According to CyberSecurity Ventures, the global cost of ransomware is estimated to reach $20 billion by next year. As the costs rise, the attacks become more sophisticated. Cyberattackers aren’t casting a wide net anymore—they’re targeting businesses that create and store vast amounts of sensitive data. Universities and state and local governments are all becoming targets, too. Since… Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware is insidious. One click on a link, one download of what looks like a legitimate attachment, and your systems are toast. And it’s getting harder and harder to spot social engineering ploys like phishing these days. According to DarkReading, modern ransomware operators are changing their tactics, using advanced nation-state actors’ attacks as a model… Read more »
Read the ArticleHome offices, remote offices, and branch offices (ROBO) are becoming ubiquitous in the wake of COVID-19. Admins must adapt if they hope to keep remote workers productive while still keeping data secure. Remote offices demand the same level of care as headquarters but admins rarely have the time or budget keep close tabs on them…. Read more »
Read the ArticleThe recent ransomware attack on Garmin should be seen as a signal flare for state and local governments. It wasn’t that the attack stood out for its size or its impacts—even though those were substantial. In fact, The Times says experts believe the ransom—a $10 million demand—must have been paid for Garmin to recover its… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhen the VPN goes down you blame IT. But when they save the computer you spilled coffee on, they’re your heroes. In truth, as the people responsible for keeping virtually everyone productive, we need to appreciate what they do every day. But we don’t. That’s why we’re joining the celebration of System Administrator Appreciation Day… Read more »
Read the ArticleMore than 284 schools were hit by successful ransomware attacks between January 1 and April 18 of this year. That was before schools shut down across the country due to COVID-19. Responding to this crisis has forced schools to embrace distance learning, and it is quickly becoming the norm for educating our children during the… Read more »
Read the ArticleBackup and disaster recovery (BDR) is simple in concept: Take regular backups, store multiple copies somewhere safe, and be ready to recover. If hardware failure renders a machine useless, restore the data and you’re back up and running. But this simple process becomes very complex when you try to scale it. That’s why many organizations… Read more »
Read the ArticleLosing data due to a malicious attack, hardware failure, or other disaster is usually one of the worst days in the life of an IT professional. No matter what the cause, when downtime hits every second counts—because every second is so expensive. IDC says the average cost of an infrastructure failure is $100,000 per hour,… Read more »
Read the ArticleBy now, you’re well aware of the ransomware problem. But just in case you need a refresher, here are some facts that might put you on edge: Ransomware is still a huge problem Cybersecurity Ventures forecasts that ransomware costs will reach $20 billion by 2021. Ransomware is evolving Some of the newest ransomware doesn’t just… Read more »
Read the ArticleMSPs are well aware of the danger to their customers’ data brought on by ransomware and other cyberattacks. Data protection is often a key component of any SLA because the consequences of failure can be very expensive. How expensive? Insurance Business Magazine says the average cost of ransomware attacks rose an incredible 104 percent year… Read more »
Read the ArticleData growth is surging. In fact, IDC predicts worldwide data creation will grow to a whopping 175 zettabytes (ZB) by 2025. IT administrators must adapt to this growing spike in data creation by updating their storage strategies, but it’s not just about having enough space. With ransomware threats growing and with more employees working remotely,… Read more »
Read the ArticleBoth imaging and cloning have a place in today’s workflow. But you should understand the benefits and downsides of both technologies before you make a decision to use either. IT pros have used both going back 20+ years. At some companies, imaging has basically replaced cloning. We’ll define and then discuss a number of use… Read more »
Read the ArticleIf your organization isn’t using Microsoft/Office 365 or G Suite by Google Cloud for office productivity apps you’re definitely in a very tiny minority. According to Statista, G Suite’s market share is almost 57 percent while Office holds about 43 percent. It doesn’t take a calculator to see that totals to 100 percent. So, you’d… Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware is costing businesses plenty—in ransom, yes, but mostly in downtime, the cost of which is typically 23 times greater than the ransom requested. The attacks are affecting larger and larger organizations, like the cities of Baltimore and Atlanta. Cybercriminals aren’t just attacking end-users; MSPs are the latest ransomware target on the hit list. In… Read more »
Read the ArticleFor too long managed service providers (MSPs) have been forced to choose between a flexible backup and disaster recovery (BDR) solution and one that’s easy to set up and manage. Your clients have unique needs. That’s why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But the most customizable options are often a management nightmare. What if you could… Read more »
