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A smart approach to cybersecurity investmentCybersecurity is a threat to businesses across industries. Sometimes, organizations invest in security software without realizing the risks that come with it. Here are compelling reasons why identifying threats before buying cybersecurity products is paramount. Uncover threats and vulnerabilities Every business should run a risk assessment to evaluate its current cybersecurity infrastructure. Doing so is […]

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A smart approach to cybersecurity investment

Cybersecurity is a threat to businesses across industries. Sometimes, organizations invest in security software without realizing the risks that come with it. Here are compelling reasons why identifying threats before buying cybersecurity products is paramount.

Uncover threats and vulnerabilities

Every business should run a risk assessment to evaluate its current cybersecurity infrastructure. Doing so is one of the easiest ways to identify, correct, and prevent security breaches. After discovering potential issues that cyberterrorists could exploit, rate them based on probability of occurrence and potential impacts on your business.
Keep in mind that risk assessments are specific to every business, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach for technology that will work for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Variables like your line of business and operating environment will account for differences in needs and risks. For instance, manufacturing companies and insurance groups have totally different applications to secure.
After tagging and ranking potential threats, identify which vulnerabilities need immediate attention and which ones can be addressed further down the line. For instance, a web server running an unpatched operating system will take precedence over a front desk computer that’s running a little slower than normal.

Tailor controls to risks

Instead of spending time and money evenly on all systems, focus solutions on areas with high risks. Address these areas’ issues immediately after an assessment, but also put plans in place to evaluate their risk profiles more often. This approach is particularly useful to businesses that don’t have deep IT budgets but don’t want to make security sacrifices.

Assess existing cybersecurity products

Chances are, your organization has already spent a great deal of money on purchasing and maintaining various security products. By conducting risk assessments more often, you can improve the strategies you already have in place and uncover wasteful spending. You may discover that one outdated system doesn’t really need to be upgraded, or that another legacy technology needs to be ditched. Remember that your existing products were purchased to meet specific needs, and these needs may have immensely changed or disappeared altogether.
Overcoming cybersecurity obstacles becomes easier if you regularly evaluate your IT infrastructure. Contact our experts for help conducting a comprehensive assessment today.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Why blockchain is essential to healthcareHealthcare organizations need cutting-edge technologies to manage medical records and improve patient care. But even the most advanced technologies come with issues. One promising solution of interest to healthcare experts is blockchain. Here’s why. What is blockchain? Although the technology is known for enabling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, blockchain has a broader use beyond […]

The post Why blockchain is essential to healthcare appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

Why blockchain is essential to healthcare

Healthcare organizations need cutting-edge technologies to manage medical records and improve patient care. But even the most advanced technologies come with issues. One promising solution of interest to healthcare experts is blockchain. Here’s why.

What is blockchain?

Although the technology is known for enabling cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, blockchain has a broader use beyond an alternative form of currency. And to understand its importance, you need to understand three key concepts:

  • Blocks
    These are encrypted data or documents. In healthcare, these can be in the form of test results.
  • Chains
    Chains make data harder to counterfeit by linking every block with the one that preceded it using an encrypted address.
  • Decentralized networks
    By using decentralized networks, each computer in the network can check for suspicious modifications in the chain. Every block added to the chain gets distributed to all the computers in the network, and when one computer tries to alter previous blocks without authorization, others can compare it with their local copies and deem it as fake.

Blockchain was originally developed to eliminate the need for centralized banks to process and validate transactions. The technology allows people to freely transfer money because each computer in the network can examine the chain and confirm the legitimacy of a transaction.

As a result, transactions are much safer and more efficient. They cannot be modified unless every computer in the network is compromised simultaneously. That level of data security and integrity helps reduce costs in the healthcare industry.

Blockchain technology in healthcare

Even with the use of digital files, data loss continues to be one of the biggest problems in healthcare. One notable incident is from the American Medical Collection Agency (AMCA), where 25 million patient data records were compromised due to a hacking incident.

Here’s how blockchain can address the problem of data loss:

  • Medical histories and records can be stored in a chain that patients can access and control. If a primary care physician needs to see the patient’s medical history, they need to get the patient’s authorization first.
  • Payments between banks, government entities, insurance providers, and patients can all be coordinated in a fraction of the previous time needed and without costly intermediaries.
  • Healthcare equipment usage, depreciation, and life cycles can be automatically tracked in a chain to keep tabs on the status of expensive and fragile fixtures.

What’s more, ransomware has hit healthcare hard over the past years, and service providers are forced to rely on costly solutions to keep up with the exponential growth in digital records. Blockchain technology can resolve both issues of security and rising costs at once.

Adopting new technology can be intimidating, especially for an industry as heavily regulated as healthcare. Blockchain has already been adopted by several organizations, but before you embrace this technology, you need full-time IT experts to assess your systems and manage your security. To learn more about blockchain in healthcare, give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Repurposing an outdated computerSooner or later, you’re going to have to replace your computer. But while it may not be as fast as when you first got it or as sleek as your new computer, your old desktop or laptop might still have a lot to offer. Below are a few ways you can repurpose an outdated machine. […]

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Repurposing an outdated computer

Sooner or later, you’re going to have to replace your computer. But while it may not be as fast as when you first got it or as sleek as your new computer, your old desktop or laptop might still have a lot to offer. Below are a few ways you can repurpose an outdated machine.

