Month: May 2020

Business Landscape After COVID-19

Shuttered storefronts, social distancing, and augmented unemployment checks will not necessarily be the long-term effects of COVID-19. But the pandemic has inextricably changed the way we interact and do business.

As the country makes the methodical transition to the new normal, education, remote workforces, and hiring talent could look quite different than the pre-coronavirus landscape. Industry leaders would be wise to promptly engage in post-pandemic strategic planning to get ahead of the brave new world.

Remote Workforces Are Here To Stay

Although CEOs and entrepreneurs had mixed feelings about work-from-home policies, remote productivity had been trending for more than a decade. Media resources such as Forbes were penning articles about location flexibility and Millennials placing a high value on work-from-anywhere positions long before COVID-19 upended the economy. In a piece called Flexible Working: The Way Of The Future, Forbes contributor Joy Burnford highlighted reasons why employees and employers were embracing remote positions in May of 2019.

• 92 percent of Millennials place a high value on job flexibility
• 80 percent of women want flexibility in their next position
• 52 percent of men want increased job flexibility
• Organizations benefit from more comprehensive talent pool access
• Remote workforces demonstrate strong productivity
• Work-from-home policies tend to improve employee retention

The business disruption caused by the contagion forced companies to increase Cloud-based infrastructure and cybersecurity to support work-from-home productivity. Now, upwards of 74 percent of CFOs polled in a Gartner study indicate they plan to maintain remote infrastructure and cut real estate and other brick-and-mortar facility expenses. It appears the future has been written, and high-level managed IT consultations are necessities.

Education To Impact Business Landscape

Business leaders would be wise to take a long and thoughtful look at changes to the education system. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently declared that public schools would not reopen this calendar year. Remote learning will continue until summer break, and an uptick in coronavirus cases could prompt a return to digital homeschooling come fall. That means at least one parent — potentially your employee — will need to stay home with school-aged children.

This scenario points to a logical need for decision-makers to maintain existing remote infrastructure as a part of business continuity planning. COVID-19, as well as unforeseen disruptions, have accelerated Cloud-based business networks as a new necessity.

HR Departments Go Virtual

Businesses that fail to integrate remote connectivity into their scenario planning could be cut off from their own valued employees, as well as talented people outside reasonable commuter distances. A recent Gartner HR survey indicates that upwards of 86 percent of organizations have engaged in virtual interviews and hiring practices during the pandemic.

“Recruiting leaders are caught between the sourcing and hiring plans that were initiated before the COVID-19 outbreak and the rise in uncertainty and social and economic instability,” Gartner HR practice vice president Lauren Smith reportedly said. “While most organizations are currently conducting interviews remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual interviewing may become the new standard for recruiting leaders and candidates long after social distancing guidelines are lifted.”

Remote capabilities such as task collaboration and virtual meetings platforms are now fully integrated aspects of the business landscape. Organizations that leveraged IT infrastructure to go remote as a stop-gap measure may want to reconsider digital strategies as a permanent solution. It may be in your best interest to consider strategic IT and cybersecurity planning today because the future has already arrived.

Data Magic Resolves Hacked Windows Server

As the number 1 rated IT company in the Dallas area, Data Magic routinely receives requests for emergency assistance in dealing with cybercrime attacks. One recent request came from a company in Coppell, Texas, that experienced a Windows hack over the weekend. Following is an outline of how the attack was handled along with tips that can help others prevent and deal with such attacks in the future.

Identifying the Type of Attack and Damage Done

Many types of malware can hack into a Windows server. Upon arriving at the office and coordinating our response with the Houston corporate office IT team as requested, our experts got to work identifying the type of malware that had installed itself on the business computer. We noted which software programs had been compromised by the attack and then checked business data to ensure that it had not been breached. We also searched the dark web for indications that the company’s private data had been put up for sale. When data is breached in this way, companies are required to notify the general public, affected individuals, regulatory officials, and local law enforcement agencies.

Identifying the Source of the Attack

Next, our team uncovered the IP address involved in the attack. It’s not always possible to trace the hacker that conducted the attack but it’s still important to learn as much as possible about the cybercriminal who is trying to access your system. You need to know not only the general area the attack came from but also what type of information the person is trying to access. It’s also important to learn how the attacker got on the system in the first place in order to prevent future attacks.