Read the ArticleRemote office and branch office (ROBO) management is tough enough even without the complexities of backup and disaster recovery (BDR). Due to limited IT resources distributed enterprises are often forced to focus their priorities on data centers while remote locations fall by the wayside. But these days many IT managers are adopting new BDR strategies… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe FBI’s Internet Crime Center (IC3) received 467,361 complaints in 2019—nearly 1,300 every day according to its 2019 Internet Crime Report. The report goes on to say that losses to businesses and individual victims totaled more than $3.5 billion. The costliest attacks? Compromised business emails and spoofing resulting in ransomware locking up vital systems or… Read more »
Read the ArticleThough many businesses are reopening after shutting down due to COVID-19, companies like Facebook plan to allow some employees to work remotely on a permanent basis. Are you prepared to keep critical data safe for end-users who don’t return to the office? With workers geographically scattered, backups are more important than ever. But the challenge… Read more »
Read the ArticleVirtualization is already ubiquitous, with 92 percent of businesses reporting that they used some form of server virtualization according to Spiceworks’ 2020 State of Virtualization Technology report. The same study also found that the most common virtualization use cases are for storage, application virtualization, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), and software-defined infrastructure (SDI). But there’s one… Read more »
Read the ArticleSmall to medium-sized businesses find themselves in a tough position when it comes to backup and disaster recovery (BDR). They know how painful it is to lose productivity to downtime. They understand how critical data is to their business. But few have the experience or knowledge to put effective BDR measures in place. Businesses like… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe amount of overall data being generated by businesses continues to grow at an incredible rate. An infographic from Raconteur clearly illustrates this fact: by 2025 it’s estimated that 463 exabytes of data will be created globally every day! StorageCraft’s own research found that 86% of IT decision makers believe that their data volume will… Read more »
Read the ArticleRunning a small business can be one of the most rewarding endeavors of your life. It can also be one of the most challenging. From our discussions with small business owners, we’ve heard that the fear of outgrowing your current tools is a common one. Before the cloud came along it wasn’t uncommon for a… Read more »
Read the ArticleA backup and disaster recovery (BDR) plan can help healthcare providers satisfy many of the data privacy requirements outlined in The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA requires healthcare practices to secure electronic protected health information (ePHI) and requires them to properly assess and manage risk—important parts of any BDR strategy. But because… Read more »
Read the ArticleRTO is a measurement of your tolerance for downtime, and it’s an important metric for every business to consider.
Read the ArticleData loss can lead to a closed sign on a small business’s door. Client information, intellectual property, accounting and tax info, and data makes a business tick. If they lose it, they might be out of business. Even though they know their data is critical, few businesses are taking steps to prevent data loss. In… Read more »
Read the ArticleIt sounded so promising. Well-known cybercrime gangs announced they wouldn’t attack healthcare organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sadly, criminals rarely keep their word and the recent ransomware attack on Magellan Health, Fortune 500 company, drives that fact home. It took five days for Magellan to discover that the hackers had gained access through a social engineering… Read more »
Read the ArticleWith the massive number of office closures brought on by COVID-19, millions of employees are now working remotely, creating new backup and recovery challenges for IT admins. While some businesses are already reopening, many will continue having their employees work remotely. Google is one example of the new normal, with plans to have most employees… Read more »
Read the ArticleRPO is a measurement of your tolerance for data loss. Calculating RPO allows you to set your backups in ways that works for both your data and your budget.
Read the ArticleWhether it’s protection from the ravages of downtime or to provide a last line of defense against the growing ransomware threat, many small businesses are turning to backup and disaster recovery (BDR) appliances like StorageCraft® OneXafe® Solo. Appliances like these are great for small businesses because they’re easy for anyone to use but don’t skimp… Read more »
Read the ArticleWith the business climate in flux, you’re probably one of the many businesses affected by lockdowns and changes in our social behavior. That means you’re already facing plenty of challenges. But there’s one area you may not have considered, and it’s critical. Ask yourself the question: What happens if my on-premises servers go down and… Read more »
Read the ArticleIt’s common in the IT world to hear people use the terms backup and replication interchangeably. And it’s easy to see why. Backing up a file, folder, application—or even an entire system—involves some replication. But it’s important to understand that there are distinct differences between the two—important distinctions that impact how you can integrate them… Read more »
Read the ArticleIDC reports that nearly 1.8 zettabytes of data will be generated worldwide per year by 2025. Far too often that data goes un-protected. It gets worse: Ponemon Institute reports that 61% of businesses don’t have an incident response plan. Despite persistent threats of ransomware, hardware failure, or user error, many businesses are unprepared. Some of… Read more »
