Do You Have an IT Disaster Recovery Plan?

A disaster recovery plan (DRP) is a document that outlines how your organization will recover from a disaster. A disaster can be anything from a natural disaster to a cyberattack. A DRP should include a plan for how you will restore your IT systems, data, and applications.

Why do you need an IT disaster recovery plan?

There are many reasons why you need an IT disaster recovery plan. Here are a few of the most important ones:

• To protect your business. A disaster can have a devastating impact on your business. If you don’t have a DRP, you could lose data, customers, and revenue.
• To comply with regulations. Some industries, such as healthcare and financial services, are required to have a DRP in place.
• To save time and money. A DRP can help you to recover from a disaster more quickly and efficiently. This can save you time and money in the long run.

What should be included in an IT disaster recovery plan?

An IT disaster recovery plan should include the following information:

• A list of your critical systems and data. These are the systems and data that are essential for your business to operate.
• A plan for how you will back up your data. Your backups should be stored off-site in a secure location.
• A plan for how you will restore your systems and data. This plan should include the steps that you will need to take to get your systems back up and running.
• A team of people who will be responsible for implementing the DRP. This team should be made up of IT professionals and business leaders.

How often should you update your disaster recovery plan?

Your IT disaster recovery plan should be updated on a regular basis. This is because your systems and data may change over time. You should also update your plan if your business changes or if there are new regulations that you need to comply with.

An IT disaster recovery plan is an essential part of any business’s risk management strategy. By having a DRP in place, you can help to protect your business from the financial and operational impact of a disaster.

Here are some additional tips for creating an IT disaster recovery plan:

• Start by identifying your critical systems and data. These are the systems and data that are essential for your business to operate.
• Develop a plan for how you will back up your data. Your backups should be stored off-site in a secure location.
• Test your DRP regularly. This will help you to make sure that your plan is working and that your team knows what to do in the event of a disaster.
• Keep your DRP up to date. Your DRP should be updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in your business and your IT environment.

By following these tips, you can create an IT disaster recovery plan that will help your business to recover from a disaster quickly and efficiently.

When it comes to ensuring your data’s security while setting up your IT Disaster Recovery P, ComRes is here for you. Call us today at 954-462-9600 or fill out our online form to receive more information on how we can help your business technology thrive, maximize your potential, and protect your files to the fullest!

3 Things You Should Know About Firewall Security

A firewall is a network security device that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic. Firewalls are used to protect networks from unauthorized access, viruses, and other threats.

There are three important things you should know about firewall security:

Firewalls are not a silver bullet.

Firewalls can help to protect your network, but they are not a guarantee of security. You should also have other security measures in place, such as antivirus software and intrusion detection systems.

Firewalls need to be configured correctly.

If a firewall is not configured correctly, it can actually do more harm than good. You should make sure that your firewall is configured to allow only authorized traffic and to block unauthorized traffic.

Firewalls need to be updated regularly.

Firewall vendors release security updates on a regular basis. You should make sure that your firewall is up to date with the latest security patches.

In addition to these three things, there are a few other things you should know about firewall security:

• Firewalls can be hardware or software devices. Hardware firewalls are dedicated devices that are specifically designed for firewall security. Software firewalls are software programs that are installed on a computer or server.
• Firewalls can be configured to filter traffic based on a variety of criteria. This includes the source and destination IP addresses, the ports that are being used, and the type of traffic.
• Firewalls can be used to create security zones. This allows you to segment your network into different security zones, each with its own set of security rules.

Firewall security is an important part of any overall security strategy. By understanding these three things, you can help to ensure that your firewall is configured and used properly to protect your network.

Here are some additional tips for firewall security:

• Use a firewall that is designed for your specific needs. If you have a small home network, you may not need a dedicated hardware firewall. However, if you have a large business network, you will need a firewall that can handle the traffic volume.
• Keep your firewall software up to date. Firewall vendors release security updates on a regular basis. You should make sure that your firewall software is up to date with the latest security patches.
• Use strong passwords for your firewall. The default passwords for firewalls are often weak. You should change the default passwords to strong passwords that are difficult to guess.
• Monitor your firewall logs. Firewall logs can provide you with valuable information about the traffic that is passing through your firewall. You should monitor your firewall logs regularly to look for any suspicious activity.

