In today’s digital world, it is essential for businesses of any size and in all industries to have a website. To build your own site, you will require the services of a web host, but what exactly does this entail? Let us give you an overview as we introduce the two most popular forms of web hosting.

What does web hosting mean?

Web hosting is an essential service that allows individuals and organizations to make their website internet-accessible. It is a type of hosting service where businesses can store and run their website files on a web server that is typically owned by the web host. Popular web hosting providers include DreamHost, HostGator, GoDaddy, and Bluehost.

When you acquire a web hosting plan, you are essentially renting space on the host’s server for a monthly fee. You can think of it as paying for an apartment in a building; the landlord (your web host) owns the entire building, and you get to rent out one of the apartments within it (web hosting). Web hosting also comes with an array of features and services that are designed to make your website easier to manage, including database access, email accounts, and domain purchases.

Are there different types of web hosting?

Depending on the provider, there could be many types of web hosting available. The main ones include:

  • Shared hosting – involves multiple websites sharing a single web server, with each website allocated its own resources. It is the most economical option, as it requires minimal technical knowledge and comes with features such as one-click software installation, email accounts, and unlimited website hosting.
  • Virtual private server (VPS) hosting – suitable for websites that require more control and flexibility than what shared hosting offers. A VPS is a virtual machine with its own dedicated resources, so you can access the server remotely and manage it as if it were a physical computer. The benefits of VPS hosting include better performance, higher levels of security and privacy, and the ability to scale as your website grows. However, it may require technically savvy personnel to manage and configure.
  • Dedicated hosting – provides the most resources and is ideal for large websites with high levels of traffic. The entire server is rented out by the client, so they can customize it to their own requirements and have full control over it. The drawback is that dedicated hosting can be an expensive option for businesses.
  • Cloud hosting – utilizes multiple cloud servers to create a virtual environment for websites. It is similar to VPS in terms of features and customization, but the main benefit is that cloud hosting can scale to meet changing website demands. Additionally, there are no hardware maintenance costs and an uptime guarantee.

Which web hosting type best fits your business?

Ultimately, the choice of web hosting type depends on the size and scope of your website, as well as your budget. If you are just starting out or have a small website, shared hosting might be the right choice.

On the other hand, businesses with larger websites will benefit from either VPS or dedicated hosting because of the flexibility they offer, especially if your website has several pages, expects high traffic, or requires special website features like an eCommerce component. Meanwhile, cloud hosting is recommended for businesses that need the highest levels of security, scalability, and uptime guarantee.

In the end, it is best to take some time to evaluate your website’s needs and choose a hosting plan that meets them.

If picking a suitable web hosting type and partner proves tricky, you should consult a professional. As IT experts ourselves, we can help you select the right web hosting provider. Give us a call to learn more.

Ask yourself what your website is doing for you and whether it’s aligned with your business needs and objectives. The GCInfotech professional web design team is here to help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. SOURCE

November 30th — is National Computer Security Day, an annual event observed since 1988 to help raise awareness worldwide of computer-related security issues. It should also serve as a reminder to small business owners to protect their computer networks from hackers, fraudsters and identity thieves.

Computer security is sometimes referred to as cybersecurity or IT (information technology) security. It applies to the protection of computer-based equipment, the information stored on and services related to it from unauthorized and unintended access, change or destruction, including unplanned events and natural disasters.

Recently, the public opinion research company Ipsos Reid released the findings of a survey of U.S. small businesses revealing that many of them do not fully comprehend the impact a data breach can have on them. As a result, they take a passive approach to safeguarding sensitive information that leaves them vulnerable not only to a breach but potentially devastating financial and reputational damage as well.

The survey also found that:

  • Sixty-nine percent of small business owners are not aware or don’t believe that lost or stolen data would result in financial impact and harm to their businesses credibility.
  • Forty percent have no protocols in place for securing data.
    More than one-third of the respondents report that they never train staff on information security procedures.
  • Forty-eight percent have no one directly responsible for management of data security.
  • Just 18 percent would encourage new data privacy legislation requiring stricter compliance and penalties to information security threats.

