Pennyrile Technologies

Importance of Cybersecurity Training

Empowering Organizations through Cybersecurity Training for Employees

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

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Installing Security Cameras Guide

A Comprehensive Guide on Installing Security Cameras

In today’s rapidly advancing world, security cameras have become an essential component of any comprehensive security system. Whether you want to protect your home, office, or any other property, installing security cameras can provide you with a sense of safety and peace of mind. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing security cameras, covering everything from planning and camera selection to installation and optimization. Planning out and installing security cameras involves several key steps to ensure effective coverage and functionality. Here’s a comprehensive guide with 6 steps: 1. Assess Your Security Needs Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to assess your security requirements. Consider the areas you want to monitor, potential blind spots, and the type of camera features you desire. Evaluate whether you need indoor or outdoor cameras, night vision capabilities, motion detection, PTZ, or remote access options. Understanding your security needs will help you make informed decisions during the installation process. 2. Determine Camera Placement Careful placement of security cameras plays a pivotal role in maximizing their effectiveness. Identify the key areas you want to monitor, such as entry points, driveways, and valuable assets. Ensure the cameras have an unobstructed view and cover as much area as possible. Consider the camera’s field of view, and if necessary, use multiple cameras to eliminate blind spots. Additionally, make sure the cameras are mounted at a height that is out of reach that will make them difficult to tamper with. We recommend then drawing a layout of your property and mark the locations where you need cameras. Ensure that the cameras cover all critical areas without leaving blind spots. Consider camera range and angle. 3. Select the Right Cameras With an array of security cameras available in the market, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. Consider factors such as resolution, camera type (bullet, dome, or PTZ), connectivity (wired or wireless), and storage options. High-definition (HD) cameras provide clearer images and are recommended for detailed surveillance. Wireless cameras offer flexibility in terms of installation but require a reliable network connection and power source. For outdoor cameras, ensure they are weatherproof and can withstand the elements. Choose cameras with infrared or other night vision capabilities for low-light conditions. Choose cameras that align with your specific security needs and budget before you begin installing security cameras. 4. Gather the Necessary Equipment To successfully install security cameras, gather the required tools and equipment. Commonly needed items include: Cameras: Based on your assessment, purchase the selected cameras. Cables and Connectors: Ensure you have the appropriate cables (coaxial or Ethernet) and connectors for a secure and reliable connection. Power Supply: Depending on the camera type, you may need individual power adapters or a centralized power supply with a distribution box like a PoE switch. Mounting Hardware: Select the appropriate mounts, brackets, junction boxes, and screws to securely install the cameras. 5. Install and Configure the Cameras Now that you have all the necessary equipment, it’s time to install and configure the security cameras: Mount the Cameras: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to securely mount the cameras in the predetermined locations. Ensure they are angled correctly to capture the desired field of view. Connect the Cables: Connect the camera cables to the designated ports on the cameras and run them to a central location where the recording equipment will be placed. Establish Power Supply: Provide power to the cameras by connecting them to the power source. Ensure all power connections are secure and protected from weather conditions. Configure the Cameras: Access the camera’s configuration settings through a computer or mobile device and adjust parameters such as date and time, resolution, motion detection, and recording preferences. Set up any additional features or notifications according to your preferences. 6. Test and Optimize After installation, it’s vital to test and optimize your security camera system: Check Camera Feeds: Verify that each camera is transmitting video feed to the recording equipment or monitoring software. Adjust Camera Angles: Fine-tune the camera angles if necessary to eliminate blind spots or improve coverage. Test Recording and Playback: Trigger motion events or manually record footage to ensure the cameras are recording properly. Test playback functionality to confirm that recorded footage is accessible. Consider Lighting Conditions: Evaluate the lighting conditions during the day and night to determine if additional lighting sources are required to improve image quality. Installing Security Cameras Conclusion Installing security cameras is an effective way to enhance the safety and security of your property. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure proper camera placement, select suitable equipment, and successfully install and configure your security camera system. Remember to periodically review and maintain your cameras to ensure they continue to operate optimally and provide you with the desired level of security. If you need assistance or are looking for a professional for installing security cameras, contact Pennyrile Technologies for a free quote. As professional security camera installers, we possess the necessary expertise and experience to handle all aspects of the installation process. You can also rest assured that you will be provided with high-quality security cameras and equipment and be confident in the reliability and performance of your security camera system.

