-Factor Authentication

As your business grows, you're bound to get more devices that will access your cloud.

What happens when an unauthorized device inside your company tries to access it? Let's say, somebody's personal smartphone.

You could have a breach of information because of a rogue employee or nosey visitor.

Two-factor authentication systems allow you to generate additional keys or tokens that must be used in the login process.

The codes need to be received either via email or on the device trying to access the system. Without the proper credentials, the login will fail.

5. Have Security Manager Back-Ups

Small businesses employees may come and go. As such, you need to have more than one person at a time managing your cloud.

If one of them leaves, you always have the back-up. Don't forget to revoke access privileges to the devices of the person who is leaving.

It's best to be safe when it comes to sensitive company information. No matter how trustworthy the employee might have been.

Someone could use their device without their knowledge and cause some damage. 

Has any of these managed IT services caught your eye? Would you like to go into details on any of the security methods we have described?

If you think your cloud system could use an extra safeguard, feel free to contact us here.

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5 Ways IT Companies in Atlanta Can Cut Costs and Increase Performance

IT companies in Atlanta have noticed businesses don't make the best decisions for improving their IT security and stability.

They either purchase software they never use or don't take full advantage of their capital expenditure. Such actions are not the signs of a growing business, but a failing one.

As such, we have compiled five ways in which you can cut unnecessary spending and streamline your business.

1. Use Your Servers More Efficiently

Many companies nowadays have moved on to virtualizing their workloads. Do you have a separate room where you keep your servers? Or does your business make use of data centers?

You probably use many inefficient servers to accommodate more workloads. Why do that when you can use virtual servers on Linux and Windows and virtualize your desktops instead? This allows you to use a smaller amount of servers.

IT companies in Atlanta can recommend a few virtualization solutions. Examples include Microsoft's Hyper-V and SharePoint.

The best part is virtual workloads are much easier to move around and expand. You are guaranteed a flexible solution to scale your data centers.

2. IT Companies in Atlanta Suggest Cutting Down on Storage Costs

A virtualized work environment allows you to move away from outdated storage methods. Bulky server storage is slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Moving to cloud-based storage helps with efficiency. IT companies in Atlanta report the following benefits straight from their clients:

• Speedier data backup. Applications such as SharePoint allow you to retrieve files from Virtual Machines much faster. That streamlines many processes.


• Similarly, you can retrieve data from the cloud at higher speeds than using standard storage methods.


• You use much less bandwidth in the process of disaster recovery.


• You manage everything from one location, saving you time.

3. No More Unused Software

How much software have you purchased in the past years? Now think of how much each bit of software has been of use to your business.

You probably realized that not everything with a license is automatically a boon to your company. IT companies in Atlanta can help you make better decisions regarding your software needs.

4. Think Long-Term

Creating a more streamlined technological solution for your company is good. But remember training costs need to be taken into account.

If you move your company towards maximum efficiency, your employees won't keep up with the sudden change. Retrain them, and that can seriously cost you.

That is why you should take it slowly, making sure you have proper technical support at your disposal. Managed service providers can guide you through the streamlining process.

5. Put Your IT Guys to Rest

The problem with an in-house IT solution is people get used to a routine.

You get used to the processes that go into your job and become oblivious to minor problems because “everything works just fine”. It's kind of like proofreading your own writing. It doesn't work as well as having someone else doing it for you.

This can be costly sometimes if your employees are not careful. Disaster recovery can only help you so much.

In these conditions, we recommend you get in touch with us. It will allow your current IT specialists to concentrate on other parts of your company – while we work at making your tech solutions more efficient.

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The Small Business Guide to Atlanta IT Services: What to Get and Why

Small businesses rarely require any special Atlanta IT services. Their in-house solutions are often enough to keep up with their needs.

But, as the company grows, so do your IT service requirements. At 25 or more employees, your tech people can get overwhelmed.

Unfortunately, small companies can rarely afford to add more support staff. The extra work is then assigned to someone else in the workplace – with less than ideal results.

As such, it becomes necessary to seek outside help. Depending on your business needs, there are multiple services you can consult. Here are a few that serve as a starting point in your decision:

General Repairmen and Tech Support

No company can say they never had tech problems that required hardware repairs or replacement. If you have met someone who made that claim, they were dishonest.

You can find many Atlanta IT services that offer to fix your hardware issues. Better yet, get one that can prevent those problems.

Prevention is the best cure most times, especially when you're on a budget. Monthly hardware replacement is simply not acceptable.

Another good example is when someone in your company was not careful when installing a new motherboard in one of your PCs. These items can be very expensive.

