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Tammy Cipriani

What is a virtual desktop?​

Simply put, a virtual desktop allows you to access programs and secure information from your computer without the programs and information having to be physically stored on your computer. Traditionally, virtual desktops have been expensive and complex. With TruCloud, it’s affordable and simple! Virtual desktops offer complete mobility, increased performance, and enhanced functionality.

Without a virtual desktop, you are resigning yourself to expensive equipment purchases and localized storage. At the same time, you’re opening your business up to possible data breaches. When you opt for a virtual desktop like TruCloud, you’ll benefit from a fast setup and easy scalability, as well as enhanced efficiency, productivity, and security. TruCloud is an efficient, productive, and secure approach to running Windows 10 in the Microsoft Cloud.

Learn more about how TruCloud can bring your business into a modern IT environment to help you scale your business, increase security, and improve remote work.

What Is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a set of practices, processes, and technologies used to protect computer systems and networks from any sort of breach, damage, or theft of data, hardware, or software. 

In short, cybersecurity solutions ensure that no unauthorized users enter your system or interfere with it.

According to Security Intelligence, companies lost around $600 billion in 2017 alone due to the rampant increase in cybercrimes that affected businesses both large and small. So it is crucial, now more than ever, to have firewalls and security checks in place to protect not only important data, but also the software infrastructure of your business.

If you’re a small business and think you’re not at risk, think again. A recent report found that more than two-thirds of companies with fewer than 1,000 employees have experienced a cyberattack, and 58 percent have experienced a breach. That same report found that 60 percent of small businesses could go out of businesses due to financial and operational damages associated with a cyberattack. 

What Is Cybersecurity?

The Impacts of a Cyber Attack

In order to understand the importance of cybersecurity, you need to understand the short-term and long-term impact an attack can have on you and your business. 

Short-Term Impacts

Attacks like DoS (denial of service) or ransomware have the ability to completely shut down the operation and functionality of your business. It can even prevent your customers from accessing your services and divert traffic to unknown sources that could be harmful or malicious in nature, which doesn’t just disrupt your business, but also destroys your reputability. Similarly, with ransomware, you can lose customer, employee, or statistical data that can only be retrieved after paying a ransom amount to the attackers. Such attacks can leave you economically and operationally paralyzed.

Long-Term Impacts

Cyberattacks can destroy a business’s reputation. If a business keeps ignoring breaches of data or disruptions in services, then it’s more likely to lose new and existing customers, especially if their competition is taking steps to protect their customers and their data. If you’re trying to build a good rapport with your clients, you have to ensure their privacy and safety. Remember, cyber attacks don’t just impact your business — they often impact your clients as well. You don’t want to put your customers at risk of data breaches, and you don’t want to open yourself up to a potentially financially crippling lawsuit.

Protect Your Business Against Cyberattacks

In today’s world, cyber attacks are everywhere, and they can happen to any company, large or small.  If you want to protect your business, the key is to stay proactive. Plan ahead of time on how to best prevent potential cyber attacks. One way to do this is by hiring a trusted IT company that can help you:

  • Protect your business from security risks, like data breaches, data loss, and ransomware.
  • Plan for predictable and predetermined technology outcomes.
  • Increase your confidence and productivity with technology you know is going to work.
  • Receive protection and support from skilled IT professionals, 24/7/365.

Tired of searching for IT support companies in Jacksonville, FL? Schedule a call with our team to assess your current level of security and protection or sign up to receive a FREE dark web scan today. Experience business IT services done right.

5 Benefits of the Cloud

Cloud computing is continuously revolutionizing both big and small businesses through the way they operate and manage their teams. According to a report by Gartner, by 2022 more than 60% of businesses will be relying on cloud-based technology to host data.

There are many reasons for moving to the cloud, and you’ll experience many benefits when making the transition. Popular applications that are being used by consumers around the world are based on the cloud, like Gmail, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and more.

Now, businesses are adopting cloud computing to reduce hardware and data center costs and improve productivity in the workplace, with a majority relying on managed IT support services.

