In today’s digital landscape, a reliable computer network is the backbone of any successful small business. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, a well-designed and properly maintained network can streamline operations, enhance communication, and support growth. 

Components of a Small Business Computer Network

A small business computer network comprises various interconnected devices and components that enable seamless communication and data sharing. These components include:

• Routers: Routers serve as the central hub, connecting devices within the network and providing access to the internet.
• Switches: Switches facilitate data transfer between devices within the network. They improve efficiency by delivering data only to the intended recipient.
• Access Points: Access points enable wireless connectivity, allowing devices to connect to the network without using physical cables.
• Firewalls: Firewalls protect the network from unauthorized access and cyber threats by monitoring incoming and outgoing traffic.
• Servers: Servers store and manage data, applications, and resources that are accessed by devices within the network.
• Workstations: Workstations are individual computers employees use for their tasks and activities.
• Cloud Services: Cloud-based solutions offer scalability, remote access, and data backup options.

Ensuring Security and Data Protection

Small businesses must prioritize network security to safeguard sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Implementing the following measures can help protect your network:

• Firewall Configuration: Configure firewalls to filter traffic, block unauthorized access, and prevent malware intrusion.
• Encryption: Encrypt data transmission to ensure that sensitive information remains secure during communication.
• Regular Updates: Keep network devices and software updated with the latest security patches or versions to address vulnerabilities.
• Access Control: Limit access to network resources based on user roles and permissions to prevent unauthorized data access.
• Employee Training: Educate employees about security best practices, such as strong password management and recognizing phishing attempts.
• Backup Solutions: Implement regular data backups to mitigate the impact of data loss due to hardware failure or cyberattacks.

Scalability for Growth

As your small business grows, your network should be able to accommodate increased demands. Consider the scalability of your network by:

• Network Design: Design a flexible network architecture that efficiently adds new devices and resources.
• Bandwidth Management: Ensure sufficient bandwidth to support increased traffic and data transfer as your business expands.
• Equipment Selection: Invest in network equipment that supports scalability and can handle higher workloads.
• Cloud Integration: Utilize cloud services for applications and storage, allowing you to scale resources according to your needs.
• Future Planning: Anticipate future growth and technology trends to ensure your network remains relevant and adaptable.

A well-designed small business computer network is more than just a technical infrastructure; it’s a strategic asset that drives efficiency, collaboration, and growth. By understanding the components, prioritizing security, and planning for scalability, you can create a network that confidently empowers your business to navigate the digital landscape. As technology evolves, a strong network foundation will remain essential for small businesses seeking to stay competitive, connect with customers, and achieve their goals in an increasingly interconnected world.

In today’s interconnected world, computer networking plays a vital role in the seamless functioning of businesses and organizations. Behind the scenes, managed I.T. and outsourced computer networking firms are the unsung heroes responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps data flowing securely and efficiently.

Let’s explore a computer networking firm’s core responsibilities, highlighting its crucial role in enabling reliable and robust network connectivity for businesses.

Network Design and Planning

Among the primary responsibilities of a computer networking firm is to design and plan network infrastructures tailored to the unique needs of businesses. This involves assessing requirements, understanding organizational goals, and creating a comprehensive blueprint for the network layout. The firm must consider scalability, security, performance, and future expansion factors while designing a network that meets current and future needs.

Network Installation and Configuration

Once the network design is finalized, the networking firm is responsible for installing and configuring network components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and servers. They ensure proper connectivity, optimize network performance, and implement security measures to protect sensitive data. It includes setting up virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure access controls to safeguard information from unauthorized access.

Network Maintenance and Troubleshooting

A computer networking firm is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the network infrastructure. This includes performing routine checks, updates, and patches to ensure optimal performance and security. In network issues or outages, the firm must promptly identify and resolve the problems to minimize downtime and disruption to business operations. They employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to troubleshoot network-related issues and implement solutions effectively.

Network Security

Network security is a paramount concern for any organization. A networking firm is responsible for implementing robust security measures to prevent network infrastructure from potential threats. This includes configuring firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS) and implementing encryption protocols. They also conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments and implement best practices to ensure high data protection and compliance with industry standards.

