News about BCS Voice & Data in Virginia Beach

3 essential security tools for every business

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Your data is one of your most valuable business assets. Keeping it safe should be one of your main priorities. So if you don’t have much security in place, there’s a minimum standard you should be implementing, right now.

There are dozens of security solutions available that all perform different tasks – from preventing criminals gaining access, to recognizing attacks in progress, and then limiting the damage that can be done. There’s no one-size-fits-all as every business has different priorities and different types of data to protect.

Here are three essentials that every business should put in place as a basic level of protection.

A firewall

A firewall monitors the internet traffic coming into and leaving your IT network. It acts as a wall between your network and the outside world. It’s your first line of defense against an intruder breaking in to your network.

A password manager for everyone in the business.

A password manager stores all your credentials securely, and can also generate nearly impossible-to-guess passwords for all your accounts and applications.

That’s useful against brute force attacks, where cyber criminals essentially try to force their way into your system by guessing the password. It also stops you writing down your passwords somewhere ‘safe’!

A VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN is important for any remote or hybrid workers in your business.

It means your employees can access your network from wherever they’re working, without worrying that their online activity is being watched by a criminal.

VPNs make your browsing completely private, hiding your device and location details, and anything you download. If you or your employees regularly use public Wi-Fi – especially to access your network – a VPN is essential.

These are our absolute minimum recommendations.

The strongest security uses additional tools like Multi-Factor Authentication to prove the identity of all users, and antivirus software to deal with any intrusions.

These work together to create a multi-layered security shield to defend against threats on many fronts.

But it’s important you create a security plan that’s right for your specific business. It’s a good idea to seek some professional help.

Not everyone’s as excited about IT security as we are! But we definitely have a passion for it.

If we can help you, get in touch.

Published with permission from Your Tech Updates.

Are your people Christmas shopping from work?

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Almost half of people with social media accounts have admitted to falling for shopping scams. So if members of your team are doing a little last minute Christmas shopping from work, how can you be sure your business is protected?

New research shows that a massive 47% of people have clicked on links hoping to get a great deal, and instead ended up giving financial and personal details to cyber criminals.

That could mean they’re not only putting their own data and money at risk, but your device – and even your network – could be exposed, too.

It’s not just shopping scams that are fooling people online. Phishing links have tricked 36% of people into revealing personal data. Phishing is where you get an email that seems to be from a person or brand you trust, but it’s not.

The same number have fallen for gift card scams – that’s where criminals gain victims’ trust and persuade them to buy gift cards or online vouchers.

If an employee clicks a malicious link or downloads an infected file using their work device, the results for a business can be devastating. The risks go beyond the loss of data and reputation. The cost of downtime while you get going again is enough to put many people out of business for good.

So how can you protect your business against this kind of scam – right now, and throughout the year?

As well as having the right cyber security tools in place – such as firewalls, antivirus software, and strong password management – you should stay focused on training your people. Because your best line of defense is a team that recognizes a threat when they see one.

Make sure they’re aware of the latest scams, and that they know the warning signs to look out for. Advise everyone to check that links are genuine, websites are the real deal, and be suspicious of offers that look too good to be true.

And have a strong plan in place that kicks in the moment a security breach is spotted. Employees should all know to report any incidents immediately, and who they should inform. Acting quickly often lessens the impact of a data breach and makes it faster and less expensive to fix.

As always, if you’d like further help or advice, get in touch.

Is working from home really good for your business?

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Working from home. Or remote working, as it’s now called.

It’s the big thing in business, isn’t it? And some people love it.

They’re happier working where they want, and when they want. And that makes them more productive and less likely to leave.

But have you stopped to consider the downside to remote working? The negative elements for your business and your people?

While many employees are happy to work from home using video calls and collaborative software to stay connected, there’s a small percentage who find the whole experience isolating.

And when that happens, it can quickly lead to a drop in motivation and happiness. It can even change the culture within your business.

In turn, this can lead to performance issues which may be trickier to spot.

At the other extreme, some employees will become more susceptible to burnout as they struggle to draw a line between work and personal time. That change in environment can be so important for some.

And while you want your team to be happy and fulfilled in their roles, there are also some practical considerations you need to make for your business.

Such as the cost of remote working. Does everyone have the right tools for the job – laptops, phones, office equipment? Maybe even a desk and chair, or an internet upgrade?

Do you need to spend twice – giving them an at home setup and investing in hot desks in the office?

Most importantly, you must put in place full cyber security protection wherever someone is working.

Here’s how we can help you stay safe and potentially save money.

Would you like us to audit your current setup and suggest some options? This is what we do every day. Just get in touch.

Tips for Working From Home

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Earlier this month, we shared tips for keeping your video conference professional while working from home. But, what about the hours or days where you don’t have meetings scheduled? How do you keep yourself on-task when working with all of your home comforts just a few steps away from your workspace? Take a look at these tips for working from home: 

Set Boundaries

When you’re working at the office, do you go into work at whatever time you choose? Work in a different office every day? Creating time and space boundaries can help you stay focused on the tasks at hand, rather than putting work off to the side to complete later that night, or on the weekend. It also means that family time will be for family, and weekends will be for relaxing or honey-do lists, instead of trying to get extra work done well past your to-do list. 