Make a NAS server

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a server for your small business network that lets you store files that need to be shared with all the computers on the network. If your old PC has at least 8 GB of RAM, you can use it as your own NAS.

Simply download FreeNAS, a software accessible on Windows, MacOS, or Linux, that enables you to create a shared backup of your computers. FreeNAS has access permissions and allows you to stream media to a mobile operating system (OS), like iOS and Android.

But if you’d rather convert your PC into a private cloud for remote access and data backup, Tonido is a great alternative. This free private cloud server turns your computer into a storage website, letting you access files from anywhere on any device. Tonido offers up to 2 GB of file syncing across computers, and there are even Tonido apps for iOS and Android.

Secure your online privacy

Install The Amnesic Incognito Live System (TAILS) on your old computer and enjoy your very own dedicated privacy PC.

TAILS routes all your internet traffic and requests through TOR Project, a software that makes it difficult for anyone to track you online. All of this Linux-based software’s integrated applications like web browsers, Office suite, and email software are preconfigured for robust security and privacy protection.

Activate kiosk mode

In Windows 10, enabling Assigned Access “kiosk mode” ensures that only one app is allowed to run in the system. To activate this mode, open Settings and go to Accounts > Family & other users, then click on the Set up assigned access option. From there, you can choose which app the system can access.

For example, if you want a dedicated audio and video conferencing system, you can choose to give assigned access to Skype or other online communication apps. This mode is also perfect for setting up a public information desk for walk-in customers or a dedicated point-of-sale system for cashiers.

Create a guest computer

When you have to accommodate for consultants and temporary staff, it may be worth setting up a bare-bones guest computer. First, reformat your PC and reinstall the latest Windows or Mac operating system. Then, install security updates and set up guest restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to critical systems. Ideally, temporary staff should only be able to use guest computers for things like email, web browsing, and standard productivity software.

Salvage PC parts

If your old computer can’t be transformed into a NAS server or service kiosk, consider reusing certain hardware components. For instance, you can reuse RAM sticks for another computer, repurpose hard disk drives as external hard drives, and set up a second display with an old monitor.

Reselling hardware components like motherboards and video cards is also a good idea if you’re saving up for a new PC. Finally, keep your cables. Many USB adaptors, ethernet cables, and AUX cords are compatible with a wide array of electronics.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to help our clients make the most out of their technology investments. Want to know more about how to utilize hardware to your business’s advantage? Give us a call.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

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Addressing VoIP call quality issuesVoice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions have been enabling businesses to enjoy lower call rates and plenty of exciting call features. But with faulty VoIP implementation comes call quality issues. Let’s discuss some of these problems that you might encounter and what you can do to fix them. Choppy voice The main factor in disjointed, […]

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Addressing VoIP call quality issues

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solutions have been enabling businesses to enjoy lower call rates and plenty of exciting call features. But with faulty VoIP implementation comes call quality issues. Let’s discuss some of these problems that you might encounter and what you can do to fix them.

Choppy voice

The main factor in disjointed, start-stop sounding messages in a VoIP environment is packet loss, which occurs if individual data “packets” are lost in transmission. When this occurs, the gateway at the receiving end of the call tries to predict what’s been lost; but when it can’t, the gap in data remains empty, resulting in choppy audio.

Insufficient bandwidth is often to blame for this issue, so make sure to check your bandwidth usage. Limit the use of bandwidth-heavy applications (e.g., video streaming apps) and tweak your router settings to prioritize VoIP traffic. Also run a test for malware or spyware, which may be hogging the bandwidth.

Static

Many VoIP systems use an analog telephone adapter (ATA) to convert analog voice signals to digital signals. This sometimes produces static during calls, with the culprits usually being incompatible power supplies or feedback from the phones plugged into the ATA.

Easy fixes include unplugging/replugging the ATA and/or the devices connected to it, or switching to IP Phones, which require no analog/digital conversions.

Voice echo

It’s fun to hear your voice repeating throughout the high-walled canyon you’re hiking, but not so great when you’re talking on the phone.

There are a few things you can do to reduce it, such as adjusting volume and microphone/amplifier gain settings, upgrading your USB headsets, or implementing VoIP echo cancellation software.

Jitter

Jitter happens when data packets arrive at the receiver in the wrong order, creating a garbled voice.

You can minimize this issue by using a jitter buffer — an area where data packets are temporarily collected, stored, and sent out in a regular, orderly fashion. This way, packets are delivered perfectly every time.

Want to ensure a smooth experience with VoIP? Let us handle all of your VoIP concerns. We can help you manage everything, from planning to installation to optimization. Contact us today for more information.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

The post Addressing VoIP call quality issues appeared first on Complete Technology Resources, Inc..

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