Firewall security is an important part of any overall security strategy. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your firewall is configured and used properly to protect your network.

When it comes to ensuring your data’s security while setting up and maintaining your firewall security, ComRes is here for you. Call us today at 954-462-9600 or fill out our online form to receive more information on how we can help your business technology thrive, maximize your potential, and protect your files to the fullest!

Why You Need Managed IT Services for Your Small Business

In today’s digital world, it’s more important than ever for small businesses to have a reliable and secure IT infrastructure. However, managing IT can be a daunting task, especially for businesses with limited resources. That’s where managed IT services come in. Managed IT services are a way for small businesses to outsource their IT needs to a third-party provider. This frees up businesses to focus on their core competencies, while the managed IT provider takes care of all things IT.

There are many benefits to using managed IT services, including:

Reduced IT costs: Managed IT services can help businesses save money on IT costs in a number of ways. For example, managed IT providers can negotiate better deals with hardware and software vendors. They can also help businesses to optimize their IT infrastructure, which can lead to reduced energy costs.

Improved IT security: Managed IT providers have the expertise and experience to help businesses protect their IT systems from cyberattacks. They can also help businesses to comply with data security regulations.

Increased uptime: Managed IT providers can help businesses to improve their uptime by proactively monitoring and managing their IT systems. This can help to prevent outages and downtime, which can have a significant impact on business productivity.

Freed-up resources: Managed IT services can free up businesses to focus on their core competencies. This is because the managed IT provider will take care of all things IT, such as:

• Hardware and software maintenance

• System updates

• Security monitoring

• Disaster recovery

In short, managed IT services can help businesses to save money, improve security, increase uptime, and free up resources.

Here are some of the specific ways that managed IT services can benefit your small business:

• Proactive monitoring and support: A managed IT provider will monitor your IT systems 24/7, looking for potential problems. This can help to prevent outages and downtime, which can save you time and money.
• Remote troubleshooting: If a problem does occur, a managed IT provider can often troubleshoot it remotely. This can save you the time and expense of having to bring in a technician.
• Software and hardware updates: A managed IT provider will keep your software and hardware up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This can help to protect your business from cyberattacks.
• Backup and disaster recovery: A managed IT provider will create backups of your data and systems, so that you can recover quickly in the event of a disaster.
• Compliance with regulations: A managed IT provider can help you to comply with data security regulations, such as HIPAA and PCI DSS.

If you’re a small business owner, you should seriously consider investing in managed IT services. Managed IT services can help you to save money, improve security, increase uptime, and free up resources.

Here are some tips for choosing a managed IT service provider:

• Do your research: There are many different managed IT providers out there, so it’s important to do your research before you make a decision.
• Get quotes from multiple providers: Get quotes from at least three different providers before you make a decision. This will help you to compare prices and services.
• Ask for references: Ask the managed IT providers you’re considering for references from their current clients. This will give you an idea of what to expect from their services.
• Make sure the provider is a good fit for your business: Not all managed IT providers are created equal. Make sure the provider you choose is a good fit for your business’s specific needs.

Managed IT services can be a valuable asset for small businesses. By choosing the right provider, you can save money, improve security, increase uptime, and free up resources. If you’re a small business seeking reliable and comprehensive managed IT services, look no further than Local IT Service by ComRes. We understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses, and our dedicated team is committed to providing tailored IT solutions that meet your specific needs. From network management and cybersecurity to cloud solutions and proactive IT support, we have you covered. With Local IT Service, you can focus on growing your business with the peace of mind that your technology is in capable hands. Take the next step in streamlining your IT operations and ensuring a secure and efficient business environment. Contact Local IT Service today and let us be your trusted IT partner.

Business IT Solutions: The Importance of Data Backup Solutions

Safeguarding Your Business

In today’s digital age, data is the lifeblood of businesses. From customer information to financial records, companies rely heavily on data for day-to-day operations. That’s why having a robust data backup solution is essential for any business. In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of data backup solutions and how they contribute to the overall success and security of a business. We will explore the benefits of implementing business IT solutions, particularly local data backup, to protect valuable data from loss, mitigate downtime, and ensure continuity in the face of unforeseen events.

