Understanding Managed Services

Many people today believe they understand managed services in today’s technologically driven world. When asked to define it, however, many people don’t know what they mean. What does it actually mean to receive managed service? What is an MSP? What can an MSP do for you?

The Customer’s View of Managed Services

Depending on who you ask, the definition of managed services varies. Customers believe that managed service is allowing the service provider to take care of setting up, installing, and configuring the equipment. They will configure the item according to your specifications, provide ongoing monitoring and patching, fine-tune settings for improved performance, and ensure that security measures are in place.

If there is any connectivity or functionality issue, the provider will address it. Providers will replace or repair hardware as needed and follow strict SLAs. They’ll also provide reports to prove they have followed the service licensing agreement. These are all valid assumptions about managed services, but there are many finer points.

MSP’s Viewpoint

Managed service providers include the management of the customer’s equipment. They expect that the initial setup will be completed by these service providers. The customer should take care of any additional installations or ask for a service that focuses more on configuration and installation.

The managed service provider will document equipment in its current operating condition. The managed service provider like SpartanTec, Inc. will establish a baseline to guide the client’s normal practice. To ensure that the operational state of the client is maintained, it may be necessary to modify the configuration based on operating issues and suggestions for vendor configuration settings.

To establish the triage and tasks for incidents as well as tasks to be performed, an order of operations will be established. These run books will guide the patching, monitoring, and security. Tickets will be used to triage any anomalies or incidents. If the equipment is covered by a warranty, and support contracts are current and valid, the MSP can work with the vendor to handle any service requests. All activities and management will be performed under strict SLAs with reports that prove their compliance.

All of these points show that customers have different goals than the MSP’s operational and sandboxing mindsets. Both parties attempt to reconcile their differing mindsets through contracting or within work statements. These attempts often fail as the interpretations of the parties are different when it comes down to managed services Wilmington.

For more information on managed IT services, call SpartanTec, Inc., Wilmington, now

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

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

How can firewalls protect your small business network?

Accessing your computer via an internet connection or Wi-Fi network can make it vulnerable to attacks. Firewalls are a way to limit external access to your network.

How does firewalls work?

Firewalls protect your computer or network from hackers by preventing malicious traffic and unnecessary traffic. Firewalls are also able to block malicious software and apps from getting access to your computer or network via the internet. Network firewalls could be configured so that data is blocked from specific ports or locations. However, it will still allow for important and relevant data to pass through.

What type of firewall is best?

There are both software and physical firewalls. Each type of firewall has its pros and cons. It is important to decide which one you want to use.

Hardware – Also known as network firewalls, hardware is a physical device that connects to your computer. A few ISPs and vendors provide small office and home routers with firewall capabilities. Firewalls that use hardware to protect multiple computers can be extremely helpful in controlling their network activity and controlling any attempts to penetrate them. Hardware-based firewalls provide another layer of protection against cyberattacks on desktop computers. However, they can be difficult to configure and maintain because they are separate devices.

Software – Many operating systems come with an integrated firewall that you need to enable in order to increase cybersecurity protection. The firewall software can be purchased separately at your ISP or from a software vendor. You should ensure that the software you download from the internet is secure and comes from a trusted source. Software firewalls allow you to manage certain network behaviors of different applications on a single system. One of the major drawbacks of software firewalls is their location on the same system it protects. Because it’s located on the exact same system as the firewall, it can hinder the firewall from being able to detect and prevent malicious activities. Another problem is that you must update each firewall separately when you have them all on your network.

Firewall Configuration Options

Both software- and hardware-based firewalls are available commercially. They come preconfigured and can be used immediately. Each firewall is unique, so you will need to carefully read and understand the documentation to determine whether the default firewall settings meet your requirements. This is critical because default configurations are less restrictive, which can make your firewall more susceptible to compromise. You may also receive information about how to restrict malicious activity that could be implemented using your firewall in notifications.

While firewalls in Wilmington NC when properly configured may be able to block some attacks effectively it is important not to get fooled into believing that you are secure. Firewalls are not able to guarantee that your network or computer won’t get attacked. Firewalls protect your computer and network from malicious traffic but not from malicious programs. Firewalls may not be able to protect you from malicious programs or malicious traffic that you have accidentally installed on your computer. Cyberattacks can be repelled by using a firewall in conjunction with anti-virus software.

SpartanTec, Inc. offers IT support in configuring firewalls and hardware-based firewalls for your computer and network. Complete our contact form and we will contact you to review your company’s defense against cyberattack.

People also asked:
How do firewalls protect businesses?
A Firewall Can Protect Your Business from Malicious Code

They look for and block viruses, worms, spam, and other unwanted Internet traffic. They will also log intrusion attempts as well as other violations to business policies. This enables you to examine unauthorised access attempts and other suspicious activity.

Can a firewall protect against viruses?
Firewalls stop intruders from accessing this information and protect the business from cyber attacks. … Host-based firewalls are easy to install and protect your computer from malware, cookies, email viruses, pop-up windows, and more.

