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Protecting Your Business from Scams with PayID

Posted on by Leah Porter

Scams are all too common in the business world and can take many forms. Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself and your business from these scams, with PayID. Here we will discuss how PayID can help protect businesses from falling victim to scam activity.

What is PayID?

Pay ID is a simple but secure payment system that helps reduce the risk of fraud for businesses and their customers. It works by allowing customers to pay without sharing sensitive information, such as bank details or credit card numbers. Instead, customers provide a unique identifier—their Pay ID—which links them to their account and allows for secure payments without the need to share personal data.

Benefits of PayID against scams

The main benefit of using PayID is that it reduces the risk of fraud for both businesses and consumers. By not sharing sensitive information, customers know their data is kept secure while making payments. As well, businesses can be sure they are receiving payments from legitimate customers rather than scammers trying to take advantage of them.

The Benefits of PayID for Businesses

PayID offers many benefits for businesses when it comes to fighting scam activity. First, by using the system, businesses can verify customer identities before they accept a payment from them. This helps protect against fraudulent transactions as well as identity theft—two major issues that plague small and medium businesses today. Additionally, PayID is a secure payment system, limiting the incidence of compromised accounts. Finally, because of its ease of use and user-friendly interface, customers are more likely to make purchases from your business since they feel confident in knowing their information is secure.

Furthermore, by using PayID instead of other traditional methods such as cash or checks, businesses can save time since the process of receiving payments is much faster than with other methods. This means that you won’t have to wait for days or weeks for your customers’ payments to clear before you can access them—a major benefit if you need quick access to funds for running your business operations smoothly!

Security features of PayID to combat scams

One of the biggest benefits of PayID is its ability to combat scams. The system uses advanced security features such as biometric authentication and sophisticated fraud prevention algorithms. This ensures only legitimate payments are made and received. This means businesses can be sure that any payments they receive are from genuine customers who have gone through the necessary identity verification steps.  Additionally, because payments can be sent and received without sharing sensitive financial data such as bank account numbers or credit card details, businesses are better protected against identity theft.  Finally, PayID transactions happen almost instantaneously.

Another benefit of using PayID is its versatility. PayID is used for both domestic and international transfers with no extra fees or delays associated with cross-border transactions. This makes it ideal for companies who do business in multiple countries or who need to make regular transfers across borders. Since PayID transactions use end-to-end encryption, users don’t need to worry about their data being compromised along the way.

Summary

Scam activity is a major issue in the business world. Tools like Pay ID means it doesn’t have to be so daunting anymore. By using this secure payment system, businesses are confident their payments are coming from legitimate source. The easy-to-use system also eliminates the need for customers to input sensitive information when making payments. This reduces the risk of identity theft. Taking advantage of this technology can help keep your business safe from scams.

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Cloud IT Solutions

Posted on by Leah Porter

Cloud-based IT solutions can help small businesses stay secure, productive, and connected while keeping costs low.

In today’s business world, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable and robust IT infrastructure. However, for small businesses, the cost of maintaining on-premises IT solutions can be prohibitive.

Fortunately, there is a solution: cloud-based IT solutions. By moving your IT infrastructure to the cloud, you can enjoy all the benefits of a robust IT system without the high price tag. By moving your business’ computing infrastructure to the cloud, you can take advantage of a wide range of features and services that would otherwise be unavailable or too expensive for a small company.

If you’re on the fence about implementing cloud-based IT in your business, here are four reasons why now might be the perfect time to make the switch.

Scalability

One of the biggest benefits of cloud-based IT solutions is that they are highly scalable. As your business grows and changes, your IT needs will likely change as well. With on-premises solutions, making changes to your IT infrastructure can be costly and time-consuming. With cloud-based solutions, however, you can simply scale up or down as needed, without incurring any additional costs. This makes cloud-based solutions the perfect choice for small businesses that are looking to grow their operations.

