How Does IT Remote Maintenance Work?

With IT management, there are remote solutions LA IT support providers can help you institute. These may be used to keep devices working optimally and ensure associated security is as it should be. Essentially, consolidated management of maintenance allows in-depth upgrades to be automatically put into action. Beyond that, you may be able to take a more controlled approach.

Advantages of the Remote Approach as Regards Maintenance 

IT consulting in LA can help you streamline tech management in terms of software. A few advantages you can expect include the following:

Facilitating Flexibility

With the right IT support at the helm of your tech systems, you’re going to have automated upgrades and monitoring readily available. This means operational focus can shift from treading water maintaining systems to advancing optimal performance. Essentially, you’ve freed in-house staff from duties that would constrain their overall flexibility.

Expediting How Fast You Can Respond

With remotely managed maintenance, the moment there’s a security issue or some operational static from conflicting systems, you’ll be able to have professionals respond to the problem and generate a solution. Sometimes this solution is an upgrade, sometimes it’s a realignment of associated protocols, and sometimes it’s something that’s totally unique. Regardless, owing to your Service Level Agreement (SLA), your IT support provider has to ensure operational functionality, and that usually means fixing problems as soon as they’re known.

An Overall Reduction in Operational Expenses

LA IT support professionals can help you save time and money through flexibility and expedited response, ultimately cutting the costs necessary for the maintenance of your IT systems. With reduced costs, you can expand departments like research and development, or marketing. It’s an upward spiral.

Saving Time and Money Through Remote Maintenance

LA IT support experts can help you enable more flexible operations, respond more quickly to situations requiring your attention, and cut costs overall. To learn more about remote maintenance solutions and how our tech professionals can help you, contact us at Advanced Networks.

For the healthcare industry to comply with HIPAA, all communications, storage, and usage of protected health information (PHI) must be HIPAA-compliant. HIPAA compliant emails are a step towards the security of patients’ sensitive data. 

Outsourcing this function to LA IT support experts might guarantee speedy and cost-effective compliance.

What is HIPAA?

The acronym HIPAA stands for “Health-Insurance-Portability-and-Accountability-Act.” This act protects the health information of patients from public access. Given the sensitive nature of this information, it is imperative to protect it. 

Make Emails HIPAA-Compliant

If you plan to send or receive Electronic protected health information ePHI over your email, you will need to make certain emails stay HIPAA compliant. You may not need to comply with HIPAA if you only ever send emails internally.

When you send emails outside of your firewall, encryption is essential. LA IT support experts can help ensure that only authorized individuals should have access to email accounts that contain ePHI. 

Encrypt all emails end to end 

Your email should be encrypted both in transit and storage. Only the intended recipient and sender of the messages can access them through access controls.

There is a risk people might accidentally send an unencrypted email because encryption is often forgotten to be turned on, so it is better to encrypt all emails, not just those containing ePHI. 

Get a HIPAA-compliant email provider

A business associate agreement (BAA) should be obtained before sending ePHI via a third-party email service. The business associate agreement establishes the service provider’s responsibilities, protecting ePHI through administrative, physical, and technical means.

Ensure your email is configured correctly

Your email service is not HIPAA-compliant simply because you use one covered by a BAA. For instance, a business associate agreement covers Google’s G Suite email service. Using G Suite with a business domain allows email to be HIPAA-compliant. But even if you are using G Suite, it is imperative to ensure encryption is set up properly by configuring the service.

Educate your staff on email policies and how to use it

After implementing a HIPAA-compliant email service, you should train staff on using emails in electronically protected health information properly. 

Many data breaches have been related to errors committed by healthcare staff – sending ePHI to the wrong person via unencrypted email or allowing ePHI to be viewed by unauthorized parties. 

The staff must be trained about HIPAA regulations and email service usage and informed about their responsibilities.

Keep all emails

Email retention is not specifically covered by HIPAA legislation, so HIPAA rules are unclear. Health practices must ensure email backup and storage in case individuals demand information about protected health information disclosures. In addition, some states require the storage of emails for a certain amount of time.

To learn more about your responsibilities and HIPAA requirements concerning email, talk to us at Advanced Networks. We provide state-of-the-art IT support solutions for businesses in LA. 

