Managed Services vs. In-House IT: Strategic Considerations for Optimal IT Management
Businesses are often overwhelmed when deciding how to manage their IT infrastructure: should they opt for managed services or establish an in-house IT department? This choice holds far-reaching implications that demand careful consideration. Keep reading as we compare the benefits and drawbacks of these two approaches, helping businesses make an informed decision that aligns with their long-term objectives. The Versatility of Managed Services Managed services entail the delegation of IT management to external experts who possess a specialized skill set. This approach presents several advantages that merit attention: Expertise and Availability Managed service providers (MSPs) offer access to a [...]
Understanding Smart AI Security: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Protection
Businesses face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats that require robust security measures these days. As technology advances, so do the methods employed by hackers and malicious actors. Businesses are turning to innovative solutions such as Smart AI security to combat these evolving threats. Read on as we explore the concept of AI in security, its benefits, and how it helps businesses fortify their defenses in an ever-changing threat landscape. What Is Smart AI Security? Smart AI security is a cutting-edge approach that combines artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to protect businesses from cyber threats. It utilizes advanced [...]
How Do Managed IT Services Ensure Regulatory Compliance?
Compliance with industry and government regulations is crucial for all businesses. Organizations must adhere to the guidelines of the governing bodies to protect sensitive information and maintain customers’ trust. Managed IT services can provide businesses with the necessary tools, expertise, and support to ensure regulatory adherence. Read on to understand how managed IT services can help organizations meet regulatory requirements effectively. The Importance of Regulatory Adherence Complying with regulations helps build trust, reputation, and customer confidence. By following the rules, businesses can show their commitment to protecting sensitive data, ensuring operational integrity, and reducing potential risks. Failing to meet [...]
How Is AI Changing the Landscape of Email Security
Email is a critical communication tool for businesses worldwide. Unfortunately, it is also a significant attack vector for cybercriminals. Attackers use email to deliver malware, phishing scams, and other cyber threats. As email security becomes an increasingly pressing issue, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to help protect organizations from malicious threats. AI-based solutions are being used to provide advanced protection against cyberattacks, phishing scams, and other malicious activities that can compromise email security. Keep reading to learn how AI is changing the email security landscape and what organizations need to know to ensure their data is secure. [...]
Why Do You Need a Server Upgrade?
Server upgrades are an important part of maintaining an efficient technology infrastructure for any business. In this blog, we will explore the key reasons why you might need a server upgrade.What Is a Server?Before we dive into the reasons why it’s important to upgrade your company’s server, let’s briefly define what a server is. Servers are high-powered computers that were designed to store and process data, which helps provide the functionality devices need. Some examples of server usage include hosting data-heavy websites and shared drives for departments or managing large numbers of queries. Essentially, servers enable hosting for processing-intensive workloads.Why [...]
Top Benefits of Cloud Computing for Small Businesses
Cloud computing has become the new normal, especially so since the outbreak of the pandemic. In 2022, six out of ten businesses have moved their operations to the cloud, and this trend is expected to continue. Cloud computing brings tremendous benefits to small businesses, which can help them save money, streamline their operations, and remain competitive in the digital age. Keep reading to learn about the top benefits of cloud computing for small businesses. Cost Savings Small businesses often operate on a tight budget, and cloud computing can help them save money in various ways. For instance, instead of [...]
A Beginner’s Guide to Data Backup and Disaster Recovery
Data is at the heart of most businesses in today's digital age. Whether it’s financial records or customer information, data is the lifeblood of modern organizations. With so much at stake, it's essential to safeguard your data and protect it from loss or damage. Data loss can occur in many ways, from hardware failure to cyberattacks. The consequences of data loss can be severe, leading to lost productivity, damage to your reputation, and financial losses. That's why it's crucial to have a data backup and disaster recovery plan in place. Keep reading to learn more about data backup and [...]
How to Protect Your Business from a Cyberhacker
Cyberattacks are a growing threat to companies of all sizes in the modern digital era. To access sensitive data, including credit card numbers, passwords, and other personally identifiable information, hackers are constantly looking for weaknesses in a company's online security. A cyberattack can have devastating effects, including monetary loss, damage to one's reputation, and legal action. In this article, we'll talk about how to defend your company online. Train Your Employees Your company's workforce is your first line of defense against online attacks. It is essential to regularly train your staff on how to recognize and handle online threats. [...]