Reduced Costs

Reduced maintenance costs: When all of your business’ computing needs are managed by a third party, there’s no need for in-house staff or equipment. This saves you money on salaries, hardware repairs/replacements, and energy costs.

When you move your IT infrastructure to the cloud, you no longer need to invest in expensive hardware or software licenses. Additionally, you can save money on energy costs by eliminating the need to run on-site servers 24/7. All of these cost savings can add up quickly and help improve your bottom line.

Productivity

Another benefit of cloud-based IT solutions is that they can help increase productivity in your workplace. By having a reliable and robust IT system in place, you can avoid downtime due to technical issues.

Additionally, you can give your employees access to the tools and applications they need to do their jobs from anywhere in the world. This increased flexibility can lead to higher levels of productivity in your business.

Security

One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based IT solutions is that they are more secure than traditional on-premise solutions. This is because cloud providers invest heavily in security, both in terms of technology and expertise. They also have the resources to hire top cybersecurity talent and stay up to date on the latest threats. As a result, small businesses that use cloud-based solutions can benefit from world-class security protections that would be cost-prohibitive for them to implement on their own.

Another advantage of cloud-based IT solutions is that they are updated automatically, which helps ensure that your business always has the latest security protections in place. With on-premise solutions, it’s up to you to make sure your software is up-to-date with the latest security patches. This can be a time-consuming and error prone process. With cloud-based solutions, updates are handled automatically. This means, you can be sure your business is always using the most current version of the software.

Cloud-Based IT Solutions Offload the Burden of Security Management

Cybersecurity threats are a major concern for small businesses, but fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Switching to cloud-based IT solutions is one of the best things you can do to keep your small business safe from cybersecurity risks. Cloud-based solutions are more secure and easier to manage than traditional on-premise solutions, and they free up your time so you can focus on running your business.

Finally, cloud-based IT solutions offload the burden of security management from you onto your service provider. This frees up your time so you can focus on running your business instead of managing complex security systems. It also ensures that your business always has access to the latest security technologies and expertise, which is something you might not be able to provide on your own.

These solutions offer several benefits for small businesses, including increased flexibility and scalability, increased productivity, and lower costs. So why not give them a try? You might be surprised at how much they can improve your business operation!

Super I.T. Solutions provide Cloud IT Solutions in Melbourne, Sydney, Coffs Harbour, Brisbane, and the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. We are an ever-growing company and with Cloud IT Solutions, we can help anywhere in Australia!

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Australian data breaches exposes small businesses

Posted on by Leah Porter

A new wave of data breaches targeting Australians has exposed the personal information of home users and small businesses. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has received reports of email campaigns impersonating well-known service providers and using malicious attachments or links to infect devices with malware. These types of attacks are not new, but they have been on the rise in recent months.

What is a Data Breach?

A data breach is a security incident in which sensitive, confidential, or protected data is accessed and/or disclosed without authorization. Data breaches can occur when hackers gain access to systems or networks, or when employees inadvertently expose data through carelessness or malicious intent. Once a data breach has occurred, the perpetrator may sell or distribute the stolen data on the underground market.

Data breaches can have serious consequences for individuals and organizations. For individuals, a data breach can lead to identity theft, financial loss, and damage to reputation. For organizations, a data breach can result in fines, legal action, and damage to reputation. In some cases, data breaches can even lead to bankruptcy.

Who is at risk of a Data Breach?

The latest hack occurred recently at health insurer, Medibank. Up to 200GB of data was stolen. In response to not receiving their ransom, the attackers released the information on the dark web.

The overwhelming concern that massive organizations such as Optus or Medibank could be breached, and have that data leaked is evident.  So, what does that mean for small to medium-sized businesses?

Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to these types of attacks because they often lack the resources to invest in robust cyber security measures. There is often a lack of awareness on the part of these companies about how much information regarding their clients and employees has been compromised, which leads to loss of income and a loss of trust from their clients.

Large corporations with enough resources may be able to withstand such an event but it takes time before you can see any improvement in your business or income because there’s no quick fix for this type of situation.