Computer Security Day is an excellent time to ensure that your company is following best practices to protect yourself from data breach and identity theft. They include:

  • Analyzing possible security gaps in your organization and within your supply chain.
  • Implementing ongoing risk analysis processes and creating a security policy specifically designed to limit exposure to fraud and data breaches.
  • Regularly training employees in proper document management and encouraging their adoption of security best practices.
  • Implementing a “shred-all” policy for unneeded documents and keeping sensitive materials under lock and key until they are destroyed.
  • Paying particular attention to hard drives on computers or photocopiers. The only way to destroy data stored on hard drives is physical destruction.
  • Installing and using effective computer network protection such as anti-virus software and a firewall.

To learn more about how to safeguard your business, or if you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment.

Securing your small business is a never-ending battle, but there are some steps you can take to make it a little bit easier. One of those steps is making sure your firmware is up to date. But what is firmware and why is it crucial to update it regularly? Read on to learn more.

What does firmware do?

Firmware is a type of software that is stored on read-only memory (ROM) chips. It is used to control the hardware of a device, such as a computer, and is typically permanently programmed into the ROM. Firmware is different from other types of software, such as application software and operating system software, as it is designed to work with specific hardware components and cannot be easily transferred to another device.

Firmware typically contains instructions for how the hardware should interact with the rest of the system, as well as low-level routines for tasks such as booting up the device or managing memory. While firmware can be updated, it is usually more difficult than updating other types of software, and in some cases may require special equipment or knowledge. As a result, firmware updates are often reserved for fixing critical bugs or adding new features to the hardware.

Why is it crucial to upgrade firmware?

Microsoft’s 2021 Security Signals report warns that firmware attacks are increasing. These types of attacks force malware onto computer systems in order to disrupt the firmware on motherboards or hardware drivers. They can use such malware to remotely control the infected devices, extract data, and even block users from their devices and systems.

Updating your business devices’ firmware ensures that everyone is using the most recent version of the firmware. This can help prevent data breaches, as well as keep your devices running smoothly. In addition, updating firmware can help improve compatibility with other devices and software, as well as provide new features and bug fixes. In this way, updated firmware protects your business and maintains peak device performance.

What is the best way to install firmware updates?

The procedure for upgrading firmware varies from device to device. On iOS and Android devices, you may simply download and install firmware upgrades. However, devices such as routers will require firmware updates that can only be accessed from the manufacturer’s website or administrative console.

Updating the firmware may be time-consuming and laborious. Firmware updates might cause your devices to be reset, resulting in lost customizations on your computers, routers, and other devices. Additionally, you could also risk damaging your equipment if you do not follow the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter.

Firmware updates are an important part of keeping your business secure, and it’s something that you should be doing on a regular basis. This task can be daunting, but it’s a crucial step that should not be ignored. If you need help getting started, contact us today. Our IT experts are here to guide you.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

2022 sees rise in ‘unwanted’ emails as phishing attacks remain popular

A large proportion of your work emails may not be useful in any way, a new report examining billions of messages has claimed.

Research from Hornetsecurity analyzing 25 billion business emails found nearly half (40.5%) are ‘unwanted’, and could even represent a serious threat to businesses.

The report also revealed how email remains an incredibly popular threat vector, with the most common kind of malicious messages being phishing attacks – emails pretending to be from well-known companies, sometimes quite convincingly – which made up 39.6% of all threats.

False sense of security

When it comes to malicious email attachments, Archive files such as Zip made up the greatest proportion (28% of messages), followed by web files (HTML) at 21%. Text based files were also commonly employed, with tainted Microsoft Word documents making up 12.7%, PDF 12.4% and Excel 10.4%.

The report also found new methods are being developed by cybercriminals in response to the changing digital landscape. For instance, attacks exploiting the macro capabilities in Microsoft 365 are no longer viable since Microsoft disabled the feature last year, specifically to shore up its security.

As a result of this, new tactics have been adopted. HTML smuggling has risen, where hidden LNK or ZIP files are contained within web links to deploy malware.