6 Things You Should Know before Choosing an IT Service Provider
An increasing number of businesses are turning to IT service providers to handle their technology requirements as technology continues to advance and transform the business world. However, your company's success depends on selecting the best IT services provider. We'll outline six things in this article that you should be aware of before selecting an IT services provider. Define Your Needs and Goals It's important to define your needs and goals before you begin searching for an IT services provider. Your company's technology requirements and what you want your IT services provider to accomplish should be crystal clear to you. [...]
What Is Cybersecurity Insurance and Why Does It Matter
Cybersecurity insurance is a type of insurance designed to protect businesses from the financial losses they may incur due to a cyber attack. It generally covers losses such as the cost of recovering lost data, business interruption, reputational damage, data restoration, media liability, network security liability, legal costs, and customer notification expenses, among others. Importance of Cybersecurity Insurance Cybersecurity insurance is becoming increasingly important as the number and sophistication of cyber attacks continue to rise. In fact, many businesses now consider it to be a requirement for doing business in the digital age. For businesses that do not have the [...]
Why Do Small Businesses Need a VPN, and Why ManageSecure Is More Than a VPN
Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs for short, have become a big part of our daily lives. They are online security tools that people use every day for work, school, or even to get around geographical restrictions. A VPN is really a private network that works over the internet and protects your privacy by creating a secure connection between your computer and a VPN server. Here are some reasons why VPN is an essential requirement for your small business. Increased Security VPN can help small businesses improve security in several ways. First, it can save all of the data that [...]
Why Businesses Need to Adopt MFA
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important security measure for businesses in order to protect their data and systems from unauthorized access. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more factors of authentication, such as a password and fingerprint, in order to access a system or data. MFA can also be easily implemented, making it a cost-effective security measure for businesses of all sizes. Keep reading to learn more about why businesses should adopt MFA. Increased Security With MFA in place, companies can be sure that only authorized users will be able to [...]
How Managed IT Services Help Reduce Cybersecurity Risk
Before knowing how managed IT services can help reduce the risk of cyber threats, we need to know the main benefit of this service. Managed IT services are provided by third-party companies that handle certain aspects of IT services. One of the benefits these third-party companies provide is that they are experts in handling particular services and will provide you with the best possible solutions. Now let us see how managed IT services can help reduce the risk of cyber threats. Why Managed It Services Is a Better Option One of the greatest threats in the modern world is [...]
5 Benefits of Using a Third-Party Backup for Microsoft 365
Backups are what separates your business from being vulnerable and being ready for anything. Heres how: 1. Backups Protect Your Files From Deletion When you run a business, it's essential to keep all of your files stored on your computer protected. Old receipts, financial records, tax forms, and customer data are critical to your business. You'll need backup storage to protect those plus essential employee information. A user could accidentally push delete, or you might have a virus that wipes everything away. Locking these items in storage is the first step in saving valuable business information. Files should be [...]
Ontario’s New Employee Monitoring Law and What It Means For Businesses
Six months ago in the Canadian province of Ontario, a new regulation was passed that stated allowing employers to monitor their employees' electronic communications, and thus employers were given this period to make the necessary arrangements if they have a team of more than 25 members. This law defines electronic monitoring as "the observation or recording of an employee's activities or communications using electronic equipment." The employers were to give written statements about how they plan to keep an eye on the activities of their employees and what measures they have taken to foresee the situation. The law as [...]
An Overview of Types of Cybersecurity
Every day, new threats are introduced due to the ever-expanding digital footprint of most corporations. Did you know close to 30,000 websites are hacked every day? With the increasing hybrid work and digital business processes in the cloud, cybersecurity has become more critical than ever. Cybersecurity is the process of safeguarding your computer or network from unwanted access, attack, and damage. Cybersecurity is a broad term that encompasses many different types of security measures. All computer users must understand different types of cybersecurity to keep their systems or devices safe. Continue reading to learn about the various [...]
