ThrottleNet

Managed IT services, support and cybersecurity

Outsource Your Way to Competitive Advantage

Security

Is In-House IT Holding You Back?

There’s just no way around it: most businesses can’t be successful without good IT practices. Unfortunately, it’s hard for many companies, teams, and leaders to keep up with their IT support because of the speed at which technology evolves. In recent years, more businesses in the St. Louis area have found a solution by outsourcing their managed IT support.

What Is Outsourced IT Management?

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“Managed IT” can mean a lot of different things, and it really depends on what your company or team needs. Small business owners might outsource the management of their entire IT department. Alternatively, an in-house team, manager, or administrator may just need a little bit of help when they’re understaffed and overloaded. Managed IT services can cover all of the following and more:

Outsourcing Competitive Advantage

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There are many benefits of outsourcing IT, and it can revolutionize the way some companies operate. When a business or team improves its use of technology, it immediately becomes easier to crush the competition. Our clients in the St. Louis area normally talk about six key ways in which outsourcing IT creates a competitive advantage.

1 – Increased Flexibility and Reduced Costs

Hiring a skilled IT team is difficult because the best technologists can command high salaries. The payroll balloons when you need someone to manage the network, someone to enable remote access, and someone for cybersecurity. Managed IT gives you access to a whole team of experts who can meet your specific needs, and you don’t pay for skills you don’t use.

2 – Cutting-Edge Solutions

It takes a long time to identify and implement the best technology solutions. The right managed service provider will help you stay up to date without spending hours reading up on the latest and greatest. Quality IT companies leverage years of training and experience to find efficient solutions while reducing expenses.

3 – Network Speed and Agility

Small companies are at a serious disadvantage against bigger companies that can afford faster, better technology. A managed network is one of the most efficient ways to increase speed and agility. You’re gaining access to the technology and expertise bigger companies have, but without paying for an entire in-house department.

4 – Eliminate Downtime

Preserve business continuity, minimize disruptions, and recover from disasters more quickly by leveraging solutions like the following:

  • Cloud Computing
  • Data Backups
  • Remote Access Capabilities

5 – Save Time and Resources

Outsourced IT management gives you more time to think about the big picture. There’s no need to pull someone from an important project next time trouble arises– just call your outsourced IT partner. When your team isn’t working on technology-related chores, they can focus on the core business of making customers satisfied.

6 – Improve User Experience

Not only will you have more time to focus on your customers, you’ll also be able to provide them with better interactions. Employees and clients alike will appreciate the opportunity to use intuitive dashboards and smooth login portals. Simultaneously, improved internal systems make it easier to call up accurate information whenever you need it.

IT for Competitive Advantage

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The decisions you make today will impact your ability to compete and win in the future. Our team provides IT services to help companies near St. Louis do exactly that. Get your IT situation in line now and be poised for victory no matter what the future throws your way. Be ready for anything with ThrottleNet.

Step 1 is a complimentary network assessment and consultation. Contact us today to get started.

ThrottleNet Picks Up Awards for IT Reliability & Security

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COVID lockdowns have changed the way businesses operate, creating an increased need for IT reliability. With so many companies in St. Louis operating remotely, it’s important to have reliable computer service that can hold everything together. This current situation makes us even more proud to be recognized as a top IT service provider in the area. Readers of St. Louis Small Business Monthly voted for our team at ThrottleNet for two awards already this year:

The second of these two awards is especially important to us because reliability is integral to what we do here at ThrottleNet. Even as businesses were grappling with the initial wave of shutdowns due to COVID-19, they trusted us to provide reliable IT services and security. Our work to facilitate continuous operations is intended to help businesses be more reliable for their customers and employees. We understand that IT is a means to an end for most companies, and our goal is to do our job well so you can focus on the bigger picture.

What Does Reliable Computer Service Mean to Us?

Simply put, reliability is a measure of how consistently something is able to perform as expected.

When it comes to technology like software, hardware, or your network, reliability is considered to be one of the most important attributes for businesses to consider. As a managed IT support company, our mission is to identify, implement, and maintain the most dependable software solutions for our clients.

That means your software runs right when you need it to, whether you’re on-site, in the field, or on the go. When you or your employees need some help in a crucial moment, friendly and knowledgeable support is available. More efficient business operations help reduce costs and free up resources you can use to run your business, not your IT network. On top of everything else, your customers can rest assured that you’ll be able to keep their data safe and private while meeting all of their needs.