Read the ArticleIf you’re a small MSP, chances are you apply a lean-and-mean philosophy to everything you do. Like any small business, every choice you make impacts your bottom line, your reputation, and your ability to find and keep new customers. For a business whose sole purpose is to put technology to work—and keep it working—no product… Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware is a costly threat to consumers, enterprises, and SMBs alike. According to data from Emsisoft, 2019 saw a 41 percent increase in ransomware compared to the year prior. Security firm Coveware reports that the average ransomware payment climbed to $190,946 in December of 2019. Of course, nobody understands these threats quite like managed service… Read more »
Read the ArticleIt’s no surprise that ransomware attacks are on the rise. In fact, Malwarebytes reports that their users saw a 363% year-over-year increase in ransomware attacks between the end of Q2 2018 and Q2 2019. Along with an increase in number of attacks, the average ransom jumped to more than $190K in December, 2019. Cybercrime Magazine… Read more »
Read the ArticleIn its 2018 Global State of Remote Work study, Owl Labs found that 44 percent of companies don’t allow remote work. That was before the arrival of the novel coronavirus. Now, the new normal is working from home (WFH). Today there are millions of additional devices, managed and unmanaged, connecting to corporate networks from everywhere…. Read more »
Read the ArticleAny MSP can back up client data. But high-caliber MSPs know that business continuity is about more than backups. A great business continuity strategy demands flexible recovery options, simplified management, and perhaps most importantly, quick recoveries that minimize downtime. These days MSPs can choose from many backup and recovery solutions. But finding one that boasts… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe Grimes County Sheriff’s Office has already suffered one disastrous data loss incident from a malware attack. Learn how StorageCraft helps ensure that never happens again. About The Office of Sheriff for Grimes County, Texas Established in 1846, the Sheriff’s Office in southeastern Texas’ Grimes County serves its community from the county seat of Anderson…. Read more »
Read the ArticleYour vendors provide essential tools, software, and services, but let’s face it—they can be a hassle. It’s not that any individual vendor is a problem, it’s that there can be so many. IT providers must develop solutions that map to a client’s needs and budgets. With so many options out there, the tools become the… Read more »
Read the ArticleHackers have learned to attack where the money is and that means enterprises are among the ripest targets of all. We’re talking big money: according to IBM’s annual study of the financial impacts of data breaches on organizations, the average cost is $3.92 million. Even worse, Symantec’s 2019 Internet Security Threat Report found that in… Read more »
Read the ArticleAccording to IDC, people now create and generate more than 1.8 zettabytes of data per year, so there’s plenty of data to lose. Yet, there are still huge numbers of businesses and individuals that don’t back up their data regularly. How many? Nearly 30% of consumers have never backed up their data, and of those… Read more »
Read the ArticleSavvy businesses take steps to protect data and essential IT systems. The problem is that these same businesses put most of their efforts into keeping data safe without considering the impact downtime has on their business. According to Gartner, downtime can cost as much as $5,600 a minute. And, while most businesses have a plan… Read more »
Read the ArticleA key measure in slowing the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing, with many state and local governments now issuing mandatory shelter-in-place orders. This has resulted in IT teams scrambling to build work-from-home setups for entire companies practically overnight. As millions of people all over the world suddenly need to work remotely from their houses… Read more »
Read the ArticleCybercrime will cost the world $6 trillion annually by 2021, according to Cybersecurity Ventures. That’s up from $3 trillion in 2015—a 100% increase over just six years. Cybercriminals are siphoning precious dollars from companies in lost productivity, remediation, ransoms, and thefts. But there is hope. While there are plenty of technologies to help you better… Read more »
Read the ArticleGrowing managed service providers (MSPs) are always on the lookout for profitable revenue streams. But, with new tech entering the scene all the time, it’s easy to get lost in the mire. What’s a boom and what’s a bust? While some technologies require tons of time, effort, and specialized talent to execute, others are easier… Read more »
Read the ArticleEvery organization must be concerned about ransomware attacks. According to Malwarebytes, users of their software saw a 363 percent year-over-year increase in ransomware attacks between the end of Q2 2018 and 2019. At one time, ransomware attacks focused on soft targets like individuals who don’t have security solutions or don’t understand how ransomware works. But… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhat’s better: agent-based or agentless? Admins have taken sides in the discussion for years. The question affects everything from remote monitoring and management (RMM) tools to backup solutions. But why should MSPs get involved with this discussion at all? For one thing, it’s an important decision when it comes to backups because a business’s data—essentially… Read more »
Read the ArticleOrganizations large and small face the same data management challenges as the amount of data they generate continues to grow exponentially. In fact, IDC predicts worldwide data creation will grow to an enormous 175 zettabytes (ZB) by 2025. That’s roughly ten times the amount of data that was produced in 2017. Many of these organizations… Read more »
