Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Microsoft's Conditional Access for Better 365 Security

Attention Small Business Owners. Have you considered the advantages of  Microsoft Azure's conditional access for your operations?

These simple and effective measures can greatly secure your Microsoft 365 accounts and data.


Get in tough with Nextworks today!


Thursday, September 21, 2023

How to Save 20% on the Cost of Microsoft 365 (for Business)

 

Microsoft 365 has been around for many years.

In that time, it has changed its name - formerly Office 365, the product has had continual improvements that have transformed many small and medium-sized businesses the world over.

One thing that’s not changed is the price. However, Microsoft put out a warning last year that they will increase the price by 10-20% in March.

The rise seems justified due to the value of the software for many in business.

There is a workaround that you can use in your business to delay this price increase for an entire year.

If you are currently using Microsoft 365 or the associated apps, then it’s worth a brief discussion with us on how we can help you lock in the old price for the next 12 months.


Get in touch with Nextworks today.


Thursday, August 31, 2023

The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform: Nextworks' Solution for Fortifying Cyber-Resilience

In our increasingly digital world, the protection of sensitive data and personal identifiable information (PII) is a core concern for businesses of all sizes. Cyber threats are evolving every day, becoming more sophisticated and harder to spot. That's why a robust cybersecurity education has become essential. The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform by Nextworks does just that—it provides comprehensive, top-tier education on cybersecurity.

Below, we delve into why the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform stands out in today's Cybersecurity landscape.


Thorough, Tailored Course Content


The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform offers a wealth of courses covering a broad spectrum—from basic online safety practices to advanced threat mitigation strategies. The content is tailored to meet specific industry needs and the unique cybersecurity threats that your business may face, making the training exceptionally relevant and practical.


Interactive Simulated Phishing Attacks


One of the standout features of our platform is the interactive, simulated phishing attacks. This practical approach allows users to experience what real-world phishing attempts look like and learn how to efficiently spot and combat them. By engaging in these simulations, users develop an invaluable first-hand understanding of phishing strategies and the nuances in detecting such threats.


Up-to-date Content


Given the ever-changing landscape of cyber threats, staying updated is crucial. The PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform ensures that users are up to speed with the latest trends in cybersecurity and emerging threats. Our team of cybersecurity experts continuously monitors changes in the threat landscape, updating our training resources accordingly.


Robust Risk Management


By empowering users with crucial cybersecurity knowledge, PII Protect enables businesses to manage potential risks more effectively. Your team will be equipped with practical skills to identify and deter a wide variety of cyberattacks.


Enhanced Employee Confidence


Proper training instils confidence in employees when it comes to managing cybersecurity threats. The PII Protect platform ensures that your team understands their crucial role in protecting digital assets, leading to more informed decision-making around potential cyber threats.


Industry Recognition and Trust


Implementing the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform not only demonstrates your commitment to data protection but also gives you an edge in today's competitive market. The platform's comprehensive training can help your team earn industry-specific cybersecurity certifications, reinforcing your organization's reputation.


The Nextworks Commitment


Nextworks is committed to delivering top-quality IT solutions, including the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform. With our unwavering dedication, we pledge to stand by our clients as we navigate the complex and dynamic world of cybersecurity together.


In summary, the PII Protect Cybersecurity Training Platform stands as a top-tier resource for comprehensive and relevant cybersecurity education. By partnering with Nextworks and utilizing PII Protect, businesses can arm themselves with the necessary knowledge and skills to stay a step ahead in the perpetually evolving landscape of cyber threats.


"Knowledge is the first step towards powerful cybersecurity. Equip yourself with PII Protect by Nextworks and turn the digital battleground into a field of victory."


Get Started Today


Wednesday, August 16, 2023

A Step-by-Step Guide for Local Businesses to Help them Plan Their Migration from Windows Server 2012

As the owner of a local business, you know how important it is to help the community, be reliable, and stay ahead of the curve. With the end of support for Windows Server 2012 coming up in October 2023, you might feel a little lost about how to make the switch. In this post we will walk you through every step of the move, making sure you're ready for this change. The most important hint? Start planning your move now to avoid stress at the last minute and possible problems with how your business runs.