Network Monitoring and Performance Optimization

Continuous monitoring is crucial to maintain an efficient and reliable network. Networking firms utilize network monitoring tools and software to proactively track network performance, identify bottlenecks, and monitor bandwidth usage. By analyzing network data and metrics, they can optimize network performance, detect anomalies, and implement necessary adjustments to improve overall network efficiency.
Beyond the initial setup and maintenance, an outsourced I.T. computer networking firm is a trusted advisor and provides ongoing consulting and support services. They offer expert advice on network optimization, technology upgrades, and strategic planning. Networking firms also offer technical support and respond to network-related queries, troubleshooting issues, and providing timely resolutions to ensure smooth network operations.

Your business computer network can benefit from redundant Internet connections. In today’s interconnected world, businesses heavily rely on the Internet for their daily operations. A disruption in connectivity can result in significant downtime, loss of productivity, and potential revenue loss. Redundant Internet connections have emerged as a crucial solution to mitigate these risks. This article explores the importance of redundant internet connections and highlights how SkyViewTek (SVT) can assist businesses in achieving reliable and resilient connectivity.

Understanding Redundant Internet Connections

Below are some common questions about redundant internet connections.

What is a Redundant Internet Connection?

Redundancy involves the implementation of multiple connections to the internet from different service providers, technologies, or mediums. All of these serve your business computer network.

Why use Redundant Internet Connections?

Redundancy minimizes the impact of a single point of failure, such as a service outage or physical damage, by providing alternative paths for Internet connectivity.

How Do You Implement Redundant Internet Connections?

Different types of redundant connections include diverse physical paths, multiple ISPs (Internet Service Providers), and technologies like wired and wireless connections. Depending on your business size, that could mean one fiber connection from Verizon, for instance, and one from Comcast. Or one physical connection from one or more of the above-mentioned providers, and a failover line using 4G/5G.

Benefits of Redundant Internet Connections

1. Improved Reliability: Redundancy ensures continuous access to the Internet, which reduces the risk of downtime caused by single connection failures. This is particularly important if your client’s data, documents, or the software that you use daily to generate income, is in the cloud.
2. Enhanced Performance: Multiple connections allow for load balancing and bandwidth aggregation, optimizing network performance and user experience. This means that instead of having one Comcast line to the Internet, we can combine, for instance, Comcast and FIOS to give you a larger pipe to Internet.
3. Business Continuity: Redundant connections enable seamless operations during outages or disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted access to cloud services, applications, and communication tools. By having one connection being a coax connection and the second one being a 4G/5G one, you are not dependent on the primary coax cable outside your office getting hit by a truck.
4. Scalability and Flexibility: Redundancy facilitates easy scalability as businesses can add or remove connections based on evolving needs. 

How SkyViewTek (SVT) Helps Manage Redundant Network Infrastructures.

SVT technicians possess specialized knowledge and experience in designing, implementing, and managing redundant network infrastructures. We design network infrastructures for clients from single, 15-user locations, to international, multi-office/multi-time zone enterprises.

We begin by conducting thorough assessments of existing network infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities, and recommending appropriate redundancy solutions, based on a companies need and budget.

SVT assists businesses in selecting reliable internet service providers and negotiating service level agreements (SLAs) for redundancy. We will get quotes from different providers in your area and help identify the best one for your company.

Once selected, SVT will handle the technical aspects of deploying redundant connections, ensuring seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. We make sure the providers deliver what was promised, on time and on budget.

Once installed and configured, we monitor network performance, detect issues, and provide timely support, minimizing the impact of any disruptions.

Finally, SVT can collaborate with businesses to develop comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity strategies, ensuring data backup, redundancy, and rapid failover solutions.

Contact SkyViewTek for Managed IT Solutions

In today’s digital landscape, redundant Internet connections have become essential for businesses seeking reliable, high-performance, and resilient connectivity. Partnering with SkyViewTek brings a wealth of expertise, experience, and support to help organizations implement and maintain redundant connections, ensuring business continuity, mitigating risks, and maximizing productivity. Get in touch at 610-590-5006.

