Info Advantage Blog

When it comes to business productivity, there's no denying the power of cloud computing. It's an incredibly flexible and efficient technology that can give you and your team a major edge over the competition. By leveraging the cloud, you can access a range of powerful tools that improve your business operations and create new growth opportunities.

Here are some of the top ways cloud computing supercharges your business productivity:

Streamlines Operations

The cloud helps streamline operations by providing quick and easy access to the data, applications, and services you and your team need. Whether you're working on a project, crunching numbers, or managing customer relationships, cloud computing makes it easy to access the right information in an instant. This is because the cloud can store your files in one central location that is always accessible with an internet connection.

In addition, cloud-based applications are often more efficient and user-friendly than software installed on individual computers, ensuring that your team can work faster and more productively.

Enhances Communication & Collaboration

Cloud computing makes it easier to communicate with your team, no matter where they're located. With cloud-based tools such as instant messaging and video conferencing, team members can connect with one another and share ideas in real time. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and even speeds up the decision-making process.

Online collaboration platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace also facilitate greater efficiency and productivity. These tools let team members easily share documents, access updates, and collaborate on projects without having to worry about compatibility issues or wasting time transferring data between computers.

Improves Customer Service

Providing prompt and efficient responses to customer inquiries is crucial to keeping clients satisfied. Cloud computing can help make this happen by enabling fast access to customer data and ensuring that customer-facing apps are always available. With the cloud, you can also take advantage of advanced customer relationship management tools that enable your team to better track customer interactions and stay on top of your customers’ needs.

Increases Agility & Flexibility

One of the best things about cloud computing is its scalability. With the cloud, it's easy to add or remove users, increase storage capacity, or update applications in an instant. This gives your business greater agility and flexibility, allowing you to respond faster to changing market conditions and customer demands.

Boosts Security

Cloud computing can help improve the security of your data, which means you can keep working without worrying about cyberattacks disrupting your operations. Many cloud providers offer advanced security measures such as encryption, authentication, and intrusion detection that make it much harder for cybercriminals to access sensitive information. This can help protect your business from costly data breaches or other security incidents.

Additionally, reputable cloud providers are usually better equipped to handle online security threats than individual businesses since the former often have larger teams and more robust security solutions.

Improves Disaster Recovery

In the event of a disaster, cloud computing can be an invaluable tool for recovering lost data and getting your business back up and running quickly. With cloud-based backups, you never have to worry about losing important files or critical customer information due to a system failure. And since cloud servers are located off site, they're better protected against localized disasters such as floods and fires.

Reduces IT Overhead

With the cloud, there's no need to worry about expensive hardware or complex software, saving you money that you can use instead to enhance workflow efficiency. Cloud-based services usually come with simple setup and maintenance requirements, allowing businesses to reduce IT costs significantly. Plus, the cloud makes it easier to manage upgrades and other technological changes, as you won't have to invest in new equipment or software licenses.

Ultimately, there are several ways that cloud computing can help supercharge your business productivity. From streamlining operations to boosting security, the power of the cloud is undeniable. If you want to give your business a competitive edge, then start harnessing the power of cloud computing.

Our experts at Info Advantage can help you get started. We offer a range of cloud computing services designed to improve the efficiency and security of your business operations. Contact us today to learn more.

With digital threats lurking around every corner, it's no wonder some business owners are plagued with cybersecurity anxiety. The fear of a data breach or a malicious cyberattack can keep even the most confident entrepreneur up at night. But don't let the fear of cybercrime prevent you from running your business. With a few simple strategies, you can protect your operations and put an end to your cybersecurity anxiety.

What is cybersecurity anxiety?

Cybersecurity anxiety refers to the constant worry and stress over potential cyberthreats, data breaches, or cyberattacks. It's the unease that comes from the knowledge that your business's sensitive data, from customer information to corporate secrets, is at risk.

This fear is not unfounded, given the increasing prevalence of cybercrime. However, it's important to remember that cybersecurity anxiety, while a valid concern, should not paralyze your operations or decision-making process. Instead, it should motivate you to take proactive steps to protect your business.

Tips for overcoming cybersecurity anxiety

Easing your cybersecurity anxiety is possible, and it starts with implementing the right strategies. Here are a few tips to help you overcome your fears and keep your company secure:

Understand the threats

Uncertainty only feeds anxiety. Get to know what you're up against by educating yourself and your employees on the types of threats that exist and how they work. Understanding the potential risks will allow you to identify which areas of your business are most vulnerable and enable you to develop the best safety measures.

Regular cybersecurity awareness training is essential to stay informed about the latest threats. At least once a year, bring in an external security expert to update your team on the changing landscape of cybercrime and the steps you all can take to stay safe.

Implement strong security measures

Strong security measures, such as two-factor authentication and firewalls, are critical for keeping out hackers and other malicious actors. Invest in the best tools available and ensure that these are regularly updated with the latest patches to minimize the likelihood of a breach or cyberattack.

It's also important to implement clear policies and procedures for data management and employee access. Make sure that all of your team members understand what is expected of them when it comes to protecting company data. For instance, they should avoid writing passwords on sticky notes or using public Wi-Fi networks to access company systems.

Prepare for the worst

No matter how many security measures you have in place, it's important to be prepared for a potential breach or attack. Establishing an incident response plan can help you determine who needs to be notified, what steps need to be taken, and which resources should be mobilized if something goes wrong.

It's also wise to have a plan for how you'll handle the aftermath of a breach or an attack. Having clear processes and protocols can help minimize any damage done and ensure that operations can return to normal as soon as possible.

Invest in cyber insurance

Having a cyber insurance policy can help ease the financial burden of a data breach or attack, as it provides coverage for things like legal fees, recovery costs, and customer notifications. It's not a substitute for good security measures, but it can give you peace of mind in case the worst does happen.

Enlist expert help

Finally, if your cybersecurity anxiety is still keeping you up at night, don't hesitate to ask experts for help. A managed IT services provider can help monitor your systems around the clock and provide valuable advice and guidance on the best security measures for your business.

Cybersecurity anxiety doesn't have to rule your life and operations. With the tips outlined above, you can overcome your fears and confidently protect your business from any potential cyberthreats.

