Great Lakes Computer Corporation

Managed Service Provider

Data Security

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Working from Home = Virtual Private Networking

With all that’s happening in the world right now, home is becoming the workplace for many of us. However, depending on your area of employment, that can present a number of problems. You’ll need a quiet place to work, strong phone signal, fast internet, as well as a secure network. In times like these, the latter is not on the forefront of everyone’s mind—we all need to get back to work right away. But it’s important to your business to consider technology that will add an additional security layer to both private and public networks (including internet and broadband hotspots): Virtual Private Networking (VPN).

What is VPN?

Virtual Private Network is the most secure way to send and receive data through the internet. It was created with remote users in mind to ensure they have a private and secure network—no matter where they are. It uses encryption plus a layered tunneling through its own servers, making breaches extremely difficult.

In addition, VPN protects both your identity and location, making the user invisible on the internet. So if you’re looking for protection from phishing attacks and security when viewing private information (no matter where you are), a virtual private network is worth consideration.

Tips on VPN

There are a few things to think about before installing a VPN:

  1. Is your computer ready? You’ll want to make sure to run an anti-virus program on your computer to catch any breaches and to ensure you haven’t been compromised by malware. You wouldn’t want to install VPN while you already have a spy on your system! It would defeat the purpose. Consider a Free Dark Web ID Scan to learn if your information is available for sale on the dark web.
  2. What sites will you be using? It’s important to know that some websites block access to VPN technology. You’ll want to make sure you can access what you need for work.
  3. There are free VPN options out there, but be warned: They come with a host of limitations. Giving priority to paid members, free users often have limited data and bandwidth. Sessions can be time-limited, access to content from certain countries can be denied, and they often come with tons of advertisements. They also rarely have a service agreement.

The security of your work should be of the utmost importance, and a VPN can keep your data safe and secure. At Great Lakes Computer Corporation, we place tremendous value on data security. We offer a variety of services that provide our clients with the tools they need to protect their valuable information including backup and recovery, cloud computing, network management, and setting you up with virtual networking computing. If you are interested in broadening your cyber defenses, please give us a call.

Get Your FREE Dark Web ID Scan

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2020 Technology Trends to Watch For

When it comes to computer technology, it’s important for business owners to stay on top of the trends—ahead even. Not only to make sure they’ve updated their software and replaced equipment with the latest releases, but to keep an eye on the bigger technology evolutions ahead to avoid being left behind. As we begin a new decade, here are some upcoming trends to keep an eye on.

Artificial Intelligence

In many cases, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can mimic human thinking, performing tasks more efficiently and quickly than humans. Therefore, more and more businesses are turning to AI to help with engaging customers, boosting productivity and promoting conversions. However, multiple challenges remain with this technology, such as data security, facial recognition errors and over-personalization.

While AI may seem cost prohibitive to smaller organizations, AI as a Service (AlaaS) is growing in popularity and will make big data analytics accessible to companies of all sizes.

All-In-One Package

It’s always hard for businesses to accept technology change, so by just adding an app here or one new program there, work continues with little disruption. However, with this kind of diversity, it opens businesses up to cybersecurity issues and less-streamlined work. That’s where the package comes in. It’s predicted that businesses will turn to a package offer, where all of a company’s technology and programs are integrated together, creating a more simple, easy to use system, all concerns and issues addressed by the package source.

Automation

Though this is not a new trend, the pressure continues for business owners to implement more automation into their daily tasks. The use of automation can help save businesses time and money, helping with accounting, marketing, customer service and data management tasks. Many business apps are offering increased automation options that are being driven by the AI trend we just touched on.

Increase Computing Speed (5G)

In addition to daily tasks, the need for speed continues to be on high demand for businesses in terms of computing speed as well. With the arrival of 5G in 2019, this faster, higher performance technology offers the ability to be wire free. With it also comes the evolutions of the Internet of Things, driverless vehicles, and cloud computing all the while lowering maintenance costs and energy consumption. How quickly this evolution will happen is the question mark.

Cybersecurity

Cyber breaches are a common occurrence in recent years and because of that, many businesses consider it to be a low-priority matter. But with the arrival of 5G and other new technology, it means the risk is higher and protecting your data should be even more important.

While we’re working faster, we’re more likely to slip up. As it stands, 90% of security breaches are inadvertent, unintentional, and caused by human error. We need to shift focus from our cybersecurity applications, and turn it to our people. To address this, Great Lakes Computer has introduced a comprehensive program designed to assess your exposure to risk on the Dark Web, test your staff for phishing vulnerability, and train to become a Human Firewall. Learn more by clicking below.

BUILD A HUMAN FIREWALL

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The Trouble with People

A standard practice for businesses today is to invest in cybersecurity. However, data breaches still continue to happen daily, and compromised data is becoming more and more common. And unfortunately, it’s got very little to do with your security investment, and everything to do with the people that work for you. In fact, a recent study showed that a quarter of corporate data breaches are due to human error. When you combine that with these averages–that a cyberattack occurs every 39 seconds and that only 5% of a company’s documents are properly protected–it makes for a scary situation for business owners.

But your employees are only human, right? We all make mistakes? It’s hard to speak that lightly about data breaches when a simple human error can cost your company thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars. The most common human errors include misdelivery, falling for phishing scams, poor user password practices, mismanagement of high-level accounts, and letting unauthorized users access corporate devices. Preventing these common mistakes is no easy feat, but there are a few options available to help.

More People Problems

One solution many companies consider is to have a dedicated IT individual or team on staff that has the technical expertise to monitor your system. But that’s often not an affordable solution, since creating and maintaining a round-the-clock security operations center (SOC) is costly. In addition, the IT staff also cares for equipment, updates (and sometimes replaces) software, and sets up and educates new hires. Indeed, that is helpful to have, but they can’t be solely dedicated to cybersecurity matters and they are only available 9 to 5. It’s the trouble with people.

Can Alexa Help?

A new trend for businesses is to turn to artificial intelligence (AI) to help with data breaches. Though AI can more easily detect threats, and are experts at password security, AI has its drawbacks and limitations as well. It not only takes a long time to get AI set up and running (due to the fact it has to be “trained” through accurate data sets, which are difficult to obtain and afford), but it requires a TON of memory, data and computing power in order to be effective. And once AI is operational, it’s known for sending a tremendous number of false alarms and alerts. It’s exhausting! 

The Answer = Managed Security Services

The easiest and often ideal solution is to hire a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP). By hiring an MSP, your network will be secure and regularly monitored, alerting you to and resolving any cybersecurity issues as they arise. Their services often include an assessment of your current technology, identifying holes and areas of risk, followed up with a customized strategy that they’ll help you and your employees to implement. They’ll monitor your network security remotely, plus they can help with technology budgeting, all the while saving you money. 

Great Lakes Computer Corporation can protect you. We offer a range of services designed to help our clients protect their businesses from data loss, from preventative maintenance to the latest in security services, at a price businesses can afford. Find out what we can do for you.

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