Protection against Data Loss with Business IT Solutions

Data loss can be catastrophic for businesses. Accidental deletions, hardware failures, cyber attacks, or natural disasters can wipe out critical data, leading to significant financial and operational setbacks. By implementing a reliable data backup solution, such as local data backup, businesses can safeguard their information assets from permanent loss. Local data backup involves storing data on-site, either on physical storage devices or network-attached storage (NAS) systems, which provides quick and convenient access to restore data in case of emergencies.

Mitigation of Downtime and Business Continuity

When data loss occurs, businesses often face prolonged periods of downtime. Without access to vital information, operations come to a halt, resulting in productivity losses, missed deadlines, dissatisfied customers, and potential revenue decline. Data backup solutions play a crucial role in mitigating downtime and ensuring business continuity. By regularly backing up data, businesses can quickly restore essential files and systems, minimizing the impact of data loss and enabling a swift recovery process.

Business IT Solutions for Compliance and Legal Obligations

Many industries have legal requirements and regulations in place to protect sensitive customer information. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties and damage to a company’s reputation. Data backup solutions help businesses meet these compliance obligations by securely storing and protecting sensitive data. Whether it’s financial data subject to PCI DSS or healthcare data protected by HIPAA, implementing data backup solutions ensures that businesses remain in line with legal requirements, safeguarding customer trust and avoiding legal consequences.

Protection against Cybersecurity Threats

In an increasingly digital landscape, cybersecurity threats pose a significant risk to businesses of all sizes. Ransomware attacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities can cause irreparable damage to a company’s reputation and financial stability. Implementing data backup solutions is a critical aspect of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Local data backup, in particular, helps businesses recover quickly from cyber attacks by restoring clean versions of compromised data. It reduces the reliance on paying ransom demands and ensures business continuity, thereby minimizing the impact of cybersecurity incidents.

Cost-Effective Data Recovery

Data recovery can be a costly and time-consuming process. Engaging external data recovery services often comes with substantial fees, and the retrieval of data may not be guaranteed. On the other hand, local data backup solutions offer a cost-effective approach to data recovery. By maintaining backups locally, businesses have immediate access to their data, eliminating the need for expensive recovery services. This cost-effective approach not only saves money but also reduces the downtime associated with data loss incidents.

Data backup solutions, particularly local data backup, are vital for businesses to protect their critical information, ensure continuity, and mitigate the risks associated with data loss. By investing in robust business IT solutions and implementing local data backup, businesses can safeguard their data against accidental loss, cyber threats, and natural disasters. These solutions not only protect valuable assets but also ensure compliance with legal obligations, reduce downtime, and provide cost-effective data recovery options. Embracing data backup solutions is a proactive step towards a resilient and secure business environment.

It can be scary to embark on your new cloud journey alone. When it comes to ensuring your data’s security while implementing and maintaining your cloud services, we are here for you. Call us today at 954-617-6100 or fill out our online form to receive more information on how we can help your business technology thrive, maximize your potential, and protect your files to the fullest!

What Is The Cloud? 

Cloud storage and services are becoming increasingly popular, and most of us are currently using these methods– at least sometimes– whether we are fully aware of it or not. Businesses everywhere are making the switch to store their data in the cloud.

If you’re not quite sure what this means, the cloud refers to any type of software or service that isn’t located on your personal computer or device, but instead runs on the internet. The data you save on the cloud is stored on the servers of third parties (companies such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, etc). Google Docs, Yahoo Mail, and Dropbox are all examples of popular services that are cloud-based, though those are only a few of the growing companies implementing these services.

So, as with most new-tech concepts, and especially those that involve third parties, the question arises: is my data safe? It is certainly useful and freeing not to have bulky files and data sitting on your desktop or external hard drive, and comforting to know that you’ll still have access to those files even in the event of a computer crash or other breakage, yet somehow the concept of a floating cloud of data managed by someone else feels a bit less private.