Regarding availability, you have two options: 24/7 tech support and those that work on a schedule. It's up to you as a business owner to decide which one you need.

Atlanta IT Services Offer Remote Support

As we said, tech support can put a financial strain on a small company. Fortunately, many Atlanta IT services have now gone the way of remote desktop interfacing.

Instead of waiting for someone to fix your software problems, they can do it from anywhere in the world. That can be especially useful in case of an emergency. Some companies just can't afford the downtime.

When you choose how a support company will aid your business, you need to consider an important question. How much money is going down the drain for every hour your business is inactive?

Remote support can be a godsend. Remove the waiting times and get back to work in no time.

Data Security Services

We've talked about how preventing a problem is better than solving it. If you work with sensitive data (like law firms which use digital documents), you need proper security.

Over 32% of the world's computers are infected with malicious software. Data protection has never been more necessary.

Just using a good anti-virus software is no longer a reliable security strategy. Digital intrusion methods have evolved considerably over the past few years.

Besides using data protection software, you will need to protect your wireless networks. Moreover, you'll need a proper backup solution for your data in case something goes awry.

To prevent infections in the future, you also have the option of proactive network and system monitoring.

As you can see, there are many aspects to think about in your company's security and support needs. If you are not sure where to start, contact us for a consultation today. We'll get you up-to-speed with the latest security measures.

The post The Small Business Guide to Atlanta IT Services: What to Get and Why appeared first on 1iX.

IT Support Atlanta: 5 Problems You Never Have to Worry about Again

Small and medium-sized businesses run into IT problems all the time. They certainly hurt the business, but having a full-time IT department is much too expensive. As a result, the growth of these companies is negatively impacted.

You don't have to take daily glitches and issues as the status quo. With some of the best IT support Atlanta has to offer, those problems become a distant memory. Here are just five examples:

1. Rampant Viruses

Every business, from one-man-companies to multinational corporations, have to deal with virus threats. That's just the reality of the situation, and it's unlikely to change soon.

Solely relying on antivirus software or a tech-savvy friend inevitably leads to severe virus infections. These can vary in severity. Some viruses only slow down your computers. Others steal all your corporate data and wreck your equipment.

In short, every virus infection could be a company's last. When the stakes are so high, you need to take what IT support Atlanta offers.

With a team of experts by your side, viruses will be contained before they do serious damage.

2. Lost Data

As we mentioned, viruses can cause you to lose data. There are a lot of other things that can endanger data, though.

Natural disasters and fires are popular examples. Even a clumsy coworker could spill their coffee on a computer and destroy all the data on it.

Every business needs data backups, but not all businesses have the means to implement them. That's where IT support Atlanta companies step in. They can do your backup for you.

If something bad does happen, all you have to do is send an email, and you get the data back. The backup plan will also be tailored to the needs of your business.

3. Poor Equipment Choices

Every device has a limited lifespan. Once in a while, you will have to get a new computer, server, phone, or just about anything else. Without in-depth knowledge, there's a good chance you'll get a bad replacement.

For example, you may get a monster of a machine to do some menial task when you don't need all that “horsepower”. Or, you might get something unable to handle the job.

IT support Atlanta companies can help you find the best fit for the job. They will know what you need. You'll get the right equipment without having to worry about needlessly wasting company funds.

4. Compatibility Issues

In this day and age, a company needs lots of software and hardware to function properly. The problem is not everything is compatible with everything else.

We already explained the hardware-software problem in the previous point. Compatibility issues can arise between devices or apps too. Such blunders can hurt the business.

If you consult an IT support Atlanta company beforehand, you'll know better. They'll make sure the whole company works like a well-oiled machine.

5. Lost Work Hours Because of Technical Problems

All the previous problems waste time at the very least. Since time is money for a business, you're also losing profits.

Still, it can be hard to calculate exactly how much you lost because of technical problems. What's clear is if it's more than $0, there's a problem.

Little hurdles add up. In the long run, you stand to lose excellent opportunities for growth. It's frustrating and dangerous for business. It's faster, cheaper, and simpler to get outside help.

The Bottom Line: Get the Best IT Support Atlanta Offers

Once you don't have to worry about computer problems, you can focus on running your business. With a team of experts at your disposal, everyone will be able to do their jobs on time.

It doesn't matter how big or small a company is – it will benefit from having IT support.

We've been helping Atlanta companies reach their potential since 1996, and we're not stopping. Get in touch with us and we will see to it that all your IT needs are satisfied.

