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Working Nets
October 22, 2013

Small Business Cyber Security Tips

Computer Security Baltimore

As a small business owner, you have so much to worry about, from customer service to accounting to sales and everything in between. Unfortunately, many small business owners completely overlook one of the most important aspects of any strong business: Cyber Security!

“[The] cyber threat is one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation” – President Barack Obama

Small Business Cyber Security Tips

  1. Cyber security Education: before doing anything else, educate your employees about cybersecurity.
  2. Cyber security Rules: Put specific behavioral rules in place to protect personally identifiable information.
  3. Antivirus Software: The easiest step to take as a small business owner is to install antivirus software on your computers. This will protect them against viruses, spyware, and other malicious code. But don’t forget to install any patches and updates as they arise.
  4. Backup Important Information: Be sure to regularly backup important data on every computer. This includes preadsheets, databases, financial files, human resources files, accounts receivable/payable files, and any other important files.
  5. Secure WiFi: Make sure your WiFi network is secure and hidden.
  6. Secure Physical Access: Make sure every computer you own is password protected to deter physical access to your network.
  7. Contact Working Nets: At Working Nets, we provide top-notch information technology services to companies who don’t require an IT department, but do need reliable assistance when challenges arise. We assure that your vital business data is kept secure if disaster strikes.

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Sources:

It’s National Cyber Security Awareness Month – Tips for Safeguarding Your Business U.S. Small Business Association

Working Nets
October 17, 2013

The Benefits of Outsourcing IT Services

IT services

As a small business owner, you wear many hats. You are not only responsible for the operation of your business, but you are also in charge of the pay roll, maintenance and cleaning, customer service, and so much more. You barely have time to breathe, let alone take on another task, such setting up and supporting your network. But with technology being so important and without enough money to hire an in-house IT technician, what other options do you have?

Outsourced IT Services: System Setup & Support

Outsourcing your computer networking services is a cost effective and beneficial decision to keep your company on track and in line with the competition. Other benefits of outsourcing IT services include:

  • System Setup: Even at a basic level, your computer network needs a plan for the initial installation and future expansion.
  • System Support: Outsourced IT maintenance services help keep your business productive. After all, productivity is crucial in any business. By reducing downtime, your office 
remains more productive, more often.
  • Discover New Technologies: Outsourced IT assessment and IT purchasing assistance services help your business find the right solutions for your hardware and software needs.
  • IT Experts: You can utilize an entire team of IT experts without having to pay a single salary!

System Setup & Support from Working Nets

Whether starting a new business or expanding into new space; 
from installation to testing, Working Nets keeps your office running smoothly.

If you have any questions about Network Security or Outsourced IT Services, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

At Working Nets, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.

At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Working Nets
October 10, 2013

Tips For Secure Web Browsing

Computer Security Baltimore

How is your tablet putting you at risk?

1) Encrypted Email Server: You need to make sure your email server is using encryption for communication, especially when you’re using an unencrypted (or even a WEP-encrypted) wireless network. This is something a lot of people don’t think about. But the email client on your iPad or tablet is using whatever configuration it was set up with, to download your mail. So if the mail server settings aren’t set up to use encryption – some mail servers still don’t even enable it – then your tablet is periodically sending out your username and password in the clear, through an unencrypted wireless medium, that anyone could, potentially, be reading.  If a hacker can get into your email, they probably have enough information to   reconstruct your entire digital life, in their own image.

Is your email secure? Contact Working Nets today for an analysis of your email system.

2) WiFi: Wireless hotspots put you at risk. How? These hotspots are often unsecured, meaning your information and your digital identity is at risk. What’s worse is that even encrypted WiFi connection make you data accessible to others within the network. So instead of using WiFi, rely on 3G or 4G.

3) Downloading Apps: When downloading apps, do so only from trusted sources. Third party sources can put your tablet and your digital life at risk. This is because certain sites will actually try to download files to your tablet, files which will attempt to gather your digital information.

So please be safe! And check back in 2013 as we unveil the rest of our Tablet Cybersecurity Tips.

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Source: Securing a tablet for web browsing in six easy steps

Working Nets
October 2, 2013

Benefits of Offsite Backup

Computer Security Baltimore

As a business owner, it is important to have a good disaster recovery plan in place. This will ensure the safety of your critical business data and will help minimize downtime in the event of a disaster. And one of the most important aspects of any good disaster recovery plan is Offsite Backup.

Yet, I see it time and time again. A company who relies on digital information has an onsite backup system in place, believing this to be enough. But let me ask you this…what happens if something happens to your building?

Your building can be rebuilt. Your digital information, however, could be lost forever. Because of this, offsite backup is incredibly important.

Benefits of Offsite Backup

  1. Efficiency: Automated offsite backup is quick, easy, and incredibly efficient.
  2. Cost Effective: There are no upfront hardware costs.
  3. Saves Time: While onsite tape backups can take up to 15 minutes to work, offsite backup is quick and easy.
  4. Faster Recovery: Tape backups take a long time to recover data, while offsite backup is much faster. And any business owner will appreciate less down time!
  5. Reliability: If something happens to your building, you still know your data is safe, offsite.
  6. And more!