Key Takeaways from the Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Hack | LA IT Support

Colonial Pipeline is a company operating the most extensive pipeline system for refined oil products. The ransomware attack forced the company to halt all its services, an incident that drew attention from the consumers, the security community, and the government.

Below are some lessons discussed by LA IT support experts that businesses should draw from the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack.

Every Business Is Vulnerable to Ransomware Attacks

Cybersecurity attacks have hit deadlines in recent years, and the trend could go on if businesses don’t improve their security measures.

In 2020, a global cybersecurity report revealed that there were 304 million ransomware attacks around the world. This is a 62% increase from 2019 and the second-highest figure ever to be recorded since 2014. Yet, other ransomware attacks haven’t gone public. Notable victims of ransomware attacks include Orange, Acer, and United Health Services.

The attacks mainly target healthcare, hospitals, public companies, and other organizations that lack the skills and technology to defend themselves.

From the numbers, we can tell that every business in the United States and globally is at risk. Cybersecurity and ransomware attacks could become a world’s security threat.

Hackers Have Restructured their Tactics

Cybersecurity and ransomware attacks are not new to us. The attacks have surged in recent years because hackers have found new ways of doing their business.

Long before cryptocurrencies became popular, it was easier to trace money paid to hackers via bank transfers and other money transfer options. However, cryptos have played a significant role in the increased surge of ransomware attacks. Today, hackers demand ransom to be paid in Cryptos, and more specifically, Bitcoin.

Cryptos have turned to be a monetary conduit for crimes, with some calling for their abolition. For instance, Colonial Pipeline paid close to $4.5 million in cryptocurrencies to DarkSide, a ransomware group. Luckily, the US officials managed to recover 67.5 bitcoins worth $2.3 million.

Businesses Should Strengthen Their Security Systems

According to law enforcement groups and the FBI, most businesses that become victims of ransomware attacks always pay a ransom, which isn’t the best solution. The ultimate solution to the problem is for businesses to improve their security systems, which is where LA IT support comes in.

Bottom Line

The colonial Pipeline ransomware attack has taught us many lessons. But the best of them all is for businesses to improve their security systems to reduce ransomware attacks and other cybersecurity threats. Contact us at Advanced Networks for the best LA IT support to help protect your business against cybersecurity attacks.

One of the reasons outsourcing to LA IT support providers became common during the pandemic was that it helped businesses transition to offering remote work. Not only was it the ideal solution for social distancing, but it also helped cut costs enormously for some companies. Here’s a look at why hiring IT support professionals and offering remote work can elevate your business.

Reduced Expenses on Technology and Energy

Letting your staff work from home on their own computers can save money in multiple ways. If the telework concept fits your company, it could mean you won’t need to invest in as much hardware or software in the future. Since you won’t need a room full of computers, you can plan on lower energy bills than competitors who resist remote work.

Improved Productivity

Another reason to outsource to an LA IT support provider and offer remote work is that the combination can lead to increased production. While your remote workers work in comfortable atmospheres with flexible timeframes, they’ll enjoy their work and put more focus, time, and energy into it without unnecessary staff meetings. Your IT team will boost your productivity by reducing network disruptions.

Quality Talent Acquisition

Once you have a knowledgeable IT team in place that can resolve technical issues quickly, it will help your company develop a good reputation. Top talent tends to gravitate toward firms that are well-prepared to meet modern challenges. Allowing talent to work from home may be viewed as a bonus since it allows the individual to maintain control of their schedule.

A Move Toward Sustainability

Remote work helps cut down on traffic congestion, which reduces greenhouse gases. More and more businesses are looking for ways to go green to show they care about their communities, so the growth of remote work is contributing to this solution. Furthermore, gas prices can get unpredictably high, which cuts into employee earnings if they have to commute.

Promotes Wellness and Work-Life Balance

Improving team loyalty can be achieved by promoting wellness and a work-life balance. Letting people work at home allows them to spend more time with their loved ones, especially in a time of economic uncertainty. Balancing between work and life is important for everyone’s physical and mental health. One of the drawbacks to a 9-5 job is that it limits leisure time and personal activities. Remote work lets individuals take more control of their lives.