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New IP Security Camera Additions

New IP Security Camera Additions

We have several new exciting IP security camera additions this month, including a new PTZ security camera, panoramic camera, and 4K camera with solar panel. For more information on these security cameras, please read below. 4K IP Camera with 80W Solar Panel & 4G Connection Key Features: Self-sustaining and reliable with 360Wh rechargeable lithium batteries. 24/7 safeguard in any weather. Rated IP67 weatherproof and dust-resistant to withstand any extreme weather conditions. Ideal for remote or temporary installations. Fit for areas not suited for laying network cables and power lines. Supports 4G wireless T-Mobile network. 4k/8MP full color imaging with built-in 64GB storage and additional Micro-SD card slot for up to additional 256GB. Product applications include construction sites, open air events, farmland, or remote areas. 6MP Panoramic Turret IP Camera Key Features: Panoramic view and cost savings. 180 degree horizontal view. Install one camera to cover the field-of-view of two cameras. Smarter protection with active deterrence. Strobe light and audio alarm to warn off intruders, preventing losses or damage to property and improving safety. 24/7 Vivid full-color video imaging in light conditions as low as 0.0005 lux. Water and dust resistant IP security camera (IP67). 4MP Color 24/7 Fixed Lens + 4MP PTZ Camera Key Features: Combines the Color 24/7 fixed lens and IR 25X zoom PTZ lens into a single unit, reducing installation and maintenance costs. Smart tracking with full coverage. Monitor large areas without interruptions, while simultaneously zooming in for greater details. Better performance at night with a 0.0005 lux rating, ensures clear and colorful video imaging even in extremely low light conditions. Secures an expansive area with 25× optical zoom and 16× digital zoom. Product applications include office buildings, parking lots, city streets, and more. New IP Security Camera Additions Conclusion If you’re interested in learning more about any of these IP security cameras or looking for a security camera installer, contact Pennyrile Technologies today for a free site survey and quote on a new installation, additions, or upgrades. Pennyrile Technologies offers top-quality security camera systems installed by professional security camera system installers. We have years of experience in planning, customizing, and installing comprehensive video surveillance systems.  

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Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning

Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning

Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning Spring is the perfect time to clean out your business, get rid of clutter and start fresh. One important aspect of this is to make sure your technology passwords and accounts are secure. Business owners may overlook this step in their cybersecurity spring cleaning, but it’s essential to ensure the safety of their sensitive information. 5 Key reasons why small business owners should prioritize spring cleaning their technology passwords and accounts.   1. Security Breaches are on the Rise As technology becomes more advanced, so do the methods used by hackers to breach security systems. Small businesses are at risk of cyber-attacks. Weak passwords and outdated security measures can make them vulnerable. Updating passwords and securing accounts can help protect against potential security breaches. 2. Protect Confidential Information Your business has a lot of confidential information, such as customer data and financial records. If this information falls into the wrong hands, it can be damaging to the business, and to its reputation. By ensuring that passwords and accounts are secure, small business owners can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. 3. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements Many industries have specific regulatory requirements for data protection and security, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Regularly updating passwords helps small businesses remain compliant with these regulations and avoid potential penalties or legal issues. 4. Improve Productivity Outdated and forgotten passwords can cause significant delays and reduce productivity if access is difficult to obtain. Employees may spend hours trying to reset passwords or access accounts. By ensuring that passwords are up-to-date and easily accessible, small business owners can improve their team’s productivity. 5. Password Management Efficiency Over time, businesses may accumulate numerous accounts and passwords, making it challenging to manage and remember them all. By spring cleaning passwords, businesses can streamline their password management practices, making it easier to keep track of and maintain secure access to various accounts. We know that keeping our accounts clean is important, but how should you go about spring-cleaning your technology passwords and accounts?   1. Start With a Security Audit   You should perform a security audit to identify potential vulnerabilities in your accounts and technology. This can include reviewing access logs, checking security settings, and updating software and firmware to the latest versions. 2. Review Your Existing Passwords Use strong, unique passwords. It’s essential to use strong passwords that are difficult to guess. This means using a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, each account should have a unique password to prevent a breach of one account leading to access to all accounts. 3. Add an Additional Layer of Security Two-factor authentication provides an extra layer of security to accounts by requiring a second form of verification before allowing access. This can include a code sent to a mobile device or biometric authentication like fingerprint or facial recognition. 4. Schedule Ongoing Maintenance Update passwords regularly. It’s a good practice to update passwords every few months to ensure their effectiveness. This can prevent unauthorized access by someone who may have gained access to an old password. 5. Password Managers A password manager is a tool that can help to manage and secure passwords. These tools can create and store complex passwords, so users don’t have to remember them. Some password managers even offer features like alerts when a password has been breached, so you can update the password immediately. 6. Protection Against Insider Threats Spring cleaning passwords should also include reviewing and revoking access to accounts and systems for former employees or individuals who no longer require access. This helps prevent unauthorized individuals from accessing sensitive information and protects against potential insider threats. 7. Business Continuity Planning Asses the organization’s incident response plan, including processes for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security incidents. Review business continuity and disaster recovery plans to ensure systems can be restored and operations can resume in the event of a disruption or incident. Don’t have a plan in place? Time to make one! 8. Don’t Forget Physical Security This aspect of an audit focuses on physical security controls, such as access controls, video surveillance, and environmental safeguards (e.g., temperature control, fire suppression) within data centers, server rooms, or other critical IT infrastructure locations. 9. Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Training Cybersecurity training for employees at your organization can play a vital role in keeping your business safe from cyber threats. Training employees on how to recognize phishing emails, suspicious links, and other common cyber threats significantly reduces the chances of successful cyber attacks. This proactive approach minimizes potential breaches. Cybersecurity Spring Cleaning Conclusion You should start spring cleaning your technology passwords and accounts to ensure the safety of your business’s sensitive information. If you’re already a client, let’s get this on the calendar today, and if you’d like to learn more, contact us for a free consultation.