Home users are also at risk, as many do not take the necessary steps to protect their personal information online. Taking steps to protect yourself from cyber-attacks is essential.

How to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches

There are several things you can do to protect yourself from data breaches. First, you should never provide your personal information—such as your Tax File Number (TFN) or credit card number—to anyone unless you know and trust them.

Second, you should only do business with companies that have strong security measures in place to protect your personal information.

Third, you should regularly monitor your credit activity for signs of fraud or identity theft.

Finally, you should always report any suspicious activity to your financial institution, ScamWatch and if necessary, the police.

Here are some additional steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Use strong passwords and don’t reuse them across different accounts.
  2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible.
  3. Keep your software up to date.
  4. Be careful about what information you share on social media.
  5. Be cautious about clicking on links or opening attachments in emails, even if they appear to be from a trusted source.
  6. Use a reputable security suite to protect your devices.
  7. Back up your data regularly in case you need to restore it after a breach.
  8. Being aware of cyber-attacks and taking steps to mitigate them are important. This includes unexpected charges on your credit card or unusual activity on your bank account statements.
  9. If you think you may have been the victim of a data breach, report it to the relevant authorities immediately.

By being aware of the risks and taking measures to protect your personal information, you can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft or another type of cybercrime.

If you are concerned you have had your data breached, contact us for a full assessment of your devices, system and network.

Hackers

Posted on by Leah Porter

Hackers. It’s a word that strikes fear into the hearts of computer users everywhere. But what, exactly, is a hacker? How can you protect your computer from them? And what should you do if your computer is hacked? Read on to find out. . . .

When most people think of hacking, they think of large-scale cyber attacks by well-funded criminals or nation-states. However, hacking can also refer to more basic and common activities like breaking into a computer system or stealing someone’s password. Regardless of the scale, all types of hacking pose a risk to users and their data.

We spoke with best-selling Author and ethical hacker, Craig Ford regarding the ‘hacker stereotype’, and what you can do to protect yourself.

A Hacker, I Am

Who are Hackers?

On who hackers actually are, Craig gave some interesting perspectives.

“What do you all think a hacker looks like? Many of you will think that they are hooded figures, hiding in dark rooms with gloves on. Hunched over their keyboard with some kind of matrix-looking code running on the screen.

“That is not reality. I am a hacker, yes that is right. I am what they call in the cyber security industry a pentester, I take engagements from clients that have me try to break their systems, and find the holes but unlike a malicious actor (the bad guys and girls) I will help my clients figure out how to fix the issues and make them stronger for it.

“Hackers are not these hooded figures, they could be your neighbours or your family members. They could be like me and are more likely to be seen in a suit than a hoodie. Don’t believe all the hype and drama around hackers. The people who will break into your systems and wreak havoc are criminals. They are the same as someone who will physically steal your car or take your TV. They just do the crime through digital means.”

How likely is it I can be hacked?

When posed the idea that hackers are only after large-scale businesses such as Optus and Medicare, Craig warns that anyone can be hacked..

“This is something that a lot of small businesses and home users say. I have a bit of a shock for you, malicious actors or cyber criminals don’t care who you are, what you do or even really what information you have, it doesn’t matter to them at all. If you have weaknesses in your protection and you make it easy for them to infect your machine with ransomware or steal your data. They will take the opportunity. Period.

“Do yourself a favour, do the basics at least. Install a good antivirus solution, set up MFA (Multifactor authentication), and don’t use the same passwords for all of your accounts. That will make it too easy for them. Simple easy things can help you and your business stay safer in this connected world.”

What can I do to protect myself from being hacked?

Craig’s passion for Cybersecurity is outlined in his best-selling first book, A Hacker, I am. He advises that doing some of the simplest tasks can help to keep you safer on the internet.

“By doing regular updates on your computers and applications it will help protect you from millions of known CVE’s (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), which is essentially a list of exploits cyber criminals/malicious actors will use to attack your systems or infect you with a virus.

