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4 steps to erase data from your old phone

Avast, a cybersecurity software company, purchased 20 used Android phones from eBay in 2014. Even though previous owners had performed a factory reset to erase all their private data from memory, the company was able to recover 40,000 photos (including nudes and kids’ pictures), 1,000 Google searches, 750 SMS and email exchanges, and tons of contact details.

The post 4 steps to erase data from your old phone appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

27 Jun, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Security category
4 steps to erase data from your old phone

Avast, a cybersecurity software company, purchased 20 used Android phones from eBay in 2014. Even though previous owners had performed a factory reset to erase all their private data from memory, the company was able to recover 40,000 photos (including nudes and kids’ pictures), 1,000 Google searches, 750 SMS and email exchanges, and tons of contact details. So, if you really want to keep your private information to yourself when you move on from your old phone, follow these 4 easy steps.

1. Encrypt your Android phone

You can make sure unauthorized personnel don’t have access to your data by encrypting it, making it virtually unreadable. Those who own a newer phone will likely have their data encrypted by default, but if you’re unsure, you need to double-check.

Simply go to the system settings in your phone and search for the Encryption option. The title and location will depend on which phone you’re using, but it should be easy to find. Once there, you’ll see whether your device is already encrypted or whether you should begin the encryption process. Keep in mind that it takes an hour or more to encrypt data, and you can’t use your device during that time.

2. Remove SIM card and storage cards

Now that your data is encrypted, remove your SIM card and external memory cards. Both are linked to your identity and contain sensitive information so it would be best if they never left your possession.

3. Perform a factory reset

You can now begin the actual data wiping process: Look for the Backup & reset section in your system settings where you will see the Factory data reset option. This is where you will remove data and accounts from your phone. It will ask you to either verify your fingerprint, or input your password, pattern, or PIN for protection before starting the process.

4. Sever ties to specific websites

The final step is to manually remove your old device from Google and other websites it is associated with. Just go to the site, choose your device, and remove it from the list of Trusted devices. And don’t forget your password manager and multi-device authentication apps; sign in to those and sever any connections there as well.

As long as you’ve followed these four handy steps, you’ll be safe when getting rid of an old mobile phone! But for those who are still anxious about their data, just give us a call. We’ll make sure to protect your files from prying eyes, and we’ll even provide valuable tips and tools to secure your new Android device.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Industries that need virtual desktops

Apart from the cloud, one of today’s biggest IT trends is virtualization. And why not, it has helped countless businesses in more ways than one. An emerging model of virtualization is virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), which involves hosting a desktop operating system and making it available on almost any device.

The post Industries that need virtual desktops appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

26 Jun, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in Uncategorized category
Industries that need virtual desktops

Apart from the cloud, one of today’s biggest IT trends is virtualization. And why not, it has helped countless businesses in more ways than one. An emerging model of virtualization is virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), which involves hosting a desktop operating system and making it available on almost any device. It is most effective in the following use cases:

Healthcare

In an industry where every file is sensitive, the importance of confidentiality can’t be overstated. With VDI, rules and permissions can be customized based on the individual virtual desktop. As such, every medical professional can only view patient records relevant to them. It also allows them to log into their virtualized desktop while working across a variety of locations and devices.

Academic institutions

By leveraging VDI, a school’s IT team can create a virtual desktop — with the necessary restrictions implemented — for each student. If each classroom has a set of workstations, students' desktop experiences will be consistent throughout their day. Even though they'll be using different hardware every hour or two, they'll always see the same desktop.

Companies with shift workers

In most cases, shift employees don’t really need one designated computer to fulfill their task because one computer is shared by multiple users. VDI makes it easy for companies to manage several desktop accounts on fewer devices. Workers can log into any devices, access their own virtual desktop, work as they do every day, and log off at the end of their shift.

Users with multiple computers

Depending on the nature of work, some positions require working with several computers on a regular basis. With VDI, they can integrate desktops and maintain it across two or more devices.

Field or remote staff

Employees that work remotely or in the field need access to tools and applications when on the job. A secure and reliable way to do it is through VDI. A complete VDI solution makes access to a consistent desktop experience possible anytime, anywhere, and using any device. It allows your remote or field workforce to operate effectively, no matter the circumstances.

Of course, these are just a few situations where VDI is helpful. Any business can enjoy security and productivity enhancements with a team of virtualization experts on call. Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Getting staff to use collaboration tools

An organization might have the most state-of-the-art technology in the world at its disposal, but none of it matters if people don't use it. Here are are five good ways to ensure collaboration tools adoption for your business.