Take the first step toward a safer, more secure future for your business by partnering with Info Advantage. We bring experience, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to ensuring your company's digital assets are safe and protected. Don't let cybersecurity concerns hinder your business growth — contact us now to learn more.

From dealing with a slow internet connection to patching the latest software update, tech support issues can be overwhelming and daunting. Fortunately, these and other common tech support issues can be easily solved in a few simple steps.

Here are the top five tech support issues your business needs to know and how to fix them.

Forgotten Passwords

If you or your employees tend to forget their passwords, don't panic! Most major online services like Google, Microsoft, and Apple provide password reset options. You can either have a link sent to an alternative email address or answer a few security questions to regain access.

To avoid this problem in the future, consider using a password manager. This tool securely stores all your passwords and automatically fills in your login information. You will only need to remember one master password and never worry about forgetting another password again.

Accidental Data Deletion

Accidental data loss can happen to even the most experienced users. If you find yourself in this situation, the first step is to check your Trash folder and/or Recycle Bin and see if the file has been accidentally moved there. Most of the time, the file can be recovered just by dragging it back to its original location.

If that doesn't work, you may need to use a recovery program to search for deleted files. Such programs can detect and retrieve lost files from a variety of sources, including internal and external drives.

To ensure you don't lose valuable information due to accidental deletion, you should back up your data regularly. Using a cloud-based service or an external hard drive is the best way to back up and safeguard your data against any unexpected disaster.

Slow Computer Performance

There could be several reasons why your computer running slower than usual.

• Low system memory – Check whether your computer is running low on memory. You can open the task manager and see if any applications are using more RAM than necessary. Closing unnecessary programs can help free up some of your RAM and improve performance.
• Insufficient storage – If you're running out of space on your computer, it can cause a significant slowdown. You should clear up any unnecessary files and uninstall programs that you don't need. If the problem persists, consider using an external hard drive to store large or rarely used documents.
• System scans or updates – Running antivirus scans or downloading updates can use up a lot of your computer's resources. To minimize the impact on performance, try to run these tasks when you're not actively using your computer.
• Virus/Malware infection – Malicious software can wreak havoc on your computer, causing severe performance issues. If you suspect that a virus or malware is the cause of your troubles, use a trusted anti-malware program to scan and remove any malicious files.

Slow Internet Connection

A slow internet connection can be incredibly frustrating, but luckily, there are a few things you can do to speed it up and get back online quickly.

• Check your router – The most common cause of a slow connection is an outdated or malfunctioning router. Check your router's settings and make sure the firmware is up to date. If not, you may need to purchase a new router.
• Check for bandwidth hogs – Certain applications such as streaming services or online gaming can use up a lot of internet bandwidth. Make sure these programs are not running in the background and consuming a large portion of your available resources.
• Contact your internet service provider (ISP) – If all else fails, it may be time to contact your ISP. They might be able to diagnose the issue and provide you with a solution.

Software Updates

Regular software updates are essential to keep your computer and applications running smoothly. Most programs will prompt you when an update is available, and it's important not to ignore these notifications. Updates often contain important security patches and bug fixes that can help protect your data and prevent malware infections.

If an update is taking too long or getting stuck, you should try to restart the process and make sure your computer is connected to a reliable internet connection. If that doesn't help, contact the software's support team for assistance.

Tech support issues don't need to cause headaches. Taking a few precautions and being aware of common tech problems can save you time and energy when dealing with technical issues. Having a reliable IT partner like Info Advantage on your side can also make a huge difference. Our team of experienced IT professionals can help you troubleshoot and resolve any tech issue quickly and effectively.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help keep your business running smoothly.

Battling cyberthreats is an ongoing challenge for businesses of all sizes. As technology continues to evolve, so must the ways in which organizations protect their networks, systems, and data. To that end, employee cybersecurity awareness training is critical to ensuring that employees stay ahead of cyberthreats and use best practices to protect company data.

When planning the next employee cybersecurity awareness training session for your New York business, make sure to include these 10 key topics:

1. Password best practices

Weak passwords are one of the top causes of data breaches, so it's essential that employees understand how to create strong passwords and why enabling two-factor or multifactor authentication is vital. Underscore the importance of never reusing passwords or writing them down where they can be easily accessed by someone else. Instead, encourage the use of a password manager for securely generating and storing strong passwords.

2. Identifying email phishing schemes

Despite the prevalence of phishing scams, many people are still unaware of the various tactics cybercriminals use to try and gain access to company networks. Educate your staff on how to spot phishing emails and inform them of the risks associated with clicking on links and opening attachments from unknown or suspicious senders.

3. Understanding social engineering

Social engineering is the manipulation of people into providing confidential information or access to networks, systems, and data. In your cybersecurity awareness training program, discuss the different types of social engineering attacks, such as pretexting, tailgating, and //medium.com/@Mailfence/social-engineering-what-is-baiting-747255c55a52" style="text-decoration: none;">baiting, then offer advice on how to avoid falling for these scams.

4. Patch management

Cybercriminals often exploit unpatched software vulnerabilities to gain access to systems. Train employees on the importance of downloading and installing updates as soon as they become available, and ensure they are aware that patching all operating systems, software applications, and hardware is essential for security.

5. Mobile device security

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting mobile devices, as they often contain sensitive company data. Inform employees of the steps they can take to secure their mobile devices, such as using antivirus software and locking their devices with strong passwords or biometrics.

6. Safe browsing

Encourage employees to visit only trusted websites and avoid downloading unnecessary software or clicking suspicious links. Remind them not to send sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks, where it could be easily intercepted by an attacker.

7. Social media security

Social media accounts can be linked to employees' corporate networks, so it's crucial that they understand the risks of using their social media accounts in a professional capacity. Advise them not to share confidential company information and recommend the use of privacy settings as a way to limit who can view their posts.

8. Physical security

Cybersecurity is not limited to the digital world, and the physical security of systems and data should also be discussed in employee training sessions. Make sure employees are aware of their surroundings when accessing company networks, understand secure document disposal, and know how to identify and report suspicious activity. 

9. Business continuity and disaster recovery

Cyberattacks can cause major damage to an organization, so employees need to know what steps should be taken in the event of a data breach. Explain your company's business continuity plan and how it ties into disaster recovery, emphasizing the importance of minimizing downtime in order to reduce the risk of further damage. 

