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If you are an SME looking for IT support and cyber security advice, you can benefit from 24 hour managed services Melbourne-wide. But in order to avoid asking the experts for help, there are many practical ways for you to step up your cyber security, and in this blog, we offer you some tips:

1. Use strong passwords

As with many elements of sound cyber security, best practices aren’t there to make life easier. Using strong passwords can be seen as an inconvenience, but you should know that you will be making life harder for hackers. Why leave an opportunity for those with illicit intentions? Train your employees to use strong passwords and change them at least once every three months.

2. Create a cyber security policy document

In order for you and your team to maintain the security of your IT infrastructure, you need a tailored cyber security policy. This document does not need to be hundreds of pages long, but it does need to set out what you should and shouldn’t be doing. You can put these together as a senior management team.

3. Training, training, training

It cannot be emphasised enough just how much the training you provide to your team – however small – can be critical to your cyber security strategy. Don’t let IT security be an afterthought.

4. Back up data regularly

If you are currently using cloud storage, you can use it, as well as your secure local hard drives, to back up all your files regularly, and keep this data locked. It doesn’t take long to back up your network periodically, so ensure that it is somebody’s responsibility to do this.

5. Tighten up your mobile device policy

Could mobile devices be the weak link in your cyber security chain? Don’t let them be; ensure that you know exactly which devices your employees are undertaking work-related activities on, and when they start to use new devices, update this information accordingly.

Those are just a few tips on how you can tighten up your cyber security as an SME. Have you considered the benefits of professional PC troubleshooting help and desktop support when you need it? If so, give Rapid IT a call today.

Apart from new viruses, malware, or software vulnerabilities, changes in human behaviour also pose a security threat especially from employees who work from home. Remote workers have very limited knowledge and control over the IT security systems they use. Some do not even take IT security seriously. Here are 4 tips to help your business provide sufficient IT security to your remote workers.

1. Keep business data on office computers/systems

When it comes to sensitive work data, only let your employees handle it on company devices or during remote desktop sessions. You don’t want them using personal computers for sensitive business data because their family members or friends can share or lose the data. It’s important to keep control over your business devices as well as manage the access and storage of your company data.

2. Set up security restrictions on home routers

Many home users are clueless or do not care about changing the default factory settings for their home routers. Let your company instruct your employees to secure their home routers by also changing the admin privileges, turning on the router firewall and entering a new and strong password.

3. Update operating systems and software constantly

Any business computer with outdated software and operating systems is a huge security risk. It provides serious IT vulnerabilities that malware and viruses exploit. Every type of software is vulnerable in some way but updated software is hard to hack. You can hire a small business IT support service to remotely manage your workers’ software and programme update needs.

4. Educate your employees on how to avoid phishing scams and all other IT security threats

Some employees are so careless or ignorant that they will undo almost every IT security precaution you take. Many stories about high-profile hacks have such employees at the centre. They may click the wrong link, open the wrong email or do something that renders your business computers vulnerable. Teach your employees how to avoid phishing scams, set up strong passwords or identify and avoid opening sensitive files on work and personal computers.

Talk to us about the remote office solutions that fit your business and we will make sure your remote workers have the enterprise-grade IT security systems and IT support to protect your data.

As the 21st century progresses, technology is getting more complex, as well as offering additional efficiency dividends to organisations that are willing to implement new ideas. As a part of this though, you need to have a robust IT solution, and a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can be a big part of that. Let’s go over a few reasons why an MSP can deliver value to you, today.

Understanding your needs

As experts in the field, MSPs like Rapid IT have the best possible chance of giving you not just the best quality service, but the best quality service that targets what is most important to you. Every industry is different, with different focuses, so having experts at your back to provide the best possible technology is of invaluable assistance. Your MSP can sit down with you as well to have a discussion on what you prioritise, to ensure that your own personal expertise in your field is taken into account, alongside the general IT experience that the MSP has.

24-hour service

The best MSPs like Rapid IT offer 24-hour-a-day tech support, for when you are working on something at the office after hours, and an issue is encountered. It could be a critical report or a payroll that absolutely needs to be processed, or it could even be a suspected data breach or period of downtime. Regardless of the scenario, an MSP offering 24/7 support is there to assist.

Security expertise

On December 3, 2020, the Australian government observed almost 5,000 malware attack attempts. That’s just a 24-hour period! On this basis, maintaining a strong set of IT security systems is of vital importance to your business. Even minutes spent down due to a malicious attack could potentially cost your organisation thousands of dollars, so why take the risk? Hiring an MSP includes hiring IT security experts who will be able to put together for you, a robust and complete security package, increasing the safety of your data and your network.

