The Key Benefits of Managed IT Services For Small Business

The success of almost any business is dependent on technology more than ever. It is easier to access customer data, better systems for tracking inventory and sales, as well as more options to collect and analyze it. These advancements, such as IT services, are beneficial to businesses of all sizes, but they might seem impossible for smaller companies with limited IT budgets.

All About IT Services

Smaller businesses may be able to access these services by seeking out managed service professionals outside their organization. This will allow them to stay within their budgets. A recent survey found that 37% of small businesses outsource at least one function. According to the survey, outsourcing is a popular way for businesses to improve efficiency (24%), and access experts (18%). These two factors can prove crucial to small business owners as they try to make the most of each dollar.

Managed services are one way to outsource IT. Management services are a great way to simplify business collaboration. They bridge the gap between teams, monitor organizational systems, and notify the company when an issue arises. Small businesses can grow by having outside specialists available whenever they need them.

A lot of small business owners are using managed services. A report shows that organizations of less than 100 employees are more likely to use outsourced IT services for data storage, backups and communications (10%) and support (9%).

Disaster Recovery as a Service, (DRaaS), can make a big difference for small businesses when it comes to protecting data. Smaller businesses can suffer from unplanned downtime that can result in thousands of dollars being lost each minute. Although it can be daunting to develop and implement a disaster recovery strategy, small businesses can benefit from DRaaS without having to pay the high cost of creating and implementing one.

While data-related services are the most in demand, there are many other services available that could be of great benefit, including cybersecurity. Cyberattacks on small businesses account for 43 percent. Small businesses are also at risk of being hacked. 83 percent can’t afford the cost of a recovery. A managed security service is a way for organizations to get the protection they require without having to spend money. This could save them from potential financial disasters.

The Top 5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Managed Service Provider

Small businesses must ensure they are working with the right IT support provider to maximize the potential benefits of managed service. These needs may vary between organizations, but there are some things businesses should consider when choosing a provider.

1. It is important to ensure that your provider has the ability to set up alerts on your system. So that users can work as smoothly as possible, it is crucial to identify problems quickly. Employees might not be able to identify problems quickly enough to notify the appropriate people.
2. It is important that you find a provider of IT services in Wilmington NC who will examine the entire issue. It is important to gather all data about a problem as soon as possible in order to determine its root cause and make a permanent solution. A good managed service provider will examine the entire network in order to determine the best solution to ensure that everything runs smoothly over the long term.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. for a complete assessment of your cybersecurity readiness. We provide peace of mind.

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

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

Local areas served: Lake Forest, Fairlawn, Winter Park, Woodburn, Brookfield, Leland, Myrtle Grove, Murraysville, Ocean View, Kirkland

What Are The Types of IT Services

No matter what your business offers in the way of cutting-edge technology services, or if you are focusing on traditional products and/or services, you still need IT support. While it is possible to manage your IT needs in-house, many companies, especially small ones, find they need professional IT services.

What are IT Services?

IT stands for information technology. IT is a broad term that encompasses all aspects of computers, internet as well as other technical devices (IoT). IT services, such as SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington NC, assist companies with the management, setup, and troubleshooting aspects like their network, hardware, connected devices and software updates.

The Major Types of IT Services

Startups have different needs than large corporations. Knowing the major IT services is key to determining what you might need in the present as well as the future.

1. Managed IT Services for Low-Level Businesses

Small businesses often hire IT services. These services are the basic and offered by managed IT service providers that offer low-level, pay-per-play services. These services typically include software installation and integration with existing infrastructure to create a new system. You will also receive ongoing support from the MSP through system monitoring.

Important to remember is that if you have a low-level service, your MSP will alert you if there is a risk to security or performance issues, but  may not take any action. It is also necessary to plan your IT.

2. Mid-Level Managed IT Service

You may need something more than the above. Mid-level IT services could be a better option. These services are provided by a value-added MSP. The provider will take appropriate action in case of security threats or performance issues. The provider will also maintain your system and update versions as they become available.

You may also get some IT planning at this level. Many value-added MSPs offer scalability planning which allows you adapt the service to meet your changing business needs.

3. High-Level Managed IT Services

High-level managed IT services are available for those with greater needs. You’ll will receive support for your communications, data analytics, network, and other services that are included in a mid-level IT service. The provider may also provide access to a mobile network system that can be accessed from any location.

This level also allows for in-depth planning. You will be notified by the provider of any developments in the IT sector that may benefit your business. They also give you the opportunity to modify the services you receive. You may also be able to include some software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscriptions that would be useful to your company. This will allow you to eliminate the need to store programs and data locally and improve security.