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3CX Security Alert

3CX Security Alert – Seek Remediation

If your business uses 3CX for VoIP phone service, you should immediately check to see if you’ve been affected by their desktop application being compromised. Confirmed by 3CX yesterday, the Windows desktop application versions 18.12.407 & 18.12.416 and Mac application versions 18.11.1213, 18.12.402, 18.12.407 & 18.12.416 are affected. A digitally signed and trojanized version of the 3CX V desktop client is reportedly being used to target the company’s customers in an ongoing supply chain attack. The full scale of the attack is currently unknown. “The malicious activity includes beaconing to actor-controlled infrastructure, deployment of second-stage payloads, and, in a small number of cases, hands-on-keyboard activity,” CrowdStrike’s threat intel team said. This appears to have been a targeted attack from an advanced persistent threat, perhaps even state sponsored, that ran a complex supply chain attack and picked who would be downloading the next stages of their malware. The vast majority of systems, although they had the files dormant, were in fact never infected claims 3CX. The company said it’s engaging the services of Google-owned Mandiant to review the incident. In the interim, it’s urging its customers of self-hosted and on-premise versions of the software to update to version 18.12.422. 3CX has evolved from its roots as a PBX phone system to a complete communications platform. They operate in over 190 countries, with 600,000+ installations, and over million users. 3CX Remediation If your business has any of the affected versions installed, we recommend the following steps: Uninstall the 3CX desktop application from all PCs and MACs. Reset 3cx credentials for all users. Begin using the PWA web based application instead. Affected user accounts should have their login passwords reset. Enable Multi Factor Authentication where able. Any site where credential harvesting could have occurred from Chrome/Edge, etc should have the password reset. Invalidate any persistence tokens for sites like Microsoft 365, Google, etc. Invest in EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) if you haven’t already. 3CX Security Alert Conclusion If you need assistance remediating this 3CX security alert, contact Pennyrile Technologies. We can assist with 3CX removal and securing your network. For additional information, you can follow the 3CX thread here.

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Failover Internet

Does Your Business Need Backup or Failover Internet?

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

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Cell Phone Booster Signal Booster

Guide to Cell Phone Boosters

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

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Ubiquiti Installers & Support