Benefits of Cloud Computing

If you’re thinking of shifting your business infrastructure to the cloud or want to scale easily without hiccups, here are some promising benefits of using the cloud to easily access data and applications.

1. Save Money

Cloud computing allows you to save on operational costs related to the upkeep and maintenance of servers and software installed on them. At the same time, you can reduce the hardware needs associated with them, and you’ll no longer need to run software upgrades yourself, so you don’t have to worry about your software lagging and being out-of-date.

2. Data Security

Many companies offer managed IT support services that include the protection of networks and servers where business data is stored. By opting for managed IT support services, you won’t have to invest in cybersecurity tools and practices. With expert IT help, you can have peace of mind that your cloud will be protected from all types of security threats.

3. Total Mobility

The single most important aspect of cloud computing is the mobility aspect which enables you and your employees to access information from anywhere, at any time. This has allowed businesses to reduce costs involved in maintaining workplaces for employees. This is especially vital right now, as we deal with a global pandemic and remote work is proving to be a necessity for businesses and their employees. 

4. Consolidated Applications

When it comes to making collaborative and product management tools available for all of your employees to access, cloud solutions give you the power to consolidate them all in one place. Many managed IT support service providers offer plans that include CRM, calendar scheduling, emails, conference calling, company directory, and file sharing for as many people as you need in one cloud software.

5 Benefits of the Cloud

5. Quality Control

You can use cloud applications to better manage the output of your services and products in respect to quality. With your documents stored in a single format, all in one place, there will be fewer chances of inconsistencies and errors, helping you take quality control to the next level.

When Will You Transition to the Cloud? 

Change can be intimidating, but necessary. In today’s world, you have to adapt for your business technology to be effective — and be a success. One way to do this is by transitioning to the cloud, which many IT companies support. At TruTechnology, we can help you make the transition to the cloud and provide managed IT support services in Jacksonville, FL that are effective and reliable. If you’re ready to get business IT services done right, contact our team today to get started!

The Business Impact of Technology

New technology has changed the way businesses operate and continues to impact workplace environments and how employees interact with one another and complete their tasks. While applications like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and other project management apps are making it easier to track and manage many teams, here’s how technological advancements are improving and refining the overall business operations. 

Better Communication

Miscommunication among employees and their managers doesn’t only result in misunderstandings and late deliveries, but it also has financial implications. Communication is probably the most important aspect of workplace collaboration, and ineffective communication, or even a lack of communication, can lead to numerous problems. Technology has not only helped improve communication within businesses, but it has also allowed for a massive increase in productivity and efficiency in the workplace. 

Improved Efficiency & Performance

Companies are relying on more effective  tools so employees can better collaborate and manage their work, particularly while working as a remote team. Collaborative tools like Teams  are a great asset to businesses, improving efficiency and performance for everyone. Moreover, technological advancements in IT services and support provisions have also made things considerably easier for businesses because if something goes wrong, they know who to call. Or, better yet, with proactive IT services, they won’t have to worry about any problems occurring in the first place.    

The Business Impact of Technology

Streamlined Business Operations Via Cloud

Cloud solutions have made it easier for businesses, especially smaller teams, to work from anywhere they have access to a strong internet connection. This has changed the rigid structure associated with typical 9-5 corporate jobs and has proven to boost employee productivity because the cloud lets them work anywhere, at any time. Additionally, with expert IT service and support available around the clock, businesses have little to worry about in terms of maintaining their data and IT infrastructures. Instead, they can focus on their work, resulting in improved productivity..

Remarkable Customer Experience

Web and mobile applications are shifting their focus toward the UI/UX aspect with user-friendliness and user-experience being prioritized. Via these online channels, businesses and companies can offer exceptional customer service while providing a remarkable experience to their users. And with a dedicated and professional IT service and support team to take care of the technicalities, businesses can shift their attention to improving user experience and client experience.

Transition Into Remote Work

With the world drastically changing, so are the ways in which businesses are getting work done. Many individuals continue to work remotely, and over time we will certainly see a continued transition into remote work. For those working out-of-office, expert IT services and support are a must-have. They keep everything running smoothly, 24/7/365, helping businesses thrive.