Restoring the Systems

Finally, our team got to work restoring the Windows server. Once the server was restored, we ran anti-virus/anti-malware software to ensure there were no remaining traces of malware that could reinfect the system at a later date. We re-installed programs as needed and updated all software programs to eliminate vulnerabilities that could lead to a second attack.

Checking for Additional Signs of Infection

Furthermore, our team checked all other office computers for signs of infection. It’s not uncommon for malware to travel from one device to another, rapidly infecting all office devices before a business owner even knows that the systems have been hacked. Because this attack occurred during the weekend, the hacker had plenty of time to access the entire network before being detected.

Taking Measures to Prevent Future Attacks

Once the breach was successfully dealt with, our team sat down with the company to assess how the breach happened and what could be done to prevent it in the future. We offered personalized advice that would increase IT security at the firm without inhibiting regular business operations. Our team then offered to provide IT cybersecurity training to all staff members to increase overall IT security at the firm. Human error is responsible for 52% of all recorded security breaches and ongoing cybersecurity training is a must for firms that want to prevent deadly attacks in the future.

Data Magic doesn’t just fix IT breakdowns and address breaches. We also specialize in offering cybersecurity services that can help to prevent hacks in the first place. What’s more, we offer additional IT services to boost business efficiency, improve customer service, and boost profits. Get in touch with us at your convenience to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our certified, experienced IT consultants.

An Honest Cost Comparison: Hiring an Internal IT Department vs. Outsourcing IT Services

Businesses All Over the World Are Focused on Reserving Cash Flow Right Now… So What’s the Best, Most Cost-Efficient Way to Manage Your Information Technology? Let’s Find Out…

As the coronavirus pandemic subsides, many businesses will be reopening their doors, and while doing so, aiming to reserve cash flow as they get back to normal – or at least, their new normal. Many businesses will continue to embrace remote work as a way of controlling costs while keeping employees productive throughout the day. But what is the best, most cost-efficient way to manage your information technology? Should you hire an internal IT person or department? Or should you outsource to an MSP?

First and Foremost, It’s Important to Consider the Value of Both Options…

Naturally, any investment should be considered in terms of value brought to the business. For some, the cost of hiring an internal person is well worth the price because they’re able to rest assured knowing that person will become an integral part of the business. They’re available day-in-and-day-out to gain an understanding of your environment and your people while maintaining your information technology.

On the other hand, a managed service provider can be a valuable choice for businesses that need the convenience of having access to an entire team of qualified professionals. This makes sense for those who are willing to put the time and effort into finding an MSP that will build a close, long-term relationship that’s quite similar to hiring an internal person or department.

A Look at the Cost of Hiring an Internal Person or Department…

If you’re drawn to the value of hiring an internal person or department, it’s important to understand the cost of this decision. Here’s a look at the expenses associated with hiring an internal person or department:

• Salary
• Health insurance
• Vacation time
• Sick days
• Training and development
• Overtime
• Workstation/equipment

These expenses can add up rather quickly, and unfortunately, you risk experiencing turnover that can be costly in terms of rehiring and training another individual. You must also consider that very few technology specialists will be experts in everything. Your salaried employee may not be proficient in the technologies you use in the future – meaning you will need to consider expenses associated with:

1. Developing their skills via certifications and/or training in the technologies you’re migrating to/leveraging in the future.
2. Obtaining further assistance in the form of hiring an additional person or taking advantage of co-managed services from an MSP.

You’re looking at around $50,000 – $100,000 at a minimum, per year, for each internal person hired.

A Look at the Cost of Outsourcing to an MSP…

First and foremost, let’s review what an MSP does. Essentially, an MSP is an entire team of technology professionals who take responsibility for the ongoing monitoring, management, and maintenance of your information technology. You pay a flat-rate monthly fee for a range of services, such as:

• Remote monitoring
• Ongoing maintenance
• Data backups
• Cybersecurity
• Help desk support
• And much more

They have an entire team – meaning you can always count on availability and expertise, regardless of the technologies used. As a general rule, you can estimate anywhere between $125 per user per month to $300 per user, per month. On the lower end, plans will include the basics like monitoring, maintenance, and support. On the higher end, plans will encompass more complex requirements like the cloud or business continuity.