5 Surefire Signs of a Cyberattack
When it comes to cyber attacks, you must have thought about how to know when your network is attacked or at risk of attacks. The right tools can help you to protect your network from cyberattacks. But to do that, you should recognize the signs of an attack. So what are the surefire signs of a cyberattack? Find them below: 1. Computer Runs Slower Than Usual Is your computer running slower than the average speed or crashing frequently? It can be a sign of someone controlling your computer and using the processing power. The [...]
What Are the Benefits of Managed IT Services?
With the fast-growing cyber security threat, many firms are turning to managed IT services to guarantee their business's safety and success. The benefits of this service plan for your firm will be a boon for your budget. It will also contribute to better productivity and return on investment. Here are vital benefits that you can expect from hiring a managed IT service, provider: A Full-Time Team Dedicated to Your Technology With the help of these skilled technicians, you will have an easy time managing all aspects of tech within your firm. They will work full [...]
What Is Server Virtualization and Why do Small Businesses Need It?
If you are a small business looking to get the best out of your IT infrastructure without investing millions in it, you should think about server virtualization. It reduces your IT operating costs and enhances data security for critical applications. Keep reading to know more details about server virtualization. What Is Server Virtualization? Server virtualization is partitioning one physical server into multiple small virtual servers running simultaneously on different operating systems. Server virtualization reduces the amount of equipment you need to run your business and helps you optimize your use of computing resources. It should [...]
How to Protect Your Company from Hackers
Hackers are highly innovative individuals who try to gain access to a company's computer network and systems. Whether your company is small or large, protecting your data is one of the most crucial aspects of its efficient operation. Hackers try to find the system's weaknesses to steal or corrupt data. This data could be used for financial gains, identity thefts, political activism or even revenge. So how do you protect your company’s data from these hackers? Read below to find out if you have the basic security in place. Use a Firewall A firewall is [...]
How Your Small Business Can Benefit From Wireless Networks
Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, WLAN, and wireless computers are all examples of wireless technologies that have changed how a business operates in today’s world. They have now practically become necessary for most smooth operations. When used right, small businesses can benefit extensively from the usage of wireless networks. Read on to learn more. Increased Productivity Wireless networks contribute significantly to increasing productivity and efficiency. They speed up daily tasks that are repetitive and save a lot of time. Surveys show that over 65 per cent of small businesses feel that it would be very difficult to [...]
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Migrating to Cloud
Migration to the cloud helps make your data more accessible and can help make your digital transformation process seamless. It also enhances your business's scalability and flexibility. Migrating to a cloud is a major business shift and triggers vital changes in the organizational process. Following are some of the key aspects to know before you take this step. Keep the Goal Clear The purpose of migration must be a clear, valid, and well-informed decision. If you have specific goals like improving your IT agility, increasing your security and data protection, adopting a more modern and [...]
How To Choose the Right IT Services Provider for Your Business?
Many businesses outsource their IT requirements to MSPs due to various advantages like lower costs, round-the-clock-coverage, being able to scale up and down without having to deal with hiring and laying off employees, and so on. Now that you’ve identified the need to outsource your IT functions, how do you go ahead and choose one from the many providers in the market? Read to know the various questions you should ask yourself before making that decision. 1. What Are Your Specific Needs? The first step in finding yourself the ideal IT services provider is to [...]
Why You Can Rely On ManagePoint Technologies for On-Call IT Support
You know that your enterprise needs on-call IT support services; however, you do not have the personnel available to achieve such a feat. Even so, you know that the longer you wait to have an on-call IT support solution in place, you are putting the business at risk. The chances of experiencing a security threat or a system-wide outage increase exponentially. The good news is that there is a seamless on-call IT support solution you can implement to make certain all vulnerabilities are addressed in a timely manner. You can 100% rely on ManagePoint Technologies to address all your [...]
How SMEs Can Address the IT Skills Gap With Co-Managed Solutions
Co-managed IT allows organizations to determine which managed IT solutions to handle in-house and which to outsource. A third-party firm provides up-to-date services while the business continues to benefit from the convenience of in-house staff. So, how can co-managed IT be the solution to the IT skills gap? Takes the Weight Off Staff According to a 2017 survey, approximately 75% of IT teams report talent shortages. Most firms don’t have a problem hiring low-level IT staff, but finding specialized IT skills is becoming more challenging every year. Training or hiring IT staff can be [...]
