Do You Need IT Support For Your Business?

Does your company use some type of technology to improve your business operations? With all of the excellent opportunities as well as convenience that technology provides, it also comes with certain challenges. IT support could assist you in making sense of the different problems that come with your hardware and online resources.

IT support in Charleston SC is offered in different forms and with differing costs as well as other considerations to take into account. Here are a few important questions you need to ask to assist you in determining the level of IT support that your business needs.

What Kind of Businesses Require IT Support

Whatever type of business you have, you’ll most likely benefit from a certain level of IT support. The right level of IT support would depend on the kind of tech you use as well as the level of your personal knowledge on the problems that you encounter on a regular basis.

 

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It’s probable that your business have some type of online presence or website. And when those online assets encounter issues, even for a short period of time, it could prevent clients from finding or buying from your company. But, tech support could also assist you in solving problems that involve the computer’s slow load times, your store’s wifi problems, or email issues, and well as viruses and cybersecurity concerns.

So basically, unless you run a totally offline local companies where sales are processed by hand and do not use any online communication methods, you could benefit from hiring IT support. However, the level of support that you may need will be in question. Here are a few things you need to consider.

What Kind of IT Support are Available?

There are different types of IT support. You could work with an in-house IT expert when you need it as well as the financial stability that gives you the budget to add to your staff. Glassdoor said that the average pay of an IT professional is more than $85,000. So this option need a significant amount of investment for your company. However, if you’re business always encounter issues that result into downtime on a regular basis, the dedicated IT support will be worthwhile.

Another option is IT outsourcing. There are companies such as SpartanTec, Inc. that work with different organizations and businesses. Generally, this method will cost less than hiring full time staff, and could be advantages for companies that just do not have regular tech problems. Even with this category, there are other options to pick from.

You may consider a type of service that can be paid on a monthly subscription basis, otherwise known as managed services, where you could pay a flat fee for IT support that’s available round the clock. With this kind of IT service, you can get help for every problem throughout the month regardless of how many issues you encounter, and could rely on those experts before they become a problem for your company.

You can also go for a support service where you could pay for support for every problem that you encounter. It is an option that is attractive to companies with intermittent IT support needs.

Also, depending on the managed service providers that you depend on for different tech functions, you may get some support from those firms to help you fix your tech concerns. For example, if you have a site that’s hosted through a hosting platform, you could get in touch with tech support of the company when your website encounter hosting problems.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need the help of IT support experts in dealing with your company’s IT needs.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Cybersecurity Tips To Protect Your Business From Cyberattacks

The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve and hackers come up with new strategies to breach the technology systems of businesses on a daily basis. Cyberattack prevention strategies must be set in place to protect your business. This holds true for all small businesses as they are considered to be an easy target for cybercriminals.

Smaller firms do not have the same budget as large corporations. Their tighter budget and limited resources often make it harder to invest in the latest technology that large companies can, which leaves them more vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Although there are new risks that comes with the digital age, there are some practices that you can implement to protect your business.

 

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Cybersecurity Tips For Small Businesses

Install Firewalls

Your company’s first line of defense against cybercriminals is the firewall. They are made to block incoming network requests and traffic that come from insecure websites or malware. All devices including the computer, tablets, smartphones, and payment terminals, should be equipped with an updated anti-virus software and firewall.

Additionally, you should consider having a data backup. Important transactions and business data should be backed up daily on to a cloud, server, or a separate hard drive. This step could provide another level of protection to your accounts and online activities. You can ask SpartanTec, Inc. about their backup and disaster recovery services. You should also consider using separate authentication processes and networks for your payment terminals as well as your other business operations.

Set Up Existing Security Features

You should also use two-factor authentication. Several online payment services and financial institutions lets you authenticate your account by adding a single use code that’s been sent to your email or phone. You could also ask your bank to send you alerts in case they notice suspicious activities in your account.

Train Your Employees

Businesses of any size could use technology for their protection against cybercriminals. But always remember that your systems and processes are only as good as those that use them. So, you need to educate your employees, who are your front line responders, to know the threats as well as the security measures that you have set in place, and provide them clear directions for reporting suspicious activities, regardless of how seemingly innocent or small.

And be sure that you and your staff use passwords that are difficult to guess, unique, and complicated. Change the logins and passwords, usernames, and utilize a secure password manager app that you can use to store them.