How are firewalls used to protect networks?
Firewalls provide protection against outside cyber attackers by shielding your computer or network from malicious or unnecessary network traffic. Firewalls can also prevent malicious software from accessing a computer or network via the internet.

Call SpartanTec Inc. now if you need help in setting up or maintaining your company’s firewall.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

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

Managed IT Services: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Managed IT services refers to a solution that is provided by an IT service provider. It is comprised of 24/7 IT support for a monthly fee along with the constant monitoring of IT infrastructure and workstations.

To put it simply, managed services returns the spotlight on the IT firm. The more issues your company has, the more resources and time the IT firm requires to designate. The consequence is less profit for the IT company and causes it to set in place proactive measures to lessen the amount of issues that the company has. This eventually aligns the outcomes of both organization.

The Importance of Managed IT Services

Aligns The Results of the Organization

An IT firm gains something when they do a very good job. They are looking to less the problems for your firm since they have KPIs that are directly linked to your IT’s efficiency.

IT Experts Provide Peace of Mind

You are not an IT support professional. Managed service providers will deal with your IT concerns so you could concentrate on your business operations.

Proactive Support

Managed services provide proactive support. So, you don’t have to fix your IT problems. An IT expert Wilmington will try to determine the problems before they take place, keeping your company’s systems running smoothly while preventing problems from happening.

 

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Strategic IT Planning

What kind of IT systems does your company need in one or two years? Managed services could help you consider this ahead of time and offer you recommendations on the things that you need to be planning on from an IT department. You will be provided with proactive support while making sure that your IT software and infrastructure is updated and upgraded to lower the risks like crashes, viruses, and downtime.

Complete Outsourced IT

Managed IT services provide you access to an entire IT department. You will not only receive daily IT support; you will also get a virtual CIO and IT manager so you could think strategically regarding how IT will fit your firm.

Challenges of Managed IT Services

There are a few challenges that you have to know when you are thinking of transitioning to a managed IT services arrangement.

The first one is making sure that the provider is held accountable. You need to hold the IT firm you’ve chosen accountable. You also have to make sure that they are providing the improvements you expect when you got their services. You also need to get strategic IT planning and find an IT company like SpartanTec, Inc. that has a good track record.

Tips To Successfully Implement Managed IT Services

There are a few decision that your company needs to make when you are transitioning to a managed IT services contract. Some factors you need to consider include:

-       Having a total cost of IT so you will know the real cost of IT for your company.

-       Determine potential providers; ask for an audit of your existing systems. Select a managed services provider and finish the on-boarding process with the provider.

Are you thinking of getting managed IT services for your company? Call SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington now.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

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

Girl Scouts Earn Badges For Cybersecurity Skills

Back in 2018, the Girl Scouts of the USA said that a brand new STEM-oriented badges, which include about three cybersecurity problems. Today, the biggest Girl Scouts council, GSNC or Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital is working with HPE or Hewlett Packard Enterprise to take the cyber skills of the troops to the next level.

Junior girl scouts, with ages that range between 9 to 11 among its 60,000 members would get to play a game in order to learn about online identities, privacy, cyberbullying, and security. When they finish the game, they will earn an analog new HPE cybersecurity patch.

Kids that go online are becoming younger and younger. They should be equipped with the ability to go through the online world as cautious, smart consumers to protect their identity, their safety, and their data.

 

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If you look the world around you and how much it takes place online, and how early on children are engaged online, they could become fundamental life skills. HPE developed the game along with the Romero Games to recreate real world situations. Referred to as Cyber Squad, the game will teach children about the idea of a digital footprint, online safety, security, privacy, as well as cyberbullying.

Because it will involve kids, everyone knows that children want stuff that are exciting and fun. Cyber Squad happened when a GSNC troop leader wanted to teach her troop members about cybersecurity. These children were becoming much more autonomous digital individuals, and the troop leader believed they required more guidance.

Kids who have played or took lesson from this game became more confident and were now able to explain well the concepts of online security to their peers and friends using their own words.

In July 2018, the Girl Scouts USA started the 30 new STEM- related badges. This curriculum was enhanced further through the HPE patch. The Girls Scouts National’s Capital is dedicated to developing a pipeline of women in the STEM careers, beginning with girls. Working locally with HPE permitted the council to improve the national cybersecurity badge program.

This don’t just apply to girls but boys too. Whether it’s kids or adults, there will always be a need for this. A game may seem like a cheeky method to take on a serious problem but positioning this as a game has sparked interest as well as long discussions among the kids regarding how to enhance bad passwords or what needs to be done when the notice cyber bullying.

Knowing how to set the table, sell several Thin Mints, and pitch a tent remain as crucial skills for Girl Scouts. But it’s also essential to become a computer security pro.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now if you want to know more about cybersecurity and how it will benefit your company.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

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

The Basics of Firewall Explained

A firewall is a computer software or hardware security device that could help in protecting your network. It filters the traffic and blocks unauthorized users from getting access to your computer’s private data. Not only does a firewall stop unwanted traffic, it could also help in preventing malicious software from infecting your network or computer.