Read the ArticleAccording to Cybercrime Magazine, an organization will fall victim to a ransomware attack every 11 seconds by the end of 2021. You know the threat. And, chances are you or someone you know has already dealt with a ransomware attack. But as we look ahead, what will the remainder of 2020 hold? Will ransomware attacks slow… Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware took an unfortunate big leap forward in 2019. A SonicWall report lists a total of 151.9 million ransomware attacks through Q3 last year. That’s a staggering number, but the interesting thing is that it’s a five percent year-over-year decrease. To some degree, cybercriminals are shifting focus. Rather than going after small ransoms on thousands… Read more »
Read the ArticleWe’re all in too deep to walk away from the cloud now. But how much should we trust it? Are we putting too much faith in others to take care of our precious data? In this piece, we’ll look at a few reasons why you might reconsider how much confidence you put in the cloud…. Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware has become one of the greatest threats to data security. Between the rise of attack frequency and the increasing sophistication of malicious software, ransomware-specific disaster recovery solutions will be critical for businesses in 2020. Investing in reliable backups is a great place to start, but many organizations don’t realize that backups also require protection… Read more »
Read the ArticleLocated in Dublin, the National Concert Hall (NCH) is “the home of music” in Ireland, hosting more than 1,000 events each year. Of the more than 300,000 ticket holders attending events every year, more than half buy their tickets on NCH’s website. With such a busy schedule and so many customers, maintaining uptime and having… Read more »
Read the ArticleEducators have plenty on their hands these days without also having to worry about ransomware. Unfortunately, that’s one worry that isn’t going to go away anytime soon. More than 500 schools were hit by ransomware attacks through Q3 2019. These schools paid dearly, in either ransoms or the cost of rebuilding their data, wasting precious… Read more »
Read the ArticleManaged Service Providers (MSPs) often have their hands full managing the IT and data protection services of their clients. But are they being vigilant about their own cybersecurity? Increasingly, MSPs are targets of cyberattacks. And if their systems aren’t secure, that can have far-reaching consequences for both MSPs and their clients. It is important for… Read more »
Read the ArticleRegardless of how detailed your backup and disaster recovery (DR) plans are, they’ll fail without the right people. For any business, a disaster can be a turning point. If they can recover effectively, they’ll be OK. If they can’t, they can lose thousands or even end up closing their doors for good. So, who are… Read more »
Read the ArticleMany business owners dream of business growth with minimal effort. This leads them to look for quick hacks, but growth doesn’t come from finding a hack. It comes from putting real work into strategies and tactics that make sense. The following tips only help you succeed if you put effort into them—there’s no magic way… Read more »
Read the ArticleInnovation is anything that changes the status quo. It might be a tool, process, or philosophy that drives a better way of doing work. For your business, innovation can be a competitive advantage. It can improve customer service, make you more agile, and improve your bottom line. But where does innovation come from? How do… Read more »
Read the ArticleDisasters are weird. Some give you fair warning and time to prepare. When a hurricane or tornado is spotted in your area, you know you’re up against something that could potentially take out everything in its path. Others literally strike out of the blue and immediately thrust you into response mode. With no warning, your… Read more »
Read the ArticleToday, Microsoft Office 365 can only be described as ubiquitous. In fact, Microsoft recently reported that Office 365 now has more than 200 million active commercial users. Many of those users probably assume that their Office 365 data is securely backed up in the cloud and easily recoverable. They’d be wrong. While there’s no denying… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe first reported ransomware attack on Internet of Things (IoT) devices happened in 2017: Traffic cameras in Victoria were infected by WannaCry ransomware. The infection wasn’t the result of a targeted attack—the cameras were mistakenly connected to hardware that got infected—and there was minimal damage. But the incident illustrates that IoT devices, from smart TVs… Read more »
Read the ArticleAccording to Gartner, the global public cloud service market will grow to $331.2B in 2022. By 2021, 90 percent of enterprises will be using the cloud. Many use it for basic services like storage and email, but infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and platform as a service (PaaS) are also on the rise. With the… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe healthcare industry is responsible for housing our most sensitive and private information. And in the event of an illness or emergency, it’s also potentially life-saving information that must always be easily and rapidly accessible. Thus, healthcare organizations are tasked with achieving a balance between finding effective ways to access, store, back up, and recover… Read more »
Read the ArticleProject management (PM) keeps teams focused and effective. In many ways, more efficiency allows you to take on more work, create more value, and increase profitability. But with so many philosophies to PM, how do IT leaders know which is right? The choice depends on where you place value. Are you flexible on deadline but… Read more »