#1 Conduct an audit and have your use cases ready - The first thing you need to do is run an internal audit to figure out which collaboration tools are in your environment and why.

The post Getting staff to use collaboration tools appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

25 Jun, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in VoIP category
Getting staff to use collaboration tools

An organization might have the most state-of-the-art technology in the world at its disposal, but none of it matters if people don't use it. Here are are five good ways to ensure collaboration tools adoption for your business.

#1 Conduct an audit and have your use cases ready - The first thing you need to do is run an internal audit to figure out which collaboration tools are in your environment and why. Then, make sure you have a handful of clear, real-life use cases ready to share on how the tool can be used and what benefits they can help achieve. For example, a project-oriented team may be more open to using Microsoft Teams if they see the built-in project management and workflow features the software provides.

#2 Select the right tool and approach for the job - Understand that collaboration tools have to work the way your people do, not the other way around. This means if you purchase a VoIP system with a glut of call features you're never going to use -- like voicemail to mail or whisper and barge features -- adoption rates will suffer. And if you are unsure about how your company will react to the new collaboration tool, sign people up for a free demo and ask for their honest feedback.

#3 Do proper testing and train users - Before encouraging widespread use of new collaboration tools, you've got to ensure that you've optimized your IT infrastructure to cope with the added demands -- and that means properly testing your network ahead of deployment. Then, train your employees how to conduct calls and communicate through the software. Once they understand how to use the collaboration tool, they're more inclined to use it for their day-to-day tasks.

#4 Plan a phased deployment - For higher chances of success, go with a phased deployment. Start by piloting your chosen tools with a group of early adopters, learn from them, and make adjustments. Next, extend that pilot from a small group of users to a department. Repeat the same process before deploying the tools to more departments, then eventually, to the entire organization.

#5 Regular monitoring -  Finally, you should monitor the quality and performance of your employees using the software. This will allow you to spot and fix user-experience issues early on.

Overall, a good introduction can ease employees into using the new VoIP and collaboration tools. And with proper usage, these tools can enhance productivity and promote well-coordinated teams.

Call us today to accelerate your enterprise’s adoption of collaboration tools.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Getting staff to use collaboration tools appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More

Getting staff to use collaboration tools

An organization might have the most state-of-the-art technology in the world at its disposal, but none of it matters if people don't use it. Here are are five good ways to ensure collaboration tools adoption for your business.

#1 Conduct an audit and have your use cases ready - The first thing you need to do is run an internal audit to figure out which collaboration tools are in your environment and why.

The post Getting staff to use collaboration tools appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

25 Jun, 2018 / by Complete Technology Resources / in VoIP category
Getting staff to use collaboration tools

An organization might have the most state-of-the-art technology in the world at its disposal, but none of it matters if people don't use it. Here are are five good ways to ensure collaboration tools adoption for your business.

#1 Conduct an audit and have your use cases ready - The first thing you need to do is run an internal audit to figure out which collaboration tools are in your environment and why. Then, make sure you have a handful of clear, real-life use cases ready to share on how the tool can be used and what benefits they can help achieve. For example, a project-oriented team may be more open to using Microsoft Teams if they see the built-in project management and workflow features the software provides.

#2 Select the right tool and approach for the job - Understand that collaboration tools have to work the way your people do, not the other way around. This means if you purchase a VoIP system with a glut of call features you're never going to use -- like voicemail to mail or whisper and barge features -- adoption rates will suffer. And if you are unsure about how your company will react to the new collaboration tool, sign people up for a free demo and ask for their honest feedback.

#3 Do proper testing and train users - Before encouraging widespread use of new collaboration tools, you've got to ensure that you've optimized your IT infrastructure to cope with the added demands -- and that means properly testing your network ahead of deployment. Then, train your employees how to conduct calls and communicate through the software. Once they understand how to use the collaboration tool, they're more inclined to use it for their day-to-day tasks.

#4 Plan a phased deployment - For higher chances of success, go with a phased deployment. Start by piloting your chosen tools with a group of early adopters, learn from them, and make adjustments. Next, extend that pilot from a small group of users to a department. Repeat the same process before deploying the tools to more departments, then eventually, to the entire organization.

#5 Regular monitoring -  Finally, you should monitor the quality and performance of your employees using the software. This will allow you to spot and fix user-experience issues early on.

Overall, a good introduction can ease employees into using the new VoIP and collaboration tools. And with proper usage, these tools can enhance productivity and promote well-coordinated teams.

Call us today to accelerate your enterprise’s adoption of collaboration tools.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Getting staff to use collaboration tools appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Read More