Stick to Your Routine

While getting up early and putting on a pair of slacks may not necessarily make you more productive, it can help you stick to a routine and feel a sense of normalcy, despite the changes in your work environment. 

Take breaks

Once you are sticking to a routine, it can also become easy to get sucked into work and continue through lunch. Though you may not be able to run out for a coffee or sandwich right now, taking regular breaks to walk outside and get fresh air, or read a book while you eat lunch can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health. 

Check In

If you’re accustomed to working in a larger office around a lot of coworkers, remember to check in with them. Sometimes even a short conversation with your officemate can inspire a new idea, or help you solve a problem in a way you hadn’t thought of before.

If you need assistance transitioning your workforce to remote connections and network access, the experts at BCS Voice & Data are here to help. 

Common Cybersecurity Myths Busted

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It’s easy to say “it won’t happen to us,” but cybersecurity is something that every business, large or small, needs to take seriously. It’s easy to underestimate cyber dangers if you believe certain myths that surround them. So, let’s take a look at some cybersecurity lore and why it isn’t always correct. 

Myth: We’re too small; no one will hack us. 

Small does not mean safe. No matter what it’s size, your company is a target for hackers. In fact, many hackers will purposely search for small businesses, correctly betting that they don’t have a secure network in place. Unfortunately, small does mean your company is hurt more significantly. As reported in Forbes, the average cost of an attack is more than $200,000!  That puts 60 percent of small companies out of business within six months of a cyberattack.

Myth: Anti-virus software and a firewall is enough security.

Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated. That makes it important to have multi-layered security protecting your data. In addition to the traditional end-point security of firewalls and anti-virus software, consider other measures like two-factor authentication, data monitoring and encryption software. While there is no perfect cybersecurity solution, make it your goal to have systems in place that allow for a quick reaction and comprehensive damage control.

Myth: You know right away if your computer is infected.

Gone are the days when slow loading times and non-stop pop-up ads were the obvious indicators of a virus. Today’s malware is stealthy and  hard to detect as hackers control webcams, access sensitive information or use an infected computer to attack other targets.

Myth: Cybersecurity is a technology issue only.

While your IT department or contractor plays a large role in keeping your data safe, employee education is critical when it comes to cybersecurity. Employees, rather than technology, are the most common entry point for hackers. Make sure internal cybersecurity training occurs at least once a year and covers topics such as phishing scams, password best practices and the ins and outs of wireless networks. 

 BCS Voice & Data Solutions works with its customers to provide guidance and support for implementing the most up-to-date cybersecurity practices. Call us today at (757) 497-3100 to discuss how we can assist you in creating a cybersecurity plan that is right for you. 

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Fighting Bacteria In the Office

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Most work environments are an easy place for germs to gather. Large offices, warehouses and schools have hundreds of employees interacting on a daily basis. With an extended cold and flu season among us, companies should take extra measures to ensure their employees are safe and healthy.

Read more

Build Better Client Relationships With Tech

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February is the month of love! If you’re looking for ways to improve the relationship between your business and clients, take the seasonal opportunity to do so! Show clients and partners that you appreciate them with new technologies that improve their experience with your company.

Wondering how BCS can help? Here are some easily integratable tools that quickly show your clients how much you care:

1. Free WiFi

The need for visitors to connect is unavoidable. Granting unlimited access to everyone can introduce security issues, so many companies don’t offer up their private connection.

Unfortunately, that creates a negative experience for the visitor. That’s why you should consider establishing a convenient guest WiFi, instead. A dedicated guest network lets visitors quickly connect with a simple password and no red tape. It’s a thoughtful and appreciated convenience that all clients and guests will enjoy, and it protects your business systems.

2. Professional Conference Calling

Do you have regular in-person meetings with  customers? Whether they come to you or you go to them, someone adds minutes and sometimes hours onto their workday just getting to the meeting. One easy way to streamline communication with clients and improve your overall relationship is to integrate video conferencing. Professional video conferencing, like our StarLeaf technology, allows you and your client to get that face-to-face contact without the burden of travel, something your everyone will thank you for.

3. Eliminate Wait Times

Being able to talk with a real person when you need help is an important demand for clients and customers across all industries. If your phone system is too complicated or employees can’t connect quickly, communication falls apart. Show your clients that you understand their needs. Upgrading to a seamless and easy to use business phone system with BCS.

BCS Voice and Data is here to make you and your clients happier! Call us at (800) 365-8067 to learn how we can eliminate the barriers to building great relationships and set your business apart.

Achieve Active Growth with BCS Voice and Data

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What are your business goals for 2020? If you’re like most companies, they likely involve expansion. Whether growth for your company means a larger physical space, more employees or increased sales flowing into your processes one thing is for sure–you need backend systems ready to handle more volume in place before you start scaling. 