10. Regulatory compliance

Businesses must adhere to certain regulations when it comes to protecting sensitive data. For instance, organizations that handle credit card payments must comply with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard. Educate employees on the various regulations that apply to your organization and their roles in maintaining compliance.

By covering these 10 essential topics in your next employee cybersecurity awareness training session, you can ensure your employees have the knowledge and skills they need to stay resilient against cyberthreats.

Info Advantage can help you develop an effective employee cybersecurity awareness training program that will keep your organization secure and compliant. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our services.

When you're running a business, having reliable IT support is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. From data management to cybersecurity to equipment optimization, IT support plays an integral role in all aspects of your operations.

But how much does IT support cost for a small business in New York? The answer isn’t always straightforward, as there are several factors that can influence the price tag. Below, we’ll take a look at the different IT support options available and give you an idea of what you can expect to pay for each one.

Self-managed IT support 

Many small businesses opt for self-managed IT support, as they assume it will be the most cost-effective option. And while it’s true that purchasing and managing your own hardware and software can be relatively inexpensive, there are some drawbacks to consider.

For starters, self-managed IT support requires you to have an in-house specialist or a team of experts who understand how to manage and troubleshoot your systems. This can be a costly investment, especially if you’re looking for professionals with extensive experience and qualifications. An IT support specialist in New York can have an annual salary ranging from $51,000 to $83,000.

Furthermore, managing your own systems also means you have to take responsibility for any updates or repairs that may be required. This could mean bringing in external help to complete tasks, such as system maintenance or dealing with security threats, which could quickly add up to an expensive bill.

Hourly IT support

Another option is to hire a professional on an hourly basis. This allows you to access the expertise of an IT support technician whenever you need it, without having to commit to a full-time salary or large contracts. It’s also ideal if you only require occasional help with specific tasks such as setting up a new software system or debugging a technical issue.

The cost of hourly IT support varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $100 to $250 per hour. You could pay less for an inexperienced technician or more for one with specialized skills and qualifications.

The problem with this option is that it’s easy to lose track of the hours and costs involved. If your IT issues require more time than anticipated, you could find yourself spending more than you planned.

Managed IT services

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive IT support solution, managed IT services could be the way to go. This option involves outsourcing all of your IT needs to an external provider who takes on responsibility for managing and maintaining your systems.

Managed IT services can range from simple tasks, such as monitoring and patch management, to complex projects, such as network redesigns. Prices are typically based on the number of devices or users you need to support, with monthly plans starting from around $100 per user.

The benefit of this option is that you get access to a team of experienced professionals who can handle all your IT needs for an agreed-upon fee, so there are no surprises when it comes to costs. You also get access to the latest technology and insights on best practices, so you can be sure your business is running as efficiently as possible.

No matter which option you choose, it’s important to consider both the short- and long-term costs of IT support before making a decision. The right solution for your business will depend on how often you require help and the level of expertise you’re looking for. With this in mind, it pays to do your research and ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.

Ready to take the guesswork out of your IT support? Info Advantage’s team of seasoned professionals is ready to assist with your IT needs. Give us a call today to discuss your unique requirements and explore whether our managed services are the right fit for your business.

When computers started to become a common fixture in offices, they were supposed to help reduce paper usage. Ironically, the machines only made it possible to generate more data than originally anticipated, resulting in even more documents being printed out. 

Thankfully, the increasing prevalence of digital documents may soon completely replace paper-based documents. The question now becomes whether investing in the IT systems necessary to become paperless outweighs the value of retaining paper-based systems. Here are reasons why the answer to that question is a resounding “yes.”

1. Save money, time, and effort

One of the biggest benefits of going paperless is that it can save you money, time, and effort. Paper, ink, and printers can be expensive, and the time spent filing, organizing, and searching for paper documents can be a major productivity drain. Going paperless can help you save money on these costs and free up your employees' time to focus on more important tasks.

2. Save space and improve efficiency

A paperless office is also more spacious and efficient. With all of your documents stored electronically (as opposed to physically in large filing cabinets), you can easily access them from anywhere there is an internet connection. This makes it easier to collaborate with colleagues, share information with clients, and track down important documents. 

3. Increase security

Paper documents can be easily lost, stolen, or damaged. Going paperless can help you improve the security of your documents. When your documents are stored electronically, they are easier to back up and protect from unauthorized access. 

4. Be more environmentally friendly

Going paperless is also good for the environment. The production of paper requires a significant amount of energy and resources, and paper waste ends up in landfills. By going paperless, you can help reduce your office's environmental impact.

5. Improve customer service

A paperless office can also help you improve your customer service. When you can easily access customer records, you can provide faster and more accurate service. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

How to Go Paperless

If you're thinking about going paperless, there are a few things you need to do to get started. First, you need to assess your current paper usage. Once you know how much paper you're using, you can start to identify areas where you can reduce your paper consumption.

However you decide to start, do start small. Don't try to go paperless overnight. For example, you can start by digitizing your most important documents and then gradually work your way through the rest of your paper files. 

The ideal next step is to have everyone use electronic forms and signatures, which highlights the importance of getting employee buy-in. Explain the benefits of going paperless and make sure they have the tools and training they need to be successful.  

And do remember to be patient. Going paperless takes time and collected effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results overnight. Just keep working at it and you'll eventually reach your goal.

Once you've reduced your paper usage, you need to choose a document management system, which will help you store, organize, and access your electronic documents. There are a number of different document management systems available, so you choose one that meets your specific needs.

Going paperless can be a big change, but it's a change that can have a number of benefits for your office. If you're looking for ways to save money, improve efficiency, and be more environmentally friendly, then going paperless is a great option.

To get started, turn to our experts at Info Advantage. Get in touch with us today.

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, and businesses need to be aware of the latest ones in order to effectively protect themselves. In 2023, some of the biggest cybersecurity threats to businesses include:

Phishing: Targeting the human element

In 2022, phishing was the most reported cybercrime, with 300,497 complaints. IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach 2023 report also found that phishing is the second most common way that hackers gain access to a company's IT system.

