The ACCENT Learning Hub

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?

  IT departments really are some of the hardest working, unsung heroes in your company. You probably couldn’t even fathom all the things they’re doing behind the scenes to “make it work” on a day-to-day basis. For most organizations, it's not feasible to hire enough experts in EVERYTHING you need from an IT support perspective to work in a productive, profitable manner. Adding a managed IT service provider (MSP) to your already stellar IT department, could remedy any gaps in your department’s expertise, and give you the reliable stability you need to thrive.  Sounds like a win-win, right? Unfortunately, we still run into many IT departments of small to mid-sized businesses that feel like having an outsourced IT provider involved is competition --that somehow the IT staff is seen as less competent if they need “outside” help. But hear me out, because I'm going to make a case for the exact opposite.

    Keeping up with technology these days feels impossible, or is it just me? It seems like every day there is a new acronym, or a term that has taken over a new identity, like the Cloud. With advancements happening so rapidly, it can be overwhelming, leaving your business hanging in flux. Trying to define what actually gives your small business a competitive edge and what's fluff is a full time job.

    In March 2018, Microsoft released their bi-annual Security Intelligence Report. Microsoft scanned 400 billion email messages, 18 billion web pages, and 1.2 billion devices for threats. But what does that mean for small business? What are the hackers' methods? How can you protect your company?

Congratulations, we’ve made it through the first quarter of 2018! Usually, the first few months of the year are spent working out the kinks in your strategic plan and fumbling around with planning and KPI software (…or is that just me?). I hope you are getting your stride and hitting your 2018 milestones.  Now’s the time when business owners and executives typically start thinking hard about using technology as a competitive advantage. Tax season is behind us, and many companies have begun focusing on Information Technology (IT) related objectives. The problem is, many people have very little idea about how to approach the subject of IT problems and opportunities.

    Most small business executives agree that cyber security threats are real. From malware to phishing scams, many have gone through the pain of losing data, money, productivity, or all of the above. If you haven’t suffered a loss yet, you should count yourself among the lucky. You know that your company data should be secured as much as possible, but cyber security is an expansive topic with many areas to cover, so where do you start?