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Understanding the Process of Network Design and Implementation

In this day and age, it's impossible for a company to run without a network. Having one, however, is only the first step. Every business is unique and needs a network comparable to their needs.

Designing a network that's flexible, scalable, and meets every technical requirement isn't easy. Let's take a more in-depth look at the process of network design and implementation. Each step is important as it will shape the efficiency of your company.

Research and Interviews

There is no such thing as a perfect setup for everyone. If it existed, there would be no need for network design and implementation.

The truth is you will have to prioritize some things over others. The objective of the research and interviews is to see what the goals of your new network are.

The designers will have many questions for you. They need to know how many users there will be, what software they will use, the average traffic, and whether you're going cloud or local. Talk for a bit about the reason you are replacing or upgrading your current network to provide valuable insight.

The defining feature, however, is yours to choose. It could be performance, for example, or budget. Choose wisely because it will be a cornerstone on which future decisions will be made.

The IT company needs to know these items in advance. Without a clear goal, the results may be underwhelming and ineffective.

Breaking the Job into Smaller Bits

Even for a small network, designing everything at once leads to mistakes, and why developers adopt a “design in levels” mentality.

Aspects like physical design or logical design are all treated and planned separately. A “divide and conquer” approach turns a big job into small, manageable tasks. This is optimal as it ensures all your requirements are met.

An experienced developer will have several templates prepared to speed up the process. The end result may be very different, but a template can almost always help in the first stages.

If the research phase was thorough, every “bit” should be within budget, be able to perform well, and fit together.

The next order of business is to create the means for network managers to monitor everything. Whether you will be in charge of the system or you'll get managed IT services are unimportant. What matters is that someone can control and protect the network.

At this stage in the network design and implementation process, the system is almost ready for launch. It just needs some polishing.

Testing, Troubleshooting, and Reviewing

Before being implemented, the network has to be thoroughly tested, which means simulating the traffic of day-to-day work, preferably with the software you'll use.

Furthermore, it has to be scalable. Otherwise, you might need a new one in a year or even less. Any problem appearing during the test must be solved.

One of the most important features to be tested is the security. There are more and more threats lurking on the Internet and network safety is a top priority.

When the system is safe and stable, you get to see it in action and give the final verdict.

Implementation

If you are happy with the design, the next step is to roll out the network. This part of the job is generally much faster and easier than the last ones.

The biggest hurdle during implementation is expected outages and slowdowns. Because of this, you need to consider when the best time to do it is.

While the process doesn't take long, it can still mean some lost time for the company.

Why Network Design and Implementation Is Important

A network can only go so far. The IT needs of businesses ramp up over time and old equipment can't keep up. Getting a new network from time to time is inevitable.

Careful design, however, is needed so your company works as efficiently as possible.

We have years of experience with network design as well as many other IT services. If you feel like it's time for an upgrade, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

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IT Services Atlanta: 7 Tips on How to Stay Safe from Inside Threats

Even with the best IT services Atlanta has to offer, inside threats can still be disastrous to a company. You don't only have to protect your data against hackers and viruses. You also have to make sure employees don't destroy precious data.

You may be thinking about rogue employees. Yes, they are a problem. However, the biggest inside threat is uninformed staff members who are likely to make security mistakes.

We are going to go over seven tips on how to protect your business from both:

1. Train Your Employees

Most cases of data loss or virus infections happen because staff members don't take the necessary precautions. Company policies are meant to eliminate that problem, but you need to make sure said policies are well-implemented.

Organize seminars for everyone whose work involves using the internet.

Explain what the potential threats are, and how to avoid them. Also, let them know about the consequences of misconduct.

Company-wide seminars should take place at least once a year. Any new employee should be trained before beginning work. One of the IT services Atlanta companies need the most is proper safety instruction.

2. Be Strict about Passwords and Account Management

You need to keep your employees' accounts safe. Having a weak password or forgetting to log off the account can be dangerous.

If an unauthorized person gets their hands on the account, they could not only compromise the computer but also the whole network.

3. Deactivate Unnecessary Accounts

When someone stops working for your company, make sure they no longer have access to your network. Former employees can become a threat in two ways:

• Without policies and surveillance, their personal computer could get malware. If they can still access the network, viruses could spread to your company too.

• If the employee harbors resentment for your business, they may try to harm it intentionally. Your business intelligence is valuable, and they could try to steal and sell it.
  
  

4. Implement Privilege Regulations

The explanation behind this tip is simple. Employees should only have enough privileges and access to do their jobs.