Offsite Backup & Disaster Preparedness from your Virtual IT Department

Data protection and recovery is crucial. That is why Working Nets works hard to ensure that your vital business data is kept secure if disaster strikes.

If you have any questions, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

 

Working Nets
September 26, 2013

Onsite Backups vs. Offsite Automated Backups

IT services

It doesn’t matter if you are a Fortune 500 company, a small business, a plumber, a doctor, or a web developer; you rely on data – billing information, patient records, etc. – to run your business. This is why it is so vitally important to do everything you can to protect that data.

Consider that of all companies that have suffered a major loss of data, only 6% survived!

So don’t become another statistic. Invest in a backup service, which will store your valuable business data.

Onsite Backups vs. Offsite Automated Backups

1) Onsite Backups: To save money, many business owners opt for onsite backups. This, however, has several disadvantages, including:

  • Time Consuming: Manually backing up your data is not a complicated process, but it can be time consuming.
  • Forgetting: Even the most diligent of individuals can forget to perform a manual backup.
  • Disasters: If disaster strikes and you store your backups onsite, you could STILL lose all of your vital business information.

2) Automated Offsite Backups: This is beneficial in several ways, including:

  • Keep your Business Running: Data loss can cripple any business. So make sure your vital business information is kept safe.
  • Minimize Downtime: Downtime is a business owner’s worst nightmare. Automated backups help reduce downtime to keep your company productive and profitable.
  • Never Forget: With automated backups, you do not have to remember to do anything. The system will backup your data based on your predetermined schedule.
  • Added Protection: Another advantage of working with a company that stores everything offsite is that you don’t need to worry about things being destroyed.
  • And More!

Automated Backups with Working Nets

Data protection is crucial. Working Nets assures that your vital business data is available when you need it by implementing tools to protect you!

If you have any questions about Automated Backups and Outsource IT Support, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

At Working Nets, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.

At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Working Nets
September 22, 2013

Cyber Security and Internet Safety

Tags: , Uncategorized

With all of the information that both individuals and companies keep online, cyber security is increasing in importance every day. Protecting your information from identity theft and fraud is getting more difficult as hackers become more skilled. Stay ahead of the hackers and online criminals with the following cyber security tips for internet safety!

  • Passwords – Your passwords for all of your secure information should be varied and uncommon. The best thing to do is to make sure you use variations of numbers, symbols, and letters. It is also good to make sure you are not using the same password for every website you have. If by chance someone does figure out your password and all of them are the same, they now have access to all of your information on various sites.
  • Social Media – Always limit the amount of personal information you give out. It will help keep you safe and your information secure. Be sure you use the privacy settings that are provided to you that way you’re only sharing information with the people you want to be sharing it with. With email, do not automatically download attachments, but always scan them for viruses and make sure they come from credible sources.
  • System – Make sure your computer is always up to date. This includes anti-virus software, browser, operating system, and any other important facet of your computer and network. Keep your network and Internet secured. Make sure nobody has access to it that shouldn’t. Remember to tell anyone who uses your Internet source to keep the password to themselves and limit what other information they share.
  • Teach and Inform – Teach your children the importance of cyber security at home. This should be part of any safety information you give them. It is just as important to observe internet safety as it is to observe public safety. Keep an eye on Internet history and make sure you know where your children are visiting online. Most companies also give you the ability to censor what your children can see and do online. For a small business, it is also best to censor what employees can see and what information they are able to give out.

Don’t let hackers get your important personal or business information.  Keep your company and home safe by taking these cyber security tips and reading up on some more. You can never be too safe online.

If you have any questions about Cyber Security Tips, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

At Working Nets, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.

At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Source: Cyber Security Tips

Working Nets
September 13, 2013

The Importance Of Virus Protection

Tags: , , , Computer Security Baltimore

Most computer users blindly download, install, and ascribe to an anti-virus program without actually fully understanding the necessity of such software. At Working Nets, we provide top-notch virus protection at affordable prices to ensure your business, files, and computers remain safe and functioning smoothly.

What are threats?

Malware, short for “malicious software,” is the catchall phrase for potentially damaging threats to your computer: viruses, trojan horses, worms, spyware, and the like. Generally this software is created to either disrupt or worse – destroy – files and programs on your computer.

What happens when malware infects your computer?

Without a reliable anti-virus program, your infected computer often becomes unusable, requiring the hard drive to be wiped clean, and your computer’s operating system reinstalled. To avoid lost data and a dysfunctional system, effective malware-combatants are necessary.

What does Antivirus software do?

Antivirus software serves double duty, both removing preexisting malware and working to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Taking the precaution against harmful viruses will save you money and time in the long run, protecting your computer and by extension, your business. Let the Information Technology professionals at Working Nets, Inc. help you do just that, by outsourcing your computer support needs from our company.

If you have any questions about Antivirus Software, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

Welcome to Working Nets – your virtual IT Department!