What makes this option cost-efficient above and beyond price? Naturally, the price is lower – but you’re also benefiting from:

• Support when you need it most: As opposed to hiring internally wherein you’re stuck without support when they’re on vacation or after hours, an MSP can provide support around the clock as needed.
• Various skill-sets and areas of expertise: An MSP has an entire team with varying skill-sets and areas of expertise. Many hire to ensure they have skills in all areas of technology.
• More organized processes and procedures: Typically, MSPs that have been in business for a while have more organized, well-documented processes and procedures – from onboarding to backups and everything in between.

All in all, it’s up to you which option you find the most value in. Many businesses do find they save money and operate more efficiently after switching from an internal person or department to an experienced MSP that knows what they’re doing.

Data Magic Inc. Talks Remote Work On BIZTV Texas

Pivoting to a remote work model during the coronavirus pandemic isn’t necessarily easy, but it’s not impossible – that’s precisely what Shane Kimbrel talked about on a recent episode of BIZTV Texas.

Remote work capabilities are extremely important for businesses that need their staff to work from home during a crisis like the current coronavirus pandemic.

Have you been able to manage your staff effectively while they’ve been working from home?

Data Magic’s very own Shane Kimbrel recently appeared on BIZTV Texas to talk about remote work productivity and security.

“We’ve been 95% remote since [March 16], and it’s actually been really good for us,” says Shane Kimbrel. “We seem to be more productive now.”

What Do You Need To Keep Your Remote Staff Productive?

• Cloud Platform: This solution is how your staff accesses business data. If your business is already in the cloud, then a lot of the work is done for you. For example, if you’re using Microsoft 365, your staff will just have to download local applications or use the browser-based version from home.
• Business Phones: If your staff has been using their personal smartphones for business calls so far, you’ve probably noticed some challenges. Does everyone have everyone else’s contact info? Are you going to reimburse employee phone plans for the additional charges? The simpler option is to roll out a softphone solution for your business, which provides business phone lines through the cloud to remote users.
• Video Meetings: As a primary form of communication, email is inconvenient and time-consuming. A daily meeting with your staff over a video platform like Microsoft Teams can put you all on the same page, and provide an opportunity to socialize (something many in-office workers are likely missing at this point).

But you can’t only be concerned about keeping your employees productive – you also need to make sure you’re keeping your business secure.

Do You Know How To Maintain Cybersecurity With A Remote Workforce?

“The problem is, when you’re hooking up these home users, you have to give them VPN access,” says Shane. “That basically means expanding the business network into home users networks. If we’re going to go that route, we want to make sure that the PC and network they’re connecting from are safe.”

In order to keep your staff safe, make sure to both have the right technologies in place, and make sure your staff knows what threats to watch out for:

• Educate Your Employees: Now more than ever, your employees need to know how to spot social engineering scams:
  • Phishing: Phishing (and all social engineering techniques) is about the element of surprise. It’s a method in which cybercriminals send fraudulent emails that appear to be from reputable sources in order to get recipients to reveal sensitive information and execute significant financial transfers.
    
  • Business Email Compromise: Business Email Compromise is a social engineering technique used by cybercriminals in which they pose as a business or member of a business in order to execute fraudulent payments. In layman’s terms, a cybercriminal will write an email pretending to be from your credit union, and request that a payment be processed – instead of to a legitimate source, the payment will go to them.
    
• Use A VPN: When you use a virtual private network (VPN), your data is encrypted, or hidden, as it moves from your device to the VPN and then continues onto the Internet. That makes it harder for an attacker to identify you as the source of the data – no matter whether you’re on your mobile device’s data connection, or using an unsecured retail Wi-Fi network while you’re in line for coffee.
• Stay Up To Date: Did you know that one of the most common ways that cybercriminals get into a network is through loopholes in popular software? Much of the software you rely on to get work done every day could have flaws — or “exploits” — that leave you vulnerable to security breaches.  To address this, developers regularly release software patches and updates to fix those flaws and protect users. This is why it’s imperative that you keep your applications and systems up to date.

Like this article? Check out the following blogs to learn more:

How Partnering with an IT Company Can Help You Support a Remote Workforce

How to Embrace a Remote Workforce During Coronavirus Outbreak