Great Lakes Computer Corporation

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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 Dark Web: What is it and why should you care?

When you hear about the Dark Web, you may think the very idea is based on fiction, innuendo and fear-mongering. After all, how could it be so bad? It’s as though the boogeyman joined forces with the worst cyber stalker and decided to let loose their evil machinations by deploying thousands of malicious attacks and breaches, with the sole goal of undermining identities and infrastructures. It can’t be that bad, can it?

The real question you’ve got to ask is: whatever the Dark Web is (and what it represents), what does it mean to you and your livelihood? What can you really do about it?

What is the Dark Web? 

The Dark Web is a part of the internet that’s not as easily accessible to you. By design, it’s not indexed by search engines like Edge or Safari. For some, that’s a positive, since it supports anonymity and untraceable transactions, offering uninhibited searching and free-wheeling interaction. It’s also a virtual playground for thieves, hackers, and other nefarious criminals–facilitated by a shield of anonymity.

What Does the Dark Web Mean to You? 

You can buy anything on the Dark Web. That anything could mean the user name and password to all your accounts. It could mean your name, address, phone number and all the personal details an unscrupulous person could use to steal your identity. Your clients’ data could be compromised. And, there’s the very real possibility that information posted on the Dark Web could be used to destroy your business and your reputation. 

How Can You Protect Yourself Against the Dark Web? 

Education and knowledge is power, even though it does sound a bit cliche. Now that you know what the Dark Web is and how easy it is for criminals to share your personal information, it’s up to you to take steps to protect yourself and your business.

Initially, of course, you must take extra care to protect your personal and financial information. There’s no good reason to share your identifying and secure information with anyone, even your closest friends. Let’s say that you are careful and secure, though. There’s still the possibility (even a likelihood) that your personal information is already available for criminal abuse misuse, especially through malicious activity like phishing.

Your cybersecurity may not be strong or comprehensive enough, or you may have been (and probably are) part of a massive data breach that has laid bare the terrifying reality of how vulnerable your data really is. You may have also begun to realize how powerless you are to protect your identity. That’s really why we, at Great Lakes Computers, are offering a FREEscan service to identify and inform you about any personal information on the Dark Web. 

Contact Great Lakes Computer

Great Lakes Computer is an experienced IT provider in Cleveland Ohio. Our scan service will give you insight into your cybersecurity and if your data has been a part of a data breach, our service offerings are designed to address your concerns related to network design, backup and recovery, cybersecurity, data protection, and repair. We’re your go-to IT-support solution. Call us today!

GET YOUR FREE DARK WEB SCAN

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Free Your PC from Malware with These Simple Steps

malwareMalware is a major problem these days. It just takes one click on the wrong link or email and your PC is infected with a virus, spyware, or even ransomware. The tricky part lies in the fact that these infections may sit undetected in your machine for over three months. Maybe you’ve noticed some funnky behavior or an abundance of pop-ups. If you suspect you may have some malware, here are some tips to eradicate it from your computer.

    1. Boot up your PC in Safe Mode.By entering safe mode,you limit the number of programs and services running and decrease the likelihood further spreading will occur. Some malware is triggered upon start up, which safe mode will help with. To boot into Windows Safe Mode, first click the Start Button in Windows 10 and select the Power button as if you were going to reboot, but don’t click anything. Next hold down the Shift key and click Reboot. When the full-screen menu appears, select Troubleshooting, then Advanced Options, then Startup Settings. On the next window click the Restart button and wait for the next screen to appear. Next you will see a menu with numbered startup options; select number 4, which is Safe Mode. Note that if you want to connect to any online scanners you’ll need to select option 5, which is Safe Mode with Networking. This process is far easier with the older versions of Windows.
    2. Delete Your Temporary Internet Files. You want to make the scan work as smoothly as possible, so clean house before beginning. To use the Disk Cleanup utility included with Windows 10 just type Disk Cleanup in the search bar or after pressing the Start button and select the tool that appears named Disk Cleanup. Select Temporary Internet Files and Recycle Bin. Press OK.
    3. Download a Malware Scanner.You likely already have a real-time antivirus program running, but you need to bring in extra help here as your antivirus probably missed this malware. You are looking for an on-demand malware scanner. We suggest Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool or Malware Bytes. Both offer a free version that should be good enough for this purpose. If you are disconnected from the internet, reconnect to download this software then disconnect again.
    4. Install and Run the Malware Scanner.

      Follow the setup instructions to install the .exe file and then run the scanner following the directions it provides. Many of these free downloads willl offer you a paid subscription but you should be able to use the free version for a short time period (long enough to clean house). If you are concerned about malware being a regular issue for you, consider subscribing. Remove the files it produces in the threat report after the scan.

If you experience shut down or other hiccups during the download or operation of the scanner, you may have a deeper infection than the trial can address. It’s best to bring in an expert, like those at Great Lakes Computer Corporation. We offer in-office and depot services. We can help keep your data protected in the event of malware. We can also assist with backup and recovery if needed.

Learn About Our  Backup & Recovery Platform

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