Pennyrile Technologies

In the realm of information technology, staying current with software updates and migrations is not just a suggestion, but a critical necessity. Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2, widely used operating systems that have powered countless business infrastructures, is nearing end of life (EOL). Microsoft officially ceases extended support on October 10, 2023. This means that businesses still running Windows Server 2012 and R2 versions will need to swiftly upgrade to a newer version to ensure security, compliance, performance, and support continuity. Why Upgrade from Server 2012 Once Windows Server 2012 reaches end of life, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, non-security hot-fixes, assisted support options, or online technical content updates for the  operating system. Businesses still running the operating system should take steps to upgrade to a newer version. 1. Security Vulnerabilities Perhaps the most compelling reason to upgrade from Windows Server 2012 is the looming threat of security vulnerabilities. Microsoft will no longer be releasing regular security updates, leaving any system still running this OS highly susceptible to emerging threats. As technology advances, hackers and malicious actors become more sophisticated in their methods. Without the protection of security updates, your server could become a prime target for cyberattacks, potentially leading to data breaches, data loss, and compromised business operations. Upgrading to a newer version, such as Windows Server 2019 or beyond, ensures access to the latest security patches and features that enhance the protection of your critical data. 2. Compliance Requirements In many industries, compliance with specific regulations and standards is not just recommended, but mandatory. Windows Server 2012’s EOL status can jeopardize your ability to meet these compliance requirements. Regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS demand that organizations implement security measures to protect sensitive data. Operating an outdated and unsupported server can put you at odds with these regulations and result in severe legal and financial consequences. Upgrading to a supported server version helps ensure that your infrastructure remains compliant with the latest standards, safeguarding both your business and your customers. 3. Performance Enhancements Technology doesn’t stand still; it evolves to deliver better performance, efficiency, and user experiences. Windows Server 2012 might lack the performance optimizations, scalability improvements, and advanced features found in newer versions. Upgrading to a more recent edition can unlock the potential for better resource management, increased server efficiency, and improved overall performance. This enhancement can translate to faster application load times, quicker data access, and a smoother end-user experience. 4. New Features and Capabilities The software landscape is marked by innovation. Newer versions of Windows Server come equipped with enhanced features and capabilities designed to streamline your operations and empower your organization. From improved virtualization technologies to more advanced management tools, upgrading grants access to tools that can significantly impact your efficiency and competitive edge. By sticking with an outdated system, you miss out on opportunities to leverage the latest tools to drive your business forward. 5. Application Compatibility As Windows Server versions advance, application developers focus their efforts on compatibility with the latest platforms. Over time, applications running on Windows Server 2012 may encounter compatibility issues, causing them to behave unpredictably or fail to work altogether. By upgrading to a more recent version, you ensure that your applications continue to function seamlessly without any compatibility roadblocks. This saves time, money, and potential disruptions caused by application failures. 6. Vendor and Community Support When an operating system reaches its end of life, software vendors and the broader tech community shift their focus to supporting newer versions. As a result, finding assistance, troubleshooting resources, and third-party software support for Windows Server 2012 will become increasingly challenging. Upgrading to a supported version ensures that you can easily access a wide array of resources, including vendor support, user forums, tutorials, and documentation. This support network can prove invaluable when facing technical challenges or seeking guidance on best practices. 7. Future-Proofing Your Infrastructure Technology planning should always involve an element of future-proofing. By upgrading your Windows Server environment before EOL, you set the stage for a more sustainable and adaptable infrastructure. This proactive approach minimizes the risk of sudden disruptions caused by security breaches, application failures, or compliance violations. It also allows your IT team to focus on innovation and strategic initiatives rather than firefighting urgent issues stemming from outdated software. 8. Data Integrity and Disaster Recovery Windows Server 2012’s end of life status doesn’t just impact daily operations; it also affects your disaster recovery strategy. In the event of a data loss or system failure, having a supported server environment is crucial for swift recovery and data integrity. Upgrading to a newer version ensures that you can take advantage of modern backup and recovery solutions, reducing downtime and potential data loss in case of an unforeseen event. Conclusion In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, remaining stagnant is not an option. Windows Server 2012’s end of life status necessitates urgent action for businesses still reliant on this operating system. The security risks, compliance challenges, and missed opportunities for enhanced performance and features are too significant to ignore. By upgrading to a supported version of Windows Server, organizations can safeguard their data, ensure compliance, optimize performance, and position themselves for future growth and success. The countdown to Windows Server 2012’s end of life is ticking – the time to act is now. If your business needs assistance upgrading from Windows Server 2012 to Windows Server 2019 or later, please contact Pennyrile Technologies for a free estimate and ensure your infrastructure is secure and ready for the future!