Phishing is so successful because it targets the human element. Humans are naturally inclined to trust emails and text messages that appear to be from a legitimate source. This is why phishing emails are often designed to look like they are from a company that the victim does business with, such as their bank or credit card company.

To defend against phishing, companies should conduct regular awareness training sessions. During these sessions, employees must learn about the different types of phishing attacks, common signs of a phishing email, and steps to take if they receive a phishing email. Businesses should also run phishing simulations to test their employees' ability to identify and report phishing emails.

Ransomware extortion: A growing cyberthreat

Ransomware attacks have evolved in recent years, incorporating double extortion tactics that make them harder to detect and more damaging. In the first quarter of 2023, cybercriminals launched ransomware attacks on 1 in 31 organizations worldwide. This statistic underlines the importance of regular data backups and proactive security measures. When businesses are prepared for any eventuality with a data recovery solution, they can shield themselves from the impact of ransomware attacks without succumbing to the demands of cybercriminals.

Wipers and destructive malware: An unseen danger

Wipers and destructive malware are a growing threat to businesses. These types of malware are designed to delete or destroy data, making it irretrievable. This makes wipers and destructive malware even more damaging than ransomware, which makes data inaccessible by encrypting it. 

To protect against wipers and destructive malware, businesses should implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, anti-malware software, and round-the-clock threat monitoring and detection.

Cloud-based threats: Guarding data in the cloud

In 2018, the Software Engineering Institute of Carnegie Mellon University identified 12 risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in cloud computing, which are all still relevant today as businesses continue to adopt cloud computing.

As cloud adoption surges, organizations must be vigilant against unfamiliar cloud security practices and shared security model risks. They should also enhance security protocols, foster cloud awareness in their organization, and partner with trusted cloud service providers (CSPs) to safeguard against cloud-based vulnerabilities and threats. Businesses do not need to worry about moving their data to the cloud when they have experienced CSPs to guide and guard them.

Mobile malware: A rising menace

Mobile devices and apps are ubiquitous tools that everyone has adapted to. This has led to an increase in mobile malware, which poses a serious danger to businesses.

To protect themselves, businesses must educate employees about the risks of mobile malware and enforce security measures so that they can thwart malicious attempts to infiltrate their mobile devices. They should also use a mobile device management (MDM) solution to better control and secure mobile devices. MDM allows businesses to easily enforce security policies, track device usage, and remotely wipe data that’s stored in stolen or lost devices.

Zero-day vulnerabilities in supply chains: A vulnerable link

Zero-day vulnerabilities, which take advantage of unknown and unpatched software flaws, can be exploited by cybercriminals. 

To defend against these threats, businesses should employ proactive security measures, such as network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and continuous monitoring. Timely threat intelligence sharing within the cybersecurity community can also aid in detecting and mitigating zero-day attacks swiftly.

To fortify your defenses against the ever-changing cyberthreat landscape, it’s best to partner with a reliable IT security provider like Info Advantage. We have decades of experience in providing top-notch IT services and solutions and we can implement security measures tailored to your company’s specific needs. Get in touch with us today.

Businesses today are heavily reliant on digital solutions for operations, marketing, security, payments, and more. Because of this, it’s extremely important for businesses to have a capable IT backbone and support system to ensure uninterrupted operations. However, excellent IT support is rarely cheap, which can be a problem for smaller businesses with limited resources. For these organizations, an outsourced IT helpdesk can be the best solution to keep their IT ecosystem running.

How Does an IT Help Desk Work?

An IT Help Desk can provide all the technical support needs of a business's employees and/or customers. It allows users to troubleshoot problems, track and prioritize issues, and get assistance with products, services, or processes. An effective IT Help Desk can help reduce downtime, improve employee productivity, and increase customer satisfaction.

To request technical assistance, employees and customers can either submit a ticket to the Help Desk, or they can search through a knowledge base with help content to find answers on their own. A robust IT helpdesk system can help users with the following:

• Bug fixes on company-issued software
• Questions about proper usage of hardware and software
• Incident monitoring
• Network and VPN troubleshooting
• Login and password problems
• Device compatibility
• Scheduled maintenance, upgrades, and patches

What Are the Common Features of an IT Help Desk?

For an IT Help Desk to provide exceptional support to employees and customers, it must have the following features:

Ticketing system

A ticketing system is a centralized platform that allows IT teams to manage employee conversations and respond to requests from multiple channels. The ticketing system will create a ticket that contextualizes the concern to help support agents resolve issues and provide personalized service. It must also be able to automatically route tickets to the agent best suited to handle the request, which is based on expertise, availability, or workload.

Self-service portals

A self-service portal is a website or an application that allows employees to find information and get help on their own. This can include FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and knowledge base articles. Employees can use the self-service portal to find answers to questions without needing to reach out to an agent.

It’s also a great idea to create a place in the knowledge base for senior-level employees to share their knowledge with new hires or less-experienced peers. This can help the latter get up to speed quickly and prevent them from potentially clogging the helpdesk. This way, the ticket volume in the helpdesk queue becomes more manageable.

Reporting and analytics

IT Help Desk reporting and analytics tools can help businesses understand which areas employees or customers need the most assistance. Businesses can use these tools to track metrics such as ticket volume, response times, and first-contact resolution times. This information can also help them identify areas where their support system can be improved.

Prebuilt dashboards provide real-time helpdesk metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) based on industry standards. This means that businesses can start generating reports right away, without having to configure the tools themselves. Custom reporting lets companies create a personalized view with the metrics most relevant to them. 

What Are the Benefits of an IT Help Desk?

Investing in an IT Help Desk can provide many benefits, such as:

Reduced costs

A modern IT Help Desk system can enable a frictionless agent experience, increase operational efficiency, and reduce operational costs. It helps minimize the recurrence of issues and consolidates requests to be accomplished in the most efficient way possible, ensuring that helpdesk capacity isn’t wasted and downtime is minimized or even eliminated.

Reduced data silos

An IT Help Desk can bring together scattered customer and employee data from various systems and applications into a single location. This facilitates data unification, provides agents with additional context, and breaks down data silos. Removing data silos can help teams stay on the same page and keep the organization running smoothly.

