Getting familiar with the cyber security and the information technology world can be intimidating. Questions like “What is a VPN and why would it help me?” (we’ll get to it) might be something on your mind and this is understandable. Cybersecurity is an ever changing world with terminology that isn’t typically discussed outside of the industry. All of these terms being discussed today are ones that come up frequently in our world and we thought it would be a good idea to share them with you. 

Malware 

Malware is designed to make your life hard. It is software that you download that is targeting your information such as banking information, social security numbers, and other important files. It is typically disguised as other software that you may need such as a software update or a browser extension. Avoid this at all costs! Recognizing the websites you are on and making sure it is reputable is something to look for when avoiding malware. 

Phishing 

This is similar to actual fishing. Malicious emails will be sent out and if you bite the hook, you’re caught. These attempts will typically be sent through email and text messages posing to be your bank or some entity that may have your information. Most phishing attempts are after your information. Some things to spot a phishing email are grammatical errors, asking for very personal information, low quality logos (if on email), and an incorrect email address made to look like a real one. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

This one can get a little abstract, but it is the computer learning that is meant to mimic the mind of a human. Through experiences and examples the computer will be able to make intelligent decisions. This learning can be focused on one specific task or broad learning to make decisions over time. 

Internet of things (IOT)

IOT is something that you have most likely used and it is pretty simple. One common example of IOT is your television connecting to a speaker and your phone at the same time. It is a world of interconnected devices. Another very common form of IOT is Amazon’s home devices including Alexa. 

Ransomware 

This is under the umbrella of malware, but it is slightly different because the people that get access to your information will hold it ransom until you give them some sort of payment. They typically want bitcoin or some sort of currency that cannot be traced. This is a data breach and under no circumstances should the ransomware be paid. Contact the police or an I.T. professional on what to do if your data is stolen. 

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

These are great at hiding your location and provide an extra layer of security to your network. The way it works is that when you go to a website the VPN sends you to a server in another location and from there you will be let into the website. This will make you more difficult to track and this extra layer of security can make it harder for things like a data breach from happening. 

All of these terms may appear at some point and instead of simply not knowing, you now have an introduction into the cyber security and information technology world. For more I.T. advice check out our other blogs and view our services to find out how we can help. 

Getting a new job can be intimidating, especially right out of college. Opportunities seem scarce even without a pandemic happening. There are ways to make yourself stand out, despite everything going on and we want to help! Today’s blog is helping all of the hopeful, new cybersecurity professionals get into the field and differentiate themselves from the rest. Follow the following tips to make yourself stand out. 

Network 

This one is standard across all industries. Making connections is always a good way to get your name out there. It can be difficult when there aren’t many face to face opportunities today. There are things you can do to meet people in this field. Networking isn’t just about landing a new job, it can be for advice, guidance, or a simple introduction to someone in the future who you might even be able to help out.

Ways that you are able to stay connected despite all of the current restrictions are online virtual events/webinars. LinkedIn communities related to your field, and independent online communities that link you with professionals in your industry. All of these can be useful in helping with getting to know professionals and gain invaluable knowledge. 

Volunteer

This may not be the most ideal job right away, but when you volunteer your time to become a mentee or just do something in the technology industry. Real world experience is something that can’t be replicated and it may be worth your time to do some volunteer work in something that might interest you.  

Get Certified 

Now that you have a degree, you’re golden! This might be a great accomplishment, but learning never really stops, especially in an always evolving industry like cybersecurity and technology. This is why getting certifications related to the jobs you want are key in making yourself stand out. These certifications prove that you are able to put in extra work, are motivated to get a job done right, and you will be easier to hire based on your knowledge of job-related skills and activities. 

Make a Plan

Knowing where you want to go is something that this list can guide you towards. If you want to be in cyber security then you can join communities, volunteer, or get certifications that are relevant. Paving the way to make what you want is possible, but you have to know what it is first. Following these tips are a great way to get started!

One of the most important elements of a successful company is data and storage in today’s world. Keeping important files secure and easily accessible is something we all wish we could make happen for our own networks. This is possible through our FileMax Data Back-Up System. Today, we are discussing how this is possible, and what files we are able to keep safe. 

What is FileMax Data Back-Up System?