Is Technology Helping Your Business?

Technology is making big waves in the business world. It’s making it easier than ever for businesses to work where they want, when they want. With so many benefits of technology, it’s essential for businesses in Jacksonville, FL to have a reliable IT service and support team they can count on to managed IT properly. If you’re missing out on the benefits of technology, then schedule a quick call with our team today to get started with expert IT services!

How the Right IT Support Services Provider Saves Your Business Time & Money

One of the biggest mistakes most companies and startups make is not investing in an IT support services provider that will protect and maintain their network and system. An IT service team can significantly improve your business operations by handling all of your hardware, software, network, and system needs. With a professional team maintaining and monitoring your entire IT infrastructure, you can focus on running your business without worrying about your IT. 

Find out how the right IT provider can save your business time and money.

Cuts Down on IT Expenses

You will see a substantial decrease in expenses when it comes to outsourcing IT services. You can hire an IT service provider for about half of the cost of hiring an in-house resource. While it might seem costly at first, it will end up saving you time and money, especially for smaller companies whose team members are required to wear multiple hats to keep the business running. Engaging an IT support services provider is a cost-effective way to let you keep doing what you need to do while having peace of mind that your business technology is being handled by professionals. 

’Round the Clock Expert Help

Hiring an IT support services provider also means you won’t waste any time troubleshooting errors or roadblocks your team runs into. With help from an IT services provider, you won’t have to worry about spending business hours trying to help your employees figure out what went wrong, or how to fix their tech problems. When you work with expert IT services professionals, they’ll be available ’round the clock, 24/7/365, to make sure everything is running smoothly so you won’t have to lose sleep over it.

How the Right IT Support Services Provider Saves Your Business Time & Money

A More Secure & Efficient Work Day 

When you work with an IT support services provider, they’ll help keep your existing technology in check. With tech help, you can avoid security risks with 24/7 monitoring. If any failures are detected, you can expect to have it responded to quickly so you can keep running your business securely and efficiently. 

Prepares Your Business for Mishaps & Prevents Disaster

Operational mishaps are a time killer, especially when they’re due to IT problems. An IT support services provider will keep your business safe so you don’t have to get overwhelmed by any issues that occur. In the event of a disaster, you can trust that your IT services provider will protect all your data while also minimizing your downtime.

Frees up Time So You Can Focus on Your Business

If you’ve ever dealt with technology problems, then you know that they can suck up a lot of your time. Without an IT expert on call to help you when you need it, it’s easy to lose time on technological difficulties. Relying on an IT support services provider means you’ll be able to put all of your attention and focus on the core of your business without getting distracted by — or having to worry about — other things, like technology. 

Who Is Your Trusted IT Support Services Provider?

Your technology should help you grow, not hold you back. As an IT support services provider in Jacksonville, FL, we’re proud to help businesses work smarter, not harder. If you’re ready for business IT services done right, then schedule a call with our team today to get started!

Does the Cloud Replace Existing Hardware?

“The cloud is the future.” 

We’ve all heard this phrase thrown about during meetings and conferences. And with the speed at which technology is changing, traditional data centers and their infrastructure won’t stick around for too long. That’s where the cloud comes in, especially for those who count on business IT support services. 

Traditional Data Centers Are a Thing of the Past

While there are many advocates of hardware and some IT experts that don’t see cloud computing changing the entire layout of data centers anytime soon, the tech is still impacting the way businesses operate.

Now it’s not much of a question whether cloud will replace existing hardware, particularly with new insights provided by leading companies like Microsoft and IBM

Rather than ask, “Does the cloud replace existing hardware?” the better question to ask is, “How soon will the cloud replace hardware architectures?”

New cloud-based solutions are driving investments in hardware infrastructures. These include IoT, machine learning, and deep learning techniques. 

What’s more, you’re getting business IT support services that don’t create delays in resolving any roadblocks or issues, which has long been the Achilles heel for IT managers. Their work shouldn’t just be about making sure that the hardware is working well 24/7; they need to be able manage it all via cloud-based software.