“Most organisations that fall victim to a cyber incident do so because of patching not being installed that could have protected them. Some of these patches or updates have been available for months or more and have just been left uninstalled.”

In addition to Craig’s sound advice, we advise you to also create strong passwords (including capital letters, numbers, and symbols) and never use the same password for more than one account. You should also be cautious about opening emails from unknown senders, clicking on links in suspicious emails, or downloading attachments.

If you believe you have been hacked, please call us right away. We can help you clean up your computer and restore your files. Together we can keep our data safe and secure.

Foresight

Craig Ford has also begun a series called, Foresight. This series is a cyber/fantasy series based on his extensive knowledge in the Cyber field.

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How to Recover Data

Posted on by Leah Porter

Data Recovery is the process of salvaging and retrieving corrupted, deleted, or lost files from a defective hard drive.

Data can be lost for a variety of reasons, including physical damage to the drive, logical damage to the file system, or accidental deletion this leads to the loss of critical information. In some cases, data loss can also be caused by malware or ransomware attacks.

In most cases, data recovery is possible if the drive itself is still functioning. Data recovery software can be used to scan the drive and identify areas where data may be recoverable. Once the software has located the data, it can then be copied to a new location, such as an external hard drive or a USB.

In some cases, data recovery may require more invasive methods, such as opening up the hard drive and directly accessing the data. However, this should only be attempted by experienced professionals, as there is a risk of further damaging the drive.

What are the differences between Backups and Recovery?

Backups are like an insurance policy for your database. They provide peace of mind knowing that you’ll be able to restore it if there’s ever a failure, whereas recovery is simply the process where all data gets restored back to its original state.

Why Data Backup and Recovery is important for Businesses

Data backup and recovery are important for any business or individual who uses computers to store information. Data loss can occur due to hardware failure, software corruption, natural disasters, or even human error. If you do not have a backup of your data, you risk losing everything.

Back-ups allow you to restore your data in the event of data loss. There are many ways to back up data, including external hard drives and cloud storage. Data backup is a simple process, and it is essential to protecting your information.

How is Data Recovery performed?

Data recovery is a complex process that requires expert knowledge and specialized tools. Attempting to recover data yourself can often do more harm than good, as you may inadvertently overwrite critical data or damage the storage device.

Data recovery services are provided by trained professionals who have the experience and expertise to retrieve data safely and effectively. So, if you’re facing a data loss situation, don’t try to go it alone – contact a professional data recovery service for help.

Can I recover my Data myself?

There are several free tools available that can help you to recover your lost data. These tools typically use a variety of techniques, including file carving, raw file recovery, and disk scanning. However, not all tools are created equal, and neither is they type of data loss you may have suffered.

As such, it is always advisable to refer to a trained Data Recovery Specialist.

How long does it take?

The amount of time it takes to recover your data will vary depending on the problem. After a technician has taken care of and diagnosed what’s wrong, you’ll be able to get an estimate for how long everything should go in recovering all that crucial information!

How much does it Cost?

The standard price for successful recovery is around $330, depending on where you go. However, if your data requires more than 1 Terabyte of storage space, you will likely be charged an extra fee based on each additional TB required to complete the task. Other factors including the type of drive, or device it is retrieved from can also alter the cost.

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Laptop Upgrades

Posted on by Leah Porter

Need a laptop upgrade? Super I.T. Solutions offers mobile service that can improve the life and productivity of your laptop – wherever you are!

It’s no secret that laptops are a huge part of our lives. We use them for work, for leisure, and for staying connected with the world. So when our laptops start to slow down, it feels like a big limitation in our ability to get things done. If you’re looking for laptop upgrades near you, Super I.T. Solutions is here to help! We can help you upgrade your laptop’s RAM, hard drive, or even its operating system. Whatever your needs may be, we can equip your laptop with the tools it needs to get the job done!

What components can you upgrade on a laptop?