Blog is originally published at: https://www.skyviewtek.com/the-importance-of-redundant-internet-connections-for-your-business-computer-network/

It is republished with the permission from the author.

Regarding necessary IT services for your company, there are two categories: proactive and reactive. Proactive services are those that are performed ahead of time to prevent problems from occurring. These include proactive monitoring and maintenance, which helps prevent downtime and the loss of valuable data.

Let’s take a look at some of the top benefits of using proactive monitoring services:

Reduce downtime with proactive monitoring.

If you use a proactive monitoring service, you can identify problems before they happen and fix them before they cause any downtime or loss of data. This will help you save money by avoiding costly repairs and replacements. In addition, this means less downtime for your business, which translates into more productivity, revenue, and less stress!

Improve your security and provide peace of mind.

Proactive monitoring can keep track of all your system settings and let you know if something is wrong with one of them, which can help you avoid breaches or other security concerns. Security issues can lead to severe consequences, especially if not addressed immediately. Proactive monitoring services help ensure that all areas of your network are protected against unexpected attacks by hackers or viruses so they don’t cause damage, while also helping reduce downtime from being hacked.

Make sure everything is running smoothly.

When you’re using a proactive monitoring service, you will be aware of any issues that arise—so you can take action immediately!

Proactive monitoring services are one of the best ways to ensure your business runs smoothly and efficiently. With proactive monitoring services, you can get an expert’s perspective on improving your operations and ensure that your company is operating at peak performance. Proactive monitoring services are a great way to ensure that your IT systems run smoothly and ensure that you’re getting the most out of your technology!

There are millions of small businesses in the United States, providing jobs and stimulating the economy. But, these businesses are also vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

A recent National Small Business Association report found that almost two-thirds of small businesses have been hacked at some point. Breaches in cyber security can lead to lost profits and even bankruptcy in some cases.

Cyber security is incredibly important. If you don’t have a high level of security, you’re at risk. So what does cyber security mean? 

Cyber security is not just about protecting your computers from viruses or malware—it also is ensuring that your data is safe and secure, even if someone manages to break into your network. Breaches can happen in an instant.

Small businesses often need more resources to secure their networks properly, and they may need to realize how important it is for them to do so. That’s where cyber security companies for small businesses come in.

Cyber security companies help entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses with everything from setting up firewalls to managing their passwords and updating their software. They also offer proper protections and provide them with the tools they need to protect themselves against threats like ransomware attacks and phishing emails.

A cyber security company will monitor your systems for any potential issues, and alert you when there’s an issue so you can take action before it becomes a problem. They will also provide solutions, in the event that an attempted attack or actual breach takes place. The company can also educate your employees on how best to keep their information safe and secure online—which means fewer risks for your business!

Every small business owner must protect their data —by investing in cybersecurity measures and hiring a cyber security company. While using a company may seem expensive at first glance, it will pay off in the long run as they can help you avoid costly data breaches or other problems caused by hackers.

Cloud computing is a relatively new concept that has been around since the 1990s. It is a form of hosting where the physical servers are housed in a remote data center rather than on-site.

Cloud computing services provide organizations with many benefits. One of the most significant advantages is that it allows businesses to grow without buying more hardware or software. Cloud computing also allows easier access to information, which can be used to improve business processes like project management and customer relationship management (CRM).

Cloud computing services have become increasingly popular over recent years due to their ability to save businesses time and money. Here are some ways you can use cloud computing services for your business:

Advantages of Cloud Solutions and Cloud Computing Services

Reduced Cost: Cloud solutions allow you to save money by paying only for what you use rather than buying expensive hardware upfront. You do not have to worry about backing up your files or transferring them between devices.

No Maintenance Costs: There is no need for maintenance costs when using cloud-based services as they are always up-to-date with the latest software versions available from their providers.

Scalability: Cloud-based services are scalable. They can grow with your business needs without buying more hardware upfront or relying on an in-house IT department.

Better security: Cloud computing providers generally provide better protection than other storage options because they’re dedicated security experts—they deal with it daily! You can rest easy knowing that your files are safe from hackers and other threats.

Cloud solutions and cloud computing is a revolutionary technology. It is a way of sharing resources, like computing power and storage, over the internet. Cloud computing is not only beneficial for businesses and individuals, but it also helps the environment.