Ubiquiti Installer & Support

A poor Wi-Fi connection and slow network has become a problem for many businesses. If your business is experiencing this or you are looking to upgrade or setup a new network, a Ubiquiti UniFi network can help solve the problem. Nowadays, our networks tend to depend a lot on Wi-Fi connections and gigabit connections. It is more convenient as it provides faster speed than most mobile networks. But when it is slow, it can get on your nerves. But with a Ubiquiti network, this won’t be a problem. This is why your home or business needs Ubiquiti UniFi hardware installed. And our Ubiquiti installers are here to offer you our services and support. What Is Ubiquiti? Ubiquiti Inc is an American tech company based in New York. It was founded in 2003 in San Jose, California. Ubiquiti is a specialist in wireless connections and networking products for multiple different environments, from home to small and medium business and enterprise. Whether it is your home or office building, you will find Ubiquiti services in many of them. Their initial product was the mini PCI radio card and other wireless products. They have since expanded to many other product lines. Some of them include EdgeMax, UniFi, airMAX, etc. We will discuss this further below. What is UniFi? UniFi is a product line from Ubiquiti that focuses on networking tools. They have several product ranges and models, including switches, wireless access points, routers, security cameras, etc. UniFi is one of the most common systems found in many homes and offices. This is because they are reasonably priced. It offers a middle ground where people can still afford good quality networking tools from a renowned manufacturer. UniFi wireless networks have a pretty long range. From an apartment building to a thousand-seater stadium, their range is quite vast. Moreover, you can choose the devices that you need to build your UniFi connection. It doesn’t mean you can have a connection only when you are utilizing Unifi products. For instance, UniFi’s access points are enough to get you up and running. Of course, having all the pieces will benefit your greatly. But you can make do with a starter pack. UniFi OS Consoles We cannot talk about UniFi without including UniFi OS consoles. It is the software that runs the operating system for all UniFi devices. Examples of UniFi OS consoles are the Cloud Keys, Dream Machine Pro, etc. UniFi consoles are helpful if you don’t want to use a self-hosted controller. These consoles include the Cloud Keys. We can still find the first generation of Cloud Keys on the market. But for better accessibility, our Ubiquiti installers recommend the second generation. The first generation of Cloud Keys faced several issues, like database corruption if there was a sudden power outage. This issue is resolved in the second-generation Cloud Keys. They have an inbuilt battery that shuts down smoothly when there is no power. It also has a hard drive with storage of 1 TB, expandable up to 5 TB. We can integrate this with UniFi Protect. This feature is helpful for cameras. Other consoles include: Dream Machine Dream Machine Pro Dream Machine SE Dream Router We always recommend using UniFi OS consoles to run your Unifi hardware. They are designed to optimize memory and CPU usage. At the same time, these consoles are fully secure and help tighten your privacy. UniFi Switches UniFi switches come in layer 2 and layer 3 models with gigabit ethernet and 10 gigabit ethernet models too. There is also PoE availability that allow us to build scalable networks. They perform really well and are pretty cheap and sturdily built. You can get UniFi switches with different Ethernet ports. This includes 8, 16, 24, and 48 PoE and non PoE ports. You can also use a UniFi controller software to configure the PoE at a passive 24V. UniFi switches are an update to the much older EdgeSwitches. However, UniFi switches lack some of the advanced features we find on EdgeSwitches. UniFi switches also operate at layer 2 and some at layer 3. This means the layer 2 switches cannot be used as a router, but they can handle VLANs effectively. The first generation of UniFi switches are quite old. But they are still robust layer 2 switches. There are plenty of models, which include 8-port models to the US-48-500W, which can be rack mounted by a Ubiquiti installer. Here are some of the more popular first-generation models: Switch 8 Switch 16 PoE Switch 24 Switch 24 PoE Switch 48 Switch 48 PoE Switch XG 16 Other than that, they have the second-generation models. These models are far better than the first-generation models. They are more compact and lightweight with lower fan noise. The second-generation models also come with a touchscreen display. This screen displays information like the network, stats, etc. And they lack a console port, so you have to manage them over Ethernet in-band. Some of the more popular second-generation models include: Switch Flex Mini Switch Flex Switch Lite 8 PoE Switch Lite 16 PoE Switch 48 PoE Switch Industrial Furthermore, these models begin with the name “USW.” For instance, the USW-16-PoE. The first generation begins with the name “US,” like the US-8. UniFi Routers There are two different generations of UniFi Routers and a few models to choose from. UniFi networks are modular. So you can add and remove hardware accordingly. A UniFi router is not entirely necessary to run an UniFi network. But having a full UniFi stack has many benefits. UniFi routers offer standard routing, a Virtual Private Network, etc. But more complicated networking setups can be a problem for a UniFi router. Here is a list of UniFi routers. UniFi Security Gateway UniFi Security Gateway XG 8 UniFi Dream Router UniFi Dream Machine UniFi Dream Wall Cloud Key Gen 2 UniFi Next-Generation Gateway Pro UniFi Wireless Access Points There are several access points to choose from. UniFi offers up to 6 models. But the essential