RAM

Upgrading the RAM in a laptop can significantly improve its performance. More RAM allows the computer to access and process more information at once, leading to faster load times and smoother overall operation. It also future-proofs the laptop, as having extra RAM can allow it to handle more demanding tasks and applications. In short, upgrading a laptop’s RAM can lead to noticeable improvements in its speed and efficiency.

Hard Drive

Upgrading a laptop’s hard drive can improve its performance by increasing storage capacity and possibly increasing loading and processing speeds. For example, upgrading from a traditional spinning hard drive to a solid-state drive can significantly improve a laptop’s boot up and program launch times. Additionally, having more storage space can allow the user to keep more programs and files on their laptop without running into storage limitations. Overall, upgrading a laptop’s hard drive can greatly enhance its performance and usability.

Operating System

Upgrading the operating system such as the newest version of Microsoft Windows or macOS on a laptop can improve its overall performance by providing access to new features and software updates. It can also increase security by patching any vulnerabilities in the previous operating system. Additionally, upgrading the operating system may allow for compatibility with newer hardware and programs. Overall, upgrading the operating system can greatly enhance a laptop’s performance and functionality.

What can’t be upgraded on a laptop

In some cases, certain components of a laptop cannot be upgraded, such as the processor or motherboard. These components are often soldered onto the laptop’s circuit board, making it impossible to remove and replace them. Additionally, even if they could be physically replaced, compatibility issues may arise with incompatible hardware. Upgrading these components would require purchasing a new laptop altogether. Other non-upgradeable components include the graphics card and physical casing.

A graphics card in a laptop cannot be upgraded because it is typically integrated directly onto the motherboard. In a desktop computer, the graphics card can be easily removed and replaced with a newer or more powerful version, but in a laptop this is not an option. Additionally, laptop graphics cards are often smaller and have less power than their desktop counterparts due to space and power constraints. Upgrading a laptop graphics card would require completely replacing the motherboard, which is not practical or cost-effective for most users.

Conclusion

In summary, upgrading a laptop’s components, such as the processor, RAM, or hard drive, can improve its performance and extend its lifespan. It is often a more cost-effective option than purchasing a new laptop. Additionally, upgrading specific components allows for customization to meet individual needs and preferences. Upgrading your laptop components not only improves your device’s overall performance, it also gives a cleaner system to work on.

If you are looking for some new ideas about how to upgrade your laptop, our team at Super I.T. Solutions is here to help. We have a wide range of products that can breathe new life into your device and make it work faster and better than ever before. So, if you are ready to take your productivity up a notch, give us a call today!

PCs Vs Macs: Which is best for business?

Posted on by Leah Porter

As a new business owner, you may be wondering which type of computer is best for your needs – a PC or a Mac. While there are pros and cons to both, it really depends on what you’ll be using your computer for as to which is the better choice. Let’s take a look at the differences between PCs and Macs to see which might be the best fit for your business.

Operating Systems

The operating system is the software that tells the computer what to do.

Windows 11 is the most recent operating system for PCs. macOS Monterey is the most recent for Macs, however later this month, Apple will release macOS 13 Ventura.

One big difference between these two operating systems is that Windows 11 can run on any type of PC, while macOS Monterey/Ventura can only run on Apple computers.

A cool new feature of Windows 11 is “Snap Groups”, these allow users to easily snap multiple windows together, creating a group that can be viewed and manipulated as one. For example, a user could create a snap group of their email, calendar, and messaging apps in order to efficiently manage their schedule and communication. These snap groups can also be quickly accessed and rearranged through the new “snap assist” feature. Overall, snap groups on Windows 11 provide a streamlined and intuitive way for users to multitask on their desktops. These features have the macOS beat when it comes to multitasking.

With Shareplay on macOS, users can easily share their screen with friends or colleagues while video chatting on Facetime or messaging through iMessage. This allows for seamless collaboration and communication, as well as the ability to easily demonstrate something on your screen without having to physically hand over your device. Additionally, Facetime and iMessage offer crystal clear audio and video calling capabilities for connecting with loved ones near and far. So, for the social butterfly, or a remote ‘work-from-home’ staff member, these features might be just what you are after.