Read the ArticleIt’s no secret that most enterprises have migrated to the cloud to meet some, if not all, of their SaaS initiatives. The number is a whopping 94%, according to RightScale’s 2019 State of the Cloud Survey. The benefits driving this migration are clear: lower costs, increased flexibility, and enhanced data security. SaaS solutions providers certainly… Read more »
Read the ArticleLeaders set the pace. They create expectations. They lead teams to victory. If they’re good, they help make each member of the team better personally and professionally. As an IT leader, you may wonder how you can improve and build a better team. What does it take to make people more productive? What’s the best… Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware attacks against local governments are on the rise. From schools to police forces, many different types of crucial public sector organizations have been targeted over the past several years. In 2019 alone, more than 70 known cyberattacks on government institutions have taken place. The 2019 State of Cybersecurity Study found that, even when disclosure… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe cloud has changed not only how we communicate, but how we work as well. Cloud applications offer the immense advantage of data access from anywhere, any time. The cloud also makes it possible for multiple users to change the same document on the fly, from anywhere. But businesses are often surprised to learn that… Read more »
Read the ArticleMany of us spend a significant portion of our day using our mobile devices. From web browsing, taking photos, and messaging, to emailing and banking, there’s not a whole lot you can’t get done on your smartphone. Unfortunately, hackers have leveraged our fascination with our devices against us. Mobile cyberattacks are on the rise. Nearly… Read more »
Read the ArticleAny time your company isn’t doing business, you’re losing money. Downtime is expensive. Production delays impact profit margin. The cost of lost opportunity can be high. And that’s before considering the toll downtime can take on your company’s reputation and ability to serve customers. Trouble is, many businesses aren’t taking steps that help reduce downtime…. Read more »
Read the ArticleOver the last decade or so, it is difficult to think of another technology that has garnered as much attention as the cloud has. Investors have rushed to profit from companies moving large portions of their infrastructure to cloud services. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google have invested billions building out large-scale data centers…. Read more »
Read the ArticleMost MSPs have basics like antivirus, firewalls, storage, backup, and VPN covered. But these days, the biggest path to profit isn’t just setting up systems, it’s helping clients get the most from their data. It’s no longer just about managing data. It’s about making it actionable. Here’s a look at three data-focused services that can… Read more »
Read the ArticleIn today’s increasingly competitive market, MSPs face plenty of challenges when it comes to staying ahead. The surge in data creation has ignited a worldwide focus on the importance of data security—and with it, the demand for trustworthy and efficient data management, storage, and protection has grown, too. Good news for MSPs, right? The problem… Read more »
Read the ArticleHaving trouble closing a sale? You’re not alone. Many MSPs struggle to turn prospective buyers into long-term clients. Why? Sometimes because their information isn’t displayed in a customer-friendly manner on their websites. IT can be daunting, especially to those who don’t have a background in it. Your prospects will be relatively new to a lot… Read more »
Read the ArticleTech will always be evolving. With 2020 knocking on our front door, it’s time to think about the tech that’s going to shape it. What will change about IT infrastructure, security, and productivity throughout next year? Here are four technologies that will make an impact. Proliferation of Artificial Intelligence Artificial intelligence is becoming a business… Read more »
Read the ArticleWe start a new year (and a new decade) very soon, and many people will resolve to develop new skills, find ways to become more valuable to their companies, or just learn something new that they’re interested in. In the tech field, many people are curious about coding. Understanding the world of code can unlock… Read more »
Read the ArticleMost MSPs know that using a backup and disaster recovery (BDR) appliance is an easy, profitable way to roll out backup and disaster recovery solutions to clients. But when it comes to how, MSPs often wonder: Should I build my own BDR, or should I buy hardware off the shelf from one of the many… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe FBI recently issued a PSA on the impact of ransomware on U.S. businesses. The frequency of ransomware (and other cybercrime) is going up, according to the FBI. Over the past year, ransomware infections at businesses have risen a staggering 365 percent. You’ve heard stats like these, and you’ve probably taken steps to thwart ransomware…. Read more »
Read the ArticleEach year, Inc. Magazine lists the top fastest-growing private companies as determined by revenue-percentage increase over the last three years. The top among them don’t grow a few percentage points—they grow tens of thousands of points. These are the elites. The movers and shakers. These are the companies thriving, driving innovation, and hustling to get… Read more »
Read the ArticleIn the realm of IT services, backup and disaster recovery (DR) are among the most essential, but also some of the most profitable. With options ranging from file-and-folder services to cloud-based backup and more, the challenge isn’t just backing up and recovering data, it’s finding the right way to do it. Any solution you use… Read more »
Read the ArticleIn our last piece, we looked at marketing metrics like pipeline and awareness. In this piece, we’ll look at the important metrics for sales when marketing hands over leads. We’ll also look at a few numbers that impact both sides of the house. Essential Sales Metrics With leads in hand, sales must move deals forward… Read more »