Microsoft Exchange Migration And Benefits Of Migrating To Office 365 From Self-Hosted Exchange
Business survival and growth can be attributed to making the right calls at the right time. And one of the most vital decisions organizations have to make is choosing between a self-hosted exchange and cloud servers such as Microsoft 365. Before we divulge further details, it is essential to note that you will have to make this call to choose based on your organization's requirements as the IT manager. Let us check the next section to get a better insight. Moving from self-hosted exchange to Office 365 can be considered a significant step toward digital transformation. The following section [...]
How Can Integrated Security Solutions Boost Your Operational Efficiency?
Today, enterprises depend on digital technology for business operations, management, marketing, transactions, communication, and data sharing. The increased application of networking demands accessibility and operational efficiency. Accessibility is challenging, but information security solutions can help enterprises selectively provide access to critical data. Operational efficiency is another challenge to existing security solutions as they are comprised of multiple point products lacking manageability, interoperability, and affordability. Here is how integrated security solutions can boost your operational efficiency. Integrated Security Solutions Integrated security combines multiple security technologies for complete protection. These include customer management, policy compliance, advanced [...]
Three Reasons Why Your Business Needs Email Security
Cybersecurity is often talked about, seen, and heard all around us every day. It has become a normal topic in our daily lives, but what does it mean, and what does this topic even cover? One of those most obvious topics is Email Security, commonly referred to as Spam Filtering, Attachment Scanning for Malware, Phishing Protection, and URL Click Protection. We often see both small and large businesses using free or built-in software, such as Microsoft 365 spam filtering or Google G Suite spam filtering. While these might be effective, they will not last, and you will soon be [...]
What is Ontario’s Right to Disconnect and How to Stay Compliant
Since much of the office working world has had to go remote for at least some time over the last two years, separating work and personal life has become increasingly difficult. Video conferencing, VPNs, and phone software are commonplace, and our work email is just a few steps away instead of having the regular commute to separate ourselves physically. While all this technology is excellent, it keeps us constantly connected to work, which isn't feasible long-term. Surveys have shown that those working remotely are burnt out. With this in mind, Ontario has passed the Working for Workers Act, 2021, [...]
How to Keep Hybrid Staff Productive Working from Anywhere
In the wake of the pandemic, many office workers began working from home. Now that many companies are welcoming staff back to the office, some are setting up hybrid work arrangements to allow employees to work remotely, at least part-time. While having two different workspaces at home and at the office has its perks, it also poses some challenges. How do you maintain your momentum and productivity when you're changing locations? How can you stay organized and ensure that everything you need (files, devices, tech accessories, and personal items) is always within reach? There's good news, as a Gartner [...]
How Can NGAV and EDR Protect Your Business?
In the last two years, more businesses have been shifting to a remote or hybrid work setup. This change has made companies more vulnerable to cyber-attacks such as ransomware. In fact, McAfee reports that global cybercrime losses have surpassed $1 trillion! 87% of business owners report that improving cybersecurity is a top priority for their organizations in the next two years. At the same time, the evolving nature of these attacks has rendered traditional methods of protecting businesses ineffective. The best way for companies to effectively upgrade their defenses and maximize their security is next-generation antivirus (NGAV) and endpoint [...]
How ManagePoint Can Help You Stay Safe When You Upgrade to Microsoft Windows 11
As you already know, Microsoft has recently announced the release of Windows 11. Currently, in its early stages, in an age where hybrid work and learning is becoming increasingly popular, this new update promises a whole new look, more apps, and efficient ways to be creative and productive, while promoting better integration, collaboration, and communication. Microsoft’s new announcement has left many businesses wondering what this means for them in the months to come and if they should upgrade to Windows 11. Switching to a new Operating System is not an easy decision and can result in major disruptions if [...]
Choosing The Right Microsoft 365 Plan
Over the last several years, Microsoft 365 has revolutionized the way people work with essential documents. It is the next step in a well-established program, now enhanced with secure technology that isn't just about documents and spreadsheets. It's a full suite of cloud-based applications to help you increase productivity and collaboration within your business. We're proud to be a Microsoft Partner here at ManagePoint Technologies and can help you with everything from installation, support, security, and more. What are the benefits of this software, and how do you know how it will fit into your operation? Let's explore further. [...]
