5 Ways to Protect your Business from Cyber Threats

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Think of your internet and sensitive data like you would a car. We take several preventative measures to keep our vehicles from being the target of thieves. We lock our doors, hide valuables from plain sight, install car alarms and anti-theft devices like the Club, and avoid parking in unsafe and dimly lit areas.

So why don’t we always take similar steps to protect our computers and smart phones from people looking to steal our valuable information or money from our online accounts?

Just like car thieves, most hackers look for easy targets. They’ll prey on victims with weak passwords or who use unsecured WiFi to access important financial accounts or to make online purchases. Fortunately, just like with keeping our cars from getting stolen or broken into, a little cyber defense can go a long way in keeping you from getting hacked.

Below are 5 simple things you can do RIGHT NOW to minimize your chances of being hacked.

1). Make sure your security software is up-to-date. Don’t ignore those notifications that pop-up on your screen telling you that your operating system requires an update. That update may contain critical security patches that must be installed in order to keep your system protected from hackers.

Email programs, apps and web browsers should all be updated whenever a software update is available. In addition, as we wrote in the article “End of the Road for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008,” make sure you are using an operating system (OS) that is not obsolete. Using an OS or any software that is no longer supported can leave you extremely vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

2). Create strong passwords, change them regularly, and don’t use the same password for everything. This seems pretty simple, and it is! In the unfortunate event that a hacker gains access to one of your passwords, for example your Facebook login; you can mitigate the damage by ensuring that password is ONLY used for Facebook. If you use the same password for Facebook as you do for your online banking, email, etc. you could be in real trouble as hackers will have access to all of those accounts.

Fortunately, you can prevent hackers from gaining access to any of your accounts by creating strong passwords with a variety of numbers, capital letters, and unique characters, and changing them regularly. Keep a log of your passwords locked in a safe place in your desk or your home.

3). Use Multi-Factor Authentication on all devices. In addition to password protection, you can also thwart off hackers by using multi-factor authentication for all connected devices. Multi-factor authentication simply means that you must present multiple credentials (in addition to just a single password) to gain access to your device or account. Using Multi-factor authentication will help protect your sensitive data against the leading cause of data security breaches– stolen credentials.

4). Install proper antivirus software. If you already have up-to-date security software installed, good for you! You’re one step ahead. If you don’t, make sure you install a firewall today and stay current with updates. Do your research before installing any program or software, and feel free to give us a call at 330.572.7575 or email directly at pat@pcrbusiness.com and we can recommend the best antivirus and antimalware software on the market today.

5). Limit the use of public WiFi and unsecured devices. Do your best to only browse the internet from a secure network. While we understand this may be difficult while traveling, especially if you need to book a last minute hotel or pay a bill online, try to find a network that is safe and password protected. Never use open Wifi for accessing email or important accounts. Just as you wouldn’t leave your purse or laptop on the front seat of your car for a would-be thief to see, you should never display sensitive data on an unsecured network for hackers to get their hands on. Troubleshooting internet connection problems>>

Staying ahead of hackers can be a challenging task. However, implementing these five things today will at the very least make it more difficult for hackers to gain access into your data–limiting the chances they’ll go after you in the first place.

For more information on how you can protect your business from cyber attacks visit  us at pcrbusiness.com and check out more posts from our blog.

 

In Business since, 2004, PCR Business Systems is the leading IT Service Provider in Akron, OH and is SOC 2 Audited and Certified. Schedule a free review of your IT today!

We Are Hiring! (On-Site IT Support Specialist)

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PCR Business Systems is one of the fastest growing Information Technology Service Providers in the Akron area. We offer exciting opportunities for career advancement in an environment where you can showcase and hone your skills, while working alongside talented and like-minded individuals.

We are a close-knit group who enjoy a good company BBQ, an occasional craft beer after work, and who are all supportive of each other in helping achieve one common goal—to provide IT service that is nothing short of excellent.

Sound like you would be a good fit? Here’s what we’re looking for…

 

The Opportunity… Full-Time On-site Support Specialist

Job Description… The role of the On-site Support Specialist is to provide exemplary technical support and troubleshooting on-site at client locations. Responsibilities include:

  • Clean, professional appearance. Ability to project a caring and confident attitude that assures the client their issues with be resolved. Ability to build rapport with clients.
  • Delivering and connecting new equipment
  • Working with remote support agents to troubleshoot issues on-site
  • Documenting client systems with pictures, floor plans, etc
  • Review assigned tickets and make sure you are prepared for the day’s calls. Have all required equipment loaded and ready
  • Document all work performed in the ticket system and enter time spent on each job
  • Keep clean vehicle and make sure vehicle inventory is at desired levels
  • Follow/maintain all internal security and confidentiality procedures

The On-site Support Specialist plays a critical role in making PCR’s help desk the best in the business. It is essentially the backbone of the service we deliver.