October is Cybersecurity Month and a good time to talk about cybersecurity for your business. Some people think that having antivirus software is the answer to cybersecurity threats, but if you want to keep your business’ sensitive data secure, much more is involved.

Three Components of Cybersecurity

At SkyViewTek, cybersecurity is a collaborative effort between a business and its employees and our expert team. SkyViewTek’s cybersecurity model is comprised of three vital parts: People, Processes and Technology.

1. People

People are the most important part of cybersecurity. They hold the keys to the castle and can be your best or worst defense against intrusions. Therefore, the education of the staff is a business’ first line of defense against cybercrimes. A careless employee can easily undermine the best security process, so we provide initial and ongoing training for our clients’ employees. They need to be informed about a variety of issues, including:

Password Safety

Hackers can steal sensitive data from your computer in seconds, so make sure that all employees know how to keep their accounts secure. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication whenever possible and avoid sharing passwords with others.

Social Media Use

Employees need to understand the risks involved with using social media at work (or on remote work devices). Many companies have policies restricting their employees from using social media while at work because they can click on links or attachments in emails that can infect their computers with malware or viruses.

Social Engineering Scams

Social engineering is a type of hacking that uses psychological manipulation and technical subterfuge to obtain sensitive information or bypass security measures. Social engineering attacks are often successful because they rely on human interaction and trust. They may also be combined with other types of attacks. Some common examples include:

Phishing

Hackers send an email that looks like it comes from someone you know but which actually contains malicious links or attachments that allow malware to be installed on your computer or device.

Spear Phishing

Hackers target specific individuals within an organization instead of targeting everyone at once with mass emails and spam messages.

Baiting

Hackers may leave a USB stick or CD containing malware in an area where they know people will pick them up, such as in an open corridor or even on top of someone’s desk.

2. Processes

Processes and procedures need to be developed that take into account the role people play in an organization’s security.

We send out a weekly training video and monitor the dark web for employee accounts, but if a person is careless, a security breach is more likely to occur. We also tell our clients that remote worker systems need to be as secure as those in the workplace. Employees should have dedicated systems with VPNs (virtual private networks) that should be protected from access by children and other family members.

A process should be in place for employees to report signs of suspicious activity on company computers or networks (such as strange emails). Employees also need to know that if they ever find themselves accidentally in possession of sensitive data (for example, passwords), they should delete it immediately and report it to management so that steps can be taken to prevent future incidents from happening.

SkyViewTek’s comprehensive cybersecurity service offerings are offered as a supplement to our proactive monitoring. Our first step involves assessment and training of the team and company processes. We offer

• Annual Full Security Training
• Security Risk Assessment
• Continuous Training
• Multiple Simulated Phishing
• Continuous Dark Web Monitoring
• Personal Dark Web Scans
• Employee Vulnerability Assessment (Dashboard)
• Sample Policy Documents

3. Technology

Technology tools are also an important part of an overall cybersecurity strategy, but they are only as good as the people using them and the processes they follow to use them correctly. We can advocate for and install firewalls, antivirus, content filtering, intrusion prevention software and more, but without the cooperation of the business team members, the company’s data and systems are still vulnerable.
We offer

• 24/7 Monitoring of client Microsoft environments by a fully staffed security operations center (SOC) to detect unusual user activity, correlate events, and alert about real threats. The monitoring team looks out for leaked credentials, sign-ins from anonymous IP addresses, atypical travel, and more.
• EndPoint Detection and Response (EDR) – continuous monitoring and mitigation of threats by SOC
• Advanced AI enabled antivirus
• Secure DNS for internet browsing
• Microsoft 365 Backup

Collaborate with SkyViewTek for Comprehensive Cybersecurity Processes

SkyViewTek takes cybersecurity seriously. When you partner with us for proactive monitoring, we set up a process to work with you, train your staff, and implement the necessary safeguards to help you protect your valuable business data and networks. Contact us to learn about how we can help you.

Blog is originally published at: https://www.skyviewtek.com/cybersecurity-for-your-business-collaborative-effort/

It is republished with the permission from the author.