Hornetsecurity CEO Daniel Hofmann warned that given the prevalence of cloud based systems, such as Microsoft 365, their use should merit the same level of caution. Hornetsecurity’s report found that a quarter of respondents did not know that 365 could be a potential gateway for ransomware – some even presumed it was invulnerable to such threats.

“Ongoing training should be in place to prevent fraudsters from manipulating the trust people have in Microsoft and other office systems”, Hoffman advised. He also made specific mention of Microsoft Teams, adding that “it’s also critical to ensure all data shared via this platform is backed up.”

Other reports have found a similarly high – or even higher – proportion of spam emails in people’s accounts. Recent findings from Kaspersky, for instance, put the figure between 45-85%.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechRadar SOURCE

The number of successful cyberattacks grows steadily every day, making it more important than ever for businesses to implement robust cybersecurity solutions. Part of a comprehensive cybersecurity infrastructure is a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This involves taking steps to prevent attacks from happening in the first place, rather than reacting after an incident occurs. In this blog post, we will discuss what proactive cybersecurity is and how you can implement it in your business.

Benefits of proactive cybersecurity

Proactive cybersecurity is a strategic approach to protecting computer systems and networks from cyberthreats. It involves identifying potential vulnerabilities before cybercriminals can take advantage of them and implementing measures to prevent these vulnerabilities from being exploited. This approach is in contrast to reactive cybersecurity. Rather than attempting to prevent cyberattacks, reactive cybersecurity focuses on responding to and recovering from attacks that have already taken place.

Having proactive security measures can provide your business with the following advantages:

  • Avoid playing catch-up with threats
    Taking action every time there’s a threat can be exhausting for your security team and your other resources. If you’re always playing catch-up with threats, you’ll never be able to get ahead. By utilizing both preventive cybersecurity strategies alongside reactive measures, you will be able to best protect your data and networks.
  • Improve security compliance
    Proactive cybersecurity measures can help you root out threats to your data and your clients’ data. This, in turn, enables you to meet data compliance requirements.
  • Boost business reputation
    Customers are more security-conscious today than in the past. With many data breaches impacting companies, your customers will want assurance that you have measures to safeguard their personal information in place. Having a proactive cybersecurity culture will demonstrate your commitment to keeping customer data safe and give your business’s reputation a boost. Showing that you can be trusted with clients’ sensitive data will also give you a leg up over your competitors.

Implementing proactive cybersecurity

To effectively implement a proactive cybersecurity strategy, follow these steps:

  1. Determine the threats
    Work with your in-house IT staff or managed services provider (MSP) to identify the types of attacks that are most common in your industry. By being aware of the threats out there, you can take steps to protect your business and keep it running smoothly.
  2. Assess your resources
    After you identify the primary cyberthreats to your company, prioritize them by determining how each security issue can damage various parts of your network. You can start by listing company devices that connect to the internet. Check the security measures these devices have and the type of data (regulated, mission-critical, low-importance, etc.) each device has access to.
  3. Implement proactive cybersecurity measures
    Your IT team or MSP may recommend these security measures based on the risks and assets identified in steps 1 and 2:
Proactive measure What to expect
Conduct security awareness seminars Educate every employee about security best practices, including spam awareness, password management, proper mobile device usage, and the like.
Regularly update anti-malware software or cloud-based services Keep your data and systems safe from the newest malware threats.
Establish schedules dedicated for software patches and upgrades Patches and upgrades decrease the chances of someone getting unauthorized access to your network by exploiting software vulnerabilities.
Recommend web filtering services Keep your network safe by blacklisting dangerous and inappropriate sites.
Set up perimeter defenses (e.g., intrusion prevention systems and hardware firewalls) Watch out for anything and everything that tries to access your network.
Initiate policy of least privilege Provide users access only to the data they need to complete their tasks.
Determine data segmentation Assess and establish micro-perimeters to protect high-value data.
Run full-disk encryption Encrypt data on electronic devices to prevent unauthorized access in case the devices are ever misplaced or stolen.
Secure virtual private networks Encrypt data transmitted across unsecured connections to make it impossible to read if intercepted.
Provide strict access controls Secure accounts from unauthorized access by using stronger passwords combined with multifactor authentication and automated screen locks that engage after a period of inactivity.
Utilize AI-powered network monitoring Be on the lookout for suspicious user and software behaviors, like when employees access files outside their departments.