Boosted productivity

IT support issues can be quickly resolved with the right instructions. However, if employees do not know where to find these instructions, frustration levels can increase as they spend more time searching for a solution. An IT Help Desk provides employees with a way to solve their problems in just a few clicks, eliminating the need to tie up IT staff with phone calls and multiple rounds of questions.

Enhanced data security

IT Help Desks often sync with customer relationship management (CRM) software to access personal data, which is why they are often outfitted with high-end security and compliance tools to ensure a complete end-user experience.

Empower your team with an IT helpdesk that they can lean on anytime and anywhere, even while they’re working remotely. Contact our experts today so we can schedule a discovery call and quickly deploy the IT helpdesk arrangement that suits your needs.

Nonprofit organizations face special challenges; not only do they have strict budgets, but they are also mostly self-defined and have more than standard cookie-cutter business operations in place. At Info Advantage, we help to bridge the gap between Nonprofits and IT.

We’re able to do this by offering solutions and services, training, and consulting that helps Nonprofit organizations raise funds and communicate with their stake holders while managing their operations more effectively. Here are a few ways that we can help:

• State Contracts: Acquire discounted pricing as an eligible buyer through our Woman Business Enterprise and New York State OGS contracts.
• Nonprofit Grants: Utilize and maximize available grants to manage IT more effectively.
• Procurement: Receive peace of mind with compliance and help building the dynamic, reliable, and sustainable IT structure you need to do the most good.

Like many businesses, Nonprofit organizations have operational problems and productivity deficits that can be mitigated with the use of innovative technology. Operations bottlenecks can sink the effectiveness of these organizations; keeping resources scheduled and on-point can often be difficult for Nonprofits that seem to be handling all their issues as they arise.

Technology can help Nonprofit organizations in numerous ways, here are 4 immediate benefits:

1. Enhanced Efficiency & Production – Automated systems often allow for increased efficiency and productivity that streamline processes and boost delivery.
2. Expanded Reach – Additional capacity to reach and serve more people.
3. Increased Revenue and Decreased Costs – Maximize your marketing messaging and reach while decreasing your operating costs through adequate technology use and training.
4. Mitigated Risk – Investment in IT infrastructure protects assets and mitigates potential legal liabilities.

One thing we know is that almost any business or organization can benefit from having a comprehensive plan for their IT management. Rest assured, our team will support you every step of the way, providing you with access to leading technology vendors that offer custom options at competitive prices to adhere to your budgeting needs and goals.

When you partner with Info Advantage, you get our 31+ years of industry experience as we manage your IT and allow you to focus on your goals and business programs. We're ready to get started, simply contact us today to learn more about how Info Advantage can help improve the overall effectiveness of your charity or nonprofit organization.

Does your business have the proper tools in place to mitigate the risk of fraud or other crimes? Are you able to fully protect your assets and resources, including your data, your website, your financial data, your intellectual property, and your email? Can you currently meet your business sector’s regulations and overcome its specific vulnerabilities?

To mitigate the ever-changing threat environment, it is important that you know where your risks really are to focus resources on continually eliminating the biggest threats. That’s why Info Advantage is excited to announce our Free Security Health Check.

Cybersecurity is changing fast! Take a look at these statistics from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency:

• 65% of Americans who have an online presence have received at least one online scam offer in the last year.
• 600,000 Facebook accounts are hacked every single day.
• The #1 Cyber Crime is the Imposter Scam, with 1 in 5 people reporting a financial loss.
• 47% of American Adults have had their personal information exposed by cyber criminals.
• Worldwide, consumers lost $358 and 21 Hours, on average, per year, dealing with online crime.

Our Free Security Health Check is broken down into several phases to achieve your specifical goals:

• We use our advanced tools to identify internal and external vulnerabilities.
• We’ll look for holes in your Security, Detection, and Prevention policies and practices that could lead to a breach.
• We will provide and review with you a summary of our findings and recommendations to help make informed decisions. 

At Info Advantage, we believe that it’s more important than ever to have the right ally to help guide your business. That’s why we follow a clear roadmap that allows us to create consistency and deliver an optimal customer experience. Contact us today to request your Free Security Health Check. All we need is your business email to get started!

Cloud Computing. No longer a new concept, but one that may still be a relative unknown for small and medium-sized businesses. Which brings into light the question: What is Cloud Computing? In their “Beginners Guide to Cloud Computing” Microsoft explains that Cloud Computing is the delivery of computing services over the internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation, flexible resources, and economies of scale.

Computing services can include anything from servers to storage to databases to networking to software and so much more. Insight from Foundry notes that 69% of companies have accelerated their cloud migration since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic; with an expectation that the percentage of companies with most or all of their IT infrastructure in the cloud will grow from 41% today to 63% in the next 18 months.

With that in mind, here are a few of the Top Benefits of Cloud Computing for small and medium-sized businesses:

Cost Effectiveness: Regardless of the service model you choose, you only pay for the resources you actually use. Avoid overbuilding or overprovisioning your data center and give your IT team back valuable time to focus on other work.

Flexibility: Access the data you need anywhere and everything; cloud-based app can keep your offices connected to the communications systems you use between employees, clients, customer service, and suppliers.

Reliability: Make data backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity easier and less expensive as data is mirrored at multiple redundant sites on a cloud provider’s network.

Scalability: Easily adjust the number of users with access to cloud applications; either up or down, and only pay for what you use without every having to worry about running out of capacity or adding unnecessary expenses.

Info Advantage’s iaGuardianCloud has changed the way businesses communicate, collaborate, and budget their IT, providing a highly customizable, flexible, and scalable business solution.

Using Info Advantage for your Cloud Computing needs allows your business to take what used to be a large capital expenditure and shift it to a nominal operating expense. Thus, allowing small and medium-sized businesses to no longer be limited to the infrastructure you can afford to manage in-house, but to start to see enterprise-class features and capabilities without seeing enterprise-class costs.

At Info Advantage, we pride ourselves on providing fast and reliable IT solutions, 24x7x365, for your business users. No catch, no gimmick, just experience and best practices that we’ve honed over the years to make our services work for your business needs! Cloud Computing is the future of small and medium business technology that will save money and increase efficiency! Contact us today to learn how your business could benefit from Cloud Computing!