As we enter the final weeks of October, it’s time to reflect on the importance of cyber security. However, it’s also important to remember that cyber security is not just about technology — it’s also about people. 

Small, medium and large businesses should take cyber attacks very seriously. We know that protecting their computer networks and data is a top priority to our clients. Companies must invest in tools and resources that help them deter potential hacks and attacks.

Businesses should recognize the importance of keeping their employees up-to-date on the latest security threats. Keeping them educated is an excellent way to help them protect themselves and the company against potential cybercrime. 

Reasons Why Cyber Security for Small Businesses is Essential

As a small business, you may think that cyber security isn’t something you need if you don’t have sensitive information on your computer or network. Still, just about any company can be affected by a cyber attack.

Cyber security is essential because it helps you protect your business from hackers, malware, ransomware, and more. In addition, it can help you avoid data breaches and other serious problems that can devastate your small business’s finances and reputation. Whether you’re dealing with customer records or employee information, anything stored digitally can be compromised by hackers or other malicious actors if left unprotected.

Moreover, you don’t want to lose any customers or damage your company’s reputation by a breach or hacking attempt that could have been prevented with better security measures. 

Don’t let those hackers take down the company you’ve built over the years. If you don’t know how to protect your business’s digital assets, you can consider partnering with a third-party IT company that offers cyber security services for small businesses. 

As a small business owner, you know how important it is to stay on top of your game. You’re in charge of ensuring everything runs smoothly, from accounting to marketing to HR. You’ve got a lot on your plate, and cyber security for small businesses should be at the top of your list.

Good computer network design is vital for every business. Computers keep everything running smoothly, from the smallest home-based businesses to the largest corporations. If you’re starting a new business or expanding your current one, you may need an information technology expert to help you lay out the ideal computer network design for everything you need in an efficient office space.

Top Considerations When Choosing a Computer Network Design and Systems

A small business computer system setup will typically include:

• Computer hardware – This includes any purchased or installed hardware. Hardware includes CPUs, RAM, hard drives, optical drives, and other devices.
• Software – The software used on the computer system should be compatible with the operating system being used on it. This is essential because software can be expensive, and incompatible programs can cause problems when trying to run them on different systems.
• Operating system – Many different operating systems are available at home or in a workplace environment. When choosing an operating system for your small business computer system setup, consider what type of programs will often be used by employees.
• Infrastructure – These are the physical elements that comprise the network: hardware such as servers, switches, routers, and cabling, including fiber optic cable.
• Topology – The physical layout of devices on the network; how they are connected.
• Routing – How packets travel through a network from source to destination; data packets are forwarded from one device to another across a series of interconnected networks or subnetworks.
• Wireless connectivity – This includes how wireless devices connect and access points (AP) within a wireless local area network (WLAN).
• Network security – Measures taken to protect against unauthorized access to confidential information or attacks on data integrity (e.g., viruses) or availability (e.g., denial-of-service attacks).

The computer network design process may be formal or informal and completed by one person or a team with varying experience levels. For example, suppose you’re a small business with insufficient talent resources. You may hire the services of a local managed IT team like SkyViewTek to help you define network requirements, select appropriate technologies and equipment, install equipment, and test the network to verify that it meets requirements, and document the design for future reference. Visit their website at https://www.skyviewtek.com to learn more about their services.

Many business technology solutions exist to help business owners run their businesses more smoothly, with better efficiency. Businesses of all sizes require some form of technology in order to function properly. For example, cash registers are an integral part of any retail store and are necessary for efficient sales transactions. Likewise, computer networks play an important role in office environments where it is vital to have a properly functioning computer network to operate your business. Computers and servers help you keep track of important documents (from sales and marketing to human resources) and other resources (such as email and financial data) while also providing employees with access to software programs that make it easier for them to complete their work tasks efficiently. If your company needs additional or updated equipment, or alternative solutions to manage and access data – like on “the cloud” — then this could be another reason why implementing a business technology solution makes sense for your organization’s stability and / or growth goals over time as well.

Answers to 6 Popular Questions About Business Technology Solutions

Do you need to implement new technology in your business? What is available and which ones might help your company the most? Which solutions can your existing staff support? Below we answer some frequently asked questions about these technology solutions.