Guest Wi-Fi is widely used in offices today. Many companies offer free Wi-Fi access to clients or visitors of their company’s premises. It can be a good way to keep customers happy with easy and fast access to their data, as well as keeping your main staff network secure and isolated from cyber threats. Today we will talk about the top 5 reasons for implementing guest Wi-Fi for your business or home office. Guest Wi-Fi Security By providing a separate guest network, you can keep your main network and its devices isolated from potential security threats that may be introduced by guests. Guests often have devices that may not be adequately protected or may unknowingly access malicious websites, so segregating their traffic helps protect your primary network and sensitive data from cyber threats. This separation ensures that guests cannot access your private files, shared drives, printers, or other resources on your main network. By enabling guest network isolation, also known as client isolation or guest mode, devices connected to the guest network cannot communicate directly with each other, adding an extra layer of security. Wi-Fi Bandwidth Management Something business owners may not think about is bandwidth management on a wireless network. Setting up a guest Wi-Fi network enables you to control and limit the amount of bandwidth allocated to guests. By restricting their access, you can ensure that your primary network’s performance and speed are not adversely affected by guests’ heavy usage. You should implement traffic shaping techniques to control the flow of data and optimize bandwidth usage by prioritizing or throttling specific types of traffic based on predefined rules and reserve a certain portion of your available bandwidth exclusively for critical devices or applications. This can be done on your primary Wi-Fi network as well. By setting restrictions and rules for your Wi-Fi networks, you can ensure a smooth experience for your staff and guests. Convenience for Guests Providing a guest network demonstrates hospitality and convenience for visitors. They can easily connect to the internet without needing to ask for your main network’s password, which can be especially helpful in situations where guests may need internet access for work, communication, or entertainment purposes. Visitors who connect to the Internet via a device other than your own will be able to communicate more easily with each other. This means you may get feedback from them about your products and services, which could lead to repeat visits or referrals for future business as well. Monitoring, Control, & Analytics By setting up a separate guest network, you can implement monitoring and access controls specific to guest users. This allows you to track their usage, apply content filtering or parental controls if needed, and maintain a higher level of control over guest activities. You can also reveal powerful metrics such as visitor capture rate, user visit time, and repeat visits by listening for wireless devices on your guest Wi-Fi. This information can be extremely beneficial with marketing, sales, and general analytics. Network performance optimization Segregating guest traffic helps optimize network performance for your primary users. When guests connect to a separate network, it reduces congestion on your main network, ensuring that your own devices and applications have the necessary bandwidth for smooth operation. You can also identify which applications are being used on the network, and then prioritize critical apps while limiting recreational apps. Guest Wi-Fi Conclusion If your business doesn’t already have guest Wi-Fi implemented, contact Pennyrile Technologies today to get started. We work with all of the major manufacturers including Ubiquiti Unif Access Points, Meraki MR/CW Access Points, Aruba Instant On, and more. We can also help optimize existing guest wireless networks, implement monitoring and filtering, ensure best security practices, or help with visitor metrics.