Coming this June, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will implement a new Safeguards Rule.The new guidelines will require organizations to develop, implement, and provide ongoing maintenance of security controls that are designed to protect client information such as Cybersecurity, Incident Response Plans, Risk Assessments, and more.

The Safeguards Rule, which now has a compliance deadline of June 9^th, requires non-banking financial institutions to develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive security program to keep their customers’ information safe. At Info Advantage, we’re asking… is your business prepared for these new compliance requirements that start in June?

Originally, the Safeguards Rule took effect in 2003, with a 2021 amendment that aimed to allow the Rule to keep pace with current technology, reflecting core data security principles that all covered companies need to implement.The FTC recently shared an article titled FTC Safeguards Rule: What Your Business Needs to Know and these were our major takeaways from that article:

• Information Security Programs need to have administrative, technical, and physical safeguards elements that are designed to protect customer information.
• The amended rule covers information about your own customers and information about customers of other financial institutions that have provided that data to you.
• The three main objectives of a company’s Information Security Program should be:
• To ensure security and confidentiality.
• To protect again anticipated threats or hazards.
• To protect against unauthorized access to private information.

Long gone are the days where antivirus software and a firewall were enough. Today, businesses require fully managed cybersecurity solutions to protect all of their endpoints from both external and internal threats, helping them to meet industry compliances like HIPAA, PCI, DSS, SOX, and more. Info Advantage already specializes in this as part of our Security Services focus on Compliance, allowing you to meet and exceed industry compliances and get regular security compliance audits and evaluations.

We aim to be the best at what we do, providing a level of service that is top notch. We stand by our best practices; training our talented team and providing them with the best tools in the industry to make sure they can provide you with the best services possible! Don’t wait to ensure that you have the proper security controls in place. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet compliance standards before the FTC deadline approaches!

Communications can be a major pain point for small and medium-sized businesses. However, a fluid communication system helps promote growth and allows for optimal operational efficiency. That’s why today we’re sharing our thoughts on the Top 5 Benefits of Unified Communications-as-a-Service (UCaaS)!

Gartner defines UCaaS as a cloud-delivered unified communications model in which the infrastructure is owned, operated, maintained, and delivered by a managed services provider (that’s us!). The five major components of UCaaS are voice, video, messaging, collaboration, and the cloud.

Now, for those Top 5 Benefits of UCaaS that you were waiting for:

• Cost Reduction: Lower communications costs by consolidating overlapping services, reducing IT overhead, and minimizing travel.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Connect and integrate with CRMs, Help Desk applications, and ERP systems, with access to a full sales and automation platform.
• Mobilized Workforce: Employees can remotely transfer calls or send and receive SMS messages from their mobile devices to their desk phones, to colleagues, or to contact centers.
• Quickly Scaled: Quickly add or remove applications, update telephony resources, and manage users based on access requirements and security.
• Remote Support: Benefit from help desk support in the form of fast response times, efficient collaboration tools, 24/7 availability, product guides, and education or training programs.

As you begin to question whether or not UCaaS might be right for you, consider this… cloud-based communication technology is more unified, better integrated, and more efficient than traditional tools. Businesses that want to maximize the return on investment for their communications tools should take advantage of a customized Unified Communications Solution from Info Advantage.

Info Advantage’s iaGuardianUC offers VoIP, HostedPBX, SIP Trunking, and seamlessly Unified Communications. With iaGuardianUC, you get comprehensive communication solutions designed to drive productivity that is both scalable and flexible, and ready to meet virtually any business’ needs!

iaGuardianUC stands out because it is highly customizable while being fully managed by our IT experts. Our team manages your telecommunication system and handles upgrades and software patches, as well as phone support as you and your team need it. At Info Advantage, we aim to help your business through improved operational efficiency, increased productivity, and strengthened network security using technology.

Contact us today to learn more about what Info Advantage and UCaaS can do for your business!

Did you know that with Microsoft Teams you can set up your team’s space so everything you need to work together is available any time, all in one place? Well, it’s true! Built for hybrid work, Microsoft Teams allows you to feel seen and heard no matter where you are and do your best work, your way!

Microsoft highlights the Meet, Call, Collaborate, and Chat features of the Teams application, so we’ll share a bit more about those here too:

• Meet: Screen sharing, background edits, and together mode offer different meeting space options.
• Call: Make and receive call while utilizing features like group calling, voicemail, and call transfers.
• Collaborate: Utilizing apps like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word to find, share, and edit files in real time.
• Chat: Share more of yourself by sending GIFs, stickers, and emojis in one-to-one or group chats.

Yet, Microsoft Teams is so much more than just those four features; providing numerous resources that help you to thrive in a hybrid work world!

Here are a few of our favorite tips and trips for getting the most out of your Microsoft Teams subscription:

• Create Breakout Rooms: Create and open breakout rooms to let attendees hold smaller, more focused discussions.
• Make Your Chats Stand Out: Get a colleague’s attention by tagging them in the chat using the @ feature, this ensure the recipient receives a notification to read your message.
• Search Conversations & Message Threads: Using the search feature to access the full context of a message threat allows for improved communication.
• Utilize Live Translated Captions: Increase communication with employees with either speak a different language or prefer non-spoken language with this added tool.
• Take Advantage of Intelligent Recap: Utilize the AI-powered, post-meeting summary that is provided to all attendees that will quickly recap your Teams

More is possible with Microsoft Teams; stay connect and access shared content any time to learn, plan, and innovate – together!

Microsoft 365 has been redesigned to provide elite usability, with quicker load times to improve workflow. By taking advantage of their cloud solutions, the work you do on all of their applications is automatically saved and backed up, providing you and your organization with peace of mind1

By simply naming Info Advantage as your provider for Microsoft 365, you get the added benefit of real experts being able to help you get the most out of your apps. Whether aiming to access your Microsoft 365 applications anywhere or benefiting from real-time collaboration, Info Advantage is here to help!

Ready to take the next step with Microsoft Teams? Contact us today to learn more about how you can get the most out of your subscription with Info Advantage by your side!

To protect against the risk of cybercrime, many businesses add cyber insurance to their business insurance policies. So, what exactly is cyber insurance and why is it important for your business? Cyber insurance covers your business’ liability for a data breach that involves sensitive customer information. According to Nationwide, besides legal fees and expenses, cyber insurance typically helps cover the costs associated with notifying customers about a data breach, recovering compromised data, repairing damaged computer systems, and restoring personal identities of affected customers.