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Common MacBook Repairs

6 Common MacBook Repairs

The fascination with MacBooks among students and people all around the world is not without cause. Apple launched its first MacBook in 2006 and it has been quite the ride ever since. With each MacBook enhanced and better than the last, the competition has increased between Macs and the Windows PC. But why are Macs and Apple so popular? While the pleasing design of the Mac undoubtedly plays a significant role in attracting its customers, they bring a whole different game to the world of laptops and make people’s lives easier. Compared to their competition, the brilliant user interface, increased security, and various high-quality aspects like typing experience, video, audio, etc., put the icing on the cake. The Mac’s durability is unmatched, but when things go wrong they can sometimes be difficult to repair. We’ve listed some of the most common MacBook repairs and how you can quickly go about them. Let’s get started! MacBook Repair For Cover Screen Replacement If your MacBook’s screen suddenly stops working, do not panic. The LED screens on the Mac are not made to last forever, as with all devices, so there are a variety of ways they can get damaged. So many things could go wrong, like dropping it from a questionable height and resulting in a cracked screen. You might find yourself with a faulty screen due to years of usage (yes, like all laptops), or your butterfingers got the best of you and dropped some water on it. There are also some infamous connectivity issues between the circuit board and your screen. These are just some of the various ways you can damage your MacBook screen and may need professional help. We’re here to tell you that it can be fixed and cover screen replacement on a MacBook is one of the most common issues Mac owners share. While it is financially better for some people to buy a newer one, replacing screens is preferable for many. Hence, professionals work on cover screen replacement using various high-end tools plus a lot of work experience dealing with the issue. So make sure to take it to a legit repair store instead of trying to fix it on your own. You can get it repaired or replaced by reaching out to your nearest computer store that handles MacBooks, or type in “nearest Apple repair store” on the Google search box and get in touch with technicians of Apple near you. Macbook Keyboard Replacement The keys on the keyboard of a MacBook can either get damaged by years of usage, resulting in overheating issues or by various contaminants like accidental spillage of water, dust collection, etc. Not only are contaminants the primary villains of this problem, but you might also have a hand in this. While keyboards on the MacBook are not as delicate, the issue can be caused by placing a lot of pressure against the keys. In some cases, a single key may need to be repaired, while in others, the entire keyboard may need to be replaced. Luckily, you can replace the keyboard instead of buying a new MacBook. You can also take the route of buying a USB keyboard instead of replacing the original MacBook keyboard, which will definitely cost you less. But taking it everywhere with you can be troublesome and replacement is the key if you like to travel light! Also, there are many DIY fixes you can do with a simple search on google of “how to fix MacBook Keyboard.” The results are more often than not helpful, and they are often related to software issues. However, if all fails, you can easily replace your keyboard without breaking the bank. The cost of performing a keyboard replacement will vary according to the store, but make sure you’re going to the right technicians. An Apple professional will take extreme care and work with on your MacBook repair. MacBook RAM Replacement/Upgrade Ram replacement and upgrades are a common problem among old MacBook users, regardless of model and all other laptops. Various issues with MacBooks in the past have been due to faulty RAM, and a replacement may become necessary for the end user. If you’re starting to see your MacBook become slower by the day, it may be time to upgrade the RAM on it. Not only this, but if you’ve come across your Mac with a blue screen when switching it on or ending up with a dark black screen even though your fan is running or the LED lights seem to be turned on, it might be because of your RAM. These are just some of the primary issues faced when dealing with faulty RAM, among various problems that affect the functionality of your Mac. Since RAM is a vital component in running laptops, replacing it is easier than you think in some models. Generally, MacBooks are pre-installed with 2 or more Ram sticks, and you can upgrade to more or larger sizes. Hence, it is possible to get out of this sticky situation yourself by finding out which of the RAM sticks is faulty and removing it. If it is not severe, there are many ways you can fix it, including simply taking it out and putting it back might fix your issue. However, if you’ve tried everything but the problem continues, you should get it replaced. Replacing or upgrading the Ram on your MacBook can be done quickly at most Apple, PC, or MacBook repair stores. MacBook Hard Drive Replacement Or Upgrade While the newer models of MacBook powered by the M1 and M2 chip come with a newly launched SSD, the older versions still run with an HDD, and having issues with it and or needing to  replace or upgrade the hard drive is a pretty common issue. Considering the HDD does a lot of work in preserving and writing your data, problems eventually come about over the years. A faulty hard drive can lead to a series of problems that can be

