The IT Experts

 Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication

The first preventative measure that can help in the event of a lost or stolen device is utilizing multi-factor authentication, although let’s be honest, you should be using it anyway—it’s just common sense. Multi-factor authentication uses multiple methods of protection to secure your device. For example, your smartphone might not require you to use a PIN to access it, but you should have this feature enabled, as well as some sort of biometric authentication if possible. The same goes for your laptop. Some multi-factor authentication methods also involve texting or calling a secondary device or account which can also be effective for securing your device.

Turn On Location Services

Most devices have access to location services in their settings, but they may not be turned on by default. In the event you lose track of a device, we recommend that you enable location services, especially when you are out and about. This might not give you the exact location of the device, but it can give you a ballpark estimate that you can use to make decisions about where to look.

Back Up Your Data

Backing up your data also helps with another aspect of securing your devices that we definitely want to recommend for when you must remotely wipe your devices. It is entirely possible that you will not be able to recover the device, meaning you cannot take chances with someone else discovering it. If you have backed up your data, then you won’t have to add the data lost from your lost or stolen device to the list of issues you must deal with.

Utilize a Mobile Device Management Tool

No one likes to imagine the worst-case scenario, but it’s part of running a business to prepare for events such as this. KB Technologies Managed IT can help your business get ready for unfortunate situations like losing a device or having it stolen. A mobile device management solution includes the features outlined above to create a comprehensive system that can prevent lost or stolen devices from becoming a problem, as well as optimize your odds of recovering the device if possible.

Remember, the best way to prepare for lost or stolen devices is to anticipate and prepare for these types of situations. Don’t wait until you have already lost a device before taking action. To learn more about how you can start being proactive with your device security, reach out to us at (954) 834-2800.

Productivity Suites

A productivity suite is basically just a fancy term used to describe the most commonly used productivity software applications, like a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation software, email and calendar management platforms, and others. We are prepared to say that a productivity suite is practically a necessity for any business. Some of the common productivity suites used in business include Microsoft 365 Apps for Business and Google Workspace, but there are others that are more focused tools used for specific tasks, like Adobe Creative Cloud.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Most businesses already have a traditional landline in place for making and receiving phone calls, but there are more modern solutions available that can help to reduce costs and setup time, like Voice over IP. VoIP uses a desktop or mobile device to make the phone call utilizing a software application that can be downloaded to the device. The ease of implementation means fewer up-front costs and operation costs, and it helps you to slim down your infrastructure through implementing less new hardware.

Password Management

Passwords are usually the first line of defense that businesses have against many threats, and while they can and should be made complex, this process also makes them much more difficult to remember. Password management solutions store each of your passwords in a secure vault, only pulling them out when they are needed, making your entire password remembrance policy much easier. Effective use of a password management tool means that you can leverage the security of complex passwords without compromising in any way.

Antivirus and Other Security Solutions

Your business absolutely needs to be secured. This includes keeping your network and endpoints safe and locked down from prying eyes, and it doesn’t matter whether you are a small business or a large enterprise. Hackers can and will find value in your business’ data, and even if they have no ulterior agenda for your data, they will certainly try to inject a little chaos into your life with viruses, malware, and other threats. You need to do all you can to protect your organization from any and all cyberthreats.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Encryption is vital to keeping your data and privacy intact, especially while out of the office. A virtual private network encrypts data that is sent to and from your device, massively improving security while on unsecured networks. In particular, these are effective for keeping your data secure while on unsecured public Wi-Fi connections while traveling.

Does your business need help with implementing new software solutions? KB Technologies Managed IT can help. To learn more, reach out to us at (954) 834-2800.

Windows 8.1 Was a Big Jump from Windows 8

When Windows 8 was released in 2012, it was created with the intention of being “metro,” with a specific intention of being used across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. Unfortunately, this created a bit of backlash due to a confusing user interface that had many users who were still stuck on Windows 7 yearning for a return to old times. Microsoft eventually relented and released an update to Windows 8, titled Windows 8.1, in 2013; this update brought back many features that users expected from Windows operating systems, including the Start menu.

This update effectively replaced Windows 8 and put the nail in the coffin of its predecessor, as Microsoft prematurely cut the cord on its OS in 2016. Windows 8.1 on the other hand continues to be supported by Microsoft… for now. Windows 10 released two years after the 8.1 update, so most people took advantage of the free upgrade, leaving only a small portion of the user base left with Windows 8.1--a paltry 3.5 percent. Compared to the massive campaigns utilized to get people to upgrade away from Windows 7, there has been little-to-no urgency to upgrade away from 8.1. But for those who do need to upgrade away, this end-of-life event is remarkably important.

What You Need to Know

If you are a current user of Windows 8.1, you should at least upgrade to Windows 10 as soon as possible. If you think you can wait it out, however, Windows 11 should be available sometime over the next few months or early next year. It depends on whether or not you think your hardware is up to snuff; either way, you will need to prepare for the upgrade away from Windows 8.1 sooner rather than later, as failing to do so could result in unnecessary security risks.

Why Is It Important to Only Use Supported Software?

With each new version of the Windows operating systems comes additional security features, and these features are designed to tackle challenges that are associated with modern threats. If you don’t regularly update your software, you are bound to eventually fall behind, and if you’re not careful, you could wind up putting your business at risk. Therefore, you should make it a priority to upgrade away from Windows 8.1 as soon as you can, as if you wait until the end-of-life event, your software will no longer be supported or updated by the software developer.

If you need assistance with upgrading your software or hardware to accommodate new technologies for your business, KB Technologies Managed IT can help. With our trusted and dedicated IT resources at your disposal, you’ll be one step ahead of the game. To learn more, reach out to us at (954) 834-2800.