Can you afford not to hire an MSP?

The above is just a summary of some reasons why an MSP could be invaluable for your organisation. There are plenty more reasons, like having someone set up new devices for you, network management, and much more. If you don’t already have an IT support company and want to consider it, give Rapid IT a call today on 1300 727 430.

Apple and Microsoft are two of the major computing giants which publish competing operating systems, namely the Windows and macOS lines. To utilise either of these operating systems, you will need to make the choice between buying a Mac or PC. For any given office, both have advantages and disadvantages, so let’s cover a couple of the key differences between the two choices for your IT suite.

Support needed

As a general rule, when it comes to Apple Mac support, less is needed on a day to day basis. Whilst you should get a business IT support service like Rapid IT to assist you with setting up networking, software installations, and so on, maintenance on the whole is generally less of a requirement with a Mac. Macs are famous for continuing to tick along without much intervention. Windows PCs, however, will generally need additional assistance from time to time, both on a software front and a hardware one. Whilst this isn’t going to be a day to day occurrence, PCs can have individual parts stop working, which leads to the need for diagnosis and replacement. So if you absolutely need something that is low maintenance, Macs may be the way to go.

Versatility

Apple’s products are notoriously static in their functionality and hardware offerings. Steve Jobs was famous for his theory of technology being reduced to absolute simplicity, and this runs through to most of Apple’s suite. Macs excel at design work, creative pursuits generally, as well as convenience/ease of use, but that’s about it. Comparing this to PCs though is a world of difference. A Windows PC can be built and customised to fit almost any need, any business size, or any business purpose. This is why PCs are, generally speaking, the standard that businesses use.

Cost

Windows PCs, generally speaking, can come at any cost point. As intimated above, versatility is a strength, and this flows through to costs incurred when purchasing one. This means that, together with your IT helpdesk, you can consider your needs and then spend according. With an Apple Mac though, whilst you do certainly get what you pay for, there is really only one price point available: high. So if you have the money and feel you will get benefit from buying Macs, then it might be an option, but if you are trying to cut costs, then they might not be the best choice.

Windows PCs or Apple Macs summary

Apple Macs are seen as very powerful machines, used by over 100 million people across the world. There’s a good reason for this because there are a lot of great features offered by the Apple systems. That being said, there are also 400 million Windows 10 users across the world, so the numbers may speak for themselves for you. Regardless, when considering your IT solutions, you’ll need the assistance of experts to best consider what is going to suit your needs. To start that discussion, why not call Rapid IT on 1300 727 430.

Protecting your computer from virus infections is an integral part of operating a computer. Since you can’t always tell when one is infected (especially if you don’t have anti-virus protection software), having impeccable virus removal software will prevent your valuable information, passwords, and sensitive files from being relentlessly shared across the internet. In the event of a virus infection, downloadable software will assist in the identification and removal of the virus, so rogue programs can be spotted, and further infection can be prevented.

Kaspersky Antivirus and Internet Security

Kaspersky Internet Security is a security package that focuses primarily on blocking dangerous URLs, detecting and removing threats, and monitoring, tracking, and reversing malicious actions. The interface is simple and easy to use, with on-screen instructions to assist with program downloading and each step along the way. With perfect, to near-perfect test scores in each independent testing lab, it remains a favourite among all users, large and small.

Avast

Avast is well known for being competent, having excellent detection and removal rates with anti-virus and anti-malware infections with upgrades available. While Avast offers their most basic services as free, the paid version of their software offers paid-for security options that‘ll cover an array of needs for small business users, such as advanced ransomware protection and real-time security updates and botnet attack blocks.

Bitdefender

Bitdefender also boasts outstanding antivirus lab results and web protection tests, with enhanced ransomware protection, and many security-centred bonus features, such as a VPN across devices. As well as impressive lab results, Bitdefender provides phenomenal phishing protection against the most competent coders, constantly analysing for signs of fraud, and threats online that may present themselves through popular applications.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton 360 Deluxe’s software boasts a powerful firewall, VPN with no limitations, cross-platform security, and a hosted online backup filled to the brim with high-security features. Its interface is familiar, and easy to use, with panels linked to security, online safety, backup, and performance, and lab test results that prove persistent threats will be rooted out and destroyed in no time.

Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security

One of the strongest malware protection software, rated incredibly high for protection by top testing labs all over Australia, is Trend Micro. With high levels of detection, ransomware protection, advanced AI learning, and email safeguarding, Trend Micro is capable, despite there being drawbacks on performance impact and concern regarding false positives.

Contact us today for more information on how to protect your business against threats.