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for organizations of all sizes and industries. Cyber threats are growing in sophistication and frequency, making it imperative for businesses to adopt comprehensive cybersecurity measures. While investing in robust technological solutions is crucial, organizations must also recognize the vital role their employees play in maintaining a secure environment. Cybersecurity training for employees is an essential component of a proactive defense strategy, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, prevent, and mitigate cyber risks. This article explores the numerous benefits that organizations can derive from cybersecurity training initiatives and explains what data breaches are and consequences of a data breach. What Is A Data Breach? A data breach refers to a security incident where unauthorized individuals or entities gain access to sensitive, confidential, or protected information stored by an organization. It involves the unauthorized acquisition, disclosure, or misuse of data, potentially leading to negative consequences for individuals or businesses. Data breaches can occur due to various factors, including cyberattacks, hacking attempts, insider threats, human error, or system vulnerabilities. The types of data that can be compromised in a breach may include personally identifiable information (PII) such as names, addresses, social security numbers, credit card details, login credentials, medical records, or any other data that can be used to identify or harm individuals. These breaches can happen across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, retail, government, or any other industry that handles sensitive data. The motive behind data breaches can range from financial gain, identity theft, espionage, or even malicious intent. Once a breach occurs, the compromised data can be used for various purposes, such as identity theft, financial fraud, phishing attacks, or even sold on the dark web. The consequences of a data breach can be severe for both individuals and organizations, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, legal ramifications, and potential harm to individuals whose data has been compromised. Preventing data breaches requires implementing robust cybersecurity measures, including strong access controls, encryption, regular security audits, employee training, and incident response plans. Organizations must remain vigilant, proactive, and up-to-date with the latest security practices to minimize the risk of data breaches and protect the sensitive information they hold. What Are Some Consequences of a Data Breach? Financial Losses One of the most immediate and tangible effects of a data breach is the financial impact on businesses. The costs associated with data breaches can be staggering. Companies may face expenses related to investigation, remediation, customer notification, legal fees, regulatory fines, and potential litigation. Additionally, the loss of customer trust and damaged reputation can result in decreased sales, loss of business opportunities, and potential customer churn. According to a 2020 IBM study, the average cost of a data breach was estimated at $3.86 million. Damaged Reputation and Customer Trust Data breaches have a significant impact on a company’s reputation and erode customer trust. When customers learn that their personal or financial information has been compromised, they lose confidence in the organization’s ability to protect their data. This loss of trust can be difficult to regain and may result in long-term damage to the company’s brand image. Studies have shown that customers are more likely to abandon a brand following a data breach, which can have lasting negative effects on customer loyalty and ultimately impact the bottom line. Operational Disruptions and Downtime Data breaches can cause significant operational disruptions and downtime for businesses. In the aftermath of a breach, companies need to allocate resources and personnel to investigate and remediate the issue. This diverts attention from normal business operations and can lead to delays in delivering products or services to customers. Moreover, the restoration of systems and data integrity can be time-consuming, resulting in prolonged periods of downtime. These disruptions can have ripple effects on the productivity, efficiency, and overall functioning of the organization. Benefits From Cybersecurity Training Heightened Awareness and Vigilance Cybersecurity training raises employees’ awareness of the potential risks and vulnerabilities associated with their digital activities. It educates them about common attack vectors such as phishing, social engineering, and malware, enabling them to recognize suspicious emails, websites, or requests. By fostering a culture of vigilance, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cyber-attacks. Employees who are trained to be security-conscious become an additional line of defense, actively identifying, and reporting potential threats, thus enhancing the overall security posture of the organization. Effective Risk Mitigation Employees who receive comprehensive cybersecurity training are better equipped to identify and mitigate potential risks, thereby reducing the organization’s exposure to cyber threats. They gain an understanding of best practices for data protection, secure communication, password hygiene, and safe browsing habits. This knowledge empowers employees to make informed decisions when handling sensitive information, preventing inadvertent data breaches and unauthorized access. By minimizing human error, organizations can avoid the costly consequences of data loss, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance. Incident Response and Damage Control In the event of a cyber incident, rapid and effective response is crucial to minimize the impact on the organization. Cybersecurity training provides employees with the necessary skills to respond promptly and appropriately to such incidents. Training programs often include simulated exercises and practical scenarios to simulate real-life cyberattacks, enabling employees to practice incident response procedures and understand their roles and responsibilities. By fostering a well-prepared workforce, organizations can reduce downtime, contain breaches, and expedite recovery efforts. Protection of Intellectual Property and Trade Secrets For many organizations, intellectual property and trade secrets are valuable assets that set them apart from their competitors. Effective cybersecurity training instills a sense of responsibility and confidentiality among employees, emphasizing the importance of protecting sensitive information. By educating employees on the risks associated with intellectual property theft and corporate espionage, organizations can fortify their defense against external threats. Additionally, cybersecurity training promotes ethical behavior and compliance, reducing the likelihood of insider threats and data leaks. Regulatory Compliance The regulatory landscape governing data protection and privacy has become increasingly stringent in recent