Conclusion

When you offer remote work to employees, make sure you have LA IT support to back it up for cybersecurity reasons. Contact us at Advanced Networks to learn more about creating a seamless workplace with the right technology solutions.

LA IT Support: Understanding GDPR and CCPA

Knowing the difference between the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is important to ensure your company is always staying in compliance with these rules. Below, our LA IT support team provides details about GDPR and CCPA.

What is the GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) controls how organizations handle data for all members of the European Union (EU). This law empowers users of private data to dictate how businesses can process their information. The GDPR considers processing data as any form of recording, structuring, organizing, storing, altering, destroying or collecting personal information.

Which Companies Are Regulated by GDPR?

The GDPR is a law that applies to all organizations and websites that provide services to monitor the actions of people within the EU. This law doesn’t have any geographic restrictions, as it involves all entities collecting data from EU clients. The GDPR highlights two types of businesses that must comply with these data privacy laws, which are data controllers and data processors.

What Type of Information is Protected?

The GDPR oversees the processing of data, such as names, email addresses, dates of birth, home addresses, phone numbers, bank accounts, photos, and credit card numbers. However, the GDPR doesn’t cover the processing of anonymous information that doesn’t reveal identities, data of deceased individuals, or any data processing that occurs on a household level.

What is CCPA?

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) is a law that ensures the privacy rights of citizens living in California. The CCPA prevents a business from selling private data while also giving users the ability to know what data a business is processing, and they can request data deletion. Reaching out to LA IT support professionals is a good idea if you have any questions on how to handle this data.

Who Is Regulated by the CCPA?

The CCPA applies to any businesses that collect, disclose, or sell personal data of anyone living in California. This law applies to for-profit companies that collect personal data from clients, and they must conduct business in California. A company must also meet any of these following thresholds, such as annual gross revenue greater than $25 million, earn at least 50% of its annual revenue from selling personal information, shares the personal data of over 50,000 consumers, devices, or households.

Keeping up with the latest data privacy laws is essential for businesses. Advanced Networks offers LA IT support, including data protection services, for a wide range of companies. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help with data privacy and protection.

A Look at the SolarWinds Hack and the Role of LA IT Support

The much-discussed SolarWinds hack will go down in history as one of the most well-known digital attacks for several reasons. For one, this hack reveals just how vulnerable supposedly well-protected businesses really are. Furthermore, this hack will spur meaningful changes in the context of cybersecurity, some of which will be spearheaded by LA IT support professionals. Though the SolarWinds hack was certainly a setback, the silver lining is it will push businesses and governments to be proactive, improve their cybersecurity defenses and better protect their data.

Details of the Hack

At this time, it is known that Russian hackers are responsible for the digital hack of SolarWinds. In fact, the beginning of this hack stems all the way back to the spring of ’20. The attack was initially discovered when the digital miscreants violated FireEye, a cybersecurity business. This breach was successful largely because it relied on a highly complex method of infiltration and capabilities complete with cyber tools that have not been used on such a scale in the past.

The digital attackers relied on malicious code to infect a software update, zeroing in on a vulnerability within the software supply chain used by companies as well as governmental institutions in the United States. Nearly 20,000 such businesses and institutions installed the update, allowing the malware to spread. Cybersecurity experts are still attempting to determine the extent of the damage.

Be Proactive to Prevent a Similar Attack

Though your organization might not be staffed by individuals with in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity, our LA IT support team is here to help. Rely on our team for a risk assessment, and we will identify your vulnerabilities. Our digital security experts are also here to implement a disaster recovery strategy that safeguards your systems from cyber threats. If your organization does not yet have a BYOD policy, we can help you craft one that safeguards your highly sensitive information, including that of your clients.

Additional safeguards against digital attacks include securing your wireless internet connection, implementing email restrictions, limiting user access as appropriate, using several layers of protection, and backing up your data. Even employee training that helps your team identify digital threats will reduce risk. When in doubt, lean on our cybersecurity and tech gurus to pinpoint your organization’s specific weaknesses, shore up those faults, and set the stage for your business to operate in a truly safe manner.

Advanced Networks Is At Your Service

Your LA business needs and deserves the best IT support. Our team is here to provide exactly that. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and to learn more how we can help keep your business protected from cyber-attacks.