Proactive cybersecurity is critical for businesses of all sizes. By taking steps to understand the threats your business faces and implementing measures to protect yourself, you can keep your data and your business safe. If you need help getting started, contact us today and our team of cybersecurity experts will be happy to guide you through the process of implementing proactive cybersecurity.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Microsoft 365 offers a convenient way to share calendars. In this guide, we will walk you through how you can quickly and easily do so to let others — even those without a Microsoft 365 account — view your calendar.

What is Outlook?

Outlook is a personal information manager from Microsoft, available as part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Aside from managing multiple email accounts, Outlook also allows users to quickly access calendar and task features. Users can also customize their view of Outlook through several ways, including the use of add-ons and plugins that improve productivity. Overall, Outlook is a powerful tool that can help individuals and organizations stay on top of their communications.

Use Outlook on the web

Outlook on the web is a free, web-based version of Microsoft Outlook that includes many of the same features as the desktop version. You can use Outlook on the web to access your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks from any computer with an internet connection.

Additionally, you can connect your Microsoft 365 or another email service based on Microsoft Exchange Online to Outlook. Through this integration, you can then easily share your calendar by following these steps:

  1. To access the Calendar, click on the calendar icon at the bottom of the page.
  2. Go to the Calendar page and find the toolbar at the top of your screen. Click on Share and then select which calendar you want to share with others. Remember that you can only share calendars that you own.
  3. Enter the email address or name of who you’d like to share your calendar with.
  4. To secure your calendar, determine the permission levels of your recipients. These options include:
    • Can view when I’m busy ⁠– allows users to view only certain details of your calendar when you’re busy
    • Can view titles and locations ⁠– shows users when you’re not available, including additional details such as the event’s title or location
    • Can view all details ⁠– lets users see all details about an event in your calendar
    • Can edit ⁠– enables permitted users to modify details in your calendar
    • Delegate ⁠– authorizes users to edit your calendar and share it with others
  5. The final step is to click on Share. You can cancel sharing your calendar by clicking on the Trash icon.

Another method of sharing your calendar is by publishing it and sending the URL to others. Here’s how you can do this:

  1. Go to Settings, then View all Outlook settings in Calendar.
  2. Click on Shared calendars.
  3. After you select Publish a calendar, choose which calendar to make public and how much information recipients will be able to see.
  4. Once you’ve set the permission levels, you can click Publish.
  5. Next, choose between an HTML or an ICS link. The HTML link allows recipients to view your calendar through a browser like Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Meanwhile, users can use an ICS link to import your shared calendar and view it on their own Outlook calendar.

Share via Outlook.com

Just like Outlook on the web, Outlook.com allows you to share your calendar directly or publish it. The methods for sharing on these two platforms are similar, with the exception that you have just two choices for how recipients may utilize your calendar: Can view all details and Can edit.

Here’s how you can publish your calendar on Outlook.com:

  1. Open the Calendar view by clicking on the calendar icon.
  2. Go to the Settings menu and choose View all Outlook settings.
  3. Go to Calendar and choose Shared calendars.
  4. In “Publish a calendar,” choose the Calendar you want to publish and how much information it will show.
  5. Once you’re done, click on Publish and share your calendar either through an HTML or ICS link.

Easy access through Outlook on iOS and Android

If you’re on the go or don’t have access to your desktop, you can still share your calendar via Outlook’s mobile app by following these steps:

  1. On your Outlook app, select Calendar from the hamburger menu at the top-left corner of the screen.
  2. Go to Share then, under Add People, select the recipients you’d like to invite by inputting their names or email addresses.
  3. Next, go to the top-right corner of the app and tap on the Check button.
  4. To edit the permission level of a certain user, you can tap their name on the list of recipients. Like with Outlook on the web, you can choose the permission options such as “Only When I’m Busy,” “Only Titles and Locations,” “All Details,” “Can View,” “Can Edit,” and “Delegate.”
  5. If you want to remove a user from your recipients, go to the bottom of the page and tap on Remove.
  6. After you’ve set permissions, tap on the Check button at the top-right corner of the page to share your calendar with your selected users.