Read the ArticleYou may have seen buzzwords like DPaaS (data protection as a service) and DRaaS (disaster recovery as a service) thrown around. We’ve discussed the importance of data protection and disaster recovery in previous posts, but now we’ll delve into what these services are and why they’re essential to the long-term success of your business. Data… Read more »
Read the ArticleSome claim to be reporting an issue with your credit card account. Others have innocuous offers but hide something more nefarious—we’ve all seen phishing emails like these. According to a 2018 Symantec report, 71.4 percent of cyberattacks on enterprises used phishing emails. Meanwhile, Verizon says that 30 percent of phishing messages were opened in 2016…. Read more »
Read the ArticleThere are dozens of metrics that can indicate growth at your company. With so many potential items to measure, it can be tough to determine which metrics make sense for your company and which departments are responsible for which goals, not to mention how everyone’s combined efforts impact your bottom line. In this two-part series,… Read more »
Read the ArticleThere’s no denying the importance of backup and disaster recovery plans. The goal of any DR plan is to keep data secure and keep downtime to a tolerable minimum. With many spinning plates, it’s easy for MSPs to forget these four important essentials that will ensure success when their plans are tested for real: Recovery… Read more »
Read the ArticleWith average unemployment rates right around 4 percent in the United States, there’s war for top talent in the tech industry. Headhunters are ruthlessly pursuing high-performers. Businesses can no longer rely on salary and benefits alone to keep their best employees. These days, your company’s culture is what makes the biggest impact. In fact, 94… Read more »
Read the ArticleAccording to a report by Untangle, a network security provider, 48 percent of all surveyed SMBs said they have less than $5K budgeted to spend on IT security, down from 54 percent last year. More than half (52 percent) said they don’t have an in-house IT security professional on staff, leading them to spread security… Read more »
Read the ArticleShadesdaddy sells authentic sunglasses from big names like Oakley, Ray-Ban, and Prada. But in early 2015, someone in China was able to hijack the Shadesdaddy.com domain. The thief did this by gaining access to the registrar account that hosted the domain. Once he had control of the domain, he could redirect traffic to another site… Read more »
Read the ArticleThese days, no marketing strategy is complete without a plan for video. With attention spans shrinking and loads of competing messages, your marketing content has to be quick and compelling, which is where video excels. Video is great for grabbing attention, holding it, and ensuring that your prospects retain the information they see. There’s just… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhen it comes to IT best practices, solid documentation is critical. For backup and disaster recovery, thorough documentation is your only guide to getting clients up and running. So, whether you’re using it for DR, network diagrams, or even process workflows, an easy-to-use diagramming tool is an essential part of any IT pro’s toolkit. And… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhen it comes to a disaster or cyberattack affecting an SMB, it’s more a matter of when than if. According to The 2018 State of SMB Cybersecurity report released by the Ponemon Institute, 67 percent of SMBs have been victims of cyberattacks or data security breaches. However, only 28 percent of SMBs rate their strategy… Read more »
Read the ArticleAs an IT decision-maker in your organization, nobody knows the data needs of your business better than you do. When you’re searching for a data backup and recovery solution to suit your business best, be sure to ask yourself the following questions first. Then, shop accordingly: How Much Data Does My Company Have? First and… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhen it comes to business data analytics, we’re in one of the richest periods in technological history. The amount of data businesses have in their arsenal is unprecedented. From user information to website data to sales stats, big data presents an opportunity for companies to master the data they store. From there, they can improve… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe list of disasters that can befall a business is virtually endless, from fires to floods, hurricanes to hacker attacks. That’s why many organizations have made disaster planning a priority. The primary goal: Keep the business running when bad things happen. In a competitive marketplace, being out of commission for any length of time may… Read more »
Read the ArticleAccording to a recent Conference Board survey, cybersecurity risks are the number one fear U.S. CEOs face in 2019. More money is being spent on cybersecurity than ever before, so how is it possible that organizations of every stripe, from NASA to the city of Baltimore, have still had their systems breached? One obvious answer… Read more »
Read the ArticleSending regular emails can keep you top-of-mind for prospects and let you demonstrate your expertise so that when they need a hand with IT, you’re the first one they contact. We’ve explored the fundamentals of email campaign management in previous posts, but what goes in your emails warrants its own discussion. In particular, let’s look… Read more »