There is no reason to give them more access. It won't improve efficiency, but it will increase the risks. Keep things on a need-to-have basis to maintain company safety.

5. Monitor the Network and Shut Down Suspicious Activity

Whether it's a rogue employee or just a forgetful one, they leave signs when endangering the business. Keep a constant eye on the network for such signs. The most sought-after IT services Atlanta offers are monitoring tools.

Make this a priority to your system admins, or get help from an IT company. They'll help you prevent and mitigate problems.

6. Perform Regular Backups and Have a Data Recovery Plan

Those two actions are different, but they have the same goal: to keep your files safe. You need both of them to be safe.

Backups should be done as often as possible. Save data on the Cloud, and in two separate physical locations. This way, you'll never lose it.

Recovery plans are for mitigating any problems that may appear. Work out a plan with the help of an IT company. Their advice can be invaluable.

7. Assess Risks at All Times

By following these tips and being vigilant, you should be safe from most threats. However, since a single breach can be disastrous, you need to take an even more proactive approach.

Perform occasional company-wide assessments. Identify the most relevant data you have and their levels of protection. Consider the weakest point in your infrastructure. Come up with a risk management strategy.

The key to protecting your company from any threat is to stay ahead of the curve.

How to Pick the Best IT Services Company Atlanta Has to Offer

Working with several IT companies can become hectic and put a serious strain on your budget. Your best option is to find experts in several fields. They should handle security and other tasks, such as network design and ongoing maintenance.

We happen to be such a company. Not only will we ensure that your data is safe, but we'll help you boost efficiency as well.

Get in touch with us and we'll take care of all your IT needs.

The post IT Services Atlanta: 7 Tips on How to Stay Safe from Inside Threats appeared first on 1iX.

Atlanta IT Support: a Guide to Email Security

Any business, no matter how big or small, uses emails regularly. Hackers and scammers know this, so dangerous emails have become extremely common.

We are aware you don't have the time to call Atlanta IT support every time an email looks fishy. That's why we are going to help you learn how to recognize and avoid malicious emails.

Email Types and Their Threat Level

There are several ways an email can sabotage you. Learning what each type does and how to spot them should be a priority.

Virus Emails

Malware has been around for almost as long as the internet. As time passed, viruses have become more sophisticated and dangerous.

They could destroy or steal all the data on a computer and spread to others. Some viruses can even make the computer virtually inoperable until the threat is removed. In short, you don't want one.

Be extremely careful with unsolicited emails. Unless you're entirely sure they can be trusted, don't open any attached files, don't click on any links, and don't reply

More troublesome is malware that infects computers and sends more emails from the victim's account. If someone you know sends you weird emails, be cautious.

To be safe, consider getting IT support for your company in Atlanta. They can offer advice and excellent antivirus services.

Phishing Scams

Phishers pretend to be trustworthy individuals representing banks or companies. They ask victims for sensitive data like passwords or credit card information. They then use that information against you. These emails are generally sent in bulk and have no particular target.

Spear phishing is when a particular individual or group is targeted. This method is much more dangerous.

The sender may look for personal information to make the email more convincing. For example, they may pose as an Atlanta IT Support company or another service provider.

Never disclose valuable information in an email unless you are completely sure it's legitimate. Call the company to ensure that they asked for the data before sending it.

How to Spot Dangerous Emails

Usually, a virus or phishing attempt can be spotted. Some emails can be extremely convincing, but none is perfect. Here's what you should look out for:

• Grammatical errors.


• The sender has a different address than the person they're pretending to be.


• The links in the email don't lead to the organization's official website.


• The actual link URL is different from the printed text.


• The email does not address you by name.


• You are urged to go to a website or open an attachment.

Remember that a malicious email could have none of these signs. If it does, however, there's a good chance that it's a scam.

Other Dangers of Using Emails

We have covered the risks of opening suspicious emails, but there are other threats as well.

Picking a strong password is always important. Include numbers, upper-case and lower-case letters and make the password as long as possible. Otherwise, you increase the risks of having your account hacked.

Avoid using unsecured networks. If you connect to a public WiFi, like the one in a restaurant, you become vulnerable to hacks and viruses. Someone could gain control of the system and see any data you send or receive.

How an Atlanta IT Support Company Ensures Security

To make the workplace safe from cyber-attacks, it's best to get professionals on the job. An IT company can secure your network with firewalls, monitoring tools, and antivirus software.

It's hard to protect yourself against a determined hacker, but we will help you. We have years of experience in data security and other IT services. We will ensure everything runs smoothly while you grow your business, so get in touch with us now.

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