The ACCENT Learning Hub

You’ve just typed up your monthly email to your loyal followers and clients and you hit the magic button — send!

Threats from malware, complicated projects, and out-of-date equipment are front and center in executive conversations with Information Technology (IT) support firms right now. This past month, demand for my consulting time has been at an all-time high. As I advise business leaders and managers who are trying to get better results from IT, the first part of the discussion usually consists of defining exactly what IT is.

January 14, 2020 marks the end of support for one of the most popular operating systems for businesses – Windows 7. It was released in 2009 and has served us well, but the end is near and it’s time to start planning your transition.

I bet most of you don’t wake up in the middle of the night sweating about Internet Bandwidth – my team and I do. Over the course of the last few years, the Internet and connectivity have become one of the most important topics of business conversations. Why, you ask? Today, almost every organization uses the Internet and its associated bandwidth for mission-critical applications. Companies are using cloud based-applications ranging environmental control systems (thermostats) and billing software, to ERPs and Shop Floor Control systems. Software manufacturers and the users of these systems (you and your employees) have become completely dependent on Internet availability. We expect it from jacks on the wall and from Wi-Fi systems, and we’re lost without it. Even a little blip in business Internet performance today interrupts voice calls, manufacturing production, billing, warehouse management, distribution systems, medical office patient processing, etc.

    We all know that email scams are going around like crazy these days. Our goal is to keep you and your company safe. There are a few simple techniques that will help with our security efforts. In this article, we’ll cover: Creating a Secure Password How to Recognize and Avoid Phishing Scams And Steps to Prevent Fraudulent Payments So, let's dive in.

This month has been a security and compliance whirlwind! The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect on May 25, 2018. I’m sure you’ve received a LOT of emails from companies notifying you that they’ve updated their privacy policies. This is just one step companies are taking to become GDPR compliant. We’ve been getting a lot of questions about GDPR and compliance, so here’s a brief overview about what’s going on, and what you may need to do.

    Since 2009, there has been a significant rise in ransomware attacks, and it shows no signs of slowing down. BUT WHY?!?!? To put it simply: because it works. Ransomware is a form of malware designed to take over your computer, files, folders, and networks. And according to Norton Antivirus, it isn’t always just one cybercriminal -- it could be cyber-gangs working together to make money off unsuspecting users. It’s time for all companies, especially small businesses, to be on high alert and have the proper protection against ransomware.

With the recent enforcement of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018, there’s been a lot of talk regarding regulatory compliance; specifically, who is responsible for what.

  The success rate of any project is due in large part to setting all the right steps in motion. Migrating your email to Office 365 is no different. There are a lot of options for migrating to Office 365 these days. You’ve likely seen companies and tools that advertise free Office 365 migrations. You’ve also probably seen quotes for a few thousand dollars. Figuring out the differences between them can be confusing.

  Everyone should worry about online safety. This is especially true when it comes to business and personal information, like banking records, payroll, or trade secrets.  And while passwords can go a long way, unfortunately, they are getting easier to crack. So, what can you do? How do you protect your business from hackers and cybercriminals running amuck on the internet?