What is business technology?

Business technology is what helps your business run more efficiently, do business better, faster, smarter, more securely, and more cost effectively. The right tools will help you automate processes to free up your time and allow you to focus on growing the company and / or maintaining profitability. While many types of business technology can help a company streamline their operations, one aspect of business technology that may be overlooked is management: management of the technology used by a company so that software and hardware are kept up to date, data storage is secure, and systems are kept up and running. The best way to get this type of management is to hire an outsourced IT management and cybersecurity company, like SkyViewTek.

What is a Business Technology Solution?

A business technology solution is a technology that solves a business problem or improves the efficiency of the process it is part of. A good example is an online accounting system, like QuickBooks, which helps you manage and improve your bookkeeping processes.

By automating your business processes, you can save time and money by reducing the amount of manual work that needs to be done. For example, if every time you hire someone new you have to purchase a new computer, setup a Microsoft 365 email account and related Microsoft Office applications, provide remote access, setup a VoIP phone account, then working with an IT firm like SkyViewTek to handle these transitions will enable your internal management team to focus on other initiatives. 

An effective way to improve productivity at work is through collaboration tools like Teams, SharePoint, or Zoom – these allow employees from different departments to work together on projects more effectively than before, due to having all communication channels in one place (and no more sticky notes!). This could potentially lead to improving customer service levels too by making sure each department remains up-to-date with what’s happening throughout other areas within your company.

What is Collaboration Technology?

Collaboration technology is a subset of business technology that includes the tools that help teams work together on projects. Collaboration technology includes email, file sharing, calendars and video conferencing, like the aforementioned Teams, SharePoint or Zoom. This subset of business technology also includes things like customer relationship management software and ERP. For security of emails, shared files and other elements of a network to be used safely (securely), especially in a work culture that includes work from home elements, a network and cybersecurity plan must be in place, with monitoring by the employees and their managed IT and security solutions company.

Why Does My Business Need a Business Technology Solution?

There are many reasons why you should have a business technology solution. You could be looking to improve your productivity, data management, business operations, employee engagement or cybersecurity. You might want to improve efficiency, business continuity or profitability. If you don’t have any of those things right now—or maybe even if you do—it’s time to invest in them!

A good business technology solution can help your company reduce costs and increase revenue by making tasks easier than ever before. It can also help keep everyone on the same page by centralizing information and keeping everything up to date.

What Types of Businesses Can Benefit From a Business Technology Solution?

Business technology solutions are for companies of all sizes. Whether you are a startup or a large corporation, your business can benefit from a business technology solution. All businesses have the goal of becoming more efficient and profitable. Technology can help with these goals, though only as one piece of the puzzle. Business technology solutions help companies better understand their customers, grow their customer base and increase revenue through digital transformation.

How Do I Get Started with a Business Technology Solution?

• Assess your needs.
• Gather requirements.
• Decide on a solution, whether it be an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), or other software that can help you with your business needs.
• Implement the solution.
• Train your staff on how to use and manage the new system so that it does not become another headache for them (or yourself).
• Monitor the system for any issues or problems and address these as soon as possible to help ensure that things run smoothly in the short and long run. A managed IT services company is a great partner in monitoring a business’ systems and proactively taking care of updates before a system goes down and productivity or data is lost.

Contact SkyViewTek for Management of Your Office Network and Business Technology Solutions

Are you considering new business technology solutions? We are here to help! Subscribe to SkyViewTek’s proactive monitoring and IT support services and gain all of the benefits, including a partnership with us to create a collaborative cybersecurity plan designed just for you, to meet the needs of your business and the potential types of cyber attacks you could face. SkyViewTek’s experienced and highly qualified professionals provide a wide range of IT services, such as managed services, computer and server maintenance, cybersecurity, and more. We also specialize in ensuring that your business is IT compliant with third party organizations, such as HIPAA and PCI. For more information, contact us today.

Be sure to see our blog next month to learn about business technology solutions that require vigilant security.

Blog is originally published at: https://www.skyviewtek.com/business-technology-solutions-faqs/

It is republished with the permission from the author.