Most businesses in today’s advanced world breathe and live on the internet. Ranging from doing minute tasks to the most tiresome, the empires of various business people thrive with a secure and fast internet connection. But why is it so important to have a backup/failover Internet? Companies going head-to-head in various niches depend on digital efficiency in bringing in most of their income and staying on top. The competitive nature of these big businesses is a force to be reckoned with. Hence, having a failover Internet line could save you money, build loyal customers since you’re always quick and on time with their demands, and eliminate downtime for complete productivity. But can you imagine what happens when a big-shot company loses its connection for even an hour? You lose the trust of customers who expects quick results from you, and failure to provide this simple yet agonizing function could lead to abnormal losses. We’re talking in the thousands or even millions of dollars. So if you’re wondering about the importance of a backup/failover internet connection and pondering if you need such a thing, then the answer is a big yes! You can easily avoid this obstacle by simply having a secondary connection, also known as backup/failover internet. Start protecting your business today and always stay on top of the game. This article covers everything you need to know and understand about backup/failover internet for your growing business. Let’s get started! What Is Backup Internet? The perfect solution for an internet outage is to have a backup Internet line. Businesses thrive on continuity, and the Internet plays a significant part in making this possible. In simple words, backup internet is a safety net if you’re met with an internet outage on your main connection. Even if you could find the perfect service provider for your company that provides almost 100% uptime, there will always be instances when the connection goes down for a period of time due to some unforeseen event. Your company could cause the issue by accidentally disconnecting the connection or by an unexpected error on your service provider’s part due to natural disasters like tornadoes, which are risks you shouldn’t be taking. Outages pose an extreme threat to your thriving businesses. Depending on what is causing the issue, it could take minutes to hours, or even days to get it back up, resulting in downtime costing you thousands of dollars and even millions. In the meantime, productivity goes down the drain, and wasting even minutes is crucial when playing at a high-level competitive stage. In the worst-case scenario, your competition could be getting your customers. You can prevent this by having a secondary connection or backup Internet line if your company relies on the internet. The failover or backup Internet line would kick in as soon as your main line goes down during an outage. The failover Internet gets connected as soon as your primary connection cuts off, ensuring you don’t lose productivity, time, and money. It’s important to understand how beneficial it can be for your business to have a second connection it can rely on during a time of need. Cost Of Downtime What is downtime? Downtime is when you cannot work as a company due to malfunctioning machines, technical failures, or in this case, an outage of the Internet. You lose time, reputation, productivity, and money, among many other things, as a company during downtime. Nowadays, every company and business is linked to the Internet in some form or another. If your business falls into this category, the cost of downtime is not to be taken lightly. Since you need the Internet to interact with customers, utilize email, and any web-based applications, it’s important to ensure downtime doesn’t affect your business and staff. There are also cases where your company’s phones are connected to the internet, so having an outage can lead to phone service downtime since your customers would not be able to reach you which can lead to losses. Here are some of the general costs of downtime: Hidden costs – These are the extra expenses caused by the outage, including paying the repair man his rate and completing orders set by the customers, among other things. Some more hidden costs include building bills like (security, AC, lights, etc.) during a loss. Loss of sales – An outage can impact your company’s ability to make sales, causing losses of potential and current customers. Owing money – An hour of downtime could lead to various unhappy customers and situations where they would want to be compensated for their time and money wastage by the company. A damaged reputation – Reputation is a long work in progress and can easily be destroyed in as short as an hour or two. Always being prepared to save the company’s reputation is critical to success. Productivity of stuff – You’re paying your staff to be productive, but since they need the internet connection and you happen to have an outage, you will still end up paying them for hours spent in the office doing nothing. Some of the world’s biggest companies, like Amazon, sometimes face outages. However, for a billion-dollar company to dish out a few million dollars lost in hours is less harsh than for small companies. Start-ups and small companies usually have more to lose than big ones since you spend more than you earn, your start-up reputation is on the line, customer trust is still in progress, and you might risk tragic losses with all the additional costs. Having a safety net to rely on by paying a few additional costs for a secondary Internet will save you more money than you would spend in case of downtime. Besides, an outage is a frequent phenomenon that occurs to the best of businesses, and you can’t just risk the company you’ve worked so hard for to face such a scenario. Things That May Cause Downtime/Internet Service To Fail While a variety of situations can end