Does the Cloud Replace Existing Hardware?

That’s why more and more companies are moving toward the cloud. It allows for simpler, easier and more cost-effective software infrastructure that doesn’t delay productivity or network connectivity. 

The Benefits of Moving to the Cloud

Cloud computing allows you to access software applications through the internet instead of downloading them on physical servers. Cloud computing is completely transforming and revolutionizing industries and how they operate, making it easier for business IT support services to improve efficiency for the clients they serve. 

A few big benefits of moving to the cloud include:

1. Flexibility: Cloud-based services allow the flexibility of scaling up your business without causing major delays in performance or productivity. This ensures maximum operational agility.

2. Automatic software updates: No more worrying about software upgrades or maintenance because most cloud solutions automatically get updates from their business IT support services team, which means you don’t have to worry about them at all.

3. Access anywhere: If you have an internet connection, then you can access your cloud and all the data you need from your supported laptop or mobile device. 

There are many more benefits of moving to the cloud, whether you’re a small business or big company. Cloud migration might seem daunting on the surface. However, once you make the shift, you’ll instantly start noticing improved workflow productivity while being able to enjoy a streamlined IT infrastructure.

Moving Forward: The Cloud Is the Future

The cloud is the future, which means less hardware maintenance and fewer delays in business operations. Instead, those using the cloud will be able to benefit from increased efficiency and productivity. To learn more or get started with business IT support services done right in Jacksonville, FL, schedule a quick call with our team today! 

Avoid Another Crisis: Why Data Backups and Disaster Recovery Should Be Part of Your Hurricane Preparation

Hurricane season hasn’t even officially begun, but we’ve already had two named storms. In fact, forecasters have warned that our upcoming hurricane season is going to be a doozy filled with above-average storm activity. And while we can’t always predict impending crises, we can prepare for them when we have the advantage of knowing they’re coming and it’s just a matter of when. 

Navigating hurricane season can be difficult because every storm is different, and despite predictions, we never really know what to expect. What we do know is this: No one wants to deal with another crisis, especially considering we have yet to come out the other end of our current crisis.

Now, ahead of the 2020 hurricane season, the CDC is sharing advice to help you prepare for the hurricane season during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Their biggest piece of advice? You have to start planning now. 

For us, that means protecting your business so you’re ready when disaster strikes. 

Hurricane Season & Your Business

COVID-19 has impacted the way businesses work, and during this time, we’ve all learned that many businesses weren’t set up for success to handle a crisis. Working from home has highlighted many weak links for businesses, from cybersecurity to data protection, and many have realized just how important it is to have a proactive IT support provider to keep their business protected when they need it most. 

As we prepare for hurricane season during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to acknowledge that although we’re not in the clear from the virus just yet, hurricane season is still coming, ready or not. When it does, how will you make sure your business is protected? 

Hurricane Problems 

Storms and technology don’t mix, but your business doesn’t have to suffer because of it. With an IT support provider working as an extension of your team, you can have confidence knowing that your business will be able to weather the storm. 

COVID-19 has forced many businesses to learn how to function remotely, and just as they’re beginning to think about returning to the office, they have something else to contend with: a severe, rapidly-approaching hurricane season. 

The impact from a storm could create new challenges for how you and your staff work, and how you access your data. You need an IT support provider who will keep your business protected, even in the midst of disastrous circumstances such as flooding, lightning damage, and extended power outages.

Data Backup vs. Disaster Recovery

If you don’t know where to begin, start with the knowledge that data backup and disaster recovery are not the same thing. Data backup is a copy of your data; while disaster recovery is the ability to restore your systems in a usable format in a time-frame that matches your business requirements.. When you live in an area that experiences natural disasters on a regular basis, then you need both data backup and disaster recovery capabilities. 

Our Data Backup & Disaster Recovery Process

Your business should be protected at all times, and you should urgently and proactively protect it with data backup and disaster recovery so you can be prepared before the problem hits.