4. On-Demand IT

You can also use an MSP to get services on-demand. You can pay as you go rather than spending a fixed amount per month. This is a great option for businesses that want to avoid long-term contracts.

5. Software Services

Outsourcing software services will ensure that your licenses remain current and that your company complies with all end-user agreements.

These services can save you money especially if your business has been around for a while. The provider may be able to locate licenses you are still paying for, but not using.

6. Network Management

The configuration of network services begins with setting up infrastructure, such as servers and firewalls. Providers may also use security measures to prevent unauthorized logins, and apply two-factor authentication.

You can then receive maintenance such as mobile networking and storage for remote backups. You provider can also monitor your network and respond to unusual activity. You may also need to upgrade your network or repair hardware that is connected to it.

Two networks are common in many companies: an internal network and their internet connection. To prevent security breaches, it is important to secure both networks. You must ensure that your networks are monitored 24/7, especially if your employees have remote access or use a payment system.

7. IT Communications

Communications can include a wide range of services, including voice, data and video calls. A professional IT provider can help you configure and maintain your communications systems. They can also create a customized program for your company.

You may be interested in receiving support from these communications services:

Video conferencing — If your remote employees are involved, video conferencing is a great option.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), VoIP allows you to make phone calls using an internet connection rather than a telephone line.

Chatbots — A chatbot can be created by an IT provider for your company. Chatbots allow you to communicate with visitors to your website and message you via social media without the need for a live representative. Users may prefer to chat with a chatbot to calling or email, depending on their target audience.

8. Cloud Services

Cloud computing is now a reality for most businesses. Cloud services, for example, allow employees to connect and collaborate from anywhere, making them especially valuable for remote workers or those who work in multiple locations. Cloud services can also be scaled to allow you to pay only for the services that you require, even if your needs change.

One type of cloud service we’ve covered is SaaS. The second type is infrastructure as a services (IaaS), and platform as service (PaaS). IaaS allows you to access third-party infrastructure. PaaS offers computing power and infrastructure that can be used for programming languages and your operating system.

A professional IT consultant can help you determine the best cloud service for your business. After setting up the service, the provider can transfer existing data to the cloud. They may also train your employees on how to use cloud services safely.

A managed cloud service will provide you with support for the future. These services will include responding to errors and training employees.

9. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is the most critical IT service. While many of the services mentioned above cover cybersecurity in some way, it is worth seeking out this service from a specialist if you are particularly at risk (e.g. if your company has sensitive information).

• Neglecting cybersecurity can lead to many problems.
• Your data could be at risk
• Your operation may be disrupted
• You could lose the trust of your clients
• A ransom demand may require you to pay a substantial sum

Anti-malware software will protect you against trojans, spyware, viruses and other malware to improve your security. Cybercriminals always adapt their methods so it is important to ensure that you are using the most recent versions as well as security patches. A professional IT provider like SpartanTec in Wilmington NC can ensure your system stays current.

Cybersecurity is also of major importance if you have a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policy, which is almost universal for small businesses, as employees tend to use their personal smartphones for work. To secure all devices, an IT provider will utilize mobile device administration. Only secure devices can access company data or applications. You can also remotely wipe these data from devices in case of theft or loss.

Selecting the Right Cybersecurity Services

No matter how big or small your company is, there are certain IT services that are a necessity.

You may choose to hire an MSP depending on your staff’s IT expertise, your time commitment, and the level of security you need. This option is popular with small businesses because it allows them to access a wide range of services from one location. You may also decide to outsource certain services and hire others when you are in need.

SpartanTec, Inc. in Wilmington NC can provide you the security you need. This includes supplementing your IT team or acting as your IT department. We have service packages to fit almost any budget. Isn’t time to call us today for your peace of mind?

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

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

Securing the Network: What Three Key Verticals Are Needed

Perhaps the most neglected element of security is simply network and device hygiene. While new, innovative threats continue to pop up on almost daily, our latest Global Threat Landscape Report reveals that long known and yet still unpatched vulnerabilities continue to serve as the primary gateway for attacks, with organizations reporting an average of 274 attacks per firm – a 82% increase over the previous quarter. This alarming trend emphasizes that while remaining vigilant for new threats and vulnerabilities in the wild is critical, organizations also need to stay focused on what is happening within their own environment and secure reliable IT services.

The challenge is that while we all know that good cyber hygiene is a fundamental best practice, it can be hard to prioritize. It’s just one example of the sorts of things that IT services Wilmington NC teams need to track every day on top of whatever digital transformation projects are capitalizing their time and resources. To complicate things further, vertical markets each have their own unique risk and compliance concerns, which means there is no quick, universal answer to the challenge of how to keep your network secure.