Firewalls could offer different levels of protection. They important thing is knowing how much protection your network needs. Here are the basics of firewall that you need to know.

What is the purpose of a firewall?

A firewall Wilmington NC can be considered as a gatekeeper. It checks attempts to get access to your operating system and it will block unrecognized sources or unwanted traffic. A firewall will serve as a filter or barrier between your computer and the internet or another network. You can think of it as a traffic controller. It will protect your information and network by regulating your network traffic. This will include stopping unsolicited incoming network traffic and then validate the access by evaluating network traffic for any potential malicious activities such as a malware or even a hacker.

How does it work?

Firewalls will analyse the network traffic according to rules. It will only allow incoming connections that the firewall has been configured to accept. It will not allow or it will block specific data packets, units of communication that you send through digital networks, according to pre-established security policies.

What are the types of firewalls?

There are hardware and software firewalls that can help prevent data breach. Every format will serve a different yet crucial purpose. A hardware firewall is your broadband router while a software firewall is a program on your computer that will work through the port numbers as well as applications.

You’ll also find cloud based firewalls which are also called as firewall as a service. They can grow with your company and just like hardware firewalls, they perform well with the perimeter security.

 

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There are many types of firewall based on their functions and structure. If you need help, you can always get in touch with SpartanTec, Inc. for expert help.

Packet Filtering Firewalls

These are firewalls that serves as a management program. They could block the network traffic IP control, a port number, and an IP address. This kind of firewall is considered to be the most basic form of protection and it is ideal for smaller networks that want to improve their cybersecurity.

Proxy Service Firewalls

The proxy service firewall is a kind of system that can protect your network security. It filers the messages within the application layer. It will serve as the middle man or gateway between the outside servers and the internal network. It is also referred to as a gateway firewall.

State Multi Layer Inspection Firewalls

They have standard capabilities including tracking established connections. It filters the traffic according to the protocol, port, and state, as well as the administrator defined context and rules.

Unified Threat Management Firewalls

It is a program that mixes the functions of the SMLI firewall and antivirus and intrusion prevention.

Next Generation Firewall

They are more sophisticated programs than the packet filtering and stateful inspection firewalls. They feature more levels of security, which range from basic packet filtering to checking a packet in general.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more information about our managed firewall solutions and managed IT services.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

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

Business Continuity Planning Tips

Although more than half of small business owners say that it would take a minimum of three months to pull through from a downtime. Meanwhile, about 60% have no emergency response plan. But, Gartner said, the downtime’s average cost could increase to $5,600 per minute. In terms of business continuity planning, there are different critical problems that leaders have to address. You must prepare the steps you have to take to respond to business shocks now, but also reshape your company’s business continuity plan.

Now is the time to create an active recovery plan especially if your company doesn’t have one yet. It will require some effort on your part, but you’ll provide your business the chance at surviving a cyberattack or any unexpected event.

 

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What is business continuity planning?

Business continuity planning concentrates on keeping the business functions or resuming these functions efficiently in case a major disaster strikes, which could be anything between flood or fire and cyberattacks or a pandemic.

A business continuity plan will outline the process your company needs to follow in case of disasters. It will cover crisis communication strategy, business partners, assets, human resources, and more.

You’ve probably heard about a disaster recovery plan that concentrates on the restoration of IT operation and infrastructure following a disaster. But, this is just a small piece of a comprehensive business continuity planning because it seeks to ensure the company’s continuity.

As time goes by and the pandemic has been controlled, companies should review and renew their business continuity plans. You have to evaluate your existing BCPs and make sure that they’re working. A good way to find gaps is by testing your business continuity plan. In case you see deficiencies, you should highlight them and check the root causes right away whether it’s lack of infrastructure, timeless of action, as well as external environmental problems.

What are the top threats to your company’s continuity?

Depending on what your industry you belong or your company’s level of risk, your threats may be different from the others. That’s why creating risk assessment is helpful. You do not need to have a plan for all kinds of scenarios but there are a few ones that you need to watch out for. These include global pandemics, power outages, natural disasters, and cybersecurity.

Creating A Business Continuity Plan

Although it’s complicated to create an effective business continuity plan, it’s an important part of operating a resilient business. That’s why it’s better if you work with a provider of IT services. Your chosen business continuity team and your staff should take continuity planning very seriously.

When creating one, you have to make sure that you have a business continuity management team to help you out. You should also ensure your employees’ safety and wellbeing. You should also understand your company’s risks and set in place effective recovery strategies. Don’t forget to test regularly and make improvements as necessary.

Have peace of mind knowing that your company has a business continuity plan to reduce the impact of different types of disruptions. Request a demo today.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now for more information about business continuity planning.

SpartanTec, Inc.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 218-9255
http://manageditserviceswilmington.com

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