Reasons Why The Cloud Is A Safe Option 

The truth is, data that you save with cloud service providers may likely be safer than the information you’ve stored on your personal computer’s hard drive. The reason for this is that security measures undertaken by larger companies providing cloud services are likely to be more robust and powerful than the ones you have protecting your home computer and devices. Reputable cloud service providers simply have stronger cybersecurity measures.

Things You Can Do To Increase Cloud Security 

Disconnect Your Devices

When you are not using it, always log out of your cloud account, and make sure to turn on the automatic time-out feature if your cloud provider offers it. If your computer, smartphone, and other devices stay logged in to your cloud storage account when you’re not using them, that provides a potential entry point for intruders. Also, by leaving your devices logged in, you allow anyone who gets hold of your device to break into your cloud storage.

How ComRes Can Help 

It can be scary to embark on your new cloud journey alone. When it comes to ensuring your data’s security while implementing and maintaining your cloud services, ComRes is here for you. Call us today at 954-462-9600 or fill out our online form to receive more information on how we can help your business technology thrive, maximize your potential, and protect your files to the fullest!

When it’s crunch-time and you have a server down or can’t log into your computer, you need assistance, fast. Having a reliable and quality IT service provider can make the difference of a sale going through, a customer gained or lost, or even overall employee satisfaction. These days, with technology running seemingly every aspect of the modern world, nothing is more frustrating or hindering than when a technological issue slows you down.  Use these tips below to make sure that you are making the best and most educated decision when choosing an IT service provider.

Experience and Certifications

This can be a simple way to see how advanced or knowledgeable a company is before you pay for their services. Certification programs are offered by most technology vendors to companies or professionals who service their products. By reviewing with a company what certifications their employees have and how often they are renewed, you can get a general idea of the skill level and dedication the company has to ensure quality IT service. In addition, since the world of technology is constantly updating and advancing, it is essential for your IT support company to stay up-to-date on the latest programs and trends. By asking a company if they have an ongoing budget for education, as well as asking if their employees are cross-trained in different systems, you can better judge how well-rounded their employees are, and therefore how much help they will be in different situations.

No Long-Term Contracts

Long-term contracts are never ideal, especially with a new company that you are trying out. As much as slightly lower rates can seem tempting if you’re in a longer-term contract, you do not want to be “stuck” with a company that you are not truly happy with, receiving sub-standard IT service. In addition, your company needs can change over time. Avoiding long-term contracts can allow you the freedom to stay with a service provider that truly is a good fit for you and your company, paying for only the services that you actively need each month. Ideally, look for a company with month-to-month contracts with an out clause of 30 to 60 days, giving you full freedom to only pay for what you need, and only pay for work that you are satisfied with.

Guaranteed Response Times/SLA Agreements

Service Level Agreements (or SLAs) should be outlined clearly in your contract with your IT service company, clearly stating their commitment to a response time from when you submit your request, as well as what happens if this time frame is not met. Keep in mind, most SLA’s refer to the time it takes for a company to respond to the request, not necessarily fix the problem. As each IT issue can vary greatly, it is not realistic or honest to commit to a standard time frame for all issue resolutions. If a company gives a standard time frame for the completion of all requests, this is a red flag that the company is dishonest, as this cannot be feasible consistently.

Proactive Services

While a large part of IT service revolves around fixing technological problems, the best IT support comes with additional proactive management. By offering regular meetings to review and plan your business’ needs, a good IT service company will help you to choose the right tools and preventative measures to keep your office affairs running smoothly, reduce downtime, and make sure that your employees are working at their highest potential. In addition, proactive solutions can help reduce future bugs and errors. Company goals should be discussed and put into consideration for future technological planning and IT service.

Data Security Expertise

Cyber security threats are constantly evolving, and this is an area that a good IT service technician needs to be up-to-date on. Every company should be protected to the highest extent, as the ramifications of a security breach can be monumental. If your IT service company is not up to speed on the latest security measures, they cannot protect you in the best way possible. In addition, if you are in a regulated industry, your IT service provider needs to be aware of that industry and how to make sure your company is compliant. By asking a service provider the right questions regarding how they handle and stay up-to-date with cyber security, you can determine if this company will give you the protection you need.As technology grows and encompasses the world around us, our tech support must grow with it.