Managed IT Services: Unique Challenges

Education

From kindergarten to universities, educational networks generally need to be open for their technology to be most effective. Students and teachers not only need to connect their devices to the network using a variety of endpoints, many of which are personally owned, but peer-to-peer networks – which are notoriously vulnerable – are also regularly used. And often, the population of preteens, adolescents, and young adults that use these networks spend a significantly greater amount of time and energy pushing against network limitations and restrictions than any group of users in any other vertical.

While school networks are becoming more open, and more devices than ever require access, administrators are also contending with budget and personnel limitations. These challenges make it difficult to build teams with the IT infrastructure and cybersecurity skillsets these networks demand.

That’s just the start. Not only must educational institutions have the technical and strategic capabilities in place to mitigate such threats, but they have the added burden of also ensuring they are in compliance with such regulations as the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), and even the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Healthcare

The healthcare sector has been capitalizing on digital advancements to improve overall patient experiences and outcomes through the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), the increased use of medical applications, online patient portals, connected medical devices and wearables, and long-distance consulting between physicians and experts across the globe.

However, interconnected networks and devices also introduce increased cyber risks in an environment where downtime can actually put lives at risk. Security measures and managed firewalls are essential to preserve patient privacy, meet HIPAA compliance standards, and protect critical infrastructure.

The new Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) poses an especially significant challenge. These devices, along with the web applications patients use to interact with them, are often programmed to access classified information stored on hospital networks. Too often, these IoMT devices are not built with security as a primary consideration, which makes them an attractive entryway into healthcare networks for cybercriminals.

At the same time, healthcare professionals, especially physicians, often insist on connecting their own devices to the hospital network. These devices are also usually connected to their own clinics or offices, as well as their personal lives. As a result, network security protocols, and firewall network security need to deal with an increased number of uncontrolled endpoints and the associated volume of data requests to ensure that critical data and information remains secured.

Over the past couple of years, the highly valuable data that healthcare organizations contain have made them an increasing target for cybercriminals and the growing sophistication of the cyberattacks they have developed. For example, over the past two years we have seen a drastic increase in the number and severity of ransomware attacks carried out against healthcare providers.

Financial Services

With GDPR taking effect in May of 2018, and similar far-reaching legislation pending, failure to meet privacy regulations and security compliance standards brings an entirely new level of financial penalties and associated reputational risk. This means that not only will a security breach damage the digital trust that you have built with your customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders, but the resulting financial penalties have real teeth, potentially adding millions to the already steep cost of a cyber event.

This is part of a global trend towards legislation that requires the financial industry to step up its security game. Last June, for example, China’s new Cybersecurity Law went into effect. The Chinese government intends to use this law to better align with industry and global cybersecurity standards by placing additional requirements on network and system security for critical infrastructure. This law will directly impact the financial services sector as it has been designated as a critical information infrastructure.

A new Cybersecurity Bill was also drafted by Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency in July 2017. It contains potential regulations that specifically affect banking institutions. The Cyber Security Agency in Singapore wants greater visibility and authority into how data is used, processed and stored, and this bill would require CIIs such as financial services to report any cyber incidents to the Commissioner of Cybersecurity, along with details around any modifications to their system design or security.

Conducting a Cyber Threat Assessment

For many organizations, getting a handle on these unique security challenges and compliance requirements is beyond the scope, resources, or skills of their security team. Often, even getting started is hard because, as the old adage goes, you don’t know what you don’t know. Which is why a good place to start is with a cyber threat assessment that evaluates network security protocols and policies, measures things like application usage and network performance, and assesses access controls and methods, device onboarding, and incident response. This information provides IT teams with a baseline of their current state that can be used to measure their desired state against. This will not only help them discover gaps in their security, but also identify where they should focus on best practices or deploying more integrated frameworks and solutions.

Best practices start with an inventory of systems, applications, endpoints, and user access controls, along with identifying the critical role each of those elements plays on the network. IT services teams then need to look at the network holistically, including remote offices, cloud-based services, and multi-cloud infrastructures. This process provides IT teams with clarity into every technology asset operating within their network, along with deep visibility into vulnerable applications, processes, and protocols, including which applications and application vulnerabilities are putting the network at risk, what malware or botnets exist in the environment, and which devices require patching, replacing, or specialized protections.

Addressing Risk

Due to the sensitive and highly valuable data they hold, educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and financial services firms are among the most-often targeted verticals. And with targeted attacks growing in both volume and sophistication, these industries have a mandate to prioritize security, practice good hygiene, and determine and respond to risk. Risk assessments that pay special attention to your vertical’s specific threats will help you in the battle to combat today’s expanding threat environment and prioritize the next steps.

This byline originally appeared in CSO.

Call SpartanTec, Inc. now to know more about backup and disaster recovery.

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

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