Should I Outsource IT for Better Reliability?

Chances are, you’re not an owner, manager, or administrator at an IT company, which means your attention is required elsewhere. Business leaders often look at technology as an obstacle or a distraction, a necessary evil they need to get their job done. Outsourcing IT can help take work off your plate while giving you access to the most advanced, dependable solutions. When you have a team of experts working to keep your business operational and secure around the clock, you can stay focused on what matters most: taking good care of your customers.

If trouble ever does arise, the company in charge of your managed IT support can help with disaster recovery. Cloud computing and data backups will allow you to restore access and minimize disruptions. You’ll have resources like a team of experts and cutting-edge technology to get your business back on track as quickly and securely as possible. Best of all, you won’t have to spend your own time or pull employees off of important projects.

Improve IT Reliability in St. Louis

Looking for a solution that helps you stay reliable anytime, anywhere you can get an internet connection? Check out EverFuel, the new remote desktop solution powered by ThrottleNet! Secure remote access allows your employees to access their work computer no matter where they are. Learn more about how EverFuel safeguards reliable computer service for only $9.95 per month– no long-term commitment required.

Ransomware is a major problem for companies big and small. Resources need to be implemented to prevent ransomware attacks or to recover data. The best defense is a good offense, as the saying goes. The best offensive strategy is to know your enemy. The following information about the types of ransomware will help you in the event of a cyber attack.

What is Ransomware?

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Ransomware silently encrypts the user’s data on their computer. After encryption, a message appears demanding an account of money before the victim is given back access to their data. The victim usually only has a certain window of time to give the cybercriminal the money. If the deadline has passed, the ransom could increase.

Some types of ransomware have the ability to search for other computers on the same network to infect. Others infect their hosts with more malware, which could lead to stealing login credentials. This is especially dangerous for sensitive information, such as the login information for banking accounts.

Types of Ransomware

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Locker ransomware and crypto ransomware are two main types of ransomware. Locker ransomware locks the victim out of their computer. Once it prevents access, it prompts the victim to pay money to unlock their device.

Crypto ransomware prevents the user from accessing their files, usually through encryption. Meanwhile, the user interface can be accessed. Then the cybercriminal demands payment to decrypt the data.

Ransomware Examples

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WannaCry is a ransomware attack that occurred in 2017 and spread throughout 150 countries. It was designed to manipulate a Windows vulnerability and, in May 2017, had infected over 100,000 computers. The attack affected many UK hospital trusts, costing the NHS about £92 million. Users were locked out and a ransom in the form of Bitcoin was demanded. The attack exposed the problematic use of outdated systems. The cyberattack caused worldwide financial losses of about $4 billion.

Ryuk is a ransomware attack that spread in the middle of 2018. It disabled the Windows System Restore option on PC computers. Without a backup, it was impossible to restore the files that were encrypted. It also encrypted network drives. Many of the organizations targeted were in the United States. The demanded ransons were paid, and the estimated loss is at $640,000.

KeRanger is thought to be the first ransomware attack to successfully infect Mac computers, which operate on OS X. KeRanger was put into an installer of an open source BitTorrent client, also known as Transmission. When users downloaded the infected installer, their devices became infected with the ransomware. It sits idle for three days and then encrypts roughly 300 different types of files. Next, it downloads a file that includes a ransom, demanding one Bitcoin and providing instructions on how to pay the ransom. After the ransom is paid, the victim’s files are decrypted.

How Ransomware Spreads

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As ransomware becomes increasingly complex, the methods used to spread it also becomes more sophisticated. Examples include:

  • Pay-per-install: This targets devices that have already been compromised and could easily be infected by ransomware.
  • Drive-by downloads: This ransomware is installed with a victim unknowingly visits a compromised website.
  • Links in emails or social media messages: This method is the most common. Malicious links are sent in emails or online messages for victims to click on.

Using a Ransomware Decryptor

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If you are the victim of a ransomware attack, do not pay the ransom. Even if you were to, the cybercriminals could still keep your data encrypted. Data could be restored if it was backed up to an external drive or the cloud. If your data is not backed up, contact your internet security company to see if they offer a decryption tool for these types of circumstances.

Avoid Becoming the Next Victim to Fall to Ransomware

Contact us today for IT security and safety tips. ThrottleNet will perform a risk analysis without cost or obligation. Click here to schedule for your risk analysis and read more information about ransomware.