Here’s a bit more about the state of cyber insurance in 2023:

• In 2020, the global cyber insurance market was worth $7.8 billion. (org)
• Forecasts suggest that by 2025, the cyber insurance industry will grow to $20 billion. (org)
• A 2022 survey indicated that only 19% of organizations claimed to have coverage for cyber events beyond $600,000. (Network Assured)
• The same study showed that only 55% of organizations claimed to have any cybersecurity insurance at all. (Network Assured)

The benefits of cyber insurance are numerous, but these are some of the top ones: coverage for data breaches, reimbursement for business loss, defense against cyber extortion, forensic investigative support, and notification requirements.

• Coverage for Data Breaches: Cyber attacks can be both devastating and dangerous. Cyber insurance can offer coverage for data breaches, including the costs of litigation, recovery, and identity theft.

• Reimbursement for Business Loss: On top of compromising sensitive information, attacks can often interrupt business and cause lost revenue. Policies can insulate a company from these costs and provide reimbursement for any income that was lost due to a cyber-attack

• Defense Against Cyber Extortion: Malware infections have seen a sharp rise in popularity in recent years. Cyber insurance provides effective defense against these type of attacks by allowing businesses to recoup associated costs of cyber extortion.

• Forensic Investigative Support: After a cyber-attack, it’s imperative that a business rectify the problem and implement strategies so that it doesn’t happen again. Any policy should reimburse costs associated with a forensic investigation of the attack and/or additional investigative support.

• Notification Requirements: Mandated by law, the costs of notification can add up, averaging $1.72 million according to one survey. Access to a law firm to serve as counsel and an incident breach response vendor to handle notifications is crucial.

Cybersecurity needs to be a priority. As Ginni Rometty, IBM’s CEO, notes, “Cybercrime is the greatest threat to every company in the world.” With Info Advantage’s Managed IT services, you get full access to professional support, goal-oriented solutions, and downtime-preventing maintenance; allowing us to serve as a resource for businesses who need support for their information technology, as well as a consultant who can assist them in managing it.

Learn more about how an IT partner like Info Advantage can help make sure you have the right security tools and strategies in place to be eligible for Cyber Insurance, contact us today!

Have you ever thought that your business could benefit from a solution that helps employees to recognize and neutralize social engineering attacks and human error? Then make sure you keep reading, because you’ll want to learn more about Arctic Wolf.

Arctic Wolf’s Managed Security Awareness focuses on the three pillars of Engage, Measure, Transform.

• Through Engagement you can train and prepare employees to stop social engineering attacks like phishing.
• Through Measuring you can identify employees that fall behind and determine which threat topics require reinforcement.
• Through Transformation you can achieve a culture of security and strengthen cyber resilience.

Offering a more effective Security Awareness Program, Arctic Wolf provides the tools and expertise to develop the behaviors organizations need from their employees for better protection and stronger resilience, which includes:

• Awareness Training: Employee-centric security microlearning with timely topics and threat vectors covered in each lesson.
• Phishing Simulation: Automated testing based on current phishing threats and built-in coaching when employee engages phishing simulation.
• Account Takeover Monitoring: Identification if employee credentials are compromised or expose your organization.

The Arctic Wolf Difference enables employees to recognize and neutralize social engineering attacks and human error through microlearning content, automated phishing tests, and awareness coaching.

Arctic Wolf is an industry leader in security operations! With a mission of ending cyber risk, Arctic Wolf believes every organization should be so effective at security operations that both the likelihood and impact of a cyber attack is minimized to the point where risk is essentially zero. An innovative platform and concierge delivery model enables Arctic Wolf to provide better protection in a way that is uniquely fast and cost effective; better value, stronger protection, faster outcomes!

When you work with Info Advantage, there is no catch, no gimmick, just experiences and best practices that we’ve honed over the years to make our services work for your business needs. One of the ways we’re able to do that is through our partnerships with great companies, like Arctic Wolf.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can help to end cyber risk at your organization, contact us today! You can also join our upcomign event where we team up with Arctic Wolf for, "SMASH Security Threats: End Cyber Risk" after-hours networking at Recreo in Rochester on March 22nd from 4:00-7:00pm (EST). REGISTER HERE!

In today’s digital environment, one question a lot of companies are facing is whether they should keep things internal by developing and maintaining their own technical solutions, or invite a third-party to help. If you’re feeling apprehensive about selecting a managed services partner, consider the fact that 60% of small businesses that suffer a cyberattack go out of business within six months!

As you assess your IT environment, here are two questions you should consider:

1. How do you reduce the risk of a cyberattack to your business?
2. How do you know when your business needs to partner with a managed services provider?

In addition, here are four criteria that may be helpful when searching for and selecting an IT partner: Expertise, Responsiveness, Organizational Effectiveness, and Customization. At Info Advantage, we are passionate about these categories. 

Our difference is that we’re in this business to help other businesses grow and move forward; it’s as simple as that! We’re driven by the philosophy that if we help businesses solve their IT issues so they can become more profitable and successful, then we will inherently grow along with them. Our Proven Process provides a clear roadmap we follow to create consistency and deliver an optimal customer experience. This is what we do best and how we do it!

We make it our mission to not only understand your organizations technology, but also how your business operates. In order for us to succeed together, we are continually adapting to the changes with your organization and making sure that every step of the way, we clearly understand what drives your business. As a Tier-1, full-service, information technology and telecommunications firm, we specialize in cloud computing, managed services, virtualization, disaster recovery, data storage, wireless, voice-over-IP, telecommunications, and more.

At Info Advantage, we are consultants. We design, procure, install, and support technologies that connect businesses to their customers; helping businesses to improve their operational efficiency, increase productivity, and strengthen network security using technology.

Think you might be ready to find your IT ally? Contact us today to see how we can help you. 

Did you know that both Google and Microsoft have gone on the record to discuss the benefits of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)? In fact, the tech giants have acknowledged that research indicates that MFA can block over 99% of attacks! MFA is an improvement upon the security of the traditional username-password combination and can have numerous benefits for your business!

