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IT Solutions for Remote Workers

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More workers than ever — about 50 percent of Americans— are working remotely. Employers and employees see the benefits of the arrangement. Among other perks, the arrangement allows employees more schedule flexibility, less time commuting and the ability to connect with a team even while travelling for work. Employers have access to a larger pool of candidates and fewer hard costs in providing a work space.

However, remote working arrangements can create a whole host of cybersecurity vulnerabilities and technological snafus. Working with a third-party business that provides fully managed information technology services can keep your business secure no matter where your team is working.

Here are some IT issues employers and remote workers may encounter.

Problem: Unsecured hardware

As hackers become more advanced and cyberattacks more frequent, securing only the computers in your office building does not suffice. Ensuring your business’ networks are secure should be one of your highest priorities. Even if your company has just one fulltime remote worker, employees likely have business data through their email apps on cell phones, on laptop or desktop computers, tablets, smart watches and other devices.

Solution: Virtual private networks — VPNs — provide security by requiring employees to sign in when accessing the network remotely.

Problem: Data destruction, ransomware

A remote working arrangement means an employee’s office can be among coworkers in the employer’s workspace one day and a home office the next day. Productivity can continue at the airport, across the country, at a conference or in the neighborhood coffee shop. But spotty Wi-Fi connections can mess with a work schedule, prevent files from being saved on a server and wreak havoc on your company’s data security efforts. Hackers can steal data and use ransomware to block access to data until a debt is paid.

Solution: Managed IT services allow employees to connect to the business’ server through the cloud, data centers in multiple locations throughout the country. Through the cloud, connections to the servers remain constant and data is backed up consistently. If a natural disaster or hacker strikes, businesses have the upper hand by having recent data stored in the cloud. Managed IT service providers can implement the data recovery process.

Problem: Lack of training

The majority of cyberattacks occur through human error. Employees could fall prey to a phishing attack by clicking a suspicious link in an email or website, downloading files containing malware or not securing hardware. Remote workers may not get proper training on how to recognize phishing attacks or follow the most recent cybersecurity protocols.

Solution: Managed IT service providers, such as Infomax, deliver periodic training and send out information on the latest scams, alerting employees before attacks can occur.

Contact Infomax at 1-800-727-4629 to learn more about how to keep your business’ data safe in any environment.

The True Value of On-Site Service

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Servicing your IT network is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Although remote monitoring serves many valuable functions, nothing replaces the need for occasional on-site service. Ideally, servicing your IT network should be a balance between remote monitoring and on-site service. This way, your business can run as smoothly as possible.

Here are some IT functions that require on-site service, and provide innumerable benefits to your business:

  • IT Road mapping. It’s hard to get anywhere without directions, and a good technology road map will help your business get to the next step. A technology road map ensures that your business is not blindly moving forward in the digital age, but is instead adapting in ways that best suit your business needs. Technology road maps are updated quarterly, so that your business is always headed in the right direction.
  • Email security. Email correspondence is one of the most important forms of communication these days. Make sure this important facet of your business is fully protected, using encryption, filtering methods, and other security options tailored to your business needs.
  • Disaster recovery. Let’s face it. No one likes to think about disaster striking. Fortunately, Infomax takes much of the thinking out and simplifies your recovery plan. Furthermore, with effective and reliable backup plans, you will be able to access those lost or damaged files quickly.
  • The latest software. Infomax provides the most cost-efficient software solutions available. Whether it’s a firewall, filters, or application controls, Infomax will keep your business properly monitored and protected. You will never have to worry that your software is out of date.
  • Mobile security. Mobile devices help businesses function from anywhere at any time. For that reason, they should be as protected as your in-house equipment. Mobile device management will streamline your devices, be they mobile phones or tablets, so that sensitive information is fully protected across all platforms.

As you can see, on-site services are a vital part of your IT strategy. Infomax can help secure your business from the inside out. Contact us today to learn more.

What Does Your IT Roadmap Look Like?

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An IT roadmap is one of the most important strategic assets a company can have. Essentially, it’s an evaluation of your company’s specific IT needs. Without an IT roadmap, you might as well be driving in the dark with your headlights off. Companies without properly managed IT roadmaps run the risk of data loss, security threats, and all sorts of unfavorable situations.

An IT roadmap will help guide your business toward reaching both your short-term and long-term goals by matching you with specific technology solutions along the way. Here are just a few reasons why having an IT roadmap is essential for your company:

  • Minimizing disruptions. A good IT roadmap will systematically tighten the security and functionality of your systems.
  • Economically sound. No one likes spending time and energy on IT issues. With a properly set up IT roadmap, there will be fewer monetary surprises. You will be able to deal with issues before they arise, so you can mange them quickly and get back to work.
  • Building relationships. Prepare for your service credibility to skyrocket. Your services will continue to improve, as you are not simply moving forward blindly. Rather, you have the guidance of an IT roadmap to get you where you want to go.
  • Adapting fast. In a perfect world, there would be no IT problems. However, in the world we live in, they are inevitable. Fortunately, with an IT roadmap, you can act quicker than ever. When the storm comes, your company will be prepared.
  • Staying current. IT roadmaps are best when developed or updated annually. This is because, as technology continues to improve at lightning speed, so must your roadmap.

Remember, a roadmap should be customized for all areas of your business, and based a strategic evaluation of your company’s needs. Infomax has the ability to build and maintain a reliable and current IT roadmap for your business.

Visit our website, or contact us today to learn more.