There’s no doubt that Microsoft 365 offers a variety of tools that help you stay organized. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of Microsoft 365, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our IT experts will be glad to help.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

Disasters can happen to anyone, and when they do, it can be difficult for small- or medium-sized businesses (SMB) to get back on their feet. Your business could be at risk if you’re not prepared for a natural disaster or an unexpected emergency. Here are a few tips to help keep your business afloat during tough times.

What is a business continuity plan?

A business continuity plan, or BCP, is a document that provides detailed instructions on how to respond in the event of unexpected disruptions to normal operations. These operational disruptions can include anything from natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, to human-caused events like reputation crises and security breaches.

A comprehensive BCP will address all aspects of a business, including IT, communications, facilities, and more, enabling the company to continue providing quality products or services to its customers, even in the face of difficult circumstances

Potential risks to business continuity

SMBs face a variety of threats that could potentially disrupt operations and cause significant losses. These include:

  • Natural catastrophes – storms, floods, wildfires, and earthquakes
  • Man-made disasters – intentional sabotage, human negligence, and cyberattacks
  • Device and utility failures – power outages, internet disruptions, and communication service issues

Creating an effective BCP

A good BCP should not only be comprehensive, but it should also account for every possible emergency scenario your company could face. To ensure your plan is effective and covers all the bases, follow these steps:

1. Assess the risks
Identify the hazards or potential threats that could affect your operations. Consider the likelihood that these threats could lead to actual harm, and assess any potential consequences. This will help you determine the level of risk associated with each hazard and prioritize when deciding on ways to mitigate those risks. Make sure to collaborate with all departments within your company to get a well-rounded view of the risks.

2. Conduct a business impact analysis (BIA)
A BIA involves determining the critical functions and processes that are necessary to keep your business running smoothly. By analyzing which aspects of your operations are most important, you’ll be able to make informed decisions about how to best protect those functions in the event of a disaster.

3. Determine your recovery options
Ascertain what it would take to get your critical functions and processes up and running again after an unexpected event. This might include restoring data from backups, implementing workarounds for damaged equipment, or allowing employees to work from home. These recovery options should be feasible and achievable, so that your business can quickly resume normal operations.

4. Outline the plan
With all of the information gathered in the previous steps, you can now start putting together your BCP. Document the steps that need to be taken in the event of a disaster, and assign specific roles and responsibilities to employees. Be sure to include contact information for key personnel, as well as any vendors or partners that might be needed to assist with recovery efforts.

Keep a copy of the plan in a safe location, and make sure that all employees are aware of its existence and know how to access it.

5. Test, train, repeat
It’s not enough to just have a BCP — you need to test it frequently too. By doing so, you and your team can identify any weaknesses or gaps in the plan, and make necessary adjustments. This will ensure that your plan will work when you need it most. Additionally, you should regularly train your employees on the contents of the BCP so that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and knows how to execute the plan successfully.

If your business doesn’t have a BCP, now is the time to start thinking about creating one. Our team of experts can help you develop an effective plan that will ensure your business can quickly recover from a major incident. Give us a call today.

If you’re concerned about any natural disasters putting you out of business, call us today. We offer comprehensive business continuity services that every company should have.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

With every new system we use and online account we create, we need to add another password to our ever-growing list. However, memorizing all these passwords is challenging and can lead to password fatigue. Single sign-on can be the solution to this problem.

What is single sign on?

Single sign-on or SSO is an authentication method that lets users access several applications and websites with a single set of login credentials. For example, if you log in to Gmail, SSO will automatically sign you into other Google applications, such as Analytics and AdSense.

How does SSO work?