Price

Macs are typically more expensive than PCs, although there are some lower-priced options available from Apple. If price is a major consideration, then a PC might be the better choice for your business. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you get what you pay for – so a more expensive Mac might actually be a better investment in the long run.

Performance

When it comes to performance, there is often a debate over whether PCs or Macs are better, especially in business.

On one hand, PCs have the advantage of being able to be easily upgraded with new hardware. This allows for a potentially higher level of performance. They also often have a wider variety of hardware options available.

On the other hand, Macs are known for their smooth and efficient operating system. They also tend to have better built-in security features, which can improve overall performance by protecting against viruses and malware.
Ultimately, the decision between a PC and a Mac for performance will depend on individual needs and preferences. Some may prefer the flexibility of upgrading hardware in a PC, while others may value the streamlined operation of a Mac.

Functionality

When it comes to digital design and CAD programs, a Mac is more than capable of handling the tasks at hand. The Mac operating system offers a smooth and intuitive user experience, making it easy for designers to navigate and utilize design software.

Additionally, Macs are known for their impeccable graphics processing, allowing for seamless rendering of designs and 3D models. It’s built for professionals in creative industries and can handle intensive design software.

Many popular design programs, such as Adobe Creative Suite and AutoCAD, have versions specifically optimized for Mac computers. With a Mac, you can easily navigate between multiple design programs and projects without slowdowns or lag. Combined with the sleek and stylish design of the hardware itself, a Mac is the ultimate choice for any digital designer.

One major benefit of a PC for a business is the ability to easily integrate with other commonly used business software and programs. PCs are compatible with Microsoft Office, one of the most widely used suites of productivity tools for businesses.

PCs also have a larger variety of business-specific software options, as well as flexibility in choosing hardware and components. Another advantage for PC users in a business setting is the ease of networking. PCs can easily connect to other PCs, allowing for streamlined communication and collaboration within a company.

PCs also tend to have more affordable pricing options for businesses looking to purchase multiple devices or upgrade their technology. This cost-effectiveness can greatly benefit smaller businesses or start-ups with limited budgets. Overall, PCs offer functionality and benefits that make them particularly advantageous for businesses and their owners.

Conclusion

There’s no right answer when it comes to choosing between a PC or a Mac for your business; it really depends on your specific needs and preferences. If price is a major consideration, then a PC is probably the better choice; however, if you’re looking for stability and ease of use, then a Mac might be worth the extra investment. Whichever way you go, you can’t go wrong – both PCs and Macs offer excellent performance and features.

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What is included in Managed IT services?

Posted on by Leah Porter

Managed IT services have become a very sought-after service. The Covid-19 pandemic caused hundreds of thousands of businesses to work remotely, and technical support became more complex.

So, what is Managed IT Services and what can it do for your business? See our list below of the major aspects of Managed IT Services.

Hardware and Software Solutions including Desktops, Laptops & Printers

Managed Services aren’t just services. A quality Managed Services provider will also provide quality hardware solutions for your business. These include desktops, laptops, servers and printers. All of these are sourced and delivered directly to your business and installed by a technician, without you needing to visit a store.

VOIP Setup and Services

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) setups allow the user to make a call directly from a computer. A VoIP phone or an adapter connected to a traditional phone also utilise internet connection to make these calls. The benefits include lower costs, increased accessibility, and portability.

Networking and Internet Services

A Managed IT service provider may provide internet and phone services. The benefits of using a provider presented to you by your MSP include onshore services and support, and an holistic network infrastructure for the entire network. This can then monitored, serviced and supported, by your MSP. This then eliminates the need to contact multiple agencies if/when an issue is identified.

Physical and Virtual servers, data hosting, and online backup

In addition to providing and deploying a physical server on-site, Managed IT Services can also provide Virtual servers, data hosting and online backup.