Read the ArticleWe often write about the challenges organizations in various industries face when it comes to data management. From healthcare to education, several sectors are trying to determine how to organize and analyze the vast amounts of data they store. Law enforcement, in particular, is one industry that’s finding it hard to cope. Law enforcement agencies… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe global information technology industry is on pace to reach $5 trillion this year. Although IT is a thriving market and an excellent business to be in, there are still challenges common to all MSPs. Cybersecurity, infrastructure management, and data protection can be challenging areas for MSPs. But many of the biggest hurdles for growing… Read more »
Read the ArticleSince the cloud emerged on the scene as a revolutionary concept in the mid-1990s, the way businesses store, sort, and protect their data has completely changed. The cloud is a time- and money-saver and almost always a safe bet. According to Domo, we, as a society, create over 2.5 quintillion bytes of data every single… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe artificial intelligence market is growing fast. According to Stanford University’s AI Index, there’s been a 14X increase in AI startups since the year 2000. Jobs requiring AI skills have grown 4.5X since 2013. Forward-thinking companies are considering how AI fits in their organizations, and many of them have a defined AI strategy already. For… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhether you’re in the technology field or not, you know how important experience is when it comes to finding a job or advancing your career. But the need for experience can put job seekers in a tough spot. You need experience to get a job, but you need a job to get experience. How do… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe companies that thrive over the next few years will be the ones harnessing the power of data, yet most companies don’t analyze much more than a third of the data they have. With data so critical to business success, your clients should think about data intelligence along with data storage. But does your current… Read more »
Read the ArticleGood documentation does not happen by chance. In a world where everyone is a publisher, the ability to create documentation has never been easier. But creating quality documentation that provides value to the reader takes practice and discipline. The best documentation helps transfer knowledge to the reader while anything less often causes confusion. The same… Read more »
Read the ArticleAt least one day a week, 70 percent of employees around the world work remotely, exposing companies to a multitude of security headaches such as phishing attacks, unsecured servers, and weak passwords. Factor in the workers who also use cafes, coffee shops, or airport terminals to do company work, and the headache can turn into… Read more »
Read the ArticleIT certifications are more than badges of honor. They validate your proficiency and prove to employers or clients that you know your stuff and hone your skills. Since the tech world moves so fast, it’s crucial for IT professionals to understand new technologies and what they mean for today and the future. Certifications are among… Read more »
Read the ArticleAlthough we often hear about the threat of foreign cyberattacks, the truth is that one of the biggest threats to small and medium-sized American companies is former employees. An AppRiver survey finds that 24 percent of small and midsize businesses (SMBs) are concerned that attacks will come from dissatisfied ex-employees rather than publicized threats from… Read more »
Read the ArticleSomething a lot of IT providers struggle with is deciding exactly what to provide. Should you offer a la carte or custom IT services for each customer? Or should you use a one-size-fits-most approach across as many customers as you can? For some context, think about the experience of using a Mac vs. a PC…. Read more »
Read the ArticleAny MSP can back up client data. But high-caliber MSPs know that business continuity is about more than backups. A great business continuity strategy requires flexible recovery options, simplified management, and perhaps most importantly, quick recoveries that minimize downtime. These days MSPs can choose from many backup and recovery solutions. But finding one that boasts… Read more »
Read the ArticleForgot your password? Got a computer virus? Can’t figure out why your report won’t print? If so, then you’re probably like the thousands of other people who are confronted with such problems and do the one thing guaranteed to solve such issues: Call the system administrator. System administrators don’t wear superhero capes (although they may… Read more »
Read the ArticleManaged service providers depend on long, trusting relationships with their clients. Forging a lasting bond with customers begins the moment you come in contact with them, but the onboarding process in particular is critical. This is when you must prove to clients they chose the right provider. The onboarding process will differ from company to… Read more »
Read the ArticleWhen you hear the term “brute-force attack,” you may think about a savagely violent person or animal aggressively attacking another being. But if you’re in cybersecurity, you may envision something completely different—although no less frightening. In technology, a brute-force attack is when a hacker uses automated software to hammer an organization’s system with usernames, passwords,… Read more »
Read the ArticleFew topics catch at the attention of the media like a data breach at a large company. When Target, Home Depot, and Equifax suffered data breaches, their stories were covered by every major network. Moreover, the news traveled fast and far given the millions of consumers who had their private data stolen. Large companies like… Read more »
Read the ArticleAs we continue to follow the developments and decisions around Brexit in the U.K., we want to address questions about the flow of personal data between the U.K. and EEA that some U.K.-based users of StorageCraft Cloud Products, including StorageCraft Cloud Services (SCS) and StorageCraft Cloud Backup, may have. Generally, StorageCraft believes that concern about… Read more »