At Working Nets, we support your business by providing top-notch Information Technology (I.T.) services to companies like yours: Companies that don’t need full-time I.T. services, but do need someone to turn to, when they are having a problem. We provide services like Network Design, Monitoring and Maintenance. We troubleshoot technical issues when they arise, and give you options for solving them. We help you use your technology investment to achieve your business goals.

At Working Nets, our focus is on your needs!

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Source:

The Importance of Antivirus and Security Software

Working Nets
September 9, 2013

The Importance of Data Backup

Tags: , IT Tips Baltimore

Running a small business can mean a lot of information is in one system or on one computer. Accidents and problems can occur no matter how many precautions you take. Storms can still hit too hard with surge protectors, a storm can wipe out an entire infrastructure, and hackers get better and better everyday. You may find yourself needing disaster recovery. At Working Nets, we provide you with the best possible prevention to these problems, but we also acknowledge that sometimes things just happen. This is why we also offer backup services. It’s good to know what kind of data backup is available and why it is helpful.

  • Local data backups – A local backup is one that is stored on a device that you can physically hold. Usually people use discs, flash drives, or external hard drives to back up their work. The benefit to this is that you have the backups on hand and can use them anywhere whether or not you have Internet connection. The downside to a local backup is that if a natural disaster destroys your data and your local backup is in the same location as that data, you’re going to lose all of it anyway.
  • Offsite data backups – This one essentially speaks for itself. Offsite backup has a big advantage over a local backup. It can be accessed from anywhere and won’t be destroyed in the event of a natural disaster. Offsite backups are becoming more and more popular as the Internet continues to grow and expand. People are using the different websites and programs that are emerging to ensure that their data does not disappear. One worry with an offsite backup is security. It is essential to know that your data is being put in a safe place, especially if it concerns business or finances.

Whether you’re running a business or are just a student with a lot of information stored on your computer, making data backups can save you a lot of trouble and headache in the long run.

At Working Nets, we were founded to provide small businesses, like yours, with expert information technology support they needed. Our disaster recovery services help ensure your vital business data is kept safe and secure!

If you have any questions about Disaster Recovery, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Source: The Importance of Backing Up Your Data

Working Nets
August 28, 2013

Phishing Scam Requests Credit Card Info, How to Stay Protected

Tags: , , , Computer Security Baltimore

Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more creative with their attempts to lure you out of your finances. Not only are scammers getting more creative, they are also outsmarting many internet users and getting them to hand over their credit card info. Some common fraudulent behavior includes a scammer using the name of a well-established company such as Microsoft to help establish some trust with the person being scammed.

A common fraud is sent in the form of an email. The email sender claims to be from Microsoft stating that your account is ‘blocked’ and can only be unblocked with a credit card number. The email is actually not from Microsoft. A way to keep yourself safe is to never give out any sort of personal information in an email like this. As a matter of fact, you should not even bother replying. It is best to report the email and contact Microsoft directly if you think there actually is a problem.

At Working Nets, we were founded to provide small businesses, like yours, with expert information technology support they needed. Our disaster recovery services help ensure your vital business data is kept safe and secure!

If you have any questions about Disaster Recovery, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Source:

http://blogs.technet.com/b/firehose/archive/2013/08/02/phishing-scam-asks-for-credit-card-info-to-unblock-email.aspx

Working Nets
August 23, 2013

Hackers Will Be Attacking Windows XP Users in the Next Year

Tags: , , , Computer Security Baltimore

Some people do not like change; they become so accustomed to a certain way of doing things. This is not only in regards to a daily routine, or a habit that needs breaking, but a certain type of software as well. Many Microsoft users still have Windows XP installed on their computers (whether it is a home or office computer), not because it is the best operating system, or even the easiest to use. But because people get comfortable with what is familiar. However this may pose an issue in the next year.

Apparently, hackers are storing information that exploits vulnerabilities in Windows XP and will unleash them when Microsoft stops  supporting the Windows XP operating system next year.

What Does This Mean for Windows XP Users?

If you are a Windows XP user worried about the safety of your computer and documents in the future you are now left with two options.

  1. Accept the change and upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows 8. Both of these operating systems come with a slew of new features and upgrades that you will probably love once you adapt to change.
  2. Pay Microsoft the high premium they are charging to have them continue to support Windows XP so you don’t have to adapt to a new operating system. However this won’t save you. No matter how many future vulnerabilities are discovered, Microsoft will no longer be updating Windows XP. The hackers know this and will begin taking over machines that run Windows XP en masse.
This is not a small problem. There are millions of people still running XP on business machines with critical information on them, or on home machines with all the credit card accounts listed in a file somewhere. These could all become compromised.

Disaster Recovery Services from Working Nets in Baltimore, Maryland

At Working Nets, we were founded to provide small businesses, like yours, with expert information technology support they needed. Our disaster recovery services help ensure your vital business data is kept safe and secure!

If you have any questions about Disaster Recovery, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today! You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

Source:

http://bgr.com/2013/08/13/windows-xp-hacking-vulnerabilities/