SSO is built on the concept of federated identity, which allows multiple systems to share identification information. When a user logs in to a service with their SSO credentials, an authentication token is generated and stored on their browser or in the SSO provider’s servers. Any app or website that the user visits afterward will verify the user’s identity with the SSO provider, which will then deliver the user’s token to confirm their identity and grant them access.

This forms the foundation for modern SSO solutions that use protocols such as OpenID Connect and SAML 2.0.

What are the benefits of SSO?

Apart from being more convenient and simpler to use, SSO offers these key benefits:

Better password management
SSO makes it easier for workers to manage their login information since they only need to remember one set of credentials instead of dozens. And users only need to remember one password, they can create more unique and use stronger passwords for individual accounts, making it harder for cybercriminals to access and steal their information.

Improved password policy enforcement
Because password entry is centralized, SSO makes it easy for IT teams to enforce password security policies. For example, many businesses require employees to change their passwords regularly. Rather than having to reset several passwords across various applications and services each time, IT teams only need to reset one for each user.

SSO also helps IT administrators implement the reentering of login information after a given period to ensure an employee is still active on the signed-in device. This is a critical security measure for businesses, as it can prevent dormant accounts from being used to access company data.

Less time wasted recovering forgotten passwords
By utilizing SSO, IT staff can reduce the number of password recovery or reset requests they receive, and users can spend less time waiting for password resets. This can help raise employees’ productivity levels and allow IT personnel to focus on more important issues.

If you think SSO is ideal for your business, give us a call. Our experts are ready to help you.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE

If you own or operate a business, you’ve probably adapted to a number of changes over the years. As you inch closer to year-end, it’s time to figure out what still needs to be done. One of those potential changes might be an upgrade to your network infrastructure.

When you look at making updates or adjustments to your business, you’re probably doing so in an effort to bring in a greater profit than the previous year. While updating your software or hardware might not provide an obvious benefit to your sales goals, it can help save your business quite a bit of money in the long run. It can even boost your sales and overall productivity when the right updates are put in place.

Here are four major benefits that come with updating your network infrastructure.

Faster Internet Connection

New technological advancements are made every day, and failing to keep up with them can hinder your business operations. This can be seen clearly with Internet connectivity. If your Internet speeds are slow, your employees will work at a slower pace. Client-facing applications will also lag and can be detrimental to your customers’ satisfaction with your business. Investing in a new network will allow you to utilize faster Internet speeds so you and your employees can work quicker with fewer interruptions; this will improve productivity and help more clients in a efficient manner.

Better Network Security

We talk about the importance of cyber security a lot, and it’s because one successful cyber-attack could bring irreparable harm to any business, regardless of reputation or size. Cyberthreats are more complicated than ever before, and cybercriminals can easily navigate old and outdated networks. Newer networks are built with more defenses to thwart would-be hackers. Even if you’ve recently upgraded your network, you need to continually update your software. New patches are continually released that help plug the holes cybercriminals are exploiting.

More Compatibility

An upgraded network provides business owners with more options than they could ever dream of. You’ll have access to countless applications that will benefit your business and give you a step ahead of your competitors, but your network needs to be as strong as possible to get the most out of them.

Less Time Maintaining Your Network

If you upgrade your network on old infrastructure, you will put more strain on your system, and your IT person or company will have to step in to help out. Investing in modern infrastructure will help fix many problems in your business and will give your employees more time to be productive, including your IT specialists.

Now that you’re aware of the benefits of upgrading your network infrastructure, when should you do it? As your business grows, your network needs to grow with it. You will also need to upgrade if you’re experiencing any issues with your current network. If you work in an industry that deals with sensitive client information, like a law firm, you may be legally required to keep your network up-to-date as much as possible.

Upgrading your network and keeping it up-to date-will come with many benefits and few drawbacks. If it’s been some time since your last upgrade or update, it’s time to reevaluate your needs.

If you are looking for an expert to help you find the best solutions for your business talk to GCInfotech about a free technology assessment

Published with consideration from TechAdvisory.org SOURCE