ManagePoint Keeps Your Business Connected And Protected
We rely on our computers and the internet frequently these days—work, personal life, schedules, meetings, and so much more. When it comes to ensuring you're interconnected, either in the office or remote, and that your network is working optimally and securely, having a managed information technology firm to work with is essential. At ManagePoint Technologies, we've got years of experience, an array of services, on-call support, and more. Let's chat about why you should work with us. As Your Business Grows, So Will Your IT Needs It is not always feasible to support your [...]
How ManagePoint Is Redefining What an MSP Is
Do you still rely on your in-house IT team to maintain your systems? It might be time to rethink your current approach. It's no longer the days of break/fix IT, and most internal IT services are not equipped to keep up with the pace of innovation. Many organizations find their IT to be reactive rather than proactive and that their systems fail to keep up with the demands of a growing business in the digital age. Move at Full Speed with ManagePoint Technologies You need to ensure that every aspect of your business runs [...]
What To Look For When Choosing an MSP
Technology is becoming an essential part of how businesses grow, so you need to know you're entrusting your IT infrastructure to someone you can trust. Managed Services Providers (MSPs) can offer your business the flexibility of having a dedicated and highly-trained IT team on-call without having to hire the staff your company needs. What Are Managed IT Services You can outsource your entire IT infrastructure to a service provider (an MSP) with managed services. A truly Managed Service Provider is responsible for providing the products, services, security, and training necessary for your business to thrive [...]
Reimagine Security with ManagePoint and Kisi
Hybrid work has changed how organizations need to approach cybersecurity and physical security in the workplace. Flexible work arrangements are being implemented by companies with hotdesking and staggered employee schedules. In such a flexible work environment, security remains the most important priority. Enhancing Your Work Experience with Kisi ManagePoint Technologies knows how important the security of your organization is to you. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Kisi to offer one of the top security solutions on the market today! An ever-growing number of businesses are moving to the cloud for their IT needs. [...]
Make Your Hybrid Workplace Highly Efficient With ManagePoint and Envoy
When it comes to IT services, ManagePoint Technologies doesn't stop at setting up your network. We partner with several leading companies in cybersecurity, remote work, tech support, and software implementation. Like many workplaces, your business was likely affected by the pandemic in many ways. This likely included shifting to remote work models for either the short term or adapting to a hybrid office model. For the latter, it's crucial to have a system so employees can make the most of their time outside and inside your office walls. So, where does ManagePoint Technologies stand with all this? We can [...]
Why You Should Install SentinelOne Antivirus Software
Viruses, malware, hacking, scams, and phishing are just a few of the threats that can harm a computer or an entire network. Every day, cybercriminals create more sophisticated programs that pose threats to individuals, companies, and organizations alike. At ManagePoint Technologies, we care about your cybersecurity. Wondering what we as an IT service provider can offer you and your business, or are you an old client looking to purchase new services? Fortunately, ManagePoint is a partner with SentinelOne, a world leader in cybersecurity solutions. Cyber Threats Are Virtually Unending—Protect Yourself In a single operation [...]
What Logitech Has to Offer ManagePoint Clients
Are you new to ManagePoint Technologies and wondering what we as an IT service provider can offer you and your business, or are you an old client looking to purchase new services? Get this: ManagePoint is a Logitech partner! What does that mean for your business? It means ManagePoint can offer you top-of-the-line video conferencing to make your meetings easier. This blog will outline how ManagePoint being a Logitech partner can benefit our clients. Video Collaboration for the Hybrid Workforce The way we work has been changed forever. Depending on your business, [...]
How Working With a Microsoft Silver Partner Benefits Your Business
Did you know that ManagePoint Technologies, Inc. is a Microsoft Silver Partner? But what does that mean, and why are they better than going straight to Microsoft for your products? Well, by working with a Microsoft Partner, you will save time, money, and obtain better services, programs, and continuous customer support. Being a silver partner—also known as a ‘silver competency’—helps ManagePoint align our business with the products and services that customers actually buy. The added benefit of being a Microsoft Silver Competency is that we are among the top 5% of Microsoft partners worldwide. How’s that for standing out [...]