The FileMax Data Back-Up System is a tool we use to keep data secure and easily accessible for companies we work with. Security with this system is achieved through encrypting all of the data that goes through the system. Encryption is the most surefire way to ensure security for your network. In order for anyone to read an encrypted file, they must have access to a secret key or password that enables them to decrypt the file. If the file is sent anywhere or restored, it is still encrypted so it will always be safe. 

Backing up files is the other most important job our FileMax Data Back-Up System does. Just backing up data on the same device it was created or through auxiliary storage is not the most secure way to backup your files because they pose equal amounts of risk to being lost or stolen. In order to keep all files safe, we store backup files in an off-site location to make sure they will be safe even if the on site backup fails. 

What can we store? 

“What can we store, and how often will it be backed up?” are common questions we hear on the FileMax Data Back-Up System. The first files able to be backed up are documents. This can span from word files, spreadsheets, presentations, and any other files needed in order to help a business run successfully on a daily basis.

The second type of file is an application. We believe that any entries you make on applications that could be shared on a daily basis should always be backed up, protected, and have a copy. These can include emails, calendars, browsing history, social media pages, and operating/system settings. The last type of file compatible with the FileMax Data Back-Up System is media. This is an essential part of any business because media often holds the identity of your company. Media can include photos, videos, sounds, and other important files to your network. 

The second part of the question we often get is how often is the data backed up? This is an easy answer: daily. A daily backup will ensure that anything done on a daily basis will be saved on site and a copy will be saved off site to ensure the safety of the file. For more information check out our FileMax Data Back-Up System Page.

The economy is falling and falling due to the coronavirus pandemic, but how has it affected the information technology industry? The answer is complex. Certain areas are being affected in a negative way. If one were to look at this side of the field, the answer to that question would be simple, it’s tanking like the rest of the economy. But certain areas of the IT industry are doing well and even thriving, so the answer to the question could be “The industry is improving despite the crisis.” So where do we need to look to see the bad, the good, and the entire picture? 

The Bad

The coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected almost every industry in the United States. Information Technology is no different. By the end of April, the technology job layoff/loss total swelled to 119,000 jobs according to CompTIA’s analysis of employment data by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is the biggest loss ever in this span of time in the industry.

Too many jobs are being lost and automation is increasing for many companies across the country. Typically it helps to combat the loss of so many important jobs in the technology sector in the United States. The number of jobs lost is very high. All of the jobs lost take into account less than 1% of the technology jobs held in our country today.

Most of the jobs lost were service related due to third party IT companies relying solely on providing IT services. This does make sense because these businesses have been running on a fraction of what they are normally running on. With the decrease in revenue, businesses will have to cut costs somewhere. Usually they will cut sales, marketing, and third party assistance companies which IT falls under.

Companies that typically have their own IT departments will not cut the department. In a time like this, they need it to run the business remotely and make sure communication chains are rock solid. Despite these negative effects from the pandemic, there are some positives to take away. 

The Good

Some companies have thrived during this pandemic and the information technology field, in some aspects, is thriving and growing. Amazon hired 100,000 warehouse workers to meet surging demands for products and services they offer. Facebook’s messaging and video calling services have exploded, and Microsoft is seeing a 40% increase in software for online communications and collaboration.

Due to so many people being at home, tech companies are seeing a huge need for their services to help businesses continue to run. Trends were already swinging towards this happening, and the pandemic threw companies into a craze for the services they offer. This has resulted in a huge increase for companies that provide services in communication and collaboration tools, cloud computing services, and digital services. 

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Apple Music are also reaping the benefits of the pandemic. More people are at home constantly and are looking to all of these platforms to keep them entertained. But this doesn’t mean these companies are not feeling the impact of the pandemic. Stock prices for Apple, Netflix, and Microsoft are all down significantly over the past month. 

The long-term growth for tech companies could be stronger than ever after the pandemic. Amazon has struggled to get people to order groceries online before this and now it is becoming the norm due to people wanting to stay home. People could continue to rely on Netflix, Hulu, and Apple Music for entertainment more than they did before the pandemic. During this time, people are creating habits that may stay with them after everything is said and done. This can help the technology field grow in the long run and, for now, weathering the storm is the best that any industry can do.

Contact us today for assistance with any of your I.T. needs!