Who we’re looking for… Eager, growth-minded individuals who want to grow with us.

To be successful in this position, candidates will possess the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, information technology, information systems, or computer science (or equivalent work experience)
  • Experience troubleshooting technical issues
  • Extensive familiarity with Windows Operating systems
  • Clear verbal skills, both spoken and written: ability to explain technical products and processes in a conceptual and clear way to a non-technical audience
  • Excellent writing skills for communication with customers in writing/email

Wage:  $13-$21/hr. based on experience

Other Benefits:

  • Health Benefits
  • Company matched retirement plan
  • Company paid certification/education program

Email your Resume to: amanda@pcrbusiness.com

The Company… In business since 2004, PCR Business Systems provides world-class outsourced IT solutions for small and medium-sized companies throughout Northeast Ohio.  Learn more here.

 

How to Prevent a Ransomware Attack

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Northeast Ohio companies that fall victim to a ransomware attack (and that do not have their files properly backed up) usually only have two choices—both of which could put a company out of business.

The first choice presented by cybercriminals is to pay a ransom for the release of the data they are holding hostage. This could cost your business hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars (it is reported that Colonial Pipeline paid upwards of $5 million for the release of their files) and there is no guarantee you will even get your data back. It is estimated that less than a quarter of companies who paid cybercriminals a ransom in 2020 got all of their data returned.

The second option is to do nothing and risk the confidential data of your customers being released. Not only could this destroy the reputation of your business, but you could potentially face lawsuits or fines for violating compliance laws.

As you can see, neither of these options are good and many businesses that fell prey to a ransomware attack never recovered. The best way to deal with a ransomware attack is to prevent one from ever taking place in the first place.

Here are five things your business must do to keep cyber criminals from holding your files and client data hostage.

    1. Keep all programs and operating systems up to date with the latest patches.
    2. Use and maintain proper antivirus software, email filters, and firewalls while regularly monitoring your system for possible infections.
    3. Use multi-factor authentication for all logins and transactions.
    4. Train staff on what fishing attacks look like and how they can prevent them.
    5. Backup your systems regularly and ensure your backups work.

To further limit the chances of a successful ransomware attack on your business, it is also important to only work with SOC Audited outsourced IT service providers like PCR Business Systems. PCR has been SOC 2, Type 2 Certified to guarantee that we have the highest level of security controls in place to protect your critical data. You can learn more about what the SOC 2 Audit is and what it means for your business here.

 

Have questions about protecting your business from ransomware attacks? Contact PCR President, Pat Carroll for a free Q&A.

PCR has been SOC 2, Type 2 Certified!

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PCR Business Systems was recently SOC 2, Type 2 certified. Learn why you should only work with SOC certified Akron IT services providers.

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Hey there! We’re looking for an Inside Sales Professional!

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We’re looking for a highly motivated Inside Sales Professional to join the PCR Business Systems team.

PCR is the leading Managed IT Service Provider in the Akron area. We offer exciting opportunities for employee advancement in an environment where you can showcase and hone your skills while working alongside talented and like-minded individuals.

We are a tight group who are supportive of each other in helping achieve one common goal—to provide service that is nothing short of excellent. Read more about our vision and core values.

Sound like you would be a good fit? Here’s what we’re looking for…

 

The Opportunity… Inside Sales Professional

Job Description… We are looking for a full-time inside sales professional to join the PCR team immediately! In this role you will be working directly with our sales manager to follow up on leads coming into the office. Job duties include scheduling appointments, fielding questions, following up on inquiries, sending out information packages, and assisting in maintaining the integrity of the company’s database.

This is an awesome opportunity for someone who…

  • Wants a company that truly CARES about its customers and employees.
  • Loves a faster-paced, NO DRAMA workplace where office politics, gossip and negativity aren’t tolerated.
  • Is extremely detail-oriented and appreciates people who take an organized, systematic approach to achieving success.
  • Likes to work in a small company where your input, contributions and ideas will directly impact the company’s growth and success.
  • Is a quick, self-motivated learner who wants to work for a company that will invest in your education and training.
  • Enjoys having conversations with (and helping) small business owners.
  • Loves building relationships with people and providing a true “Wow” experience.
  • Wants a position that will offer upward earning and career advancement.

Please apply ONLY if you have at least one year’s experience in an inside sales position, preferably setting appointments in a business-to-business environment. You must have a proven track record for success. To apply, please send your résumé, along with a cover letter detailing why you think you’d be a great fit to join our team.

Wage:  $15 + Commission

Other Benefits:

  • Health Benefits
  • Company matched retirement plan
  • Company paid certification/education program

Email your resume to: amanda@pcrbusiness.com

Keeping Your Remote Staff Motivated

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Read about the five things we have done at PCR to create a strong company culture, and what we are doing today to continue to keep team morale high.

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