Since its creation, email has become the main way that businesses communicate. In 2020, the humble phone call has taken a backseat to email, with faxes and traditional mail falling completely out of favour. On that basis, getting the most out of your email software can be crucial and pay dividends when it comes to efficiency. If you have just completed your Office 365 migration with Rapid IT, starting to use Outlook is going to be the next step. Here are 3 neat features of the software that you may not have known about.

Rules

The “Rules” system in Outlook is one of the most powerful features it has. In short, the feature allows you to set up basic “if this, then do that” statements. An easy example of this is that you might want all emails sent by your boss to automatically be sent to a certain folder. Outlook Rules allow you to do this (and much more) quickly, as well as automatically.

Mentions

In any larger organisation, internal email chains can quickly get messy. Within just a few emails, you might end up with 20 or more people receiving an email when only a handful of them need to be aware of the information contained within. Outlook has a solution here, with the “Mentions” system. Within the body of an email, simply type an “@” symbol, followed by a person’s name. This will highlight their name just for them, automatically put them in the “To” section of the email (as opposed to “CC”), and the person will also receive a specific notification, indicating that they have been mentioned in the email.

Ignoring conversations

Distribution lists for emails can get very large, and frequently you will have better things to do then get distracted by emails that you really don’t need to know about. For example, if you have no control over the IT systems of an organisation, then a string of emails from the organisation’s IT helpdesk may be something you want to ignore. Outlook can intelligently understand what emails are part of a conversation, and you can from there elect to ignore any further emails in that conversation. This will automatically move further emails in the chain to the “deleted” folder, meaning you can stay focused.

Summary

As a general rule, organisations should utilise their IT services to maximise efficiency, and your email software is a large part of many employees’ days. To assist here, we have highlighted 3 things you can do within Outlook to get more out of it: Rules, Mentions, and the ability to ignore conversations. If you don’t have Office 365 set up in your organisation and are interested, get in touch with Rapid IT today to discover the wealth of benefits, at 1300 727 430.

Technology’s key advantage is that it is always moving forward, and always adapting to new situations. There is no reason therefore why your organisation should not be equally forward-thinking and innovative relating to your technology needs. In this article, we’ll discuss a few ways that you can maximise innovation within your organisation.

Be on the lookout for new things

Whilst updating key systems and processes continuously is a nightmare for training, being on the lookout for new technologies to make life easier is always advantageous. This could be hardware (such as a new smart device) or software (like a payroll system). As the world adapts, new things are always out there waiting to be utilised. It is important therefore to always be open to the possibility of change. Have a regular meeting with your managed service provider on this topic; as the experts, they’ll keep up to date with the latest trends and options out there, some of which might just benefit you.

Understand the needs of the average employee

In a management role, it is easy to overlook what the average employee goes through on a day to day basis, for no other reason in some cases than a lack of asking. On a regular basis, be sure to consistently ask employees critical questions relating to technology systems. This includes questions like: What is the biggest challenge you face daily? What technology could help you increase efficiency? Is there any technology you use currently that you dislike? Whilst you might not agree with everything said, perhaps for cost or logistics reasons, it is important to have those viewpoints from the coalface to continuously contextualise innovation.

Plan for the long term

Especially in the current rocky climate, planning for the short term is very tempting. COVID and long term planning don’t mix, given that any area could go into full lockdown at a moment’s notice. Regardless though, having a plan for what you want to be doing in 5 years is important, and technology should factor into that. Whilst you may not know exactly what technology will be used, you should have an idea of what goals you have, and ways that these goals may be achieved. Then, when going into meetings with your IT help desk, they can better focus those plans into concrete ideas of what technology to strive for.

Summary

Innovation in any organisation is a key growth factor and ensuring that technology is a part of that innovation is valuable. We have discussed ideas relating to stimulating innovation, specifically on continuously looking for opportunity, keeping in touch with frontline employees, as well as having long term plans as opposed to just short term ones. If you don’t have a long term plan already, get in touch with Rapid IT to develop your technology solution today, at 1300 727 430.

Backups are one of the most important functions that an IT department/managed service provider can provide for your organisation. Technology is powerful, but also fickle, and an issue that occurs could cost tens of thousands of dollars, if not more, when an issue arises and no backup is available. In this article, there are some best practice guidelines to look out for when discussing backups with your IT help desk.

Use multiple forms

A backup that is in the same location as your main system can be handy in a pinch, but isn’t going to be valuable in a total disaster situation. Ensure that backups can be found in multiple places, such as on-site, off-site and the cloud. In doing this, it creates a situation where even if your first choice for recovery fails as well, there is a “Plan B”.