A 2020 study estimated that the average cost of a cyber breach is around $3.92 million, giving each business nearly 4 million reasons to take their security seriously. But, according to a 2020 penetration testing report from Rapid7, 67% of businesses tested didn’t use MFA for any of their login points! This security layer simply adds a quick, extra step that can be accomplished within seconds, allowing you to have immediate access to your accounts without worrying that someone on the outside does as well.

If the reasons above aren’t enough for you to consider this solution, here 5 more ways you can use MFA in your business:

1. Provide User-Friendly Authentication Management

When implemented by a business, MFA becomes an intuitive process for employees and IT departments. Well developed MFA solutions should enable a smooth flow of business operations, not be difficult to use or disruptive to your workforce.

2. Protection Against Credential and Device Theft

MFA provides additional layers of security that can be a much-needed failsafe is a hacker successfully steals employee credentials. MFA solutions should offer multiple authentication options for end users, as well as the capability to secure any corporate applications.

3. Safeguard Devices Outside of the Workplace

With the tremendous rise in remote work through the pandemic, there are a new set of questions and concerns about the security of remote workforces. MFA requires end-users to provide two or more credentials to access company systems or accounts, ensure employees stay protected and productive during times of enhanced risk.

4. Regulatory Compliance

Implementing MFA if often a key requirement for achieving compliance with data protection laws and regulations. It’s a great way for organizations to increase their reputation and establish themselves as a trustworthy business partner.

5. Scalability for Changing User Bases

MFA easily adapts to your business needs and can be set up for all users, including employees, customers, and partners. Combining single sign-on with MFA eliminates the need for multiple passwords, streamlines the login process, and improves the user experience. It creates a protective shell that is impassable to bad actors that are attempting to access business-sensitive electronic data.

At Info Advantage, we know that MFA cuts down on the chance of unwanted access to your business’ solutions, any account protected by MFA is substantially more secure. Turn to the solution that can effectively block all automated attacks! Contact us today to learn more.

To help with this holiday season, we want to share a few Tech Tips for your holiday travels! 

1. Keep an eye on your electronics.

No matter where you go, don’t leave your laptop, phone, or tablet unattended. While the majority of focus today is on cybersecurity, theft is still a real element of that. Keep your devices tucked away and off of chairs, counters, or tabletops when not using them. 

2. Use a VPN to protect your privacy.

Public internet connections are not secure, even if the airport, hotel, or restaurant Wi-Fi requires a password to connect. If you aren’t using Virtual Private Network (VPN), your privacy and information are at high risk. A VPN helps encrypt your data so that hackers who are sharing public Wi-Fi networks can’t access it easily. Use a VPN and have antivirus software set up on all your devices.

3. Back up your data before you leave.

Backing up data can help to ensure that you don’t lose the irreplaceable moments from your life. Whether your mobile devices or computer is lost or stolen, safely backing up and storing your photos and videos will allow you to retain that data in the event of a catastrophe. Another way to help with this is to make sure that all you have updated the operating systems and software on all your devices, making them fully patched and up to date!

4. Save your important documents.

Physical documents can be damaged, lost, or stolen while traveling. Scanning and saving these documents in your phone, through a cloud data storage service such as Google Drive or iCloud, allows you to easily recall them if need be, while also keeping them safe and secure. You should also employ strong passwords on your laptop, phone, and tablet to protect these documents for your privacy.

5. Protect your whereabouts and private information.

While we all like to share photos of our travels with our friends, there’s no need to do it while you are traveling! Save the social media posts for once you’ve returned home. Besides preventing thieves from targeting your house, this will help to prevent cyber criminals from using your information to impersonate a hotel in an attempt to steal your credit card information.

The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency is also a great resource, with tips on everything from email and communication to mobile devices to network defense and enterprise security to privacy and so much more! Info Advantage can be your technology ally, from useful resources to proactive care to 24/7 maintenance, it’s our goal to help you improve efficiency, increase productivity, and secure your technology.

We hope you and yours enjoy a wonderful holiday. Please reach out to us if you have any IT needs!

As we move closer to January and the turning of the page on 2022, we’re so thankful to have been able to spend another year doing what we love. It’s now been 31 years since Info Advantage was founded in 1992 and we remain just as dedicated as ever to providing top-notch, enterprise-level IT practices and solutions to our clients!

One of the most important things that we have learned over the years is the importance of having the right ally to help guide your business. That’s why we adhere to the Info Advantage Proven Process; the roadmap we follow to create consistency and deliver an optimal customer experience!

The most pivotal point in our relationship with a client is the first step: Understanding Your Business! We’re able to do this through a process that includes assessing your technology, assessing your operations, conducting a gap analysis, and then creating an executive summary.

From there, our Proven Process includes developing your strategic technology roadmap, offering guidance on what solutions make the most sense, implementing your plans step-by-step, and then continuing to ensure your technologies stay up to date in the future.

Info Advantage continues to partner with businesses across numerous industries, striving to eliminate IT issues before they cause expensive downtime, thus allowing you to continue to drive your business forward.

Our staff loves seeing our clients succeed. We believe that your success is our success, and as you grow, so do we.

Our clients drive everything that we do and knowing that we have met or exceeded their expectations is what drives our business forward. That’s one of the main reasons we’re so appreciative of client feedback, reviews, or testimonials.

Not only are they helpful from a business perspective, but they serve as a constant reminder of why we do what we do – to help you succeed! These are a few of our favorite Google Reviews from 2022:

• “Strong, knowledgeable team. Never forcing a preconceived idea or solution. Always finds the best solution or mix of solutions for the situation at hand.” – Dennis A.
• “Staff is always pleasant and most anxious to create a pleasant experience.” – Betty M.
• “Matt’s service was fantastic. He was professional and fixed the problem in a timely manner. You guys are the best!” – Brenda C.

At Info Advantage, we like feedback and learning how we can improve our client’s experience! In that regard, we’re happy to announce our Holiday Google Review Raffle!

Google Reviews are a great way for us to gather feedback, to learn what we have done well and where we can improve. With that in mind, anyone who leaves Info Advantage a Google Review by December 31^st, 2022, will be entered into a raffle to win a $30 Amazon Gift Card!

We hope you all have a happy and healthy holiday season and look forward to hearing from and working with you again in 2023!