You should take the needed steps so you can invest in the latest and most efficient technology and security systems Charleston SC and educate your staff on the appropriate procedures can help protect your company from the ever changing cybersecurity threats nowadays.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need professional help in improving your company’s cybersecurity.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Why Should Small Businesses Should Outsource IT?

IT outsourcing is becoming more popular with the professional service industry. If your small business is spending too many resources on managing email accounts, computers, telephones, printers, and servers, it’s time to think about asking for external help from an expert.

Since managing an IT department could be a difficult task, a managed IT services provider can provide relief to your business from the stressful experience of addressing technical problems.

IT outsourcing lets small business owners concentrate on their main business areas rather than wasting their valuable resources by fixing IT problems. A managed IT services provider provides you the freedom to concentrate on activities that will contribute to your company’s growth.

 

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Reasons For IT Outsourcing

Cost Reduction

Managed IT services provider offer a wide range of products and services that covers the basic needs of a small business. For instance, they could provide servers, computing equipment, and offer email hosting services, printers, phone systems, IT support, and preventing maintenance for a price that’s less than what you’ll spend if you do it all by yourself. The most trivial benefit is the lower cost when you choose IT outsourcing.

24/7 Technical Support

Technical problems are inevitable and if not addressed right away, they can be bad for business. They waste your energy and your time plus it distracts your business from providing excellent service to your clients. Even if your business is able to recover right away from an outage, you may have to face unexpected expenses like replacing an old piece of hardware or hiring an expert to fix tech problems on a break/fix basis. With a bit of help from a managed IT service provider, you can concentrate on your business, which is what’s important.

Value for your Investments

A managed IT service provider will take care of your hardware and software necessities. It will also help in selecting the right technology for your company and that means you’ll get the highest ROI or return on investment with the appropriate technology decision. Therefore, you will not be wasting money on unnecessary technology acquisitions.

Focus on Your Core Business

When you allow a managed IT service provider like SpartanTec, Inc. to take care of your IT problems, you will have more energy and time to address the more important aspects of your business. Your business needs your undivided attention. Having an MSP on your side means you can focus on your customer acquisition efforts and your marketing, as well as improve the quality of your products and services. Continue working on your success and let your MSP deal with the nitty-gritty of technology.

Make the Most out of Advanced Technology

A managed IT service provider can provide your business with a complete set of IT solutions, operational, and network tools using the most updated technologies that are available on the market. Better technology selections could put your business ahead of the competition by cutting back on the total cost of ownership and by making your employees more productive.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you need the help of an IT expert to help with your company’s IT needs.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Why Managed IT Services Are Needed By All Types Of Businesses?

Why do you need managed IT services? It services take on a crucial role in today’s business field. Now, it’s nearly unthinkable to go into modern services without some kind of IT infrastructure and support. The objective is to have a correctly managed IT infrastructure that’s accompanied by expert employees with their respective specializations. However, this is easier said than done. The IT sector remains in demand. It’s a growing market but there is not enough of it to go around. Or, firms don’t have the financial resources to onboard their own IT staff.

This is where managed IT services or the use of  a managed IT service provider comes in. In these day’s competitive field, they have become a crucial part of several businesses, keeping them in the game when they don’t have enough resources themselves.

What is managed IT services?

Managed IT services is a third party company that offers essential business infrastructure and operations to firms of different sizes. Based on the needs of a firm, this could range from a communication services to a whole team that’s been outsourced. Everything from cybersecurity and access security, support, network layouts, as well as backup recovery can be found under the MSP umbrella.

 

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Why get managed IT services?

Professional Resources

An MSP, at the service level, will draw from a range of IT expertise which will operate in each IT field. That means a team that works within the world of cybersecurity, for example, could apply a distinct platform of solutions to issues that you may have on the risk level.

These experts could take on different clients, all with their own unique dynamics and needs. So, when you work with Managed IT services companies, you will gain access to expertise, which is something that’s not easy to do.

Optimized Resources

For performance and regulation purposes, a managed IT service provider will conventionally have the best software/hardware resources available. If you need access to the most recent office suite, a cloud MSP could provide virtualized services to provide you with an edge. If you’re concerned about keeping on top of the latest security updates or the online vendor regulations? Your managed IT services Charleston SC provider will stay on top of this.