Taking a Look at Your Current IT Setup

The first step in planning your migration is to take a good look at your IT system as it is now. This means knowing how Windows Server 2012 fits into your business, finding any software or apps that depend on it, and figuring out what your hardware can do. This evaluation will help you figure out possible problems and needs for your new server or cloud hosted alternative.

How to Choose a New Server

After you've looked at what you have now, it's time to choose a new server or cloud provider. There are likely several choices, and each has its own pros and cons to think about. When picking a server or cloud provider, you should think about your budget, the needs of your business, and how well the new system works with the software and apps you already have. Remember that cloud vs. in-house server each is quite different and has its own benefits. Choose the one that fits your business wants and goals the best. 

Getting Ready for the Move

Now that you've selected your best option, it's time to plan the move. This means making a schedule, dividing up the resources, determine a workable test environment, who on your team can test before going live, and getting ready for possible downtime. It's also important to plan for data backup and recovery to keep your business information safe during the change.

The end of support for Windows Server 2012 is a big deal, but if you plan and prepare well, you can make sure your local business has a smooth shift. Don't forget that you're not alone in this. We're a neighborhood business, just like you, and we want to help our community.

Our team of IT experts is here to help you through every step of the transfer process so that your business can keep running as smoothly as possible. Contact Nextworks today to start planning your move and make sure your local business has a bright future.


Thursday, August 10, 2023

What It Means for Your Business That Windows Server 2012 Is Going Away

As the owner of a small or medium-sized business, you probably have a lot on your plate. One of these is making sure your IT infrastructure is always safe and up to date. You may have heard that support for Windows Server 2012 will end in October 2023. You may be thinking what this means for your business. This blog post will help you understand what will happen and what steps you need to take. The most important hint? Don't put off making plans for your move until the last minute. 

Understanding the End of Life for Windows Server 2012

In the tech world, "end of life" means that a piece of software will no longer get changes or help from the company that made it. This means that Microsoft will no longer offer updates for Windows Server 2012 after October 2023. This includes security updates, updates that aren't related to security, free or paid choices for assisted support, and updates to online technical content. 

This has big consequences for businesses that still use this service. Without these changes, your system is open to security risks, which could lead to a breach of your data. You may also have trouble with compliance, since many laws require businesses to use software that is approved.

The Risks of Ignoring the End of Life

You can't just ignore the fact that Windows Server 2012 is coming to an end. If you don't update your computer regularly, hackers who take advantage of known flaws will be more likely to target it. A single breach could cause you to lose a lot of money, hurt your image, and lose the trust of your customers.

Also, as new programs and software are made, they might not work with Windows Server 2012. This could cause problems with efficiency and make it harder for you to use new technologies that could help your business.

Preparing for the Transition

It may seem hard to switch from Windows Server 2012 to a newer server, but if you plan, it can go smoothly. Start by looking at your present IT infrastructure and making a list of any possible problems. Next, do some study to find a new server that meets the needs of your business and fits your budget. Lastly, make a detailed plan for moving, including a timeline and the tools you'll need.

Remember that it's best to start this process as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute could cause you to make hasty choices, waste time, and possibly lose data.

The end of support for Windows Server 2012 is a big deal that you should pay attention to. But it's also a chance to improve your IT infrastructure, make your system more secure, and use new technologies. It’s also an opportunity to migrate to the cloud, eliminating servers from your local network entirely.

Don't go through this change on your own. Our team of IT experts is here to help you through the process, making sure that the move goes smoothly and causes your business as little trouble as possible. Contact us right away to start planning your move and make sure your business has a bright future.


Thursday, July 27, 2023

Trends to Look Out for in IT Services in 2023

As we move further into 2023, managed IT services are still changing at a very fast rate. Technological changes are changing the world and giving companies a mix of opportunities and challenges. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key part of these changes. It opens the door to greater efficiency while also making safety more dangerous.

To make the most of these changes, it’s important to know what’s coming next in the world of managed IT services. Here are a few important trends that people in charge of making decisions should keep an eye on:

Cybersecurity Risks Caused by AI

AI is becoming more and more like a double-edged sword. AI can be used for many good things, but it can also be used by bad people to start sophisticated cyberattacks. Cyber threats that use AI are getting worse, and they pose a big risk to companies. Now, attackers can automate their strikes, and they are getting better at acting like humans and getting around security measures. This trend shows how important it is for companies that use digital tools and services a lot to have advanced cybersecurity strategies.

