Apr 9, 2014 | SMB Technology
Many Smartphones and Tablet computers have access to corporate applications and their data through Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and corporate-sponsored mobility strategies. Mobile Security has become a popular topic for good reason. According to CIO Insights, mobile data traffic is expected to increase eleven-fold by 2018. Because of increasing data traffic on mobile devices, some government agencies are looking at legislation to require manufacturers to add a smartphone kill switch to remotely wipe a mobile device if it is lost or stolen. Keeping in mind that a four-digit iPhone passcode could be hacked in minutes, this begs the question: Does your Smartphone Need a Kill Switch? Having a smartphone Kill Switch may give a sense of false security. Adding a kill switch to protect your privacy and corporate information is reactive, rather than proactive. If not done properly, you could wipe your employees’ irreplaceable information, such as family photos. A Kill Switch may also make the phone entirely unrecoverable. This means you will surely need to replace the device once the remote kill switch is invoked. Proactive Mobile Security Before you hit the Kill Switch consider proactive mobile-security measures. Smartphones and Tablets are great innovations that allow your employees to stay in touch and work anywhere. Access to email, operational data, financial information, and customer information through a mobile device can empower your employees and increase their productivity. Access to this information should be password-protected at all times. Additionally, any corporate data should be encrypted in transit and at rest. Only approved applications should be allowed on the mobile device and personal data should be stored in...
Mar 26, 2014 | SMB Technology
With Windows XP support ending soon for millions of PCs, many companies are considering a variety of replacement strategies. The adoption of smartphones and tablets is clearly on the rise. According to IDC, PC shipments are expected to decline by 6% in 2014, and that trend is expected to continue. Meanwhile, shipments of tablets surpassed shipments of PCs in 2013 and are expected to outpace shipments of PCs by 2015. Does this mean death to the PC? Likely not, here is why… The Case for Smartphones and Tablets The portable form factor of smartphones and tablets allows users to access corporate applications and their data at home, while traveling, and out in the field. Because of the touch-screen interface, they are operated easily without the need for a keyboard or mouse. This makes smartphones and tablets ideal applications for employees who are standing or travelling without access to a desk. Because these devices typically connect via WiFi cellular network and run on battery power, they don’t have the wires, cables, and plugs associated with a PC. Tablets and smartphones find their way on retail counters that may have limited workspace. They may also be easier to clean when they may be exposed to biohazardous materials, dust, or dirt. Smartphones and Tablets vs. the PC If you require a large monitor to view spreadsheets, create powerpoints, or edit documents, a PC may be right for you. While many touchscreen smartphones, tablets, and convertible PCs connect with a keyboard by using a variety of interfaces, such as bluetooth, there are clear design tradeoffs for office productivity and mobile productivity. PCs and...
Jan 23, 2014 | SMB Technology
Mobile security is top of mind when it comes to concerns for IT Managers. According to the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) risk of loss is the number one concern related to Mobile security. For the first time last year, more smart phones and tablets shipped than PC desktops. It is no surprise that mobile devices are the target of mobile security threats. Chances are most people in your company have a smartphone, tablet or both. In some cases these devices connect to your company network using WiFi. It is equally likely that these devices access company information via email, mobile applications or file synch to company data. Now that these devices are universal, it is important to have a plan if they are lost or stolen. Keep in mind, your four digit password may be the only thing between an intruder and your data. Here are some additional considerations for mobile security. Mobile Security Policy While you can remotely wipe a Mobile devices when it is lost or stolen, this may not be enough. That four digit passcode can be easily hacked in minutes. It is important that employees know how to report a lost or stolen device immediately. Also consider, there may be personal information on the device that is property of your employee. This data may not be backed up and could be impossible to recover. There may be local laws that prevent you from wiping this type of data from personal devices. If your employees access your corporate systems, be sure they sign and acknowledge your company policy for acceptable use, including policy for reporting...
Dec 11, 2013 | SMB Technology
As always, a lot has changed in the Technology world in the past year. Systems are updating, while new technologies are becoming more prevalent. Windows XP, the operating system that 33 percent of personal computers rely on, is on the way out. Windows 8.1 has become the standard. Also, personal computers are leaving the scene. Small businesses are moving to the compact and portable Tablet. Business On the Go has never been easier. During the past year most companies adopted cloud computing. While many advances have been made in these technological areas, Cyber security threats and related losses are reportedly on the rise. Why You Should Care About Windows 8 Now that Windows 8 is on the market, it is important to consider the switch. Although it is difficult to change from Windows XP or Vista to 8, having the latest operating system is an important security issue. One option is to do a Clean Install of Windows 8. The other option is to replace XP machines with Windows 8 for potential tax incentives. Mobile Computing Hits Main Street Technology companies continue to release a wide array of Touch Devices and there popularity continues to increase. 2014 will be the first year that tablet sales surpass personal computer sales. This shift to touch devices in the workplace will lead to increased mobility, functionality, and profitability in the work place. Cloud Computing Adoption on the Rise A research report by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) 90 % of companies surveyed adopted cloud architectures as part of the IT infrastructure during 2013. In some cases, Cloud Computing deployments occur without...
Nov 25, 2013 | SMB Technology
This time of year most organizations are looking at 2014. Analyzing IT trends allows you to budget for the upcoming year, as well as, keep up with the competition. Reviewing 2014 IT Trends can help ensure your core systems stay up to date and help you grow your business. There are a number of important trends that many companies will take advantage of to reduce risks, gain more customers and reduce costs. Here is What to Watch for 2014 IT Trends: IT Security IT Security will continue as one of the top areas of concern for most business owners when they think about technology in 2014. IT Security tops the short list of 2014 IT Trends and is driven by cyber security threat, concerns over privacy data issues and security risks related to mobile computing (e.g. Mobile Device theft/loss, virus and malware infection). Cloud Computing Most companies have adopted some form of cloud based technologies within their business. File sharing/cloud sharing services, remote backup and disaster recovery all fuel the need for robust networking and highly available Internet connectivity. With the retirement of Windows XP anticipated in April of 2014, many companies will turn to the cloud for modernized office productivity solutions, including virtual desktops and hosted email. Mobile Applications & Touch Technologies The latest release of Windows 8.1 relies heavily on a Touch user interface. Many technology consumers are familiar with touch technologies on their smartphones and tablet computers. Demand for these devices is expected to be strong. Many manufacturers are launching an array of touch enabled laptops, convertible computers and tablet computers that are touch enabled. This...