Archive backup

The idea of the ‘archive’ is that it is never written over, and rarely touched. It is usually a full backup of all systems, that is done maybe once a year. Most importantly though, this archive is stored very deliberately off-site, and away from any other systems. By doing this, even in a major catastrophe, systems can be restored as needed, even long after other data is lost or overwritten as part of the ‘standard’ backup solution.

Be a part of a simulation

Similar to ‘war games’ that you hear about militaries doing, your managed service provider should run through a ‘disaster simulation’ with you at least once. This is akin to a ‘what if’ scenario wherein the recovery procedures are tested against best practice, with any weaknesses analysed and improved upon after the simulation. This should be done on a test server (possibly hired on a temporary basis) to ensure no damage to important data. The main reason for practising your plan is that irretrievable data loss can be crippling to companies, sometimes lethally. From that, as they say, ‘if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail’.

Summary

Backups are pivotal to business continuity in the face of data loss, whether because of physical reasons (hardware failure) or software reasons (such as a virus). Best practices include having multiple instances of your backups, having an ‘archive’ backup, as well as testing out your recovery model. If you have any further questions on back up procedures or any other IT matter, get in touch today with Rapid IT at 1300 727 430.

In the modern office, fast and reliable network speeds are essential. Your managed service provider will be able to assist with a more specific and holistic plan, but here are a few quick tips you can implement yourself to improve network speed.

Restart your systems

Sometimes all technology needs is a fresh slate, and this is equally the case for your modem, router, and so on. Looking from this perspective, if you are experiencing some slowness, give a restart a try for a quick fix. Specifically to achieve this, unplug the devices, leave them off for a couple of minutes, and then plug them back in, powering them on accordingly.

Be clever about viruses

We’ve discussed what to do in the event of virus infection before [https://www.rapiditsupport.com.au/what-to-do-in-the-event-of-a-virus-infection/], but it’s important to be consistently vigilant for any possible viruses, as opposed to just taking action when a virus is detected. Infection is a key driver for performance degradation and hence is something to watch out for. The key thing is to run any virus removal processes regularly (scanning and so on), and in an automated fashion to ensure that you don’t forget.

Ensure scaling is appropriatew

With your network setup, ensure that it can manage the amount of load that you are attempting to put on it. For example, if you only have 10 devices connected to the network, then a smaller server is likely OK. Equally though, if you were to then connect 30 devices to that same smaller server, you’re going to encounter issues. Equally though, one wouldn’t want to be paying for a system that supports 30 devices, when only 10 are being used. So, ensure that a review of infrastructure is taken, in conjunction with your IT helpdesk. They are the experts and will have the know-how to advise you best.

Summary

Network speed is a key factor to your organisation’s efficiency, so it is important to ensure that it is maintained accordingly. Three tips have been given here, relating to restarting devices, ensuring security is maintained relating to viruses, as well as having infrastructure that scales appropriately. If you have a slow network and want to have that sped up, get in touch with Rapid IT today to have a conversation, on 1300 727 430.

Any organisation is powered by one primary thing – the ability to stay open, and it is important to have a plan to do just that. This is even more true in the modern era, when IT services underpin so much of a business’s running, and they can potentially fail at a moment’s notice. Let’s go through a few basics of what your business continuity plan should include.

Prepare for a variety of scenarios

It is important to be flexible and versatile with continuity plans. Specifically, an organisation should be looking at any scenario that has a reasonable chance of impacting them. For example, power failures, minor natural disasters (such as flooding), data breaches, data loss, a virus getting into the network, etc. Ensuring that plans cater for any scenario is absolutely critical.

Be specific about response

When considering each response, a very specific set of steps should be planned out as a baseline. Naturally, context is important and quick thinking will be required for any problem that appears, but a simple set of steps should be in place to always be followed. For example, in the event of a power outage, a basic step might be to check the fuse-box. Or if a virus is found, calling the organisation’s managed service provider (such as Rapid IT). To put it another way, whilst flexibility should be present relating to actually solving a problem, having a basic response will ensure that the process of getting back up and running is sped up.

Ensure that there is constant review

If an incident is encountered and resolved, it is important to have a ‘debrief’, and ensure that the continuity plan is reviewed. This ensures that best practice is continuously developed, speeding up recovery in future instances. Ideally, this should be done in conjunction with your managed IT service provider, like Rapid IT. As experts in the field, Rapid IT have likely seen the issue that was encountered before, and hence would have a few ideas of how to be maximally efficient.

Summary

We have outlined some ideas that you should implement in your business continuity plan today, including being flexible, having specific responses, as well as ensuring continuous development. If you don’t have a business continuity plan of your own for your technology, you should develop one immediately. For assistance with this, or any other technology-related query you might have, get in touch with Rapid IT today on 1300 727 430.