Read the ArticleTechnology is rapidly changing how we conduct business. IT departments are undergoing drastic changes as their efforts spill over into sales, customer service, accounting, and other key areas. In some organizations, IT is a multifaceted spark plug that drives all aspects of the business. With a much bigger role to play, the importance of having… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe hackers of today are bold and sophisticated and they’re looking for the next big score. According to a recent study by Ponemon Institute, the probability that a company will experience data breach increases year over year, and the average cost of a data breach incident is a whopping $3.86 million. Interestingly enough, sensitive data… Read more »
Read the ArticleMSPs need to be strategic as they develop and maintain storage infrastructure for their clients. Solutions must be affordable, scalable, and easy to manage. It’s a big challenge, but luckily, storage tech is more powerful and sophisticated than ever. If you’re thinking of ways to help clients take advantage of the latest in storage, keep… Read more »
Read the ArticleThe risk associated with artificial intelligence (AI) is a popular topic these days. Will AI take human jobs and become an enemy of the people? Will AI develop killer robots with no moral compass? Will AI become a superpower with greater control over humans? These are all important issues, but those tasked with cybersecurity currently… Read more »
Read the ArticleResearch firm Forrester predicts that hyper-converged systems will “become ubiquitous” as a common platform for deploying on-premises infrastructure. Compared to legacy infrastructure approaches, converged infrastructures promise lower costs, more scalability, and more flexible management. But as with any technology, there are a few competing philosophies in the infrastructure realm. How do you know whether to… Read more »
Read the ArticleRansomware threats continue to grow in 2019 as cybercriminals become sneakier and more targeted in their efforts, which means only organizations that are continuously proactive in maintaining security may come away unscathed. Consider the latest: The group behind the Dharma ransomware is now bundling it inside a fake antivirus software installation. Phishing emails that reportedly… Read more »
Read the ArticleAlthough every business has challenges in growing revenue, MSPs will continue to face three in particular in 2019 and beyond: 1) How do you keep current customers satisfied when the customer experience is more critical than ever? 2) How do you attract new customers so you can grow and thrive? 3) How do you do… Read more »
Read the ArticleFor many SMBs, it’s practical to use a private cloud for everything from software as a service to storage infrastructure and more. With benefits like cost savings, live support, and more, it’s tempting for enterprises to also ditch their hybrid cloud infrastructure in favor of public cloud offerings. But before you jump ship altogether, there… Read more »
Read the ArticleSophisticated MSPs know that trading basic backups for SLA-driven disaster recovery as service (DRaaS) offers outstanding profitability. But for many, DRaaS isn’t the easy-to-manage cash-cow it should be. To provide high availability and maximum data protection, MSPs may have to work with a complex array of vendors, solutions, and (sometimes messy) integrations, resulting in unnecessary… Read more »
Read the ArticleResearch shows that companies are losing billions of dollars by not having the necessary cloud professionals. Why? Because fewer cloud professionals means there is less innovation and revenue. That may be why some companies are actually hiring tech people before there are jobs available – they know the talent pipeline isn’t overflowing and they don’t… Read more »
Read the ArticleMSPs are responsible for stopping downtime, safeguarding data, and ensuring that no disaster—large or small—stops the productivity of their clients. It’s no easy task when MSPs must juggle vendors, become experts in various solutions, and integrate them, all while trying to make operations run as efficiently as possible. We expanded the functionality of ShadowXafe™ to… Read more »
Read the ArticleAs a StorageCraft evangelist, I find it worthwhile to download and read competitors’ white papers. This tactic usually gives me a good angle on the strengths and weaknesses of different vendors’ product offerings. Well, very recently I downloaded a “buyer’s guide” type document from another vendor. The buyer’s guide was tailored to the vendor’s own… Read more »
Read the ArticleIn March of 2018, the city of Atlanta spent more than $2.6 million responding to a ransomware attack that targeted its municipal operations. While city officials won’t confirm whether they paid the $50,000 ransom, it is clear that the price the city paid for its recovery efforts have far exceeded the ransomware demand. Ransomware attacks… Read more »
Read the ArticleImagine finding out the hard way that your home alarm system wasn’t working. You arrive home to an open front door with your personal items scattered around your place. Some expensive purchases—jewelry, your stereo system, or your computer—are missing. You get in touch with the home security company and alert them to the fact that… Read more »
Read the ArticleIf you own or work for an MSP, you’ll likely understand the struggles of developing the perfect solution for your clients. Besides all the difficulties that go along with pricing your services, deciding which services will sell well and should be bundled together can be a real challenge. One thing’s for sure, if your MSP… Read more »
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