Automation and Productivity

On the other hand, AI opens a lot of doors for businesses, especially in automation. AI is already being used by businesses to automate boring and repetitive chores. This gives their employees more time to work on strategic, high-level tasks that require human intelligence.

Through methods for machine learning, AI can do things like keep an eye on networks, analyze data, and even help with customer service. This cuts down on mistakes made by hand and makes operations run more smoothly. When AI is used in the right way, it can increase output by a lot, cut costs, and help a business grow.

Managed IT services saves the day.

When AI is used in business, it can be hard to figure out how to balance the possibilities and risks it brings. Managed IT service companies come into play at this point. These experts are trained to understand AI’s complicated world and can help businesses find their way through it. They find the best way to use AI for efficiency while making sure that strong cybersecurity means are in place to stop AI-powered attacks.

Proactive solutions are getting more and more attention from managed IT service companies. This includes using predictive analytics to find possible cyber threats and automating reactions to reduce the risks. They also give advice on the best ways to use AI to handle business processes while keeping the highest levels of data security.

In the end, the picture of managed IT services in 2023 is both complicated and exciting. AI’s growth brings with it a unique set of possibilities and problems. But with the right IT partner, businesses can safely adopt AI, taking advantage of its potential to improve efficiency while making sure they are fully protected from the growing number of cyber threats that are made possible by AI. The future of managed IT services comes in using AI’s power to its fullest and minimizing its risks.

So, as a decision-maker, keep these trends in mind and work with a proactive managed IT services provider (like us) to move your business towards a more safe, efficient, and AI-powered future.

Contact Nextworks Today for a Free Cybersecurity Assessment.





Tuesday, July 18, 2023

Password Managers for Business and Individuals

In today's digital age we rely heavily on online accounts and sensitive information. The need for strong, unique passwords has become increasingly important. However, remembering multiple complex passwords can be challenging and prone to human error. This is where password managers come into play, providing a secure and convenient solution for both businesses and individuals.

For Business:

Password managers offer numerous benefits for organizations of all sizes. Here are some key advantages for businesses:

  • Enhanced Security: Password managers ensure robust security by generating and storing strong, unique passwords for each account. This eliminates the risk of weak or reused passwords that are susceptible to hacking.
  • Centralized Management: Businesses can centrally manage and control passwords across their teams. Administrators can grant and revoke access, enforce password policies, and monitor password usage, bolstering overall security and reducing the burden on IT departments.
  • Improved Productivity: With password managers, employees no longer need to waste time memorizing or resetting passwords. They can easily access their accounts with a single master password or other authentication methods, streamlining workflow and productivity.
  •  Secure Sharing: Password managers enable secure password sharing within teams or departments without revealing the actual passwords. This allows collaboration while maintaining data confidentiality.
  • Auditing and Compliance: Many password managers provide auditing and reporting features that help businesses comply with industry regulations and internal security policies. Detailed logs and reports can be generated to track password usage and identify potential security breaches.

Here are three companies offering password managers with cost around $3-$6/mo. per user:

Lastpass.com

Dashlane.com

1Password.com

For Individuals:

Password managers are equally beneficial for individual users. Here are some advantages for personal use:

  • Simplified Password Management: With a password manager, individuals can securely store all their passwords in one place. This eliminates the need to remember multiple passwords or resort to writing them down, which can be risky.
  • Enhanced Security: Password managers generate strong, unique passwords and often offer additional security features like two-factor authentication (2FA) or biometric authentication. This ensures that individual accounts remain protected from unauthorized access.
  • Convenient Access: Individuals can access their passwords from various devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. This convenience allows seamless login across platforms and devices.
  • Timesaving: Password managers save time by automatically filling in login credentials for websites and apps, eliminating the hassle of typing passwords manually.
  • Password Strength Analysis: Many password managers provide tools that analyze the strength of existing passwords and offer suggestions for improving them. This helps individuals maintain strong, secure passwords across all their accounts.

The three companies mentioned above are also offering some free individual plans. For individual use Nextworks recommends the free open-source platform, https://keepass.info.

 Contact Nextworks Today for a Free Cybersecurity Assessment.