That’s where BCS Voice and Data comes in. We are an amazing partner for growing companies. Not only because we know what’s needed to allow for easy growth, we know scalability too, so you don’t outgrow a new solution quickly. If you’re on the path to bigger and better this year, here are some ways BCS Voice and Data can help: 

Virtualization: 

For any business seeking growth in 2020, new tech will keep you competitive, especially when it comes to Virtualization. Our virtualization services allow you to keep up with adding more employees and contractors as you scale, by increasing the speed of your data sharing and allowing everyone to have the access they need, when they need it. All while keeping costs manageable and data safe.  

Improved Communication Systems: 

One thing is for sure in this day and age–customer service is key. Don’t expect to grow if you can’t communicate well with your customers, clients or partners. If you plan to increase communication with clients or remote employees, ask about our telephone and video conferencing system options. Our options are easy to use with no interruptions and best of all, your entire team can be easily reached. Customers have high expectations for good, consistent and reliable communication, no matter what industry.

Structured Cabling: 

Structured Cabling is an underrated but extremely important consideration in any physical space. If your network suffers from aging infrastructure or lacks organization, it will show as you grow. Position your company for growth by having our engineers and systems specialists create an organized framework that is easy to configure as your business expands, meaning you’ll be able to adapt quickly, without ongoing additional investments.

BCS Voice and Data not only makes the growth of your company easier, we create the systems that encourage expansion. Call us at (800) 365-8067 to learn how we can help you achieve your business goals this year.

Christmas presents

Plan Now to Hit Your 2020 Goals

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2019 flew by, and we are just a few days away from starting a new year. At this point, you’ve probably reviewed the past year and created a budget and IT goals for 2020, but don’t wait to put those plans into action. 

If you wait too long, you may not see significant improvements to your business until well into the new year. There’s no better time than the present to put changes into motion. 

If you’re wondering where to begin, let us help. Here are three easy ways BCS Voice & Data can help you spark big improvements in your business:

New Equipment: 

If you reviewed your budget and decided that 2020 is the time to replace lagging equipment, give BCS a call now! The speed of your technology is only as good as the cable infrastructure it runs on, and we offer solutions to get your office moving quickly with computer networking and network cable installation. You don’t want to put new equipment on aging infrastructure.

Improved Communication Systems: 

If you plan to increase communication with clients and remote employees to improve business relationships and productivity, be sure to check out our telephone and video conferencing system options. Adding cloud-based technology to your office in 2020 will put you ahead of the competition and make it easier than ever to collaborate. Our options are easy to use with no interruptions and best of all, your entire team will be more productive.

Virtualization: 

If one of your goals is to grow your business by improving your speed, agility and service availability, contact us to speak with a virtualization specialist. Virtualization allows you to keep up with the addition of more employees by supporting multiple desktops per server, improving data center security and increasing speed, all while keeping costs low.

Adding BCS solutions at the start of the year will set you up for success, so that by this time next year you’ll have met and exceeded your business and budget goals. If you’re ready to find out more about what options are right for you, give us a call today at (757) 497-3100. Our experts are ready to help you succeed in the new year!

 

 

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The Best Gift To Give Your Business

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What are the Best Gifts You Can Give Your Business This Year?

Don’t forget about that one gift that always pays off–a gift to your business! If you’re looking for ways to invest back into your company this holiday, we know the best way to do it. Improved voice and data services. 

There’s no better gift to your company than better technology, especially as we head into 2020. From structured cabling to cyber-security, implementing our services help maximize efficiency, increase your potential and give your business a leg up on the competition. Now, that really is something to be thankful for. 

Here are BCS’s most rewarding ways to invest resources into your company this  holiday season: 

  1. Structured Cabling:

      Many business owners are skeptical about the benefits of structured cabling. We beg to differ. Any business with even a small telecoms network will reap the rewards of a well-planned and executed system. Structured cabling pays dividends with better organization, faster speeds and increased scalability. 

  2. Tools for Remote Workers:

    Although they aren’t on-premises, it’s still important (if not more so) to invest in the tools your remote staff uses. That’s because they’re only as good as the tools they receive. If they experience tech issues, they can’t just go down the hall to IT. So, by giving them new or improved equipment this holiday, you can jump start their 2020 work performance while building a better relationship. A happy team means a happy company and that always pays off. 

  3. Cyber Security:

    Small businesses tend to believe they fall under the radar for a sophisticated cyber-attack. With that thinking, they operate with minimal or no cyber-security. These businesses are known for lacking security measures and often targeted. Unfortunately, half of them will experience at least one cyber-attack during their business lifetime. If you’re on the fence about adding security to your operations, consider giving yourself and you business peace of mind with enhanced cybersecurity this holiday. 

Investing in your voice and data service is the best gift you can give you business this holiday season! You’ll enter 2020 knowing you and your team are fully prepared to grow with the times. Unsure exactly what would benefit you the most? Contact BCS Voice and Data to learn more about the possibilities for your business.