Flexible Pricing

An MSP will work within your budget. Some provide a flexible plan that’s service based, which will charge by the user, while others offer a flat fee. Because IT can become an expensive beast without the appropriate guidance, you should keep things within your resources at all times. Some need long term service contracts that will lock you in.

Cost Savings

When it comes to capital, working with a managed IT services provider, will help you save financial resources. You don’t have to train new employees, buy costly new hardware and software, as well as offload critical tasks to different company, you could decrease your IT costs in different departments.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you are looking for a managed IT services company that can help with your IT needs and keep your network secure against online threats.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Is a Managed Security Service Provider Good for Your Business?

A managed security service provider acts like an outsourced manager for the IT security needs of a company. You may consider it as an extension of the capabilities of the IT solutions offered by a managed IT services provider.

An MSSP focuses on the security of the IT infrastructure of a company. It has gained in popularity in recent years as small and medium businesses become more aware of the possible damages that can be caused by a cyberattack.

While MSPs have been addressing the IT needs of companies for several years, the need for a far more advanced cybersecurity program in order to meet today’s threats is basically a new phenomenon.

 

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Whether it’s user error, ransomware, malware, or phishing, the possibility of serious security breaches among SMBs is growing. This is particularly applicable to situations when you consider the changes that are taking place in the landscape of transformation of the digital world.

Many companies are not prepared to deal with the modern security problems and those that has an inhouse IT security team are finding it more difficult to stay up to date, and that’s why it’s not surprising that the MSSP market is growing.

What are the advantages of working with Managed IT services providers?

You’ll get access to experts.

Decision makers or executives who are serious about the health of their IT infrastructure and the company’s cybersecurity are often careful about the expertise level needed to execute and keep a strong defence. MSSPs will perform a correct analysis of the cybersecurity of your business and provide recommendations on the needed solutions to make sure that you have a solid and efficient cybersecurity strategy. Many companies are shifting to managed it services or co-managed IT services because of the expertise they get. You may get access to compliance managers, cybersecurity developers, cybersecurity engineers, and cybersecurity analysts.

You’ll get comprehensive protection.

MSSP services are developed from the ground up to offer additional cybersecurity options that go beyond the usual remit of MSP offerings. Although the MSPs provide comprehensive management as well as a basic security level, a good MSSP solution would actively monitor as well as defend your storage, network, and applications. Some examples of the services offered are security awareness training, next-gen antivirus, endpoint detection and response, multi-factor authentication, and continuous vulnerability monitoring.

Efficiency is key.

It might not be obvious to decision makers whose main priority is to boost their cybersecurity, but one key factor that must be considered when working with an MSSP is efficiency. Executing integrated security functions will get rid of silos in a company, which will lead to quicker response times, boosting communication channels between various departments, and cutting back the possibility of your employees committing mistakes.

Reduced Costs

The cost is one of the main factors to consider when revamping the company’s cybersecurity programs. As more firms look to make sure that their infrastructures are all set for digital transformation, the added costs from an in-depth cybersecurity plan may seem daunting. But the price you’ll pay for managed IT services is minimal compared to the costs you’ll have to deal with when you company suffers a data breach.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now and let our team of IT experts help boost your cybersecurity at a price that you can afford.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

What is zero trust?

Since users of mobile devices started connecting through unmanaged devices to company applications through the internet, there has been a growing need to execute zero trust security. If you can’t trust the network, device, or connection, zero trust will sound like an excellent idea. However, in the past few years, there’s been a confusion regarding the real meaning of the term.

The concept of zero trust came up in 2010 when John Kindervag of Forrester Research submitted a paper that made the concept of zero trust more popular. Kindervag talked about how the model of zero trust security is created around the idea that companies that must not inherently trust attempts to connect to a business application or system and should be verified before any granting any level user access.

The concept is pretty simple. Zero trust security assumes that all attempts are hostile. Although this may seem pretty obvious, the idea is antithetical to the model followed by corporate network security. Because back in the 1990s, firms have been creating a network architecture with a safe and secure perimeter through end-point based controls, depending on approved IP addresses, protocols, and ports to validate users, data, or/and applications which are then allowed to communicate within the network.

 

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On the other hand, a zero trust approach will treat all traffic, including the traffic within the perimeter, as hostile. Unless the workloads have been determined by certain attributes, a workload identity or fingerprint, they are blocked and untrusted from communicating.