Cell Phone Booster For Your Business Connectivity should be one of your top priorities if you own a business. Your enterprise depends on your employees and consumers; therefore, you must always have an open communication channel with them. You should be able to interact with them on a personal level in addition to having advertising, a website, and certain promotional events as per your business requirements. One key factor for an open line of communication is data or cellular service. If you have a network that keeps signaling out when you need it most and dropping calls, your customers will likely lose faith in your company standards. That’s something you want to avoid at all costs. Here is where you should take advantage of the technological breakthroughs of the 21st century and purchase a cell phone booster for your business. Doing this allows you to keep an keep a line available for all your business needs and guarantee constant, smooth connectivity. Read on for a comprehensive look into cell phone boosters also known as cellular repeaters and why you need them. What is a Cell phone booster? Simply put, a cell phone booster helps improve the cellular signal inside a specific area. You do this to broaden your network’s coverage area and strengthen its performance. It is a tool that can provide constant, stable connectivity whenever possible. However, the device does not always ensure connectivity, especially when there is no existing signal at all. The booster can only function if there is at least one bar of network signal. It cannot provide data network services like a WiFi modem, only boost existing signals. A primary source of grid connection (like a Verizon or AT&T cellular tower) will provide the signal to the electronic gadget, which will then amplify and broadcast it within a predetermined area. It also goes by signal extender, cellular signal repeater, and cell signal booster. What A Cell Booster Does As was already said, a cell phone booster can improve data connectivity in a specific area and aid in maintaining reliable network coverage. The device will expand its range by connecting to an external cellular network. It also can direct the amplified data in the desired direction. All cellular devices can and will immediately pick up on the enhanced signal when this is done, maintaining connectivity. The booster may also function in reverse, allowing it to receive signals from cellular nodes and transmit them to the nearest cell tower. This function can aid in faster and more efficient transactions of data. If you cannot instantly connect to the electronic world, it can be frustrating for you and your staff. Dropped or missed calls could cause you to lose money. The booster will ensure that 99.9% of the time, you can complete your assignment on schedule. Why A Business May Need A Cell Booster You must be thinking about purchasing a network booster for numerous reasons. If you’re having problems with dropped cellular calls or lack of cellular coverage in your office or warehouse your, buying an amplifier to increase productivity at work can help. Here is a list of items you can look into. 1) Location of your business or building Consider obtaining a booster if your business location is very remote and has poor cell reception. This can also mean businesses in urban areas, which are located in spaces that make it challenging to have connectivity all the time. Another excellent factor to consider when choosing a booster is the size of the business. The system can supply a cell phone boost to a vast workplace with excellent coverage over a large office, space, or region. Additionally, suppose your business is located in a remote area where the network tends to fluctuate. In that case, you should consider purchasing a cell phone booster to strengthen and enhance your signal so that business operations are not affected. 2) If your signal is weak or keeps fluctuating Poor network access is bad for business; therefore, a cell booster is an excellent fix. A cell phone booster can help your situation and allow you to always maintain your standard, regardless of whether you live in a rural area or have another reason your network may not be operating at total capacity. Consider installing a cell signal repeater if the closest cell tower to your location is relatively far away or for building exteriors that may deflect the signal. An amplifier will be an excellent option if you’ve had external interference that disrupt your signal. 3) Business expectations Most companies rely heavily on high-speed data services and require assistance in most aspects of work. Both large corporations and independent small enterprises need connectivity in their daily operations. Therefore, it is crucial always to have a clear, steady signal. You should install an amplifier to reduce the likelihood of losing services so that you can take advantage of business opportunities. This is especially true if your business is customer-focused and strongly depends on client engagement. Types of Cell Phone Boosters After reviewing what mobile phone boosters are and how they function, let’s take a closer look at the available types so that you may choose the amplifier that best suits your needs. In the market, there are two different sorts of boosters. These boosters have diverse applications; thus, one cannot be utilized in place of the other because they are both used in distinct settings. 1) Vehicle Signal Boosters These amplifiers are explicitly made for vehicular use. Metal can cause interruptions in 4G, LTE, or 5G signals, thus making the network fluctuate. The amplifier comes in handy to ensure your cell service is uninterrupted at all times. Although using cell phones while driving is not the best idea, you still need to receive all your alerts so you can respond to them appropriately. A booster in a car will ensure that your connectivity is at its best even when you’re in difficult areas. 2) In-Building Signal Boosters A vehicle signal