By utilising a virtual server, environmental factors are eliminated and with the ability to scale the requirements for your business, you can reduce overall expenditure by only using what you need.

In some cases, a physical server is required, these may be due to a software component your business runs, that isn’t accessible via a virtual server at this time.

Data hosting and online backup is essential. These services provide a secure location for all your business data and again, remove the human or environmental factors of backing up data locally (on-site).

360-degree network security, including malware and antivirus

A quality network security platform is paramount when running a business. Your Managed IT service provider will advise you of the top-tier platforms to use, of which have a yearly or monthly subscription.

Technology has become so advanced in anti-virus solutions in that they are able to not only identify an attack, but they can also block the attack as it is happening, not once an infection has taken place. This is especially crucial when malware such as ransomware has been deployed. Businesses can fork out thousands of dollars to retrieve their data after an attack like this. If they aren’t able to, an attack like this can cripple their business.

24/7 PC Monitoring

In addition to the physical aspects a Managed IT service provider can offer, there are many services they provide. These are subscription-based infrastructures, designed to monitor all of your network and devices. This monitoring will then identify an issue and will alert the MSP, who will take action and resolve the issue within hours.

Windows Update and patch automation, preventative maintenance, and cleaning

An MSP will also configure all devices onsite to ensure that all Windows updates and patches are managed. Any issues that are found will be resolved remotely.

Preventative maintenance of the devices on-site is also a service provided by an MSP. This then ensures you are notified of when a hard drive may be failing and can act prior to a crash, or other maintenance issues. Cleaning of devices is also generally included, which again helps maintain the productivity of the hardware on-site and its longevity.

Direct Support

Your MSP is your go-to. If you have an issue or query, or if you need to set up a new computer and email user, you only need to contact one place. You can contact your MSP via email or phone at any time. An SLA (Service Level Agreement) should be included in the plan, and you can have the requirement followed up within hours.

Monthly Reporting

An MSP can also provide you with monthly reporting. This will include items such as tickets that have been completed throughout the month, and actions that have been taken.

A list of the items that have been resolved and outstanding items will also be provided, along with items that still need attention or may need to be attended to in the future as a preventative measure.

Still unsure if Managed IT Services are for you? Contact us and we can provide a FREE on-site assessment of your business’s technology.

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Optus Data Breach

Posted on by Leah Porter

The last several days have been a rollercoaster of information, regarding the Optus Data Breach. From a technical perspective, we break down what happened (or is alleged to have happened) and what to do.

How did it happen?

Allegedly the ‘hacker’ accessed the information by a vulnerability in Optus’ security protocols. However, Optus refutes these claims and maintain that this was a sophisticated attack by a highly skilled scammer.

Regardless of which is true, accessing basic personal information from a large corporation is clearly possible.

As the news of this fallout has continued, the likelihood that this was a sophisticated attack seems less likely. The alleged ‘attacker’ has since apologised for the 10,200 names that were released. They have promised not to sell any information and have deleted the files.

Although the attacker has stated these files have been deleted, customers should still be wary that the information may still be available somewhere, such as on the Dark Web.
The Dark Web is an area of the internet that normal internet-goers do not access. The platform is widely used for illegal activity including the sale of personal information. There is an online marketplace dedicated to the sale of data. Attackers will pay for quality and real information to use for phishing scams or spam attacks and other things of the like.

Can it happen again?

Absolutely. Unfortunately, even with sophisticated security protocols in place, there are even more sophisticated hackers and programs designed to get around them. Large corporations such as Optus do have solid firewalls and other security measures in place. However, as we know are not infallible.

Staying vigilant as an individual is paramount. Looking for signs of phishing scams, avoiding clicking on links that have been sent directly to you, and looking for other signs that what is presented to you isn’t quite right good practice.

What do I need to do?

If you are one of the 10,200 customers that have been affected by this data breach, you can now get a new driver’s license free of charge.

NSW customers can visit the Service NSW app and receive a new license instantly.