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Microsoft 365 Security

Best Practices For Microsoft 365 Security

Microsoft 365 security practices are often overlooked when managing an organization. In this guide we will look over and recommend several Microsoft security recommendations and how to implement them. What is Microsoft 365? Microsoft 365 is a productivity suite for home, business, and enterprise users. It comes highly recommended by countless businesses and is s also one of the most popular software suites in the world, with an active user base of more than 340 million users. Microsoft 365 has evolved over the years and securing your organization’s tenant can be daunting. Here are some Microsoft 365 security practices we recommend implementing. Use Multi-factor Authentication Protocols The most critical security factor for any software or application is the password. Despite its importance, most people tend to choose weak passwords that are easy to remember. While this is quite convenient for you, the user, it is very inconvenient for your computer’s security. Easy passwords can be uncovered by hackers or cyber criminals who are always trying to steal your data. What’s more, some people even use the same password over and over again for multiple devices, software, and websites. In that case, a hacker would simply have to figure out the universal password to gain access to all your devices. Seeing how easy it is to steal and misuse passwords, it would be a good idea to set up an extra layer of security for all your sign-ins. Luckily for you, you can use multi-factor authentication or MFA to increase your Microsoft 365 security. How Does Multi-factor Authentication Work? If you’re a Windows user, chances are you use the same password for everything. That’s because most of us don’t want to create and memorize multiple passwords when we can just use one. And most importantly, most people don’t even know how to add security layers without simply using a secondary password. MFA adds an extra step during sign-up procedures, requiring you to use your primary password and then a secondary verification method. Rather than using an additional password that you can memorize, the process takes a more instinctive path. There are two ways to go about this. Typically, MFA sends a verification code to your smartphone via SMS, which you must confirm by typing it into your computer. This code changes with each sign-in and never repeats itself, no matter how many tries. You On the other hand, you can also use a more secure method and verify using an authenticator app on your phone from Microsoft, Google, or Duo to name a few. How Does Multi-factor Authentication Help? Multi-factor authentication is extremely beneficial to those users who have a habit of keeping weak passwords. That’s because the process makes you use both your password and an extra verification method. Suppose a hacker has gained access to your password and is now planning to use it to log into all your accounts. In this scenario, the hacker might get through the first sign-up stage but won’t get through the second. That’s because the MFA protocol automatically sends a sign-up prompt to your phone that the hacker will not have access to. Since the hacker doesn’t have access to your phone or your fingerprints, he won’t be able to get far. So, by removing dependency on a single test, the MFA protocol boosts security and ensures that only you can sign into your accounts. Safeguard Your Admin Account The very first account you create for Microsoft 365 automatically becomes your global administrator account. Being a global admin means having full control of all other accounts and settings. As you can imagine, this is a juicy opportunity for hackers to attack because securing this one account will give them access to everything. It is in your best interest to always safeguard the global admin account. Create Other Accounts The simplest measure to overcome this issue is to create different accounts for your use. After all, you don’t need to use the admin account every day. You can easily do your work via a secondary account instead and only use the admin account to change your settings. Alternatively, you could also create a separate admin account that can function on an emergency basis. If something happens to your original admin account, for example, it got hacked, you can always switch to the secondary admin account. Don’t forget to use MFA on your admin accounts either! Use Preset Security Policies Your Microsoft 365 subscription will typically come with security policies that the software itself has preset. These include useful settings for anti-malware, anti-phishing, and anti-spamg protection. Although 365 has a set of default built-in preferences, we recommend switching it over to something more particular. It’s important to know that security presets are not the same as default settings. They are both different from each other and cannot be used as the same thing. Microsoft 365 typically lets you set a default setting first and then any added preset security policy you desire. What’s Included In Preset Microsoft 365 Security Policies? You can choose several types of preset security policies, each with its own distinct features. The type of profile you select will determine how strict or lenient your security is. Choosing policies will make 365 focus on the theme or subject matter and change its settings to suit the requirements. Some policies include anti-phishing, anti-spam, impersonation protection, spoof settings, etc. Finally, policy settings will determine if you use the setting for a single user, group, or multiple domains. Standard Protection – This is the protection level recommended for most businesses and enterprises. This profile is most suitable for anti-malware, anti-phishing, and other similar settings. Strict Protection – This profile includes everything you can find in standard protection and some added benefits. It uses the same base settings as the previous profile but adds strict measures and a more accurate authentication process. It is the perfect option for businesses that must meet tough security regulations. Most businesses use strict protection to safeguard their valued clients

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