The ACCENT Learning Hub

Anyone who has ever bought a new computer or upgraded to the latest smartphone knows that technology is changing and evolving at a breakneck pace. It can make your head spin just trying to catch up. That’s why Ammon Becar strives to offer Accent’s clients more than just a plan to solve their tech problems. He uses personalized communication to turn every interaction into a relationship-building experience.

With the pace that technology changes these days, IT projects are inevitable — hardware will need to be replaced, applications will need to be upgraded, etc. When that time comes, business owners and managers want to invest their money in solutions that will increase their efficiency so they can serve their customers better. But many times, IT projects fall short of expectations. Why is that?

In today’s world, there are almost no companies that can function without Information Technology (IT). From sole proprietorships to Fortune 500s, EVERY successful business requires the right IT system implementation and management to truly thrive. 

Microsoft research shows that 90% of all compromised passwords come from a data breach. You read that right - 90%! Criminals use tools that can guess thousands of passwords a minute. Their goal is to wreak havoc on your network and steal your trade secrets. But, not all these criminals are hacking masterminds. These attacks can also be a result of a coworker or family member snooping around.

The Internet has changed how we do business, and along with everything else that your IT department does, they have the challenge of keeping your network safe. With the growing number of cyber threats combined with the increasing amount of data companies are storing today, the job of IT security has become complex, and some risky situations, like giving vendors access to your network, can get overlooked.

Every day we’re presented with news of the “next big thing.” Disruptive technology developed by some of the most resourceful minds of our time has created tremendous value for companies. These revolutionary tools, which have completely changed the ways we work and play, are simply powerful. The problem is that power isn’t always a good thing. In 1771, British-Irish statesman Edmund Burke said, “The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.” While his subject at the time had more to do with politics than technology, the statement holds the same truth today as it did then.

If you knew that there was an increase in crime in your neighborhood, would you do something about it? Of course, you would. You would make sure that all the doors and windows to your house were locked. You might even beef up your defenses and purchase a security system just to get peace of mind that your family and property are safe.

We’re living in a time where cybercrime and ransomware attacks are announced like the next big box office hit. They’re making an impact worldwide, and it’s causing many businesses to suffer downtime, loss of business, and increased costs to recover from attacks. One of the most common types of scams affecting businesses is referred to as phishing. Phishing attacks are generally emails that entice users to perform an action, like clicking a link to an infected webpage, opening a malicious attachment, or even wiring money.

A good day at work for Chris Frye is when he’s found a way through a challenge. That’s a good thing, because as Professional Services Manager for Accent, every day has its challenges. Whether he finds the solution on his own or by collaborating with his team, it’s the challenges that keep things fresh and exciting for Chris.

It’s not uncommon for your customers to give you specifications about how they want to do business with you. These specs increasingly include cyber security expectations, specifically compliance with the NIST(1) Cyber Security Framework. What should you do if someone with whom you do business places this requirement on you? Here’s what you need to know.