To keep businesses like yours up and running during a disaster, we have a proactive data backup and disaster recovery process in place that will prevent you from experiencing significant downtime and impact to your business. 

To do this, we run weekly tests to confirm all your systems are healthy and would be fully operational in the cloud when needed. Then, we report back to you with information about your recovery time objective (RTO) so you know exactly how long it would take us to bring you online remotely when you need it most. 

We also report on what you will experience with your recovery point objective (RPO) which is how much data loss exposure you may have from the time of failure to what you have access to in the cloud. Depending on our clients business requirements, this is typically a maximum of one hour.

Avoid Another Crisis: Why Data Backups and Disaster Recovery Should Be Part of Your Hurricane Preparation

You Don’t Have Much Time — Are You Ready?

Hurricane season is just around the corner, and storms are already here. Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect your business. Take action now to ensure your plan is solid and tested to protect your data in the form of a proven data backup and disaster recovery process. Schedule a call with our team today so we can evaluate your needs to help you navigate through hurricane season with peace of mind.

Cybersecurity & Remote Work

We wish this weren’t the case, but the truth is that cybersecurity issues do not stop for a global pandemic. After all, hackers can work from home, too! If your employees had to quickly transition to remote work, you may be left vulnerable to attacks that could cripple your business. That’s why understanding cybersecurity and your risks is more important now than ever. 

To help you understand your security needs, we’ve put together some recommendations designed to help you and your employees reduce your security risk. 

Equipment Being Left Unlocked or Physically Stolen 

With kids and family members at home with your employees, it’s easy for an unlocked company computer to become an invitation. You don’t want children to accidentally cause a security issue because they innocently want to install a game or school program on a company computer. That’s why it’s important for your employees to password protect their work devices and keep them locked when not in use. Password protection also safeguards company equipment in the unlikely event that the equipment is stolen. 

Securing a Home Network

Many employees are now also relying on their home networks for the internet access they need to complete their daily work. That’s why it’s important that they follow basic security practices for their home network. At the very least, have them make sure their home network is password-protected. Then, if possible, the National Cybersecurity Alliance recommends they have work computers on a separate wireless network. 

Cybersecurity & Remote Work

Phishing, Ransomware, and Malware

Because of the sudden spike in remote work, many employees are no longer protected by their company firewall. That puts employees at greater risk of falling prey to phishing, ransomware, and malware attacks. The best way to lower this risk is through security awareness. 

Even if you’re already following the recommendations above, your staff should also be extra-diligent about not opening attachments from unknown senders. They should also verify any fund transfers over the phone and watch for phishing emails trying to collect their credentials.

Accessing the Company Network 

If you’re like many businesses, your employees require access to databases and resources housed within your company network. And that need for access doesn’t stop just because they’re now working from home. This creates a security risk because devices connecting to those resources from outside the company network are also outside the company firewall. 

There are two types of devices that employees might use to connect to your company network from home: work computers and personal computers. Our recommendations differ depending on what equipment your employees are using. 

Work Computers at Home

For the best at-home security, we recommend employees using work computers at home access their company network using a full-tunnel VPN. A VPN is a virtual private network — it allows devices on the network to access a company’s private resources without the security risks of a public connection. A full-tunnel VPN strengthens that security beyond just accessing company resources and extends it to any internet access at all. As an additional step, make sure that all computers connected to the VPN are still being patched and have up-to-date endpoint security installed. 

Personal Computers at Home

We don’t recommend employees use their personal computers for work since it’s impossible to know if that equipment is secure. But if your current circumstances require it, we have a few recommendations to improve security.

First, don’t allow non-company owned computers to connect to your company’s networks through an unrestricted VPN. Ideally, personal computers should only be used to access work desktops through Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). An RDP allows a user to remotely control their work computer, with their home computer simply mirroring the information displayed on their work computer.  