We are in unprecedented times as COVID-19 spreads across the globe. Students of all ages are forced to attend classes online from home. Office workers are now forced to work from home. Because people are now forced to stay home in this era of “Social Distancing,” there has been an uptick in finances as less money is being spent by families. People are also streaming their entertainment services more as well. These are prime situations for cybercriminals, in particular, brand phishers.

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What is brand phishing?

Brand phishing attacks are when a cybercriminal tries to imitate the official website of a well-known brand using a similar domain name or URL as well as using a site design that looks almost identical to the brand site they’re imitating. Cybercriminals use this technique to steal sensitive information from the people that they are targeting. This information could be credit card information, bank account information, personal details, etc. They will try and get this information through imitation by email, mobile, or fraud websites. Anyone and any business is susceptible to brand phishing, so everyone should be aware of brand phishing; but some people and business are more at risk than others.

Who is susceptible to brand phishing?

The top three types of websites that are susceptible to phishers are technology sites, banking sites, and other media sites. Sites that require you to enter personal information, credit card information, etc. are going to be the ones that are targeted by cyber criminals. Although these are the top three websites being targeted by the cyber criminals, nobody is immune from brand phishing.

What brands are known for being faked by phishers?

In Quarter 1 of 2020, Apple was the number one faked brand for phishing while Netflix was a close second. Both of those companies require credit card information to be put on the accounts of the users, which makes them prime candidates to be imitated by phishers. Other top companies that were faked in Q1 of 2020 were Yahoo, Paypal, Chase, and Amazon. Just like Apple and Netflix, each one of these websites has personal information, including credit card info. Of course not all emails and notifications from these brands are going to be from phishers; just look out for the emails or notifications that look suspicious. Again, it comes down to being aware of brand phishing as no brand or company will be immune to this.

During this unusual time, cyber criminals are licking their lips with the possibility of acquiring so much information from so many people due to the stay at home orders. There’s no way to prevent it from happening, but being cautious and being aware of brand phishing is the best defense against it. Be vigilant and be cautious when you are disclosing any type of personal information online.

Don’t become phish bait!

Looking for a secure work-from-home solution? Try EverFuel secure remote access from ThrottleNet. Just $9.95 per computer per month!

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Due to the current situation, employees find themselves working from home, and students are finding themselves attending class online. Zoom has become the go-to method of video and audio communication among employees, students, teachers, etc. because they are able to access Zoom on almost any device from anywhere, anytime. With Zoom comes a new trend, Zoom Bombing.

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What is Zoom Bombing?

Zoom Bombing occurs when uninvited guests, otherwise known as hijackers, guess the correct URL or meeting id for a public Zoom session, giving them access to the feed/meeting. These hijackers cause disruptions by releasing personal information or simply yelling profanities in the meeting. This new trend has people asking how to prevent zoom bombing from happening.

Here are ten ways to prevent Zoom bombing:

(As recommended by the Better Business Bureau)

1. REQUIRE A PASSWORD TO JOIN YOUR MEETING

One of the easiest ways to prevent Zoom bombing from happening to you is to require a password to join your meeting. Requiring a password provides extra security against hijackers because not only would they have to guess the correct URL/meeting id, but they would have to guess the correct password as well, which is unlikely to happen.

2. USE A UNIQUE ID FOR LARGE OR PUBLIC ZOOM CALLS

Whenever you create a Zoom meeting, you are required to either create an id for the meeting or generate a random id. Generating a random id will always give you the more unique and secure id, but creating your own id will work as well, as long you…

3. DON’T SHARE THE UNIQUE ID’s PUBLICLY

Another trend that has come with Zoom is taking a screenshot of your Zoom meeting and sharing it on a social media website. This makes your meeting EXTREMELY public and allows for hijackers to get in much easier. If the meeting is private, keep it private.

4. ONLY ALLOW HOSTS TO SHARE THEIR SCREEN

This is also a simple yet effective way to keep the hijackers out is to only allow the host(s) to share their screen. Giving anyone in a Zoom meeting the ability to take control of the screen is an easy way for guests, whether invited or uninvited, to share unwanted content.

5. CREATE A WAITING ROOM

A Zoom waiting room works just like any other waiting room. A waiting room stops guests from joining the meeting until the host(s) is ready for them to join. It’s a way to make sure that no uninvited guests are waiting to get into the meeting, kind of like a bouncer at a club.