LA IT Support: Configuring Spam Filters Across Diverse Email Servers

With LA IT support, you can more efficiently set up email servers such that what is called “spam” is automatically filtered out of primary inboxes, and deleted after a set amount of time.

Microsoft Exchange Spam Management

Microsoft Exchange servers are primary business avenues of email, but they’re not the only option out there. Owing to the commonality of this platform, though, in this writing, we’ll specifically focus on how you can configure Microsoft Exchange for best security against spam. The right MSP will further assist you in configuring other email servers. With that in mind, with Exchange, you’ll want to do the following:

Online Spam Configuration

Here’s the step-by-step on Microsoft Exchange: Open the EAC (Exchange Admin Center), and find your way to the “Protection” option. Under that option, find “Spam Filter”. There’s a default policy. You can take it, or you can use the “New +” option to make a specific filter.

Filtering can be automated based on a variety of factors to keep obvious spam away and assure that which isn’t spam, but is new to your server, isn’t improperly filtered out. What tends to happen by default is this: un-trusted messages are sent to the junk folder and deleted automatically after a set period of time.

There are many things you can do to configure email servers for automated spam management; discussing your options with LA IT support professionals will help you find the least complicated and most convenient solution.

Bulk Email Settings

IT experts can also help you stem the tide of spam that comes in the form of “bulk email”. Like “bulk mail” of yesteryear, bulk email is marketing outreach automated and sent to whatever email addresses those who commission such marketing options are able to get hold of.

Block Lists

Sometimes there are situations where spammers have enough savvy they can sneak by traditional anti-spam filters and bug you or your staff. For such persistent underhanded marketers, you will want to establish effective blocklisting.

Essentially, when email servers have block lists, any messages from blocked addresses won’t be “sendable”. They will “explode on the launch pad”, as the saying goes.

Spam Banishment

Our LA IT support professionals can help you configure your Microsoft Exchange email server in a way that eliminates spam. Bulk email settings and block lists can also be helpful, and many of the tactics employed here translate to other email servers in one way or another. To learn more about spam management across diverse email servers, contact us at Advanced Networks.

LA IT Support: How to Handle Your Healthcare Cybersecurity Challenges

Technology is altering the manner in which people receive healthcare. As an example, the implementation of the Internet of Medical Things, or IoMT for short, has made it possible for electronic devices to gather patient information and transmit it to medical professionals, facilitating diagnoses and subsequent treatment. However, medical industry innovations are also heightening risk levels, particularly in terms of tech risk as that much more patient data is placed on network devices targeted by hackers. This is precisely why LA IT support has become that much more important as time has progressed.

It Pays to Invest in Healthcare IT

Do not fall into the trap of assuming hiring a couple of tech aficionados for your healthcare IT will suffice. Your healthcare business and every other business needs comprehensive LA IT support. Why bother paying an exorbitant salary along with benefits to a couple of IT administrators who work in-house when you can save money by hiring an entire team through outsourcing? Relying on IT professionals ensures several people work in tandem, especially when tasked with interpreting alerts pertaining to the network and other tech components of your business.

So, don’t invest your limited time and money attempting to vet, hire, train in-house IT workers and inevitably repeat the process over and over again as those employees seek out greener pastures or end up being terminated. The team approach is superior as it ensures an entire collective of tech specialists conducts investigations and interprets information in a manner that ultimately benefits your healthcare organization.

The Ever-Expanding Internet of Things

The internet of things (IoT) is making waves in the medical industry and also in offices, homes, and beyond. Medical devices are now hooked up to the web to collect and transmit information. However, there is the threat of hackers breaking into networks and IoT devices, pilfering information, and ultimately jeopardizing healthcare business reputations as well as patient safety. The best IT specialists are capable of monitoring activity on connected devices, identifying weak points, and taking corrective action as appropriate.

The Issue of Regulatory Compliance

Healthcare industry businesses must adhere to regulatory requirements including local laws pertaining to data privacy, the Health Information Technology for Economic Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Safeguarding patient data requires tech expertise. Your healthcare business needs a crew of IT specialists with cutting edge tech tools to ensure comprehensive regulatory compliance and ultimately maintain your reputation as a trustworthy healthcare services provider.