QLD license holders can expect new licenses and numbers issued free of charge also, upon providing an Optus data breach notice at a Queensland Transport Customer Service Centre.

Victorian customers need to reach out to VicRoads to have their license flagged. Customers will need to provide multiple points of ID, for a new new license to be issued.

Other states such as WA are requesting a police report for the re-issue to take place, SA can access via their app mySAGOV, and the ACT can simply go and change their license. Tasmania has not yet determined how they will re-issue new licenses yet.

The AFP has set up Operation Hurricane to track down the attacker and prosecute them for the current data breach.
Over the coming weeks and months, the true scope of what happened and who was to blame will hopefully come to light and we hope that Optus has taken this incident as a stern warning to better protect the valuable information that their customers are expected to provide.

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How to detect a virus on your computer

Posted on by Leah Porter

Computer viruses are unfortunately a widespread problem amongst its users. But knowing how to tell if you have a computer virus gives you the ability to act quickly, avoiding data loss or damage. Malicious malware is created to infiltrate, take over and cause havoc to a computer system. These attacks are designed to end in financial gain for the attacker.

Here are seven ways to detect if you have a virus on your computer

Computer Running Slowly

The most common and easy-to-detect symptom of a computer virus is your computer begins to run slowly. The reason for this is that the virus that has been deployed onto your system consumes massive amounts of your system’s resources. Your CPU (central processing unit) will become overwhelmed as it is trying to negotiate the amount of program usage taking place. Your hard drive will become overworked and can also cause overheating and physical damage to your computer.

The fan may also start running louder, even when performing a minor task, as it tries to combat the ever-increasing heat the CPU is producing.

Pop-Ups

Another common symptom is frequent pop-ups. These pop-ups are designed to recommend that not only do you have a virus, but to contact the number on your screen so that a ‘specialist’ can help. These pop-ups may also provide a web link for you to follow to rectify the situation, only further causing you more vulnerability to additional attacks.

Unknown Programs or Toolbars

Malicious malware designed to give access to attackers can also come in the form of unknown toolbars or programs. Should you notice that a toolbar or program is on your system that was not previously there, or you know you did not download or install it, can be a sign of a computer virus.

Unfamiliar icons may also appear on your computer, which can also indicate a computer virus. These icons may look different from other icons such as they include a question mark or other indicator that it is not a standard icon.

Disappearing Files

Although we can all lose files from time to time, whether it be from filing in the wrong area or accidentally deleting it, files disappearing can also suggest a computer virus. It is important to note that these deletions aren’t only reserved to files on your hard drive but can also include emails.

One of the most lucrative virus hacks is encryption viruses. An attacker will encrypt your files and demand a ransom for their return.

Equally, you may see messages that say that system files are corrupted. These corruptions can also cause your computer to crash and freeze, which brings us to our next point.

Frequent error messages or system crashes

Viruses cause errors in the software on your computer and your Operating System itself. These errors then cause frequent system crashes and error messages. The CPU overheating and hard drive damage caused by a virus also cause the system to malfunction.

Antivirus Not Working or Firewall issues

Computer viruses can disable the anti-virus program you are running by deactivating it from the system registries. They can also alter the instructions from these registries and adjust your anti-virus configuration settings. The virus will run without detection by your anti-virus and leaves your system vulnerable to a further attack.

Ensuring you have the latest in anti-virus technology can ensure you avoid this vulnerability.

Spam Coming in or out

You may start to see an increase in the amount of spam you are receiving in your inbox. This is an indicator that an attacker has targeted you. Furthermore, you may also be sending spam emails without your knowledge or your consent.

Spam email is a quite common symptom of a computer virus. These emails contain links to malicious websites, when clicked on will download a file onto your computer, releasing the virus onto your system.

While viruses are always finding new and cunning ways to attack your system, so too are the anti-virus platforms, and information provided to the public on what to look out for and how to protect yourself. Therefore, although viruses are nasty little things, by staying vigilant, you can avoid becoming a target.

 

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