6. CREATE AN INVITE-ONLY MEETING

An invite-only meeting is just like it sounds. Nobody can enter this meeting unless they have been invited by the host(s). Nobody likes it when an uninvited guest shows up to a party, so don’t allow it to happen here either.

7. LOCK THE MEETING ONCE IT STARTS

Once the meeting starts, the host has an option to lock it. Locking your zoom meeting will not allow any new members to join the meeting, even if they have the correct id and password. It’s better to be safe than sorry when locking your car or the doors in your house, so do the same with your Zoom meeting.

8. REMOVE ATTENDEES OR PUT THEM ON HOLD IF THEY BECOME DISRUPTIVE

Anytime someone in your meeting is being disruptive or distracting other attendees, just remove them from the meeting. If you remove someone from the meeting, they are not allowed to rejoin.

9. DISABLE THE UNRUY PARTICIPANT’S CAMERA OR ALL CAMERAS

Assuming this is an option, hosts are allowed to disable the camera of any and all members of the meeting. This will allow any unwanted, inappropriate gesture to be blocked for everyone in the group.

10. MAKE SURE THE DISABLE FILE TRANSFER SETTING IS ACTIVE

Once in a meeting, if file transfer is not turned off, it is common for hijackers to spam the chat with memes, GIF’s, and inappropriate language/photos. Turning this setting off will stop each and every one of those things from happening before it even happens.

Now that you have learned 10 EASY ways to prevent Zoom bombing from happening in your next or all future Zoom meetings, take action. Zoom bombing may seem harmless, but people are having to get used to working and going to school remotely and need each and every minute to learn and concentrate on their work without any disruptions.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Looking for a secure work-from-home solution? Try EverFuel secure remote access from ThrottleNet. Just $9.95 per computer per month!

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There are overarching concerns when working remotely are safety, security, and compliance.

It is important to ensure remote work can be performed safely and securely to avoid data being compromised.

Those in the healthcare and financial industries need to take extra precautions to ensure they are not only secure but also remain compliant.

A Solution That Meets All Compliance Requirements For Your Business

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For those that aren’t aware, your remote work solution must be compliant if you are subject to HIPAA, FINRA, SOX or PCI regulations. If the method remote access isn’t compliant, you are exposing your data and business to unnecessary risk.  Some things to consider when thinking about this.

Am I working in a secure, web-based environment or am I working on a local server infrastructure located in my office?

If you answered a web-based environment, you’re most likely in compliance since the provider is responsible for ensuring their systems meet whatever regulations you might be subject to.

Conversely, if you’re working via remote connectivity, you need to make sure you’re accessing the data via a secure VPN or RDP connection. If you’re not, you need to get this in place as soon as possible to ensure your data is secure while in transit.

What does working remotely means for file access and collaboration?

If you answered Office 365, you should be in compliance as these meet minimum standards; however, there are those organizations that require heightened compliance measures when using these solutions and this may require upgrading your subscription to a more compliant variation. For example, your Office365 account may need to be increased from E2 to E3 for those familiar with how Microsoft designates these.

Finally, and most importantly, if your solutions allow for MFA, please turn this on. This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure security around your data. For those that may not be familiar with this, when you log in to an application, it sends a code to your phone which provides a number you key in addition to your username and password.

Reliable Internet Connections

What does working remotely mean for a secure home internet connection? This is pretty simple since you just need something that provides minimal bandwidth and is reliable.

However, for the employer, you will need a more robust internet connection that can handle many simultaneous secure connections since you’re going to have your entire team remotely accessing the network and, as a result, consuming bandwidth. We recommend Charter as our experience with them has been positive and the speeds are typically consistent.

Keep in mind that cloud-based apps such as Microsoft Office 365 or Google Apps do not require or put any strain on the employer’s internet bandwidth.  This is because your end users are accessing those secure cloud platforms directly from their pc and internet at home; however, you do want to make sure the data is as secure as possible on a home network. We’ll talk more about this later.

Either way, your remote workforce shouldn’t have to increase their connectivity – in most cases – unless they live in rural areas in which case they may be limited.

At Throttlenet we’re here to help you decide what does working remotely mean for you and your business? How can we help you and your employees stay compliant and productive? Call us for a FREE consultation today!

In our effort to better serve you in these unusual times we are unrolling a 3-part series that covers A-Z for each aspect. Check out our blog on safety and security here.

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