Advanced Networks is on Your Side

If you work in the healthcare space or simply need tech assistance, do not take the DIY approach. Rely on the tech experts for assistance, and you will be empowered to focus on what you do best while the tech specialists handle your computer and network-related projects. Reach out to our LA IT support team to find out more about our services and schedule an initial consultation.

LA IT Support: How to Detect Low-Traffic Port Attacks

A rise in the number of cyberattacks focused on non-standard ports is increasing, as cybercriminals can often gain access to a business network through these ports that are seldom monitored by most companies. Working with LA IT support experts can play a key role in giving your business an added level of protection.

The Emergence of Attacks vs. Non-Standard Ports

The SonicWall Cyber Threat Report reveals that 19.2 percent of malware attacks occur through non-standard ports. These attacks increased from 10.3 million in 2017 to 32.7 million in 2018, as more cybercriminals continue to use these attacks. Keeping your business safe against these threats is essential in keeping your data secure while also protecting your reputation.

Why You Should Upgrade Traditional Proxy-Based Firewalls

Traditional prox-based firewalls are often configured to focus on high-traffic ports for web traffic. However, this makes it more difficult to identify other attacks on non-standard ports. Cybercriminals are increasingly using non-standard ports to implement malware, as it is important for businesses to upgrade to next-gen firewall solutions for the best protection against these evolving threats.

Using Network Detection Services

Creating a robust network detection and prevention solution is important in detecting traffic for various types of malware. LA IT support professionals can quickly analyze uncommon data flows or any other unusual activity on your network. Packet contents can also be analyzed to detect any communications that do not follow standard protocol behavior for a specific port. These proactive services are a great way to limit the damage of a cyber attack and keep your data out of the hands of cybercriminals.

Configure Proxies and Firewalls

Another way to limit the impact of a cyberattack is to configure proxies and firewalls to limit outgoing network traffic to only the necessary ports. An IT service provider can use data protection solutions to monitor data transfers while also detecting unusual network traffic. These transfers will immediately be stopped by IT professionals once the activity is identified.

Reach Out to Us for IT Support

Advanced Networks is an LA-based IT support company that offers managed IT services for a wide range of small to mid-size businesses in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. Our IT team understands the importance of keeping your network well-protected against all types of cyberattacks. We also offer around the clock IT support, as keeping downtime to a minimum is always our top priority. To learn more about how to protect your business from any kinds of cyber threats, get in touch with us!

Protect Yourself Against Juice Jacking with the Help of LA IT Support Experts

Cybercriminals are always finding ways to access your information. One of the most recent threats is known as “juice jacking”. Hackers use an off-brand USB charging port to infect your phone with malware once you plug it in for a charge. This type of malware can potentially steal your confidential information or even lock you out of your device. It helps to work with LA IT support professionals to keep your business safe. Following are some ways to keep your data safe and avoid juice jacking.

Always Stay Vigilant

One of the easiest ways to avoid juice jacking is to only use your own phone charger instead of an unknown device. This is especially important if it’s a phone that you use for work-related activities. Always bringing a phone charger with you on a trip is essential, as using a USB charging port in hotels, airports, and other public places is never a safe option.

Use Wireless Charging

Another way you can protect your smartphone is to use wireless charging instead of a USB charging port. Wireless charging makes it impossible for malware to access your phone and steal your information. However, the main drawback of wireless charging is that it’s not always available in public places.

Stay Up to Date

Cybersecurity is constantly changing at a rapid rate. Keeping up to date with the most recent cyberattacks isn’t always easy for many people. Reaching out to LA IT support experts can play a key role in helping you stay up to date with these cyber threats. While there has never been a reported case of juice jacking, it is important to always stay proactive in keeping your data safe.

Additional Cybersecurity Measures

Looking for ways to keep your information safe is essential if you ever use a public network. Using a virtual private network (VPN) is a great way to keep your information safe through encryption. You should also avoid accessing your bank accounts and other confidential areas while using a public network. Taking these additional cybersecurity measures will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to access your data through juice jacking or any other methods.

Final Thoughts

Advanced Networks is one of the leading LA IT support companies that offer top-quality IT services and the best cybersecurity protection available. We can help keep your business safe from all types of cyber threats. Feel free to reach out to us for a free consultation and to learn more about our IT services!