For additional security, make sure any password-protected company resources are accessed using multi-factor authentication. This is critical, as employees using their home devices may unknowingly have keyloggers installed on their home computers. If you’re worried, we offer a free dark web scan

Moving Forward

We understand that the last thing you want to be worrying about in the midst of a global crisis is your company’s cybersecurity, but taking these steps now can help you avoid a potential disaster. Plus, strengthening your company’s cybersecurity now will offer you flexibility and help prepare you for any future scenarios that might require your employees to work remotely. 

To learn more about how to help your team stay effective and secure while working remotely, watch a free recording of our webinar titled “COVID-19 Transitioning to a Remote Workforce.”

COVID-19 & Remote Work

In the last few weeks, the global threat of COVID-19 has transformed the way employees work for most businesses. And unless your business was fully remote to begin with, you’ve likely had to think fast and adapt even faster. 

In times like this, the first order of business is functionality, which means enabling your employees to work effectively in a remote environment. 

Creating a Functional Remote Workplace

Whether you’ve allowed limited telecommuting in the past or are trying remote work for the first time, creating a functional remote workplace in the middle of a crisis is a challenge! Start by making sure your team has the basics covered: technology, environment, and team connections. 

Technology

The first step in creating a functional remote workspace is to make sure employees actually have the technology needed to do their work. They must either have a home computer that can handle the requirements of their work or be provided with company equipment.

Then, there’s the issue of connectivity. Does your employee have sufficient home WiFi coverage? Does their home network have the bandwidth to handle their work, especially if children and other family members are on the network, too? The strongest and most secure connection will always be to directly connect to your modem when possible. 

Voice over IP or VoIP systems make it easy to stay connected while working remotely. There are several ways to connect a line at home to your current systems. Phone systems can be brought home from the office and directly connect to the modem. Softphone headsets are available and connect directly to your phone system through your computer. Most VoIP providers have an app that can be directly downloaded to your personal cell.

Another issue to consider is how your employees access your company network. If your employees require access to private databases and resources housed within your company network, they likely still need that access when working from home. For the best at-home security, we recommend employees access their company network using a full-tunnel VPN. A VPN is a virtual private network — the benefit of using one is that it allows devices on the network to access company resources without the security risks of a public connection. 

Be proactive and think about these issues before they become a major problem. 

COVID-19 & Remote Work

Environment

With kids home from school and other family members also trying to work at home, staying focused while working remote can prove to be a huge challenge. Encourage your employees to find a quiet space to claim as their own, even if it’s just a walk-in closet or a guest room. Consider buying employees noise-cancelling headphones to help them better focus. 

It’s also easy for some employees to over-focus on work when working from home, which can cause extra stress and frustration. Encourage employees to take short breaks throughout the day, make time to eat lunch, and go for walks around their neighborhood if needed. 

Team Connections

For remote employees, staying connected with their team is critical. One way to make this happen is by having internal teams schedule regular virtual meetings. This will not only help team members stay in sync, but it will provide a structured schedule to keep remote employees on track. Tools like Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Slack are all great places to start if you’re trying to encourage team collaboration. 

Besides keeping connected to stay productive, one of the biggest challenges of remote work can be the loss of the small, personal interactions that build unity and camaraderie in teams. Experiment to see how you can help your team connect in ways that aren’t work-related. This might look like a dedicated Slack channel just for office chatting or an unstructured video chat where team members can come and go.

Try a few things out and see what your team gravitates toward.

Looking Ahead

Adapting your to remote work may seem incredibly challenging while we face the threat of COVID-19. But, looking ahead, having a workforce that can become mobile and still be highly functional will be an incredible competitive advantage for your business. Once you’ve mastered remote work, you may find that you can downsize your physical office to reduce overhead. At the very least, if you have the flexibility to work remotely, you’ll be better prepared to handle other disruptive events — like hurricanes — without missing a beat.

Tony Haskew

Project Engineer

Tony Haskew has 15+ years of experience in the IT field. He started working as a web developer in the 90’s and over the years migrated into the administration of systems and infrastructures of companies. 

Tony enjoys working on new technology and finding new ways to address old issues in the management of IT systems.

Outside of work, Tony is a 3D printing enthusiast, commission painter, and enjoys spending time with his family.