One important aspect of zero trust is providing least privilege access, which means it gets rid of the excessive trust users get when inside a conventional network. With a zero trust security method, least privilege access isn’t just applied before providing access, but also to which connections, devices, or services – where and when, which significantly minimizes the attack surfaces, providing defenders a much narrower scope of focus.

Zero Trust Is Based On 4 Principles

• Least privilege access – all workloads, devices, and users are authenticated before providing access and regularly reauthenticated and authorized again based on the context.
• Microsegmentation – performed at the application level without the network segmentation.
• Network and applications stay invisible to the open internet.
• The internet will serve as the new transport network through encrypted microtunnels.

Why Should You Adopt A Zero Trust Security Model?

Reduce organizational and business risk

All services and applications are considered as malicious and are not allowed from communicating until their identities have been proven.

Provide access control over the cloud and the container environments

Network security policies of zero trust are based on the identity of the communicating workloads and then are tied right away to the workload itself. Through this, security will remain as close as it can be to the assets that need protection and isn’t impacted by the network constructs like protocols, ports, and IP addresses. Because of that, protection will travel with the workload where it will try to communicate but stays unchanged even when there are changes in the environment.

Reduces Risk of Data Breach

Zero trust security will reduce the risk of data breach because it will always verify, therefore unverified workloads are prevented from communicating anywhere on the company’s system, to and from the command and control, as well as between hosts, applications, data, and users.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you would like to know more about zero trust security and how it could help protect your business.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence

Charleston - How to Prepare Your Charleston SC Business for Natural Disasters

Tropical Storm Elsa is headed our way and now is the time to prepare your small business for this summer’s storms. When businesses are affected by natural disasters, they’ll find it hard to fully recover. As a matter of fact, one third of the companies that have been affected by disasters never resumed their operations.

Begin developing a natural disaster preparedness, disaster recovery plan and data backup strategy now so that you can concentrate on business continuity and make sure that your business has a plan in place so your company can bounce back right away in case an incident happens.

Natural Disaster Preparedness and Data Backup Tips

Know the natural disasters that can affect your business. Keep in mind that the natural disasters that affect one state is different from the others. When you develop a data recovery plan, you should assess the possibility of each kind of natural disaster that may affect the area where your business is located. The emergency management representative or office in your city can provide you with the help you need.

 

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• Determine the vulnerabilities and mitigate the potential risks.
• Create an evacuation plan.
• Organize your contact list.
• Assign a meeting place outside of your workspace
• Share your natural disaster preparedness plan to your staff.
• Take control during an emergency.
• Prepare your property and secure it.
• Help in the creation of evacuation procedures.
• Evaluate document losses.
• Help with the recovery.
• Test your disaster recovery plans.

Execute Communication Plans

Your office staff should know the sequence of operations that they have to follow when there is a natural disaster. You need to have quarterly meetings so you can educate your staff about your disaster recovery, data backup plans, and natural disaster preparedness recovery plans, to help make sure that your communications are streamlined.

You should let your workers know what the company’s expectations are, their responsibilities and the department’s obligations during a disaster. You should also plan drills so that your employees will be familiar with the company protocols.

In the disaster recovery plan, you should outline how your business intends to communicate to your staff who are directly or indirectly affected by the natural disaster. Social media, email, and phone trees are well-known methods to inform customers, employees, insurance companies, emergency workers, restoration companies, the media, as well as other stakeholders.

Data Backup Is A Must

Losing electronic or physical documents can be disastrous for any business. You avoid such losses by having a data backup plan in place. Here are other tips you need to know.

• Create copies of important documents and store the original copies in a safe offsite location.
• Scan and save essential documents such as client files and store them on an external drive that you may keep offsite or with the help of a cloud based solution.
• Ask your employees to scan essential documents as part of your new disaster recovery and preparedness policy.
• Create copies of any licensed software that you may have. You can keep the originals offsite along with their licensing information.
• Backup your data every day.

You should also invest in a generator, UPS system, and surge protector because most natural disasters can trigger power outages that may shut your operations down for prolonged periods.

 

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to prepare your business for natural disasters and cyberattacks. Our IT support professionals will help develop a disaster recovery and backup plan that’s suitable for your company’s needs.

 

SpartanTec, Inc.
Charleston, SC 29407
843-418-4792
https://manageditservicescharleston.com/

Serving: Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Columbia, Wilmington, Fayetteville, Florence