The IT Experts

Microsoft Certifications

As a big name in the technology industry, it’s no small wonder that Microsoft certifications can go a long way toward providing skills and knowledge that can benefit your business. Here are some of the options available. Keep in mind that these options replace the more fragmented and outdated Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Program:

• Azure Administrator Associate: This certification shows that an individual is proficient with Microsoft Azure and is capable of managing the resources provided by the platform.
• Azure Solutions Architect Expert: Similarly, this certification shows that someone can make Azure tools and build an environment for implementing these tools, as well as securing and managing it effectively.
• Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals: This certification proves that an individual is familiar with Microsoft technologies that can protect a business’ data.
• Modern Desktop Administrator Associate: This certification proves that an individual can manage devices and applications in an enterprise environment, from initial deployment to continued and maintained security.

Certified Information System Security Professional

The International Information System Security Certification Consortium built this certification with the intention of establishing expertise in planning and managing a security program for businesses. This certification, as prestigious as it is, has strict requirements, including an extensive certification pathway involving training and evaluation. Obtaining this certification has other benefits, as well, such as providing access to a network of IT professionals and a library full of educational opportunities.

CompTIA A+ Technician

This entry-level certification provides those just starting their careers in IT with the fundamentals they’ll need. It’s also a good place for someone to start looking into furthering a career in IT. This certification covers a variety of aspects of business computing, requiring that technicians pass two tests before becoming certified.

Cisco Certified Network Associate

CCNA is another entry-level certification and one that helps individuals prepare for managing enterprise-level networking equipment. There are specializations available for this certification as well, including security, wireless, and voice networking. This certification entails passing a written exam, and it’s helpful for those who work as a system or network administrator or a network engineer.

Network+

This certification means that the user has a familiarity with wired and wireless networks and how to manage them effectively. The Network+ certification requires that the individual pass an exam about configuring networks and the devices connected to them. It’s a certification that help desk technicians should work toward.

Get Certified Without the Certifications

We always recommend that your in-house IT workers get certified whenever possible, but you can start to take advantage of the benefits of a well-certified IT workforce today by working with KB Technologies Managed IT. Our trusted and knowledgeable staff have done the heavy lifting so we can provide you with the expertise you need to thrive. To learn more, call us today at (954) 834-2800.

The FTC Safeguards Rule Simplified

Before we delve into how KB Technologies can assist, let's unpack what the FTC Safeguards Rule actually involves.

This rule mandates that all covered businesses design and implement a comprehensive information security program to protect their customers' information. The three pillars of this rule are:

1. Administrative safeguards – These involve processes, policies, and procedures that help manage the selection, development, implementation, and maintenance of security measures. They also manage the conduct of personnel in protecting customer information.

2. Technical safeguards – This aspect focuses on the technology and the policy and procedures for its use that protect customer information and control access to it.

3. Physical safeguards – These are physical measures, policies, and procedures to protect electronic information systems and related buildings and equipment from threats, environmental hazards, and unauthorized intrusion.

The FTC Safeguards Rule places a significant amount of responsibility on businesses, but it's all in the name of data protection – a crucial aspect of modern business operations.

KB Technologies: Your Partner in Compliance

Navigating through the intricacies of the FTC Safeguards Rule might be daunting for any business, especially small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have a dedicated IT security department. This is where KB Technologies steps in, offering solutions tailored to the specific needs of each business.

Customized Information Security Programs

Understanding that every business is unique, KB Technologies doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Their team will work closely with your business to understand your operations, evaluate your current security measures, and develop a comprehensive, FTC-compliant information security program.

Implementation and Maintenance

Not only does KB Technologies help you establish your information security program, but they also take care of its implementation and maintenance. They utilize cutting-edge technologies to protect your customer data and ensure that all technical safeguards are up to date and effectively warding off potential threats.

Personnel Training

One of the key aspects of the FTC Safeguards Rule is managing the conduct of personnel in protecting customer information. KB Technologies offers thorough training programs for your team, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and know how to effectively maintain the security protocols in place.

Physical Security Measures

KB Technologies also provides solutions for physical security, helping to safeguard your IT infrastructure from environmental hazards, unauthorized intrusion, and other potential threats.

Ensuring Future Compliance

The digital landscape is ever-evolving, and so too are the threats that businesses face. This means the rules and regulations businesses must follow are also subject to change. Partnering with KB Technologies ensures that you'll be ready to adapt to any new FTC requirements or other legal changes.

By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of KB Technologies, businesses in Boca Raton can confidently navigate the FTC Safeguards Rule. They provide a comprehensive service that ensures not just compliance with this important legislation, but the overall protection of your customer data, which is a vital part of your business's reputation and success. Trust KB Technologies to help safeguard your business today.

Here are a couple of tips you can keep in mind for when you start to experience technical difficulties and question whether you need to upgrade or not.

Your Device Starts to Slow Down

It’s natural for a device to start to slow down, especially as it grows older and more “worn in,” so to speak. Comparing the performance of your technology to that of coworkers doesn’t really help this, either. Over extended periods of time, you’re going to experience a slowdown, whether you like it or not. The key is to know when the slowdown is too much to handle; when the slowdown starts to affect your ability to perform your tasks, then it’s time to consider an upgrade.

Your Productivity is Affected

It’s inevitable that your device will experience issues over time, but you need to know when it starts impacting your productivity so that you can implement an upgrade to it as soon as possible.  Examples might include a computer that crashes every so often, freezes up, or anything else that prevents you from getting to your daily tasks. Implementing an upgrade might save you from a costly downtime-causing event, too.

App Updates and Patches Are Incompatible with Your Technology

This sign is one that cannot be ignored. If your devices are no longer compatible with your solutions, or they are no longer supported by patches or updates, then it’s time for an upgrade, period. You cannot run the risk of your solutions being vulnerable to security breaches and threats. Hackers often use end-of-life and end-of-support dates to their advantage by spreading malware and viruses to unsupported operating systems and hardware, so you’ll want to take a proactive approach to upgrading your technology before this happens.

Some of the above isn’t necessarily indicative that you need an upgrade, though. You could just need a little bit of maintenance, in which case your device will be as good as new following some professional care. Before you commit to replacing your technology, be sure to consult with professionals who can help you make the most informed decision possible.

KB Technologies Managed IT can be those consulted professionals for your business technology solutions. Our trusted technicians have the knowledge and expertise to help you make the necessary maintenance and upgrades to your devices. We can work with you to determine if you need an upgrade or if maintenance is an option, thereby saving you capital that could be invested elsewhere within your business. To learn more, call us today at (954) 834-2800.