5 Ridiculous Ways Technology Transforms Your Industry

Incredible Ways Technology Has Changed How We Do Business

 

How has technology transformed your industry? Explore 5 important ways technology has recently changed how we do business, delight customers and grow businesses

 

It doesn’t matter which industry we’re in. Technology is a must. It makes things faster, safer and better when used right. It can propel our businesses and leave competitors in the dust. But many businesses are simply unaware of what’s out there and just how accessible it is to any size business. Here are five incredible types of technology that are completely reshaping how we do business.

 

1. Big Data Revolutionizes Data-Driven Decisions

As business leaders, we’ve always made decisions based upon the available data. But more recent advancements in data collection and analysis have made it easier and more cost-effective to gather data and put it to work. We can make smarter decisions about the direction of our companies where we once had to rely solely on gut instinct.

We can enhance customer experiences to not only increase sales but to raise that net promoter score, building trust, loyalty and powerful word-of-mouth.

 

2. We Reach Customers in More-Effective Ways

87% of purchases now begin online. This doesn’t mean they buy online, just that they found the product or service online.

Digital marketing technology is a business technology that has transformed how we connect with customers. We can now more precisely target audiences to enhance the relevance of our ads to specific customer bases.

Thanks to the pay-per-click model, we don’t pay for advertising that doesn’t work. And thanks to optimization tools we continually improve strategies to find what does work.

Digital marketing allows us to reach customers where they find new products and services through:

 

  • Search engines
  • Social Media
  • Review Websites
  • Influencers

3. Virtual Reality Gives Employees Real-World Training

From healthcare to aviation to manufacturing, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are helping schools and businesses train employees in very lifelike situations. Employers can help employees become more comfortable in likely scenarios by allowing them to experience it in an artificial environment first. They can learn how candidates may perform at their jobs before sending that job offer to get the best people into important roles.

 

4. Enhanced Business Continuity Tools Reduce Down-time

From more effective ways to keep business and customer data safe to data backup to re-routing of important functions to remote locations, advancements in technology are making it easier for businesses to both avoid disasters (physical and virtual) and keep moving when disaster strikes.

Developing a strategy, deploying tools effectively and putting a plan into action, of course, take know-how, but those involved in business continuity planning now have a wider range of tools for the business continuity tool belt.

 

5. Better Technology for Less Cost

It’s not news to anyone that technology gets cheaper the longer it’s in use. And by now many amazing technologies have been around long enough that they’re getting very affordable, even for small business. Yet, many businesses still aren’t taking advantage of them because they don’t know what’s out there.

That’s why it’s important to work with technology experts who can introduce you to technology you’ll find useful to cut costs, enhance productivity, delight customers and more. To learn more about how technology is disrupting every industry, follow our blog.

Cybercrime In 2019 – Are You Keeping Up?

Cybercrime In 2019

Did you know that the global cybercrime industry will cause up to $6 trillion in damages in just a few years.

That may seem like an impossibly big number, but it makes sense when you consider how often cybercrime attacks occur, and how much damage they cause…

iPhones Are Putting Users At Risk

In August, Google published research showing that an iPhone-based cyber-attack has been going on for the past two years at least. The largest iPhone attack in history, this long-term cybercrime effort has been infecting iOS users with malware that steals their private data, including:

  • Passwords
  • Encrypted messages
  • Locations
  • Contacts

Ransomware Continues To Spread

In May, the city of Baltimore was hit with ransomware that made their server’s inaccessible. They refused to pay the ransom, which kept their systems offline for weeks – in the meantime, they attempted to “rebuild certain systems”, according to Mayor Jack Young.

Baltimore joins the growing number of municipalities hit by ransomware this year – all of which, after the attack, invest considerable resources in investigating the source of the incident.

22 different organizations in Texas, many of which are local government agencies, were just infected with ransomware in August as well.

How To Protect Yourself Against 2019’s Cybercrime Threats

One of the best ways to protect against cybercrime threats is to make your staff an effective part of your defense. Train your staff to ask themselves these key questions before opening an email:

  • Do I know the sender of this email?
  • Does it make sense that it was sent to me?
  • Can I verify that the attached link or PDF is safe?
  • Does the email threaten to close my accounts or cancel my cards if I don’t provide information?
  • Is this email really from someone I trust or does it just look like someone I trust? What can I do to verify?
  • Does anything seem “off” about this email, its contents or sender?

Work With The Experts From Elevate Services Group

When you’re not sure if you have the skills or knowledge to get the job done, what can you do? Consult with cybersecurity professionals, like those at Elevate Services Group, who will:

  • Perform vulnerability testing as per industry standards to ensure you aren’t dealing with overlooked cybersecurity weaknesses.
  • Help you plan and achieve a secure environment to work in.
  • Provide ongoing service and support for any security-related concerns you may have.

In honor of Cyber Security Awareness Month, Elevate Services Group is offering a free cybersecurity consultation – contact kyle@elevateservicesgroup.com to claim yours.

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

The New Ways Cybercriminals Pose a Threat to Organizations

Are You Keeping Up With FINRA’s Cybersecurity Best Practices?

Using Managed IT Services to Save You Money

Should You Worry About Facebook Identity Thieves?

 

Tips for Avoiding and Reporting Facebook Identity Theft

 

Financial fraud and access to confidential business data rank among scammers’ reasons for setting up fake profiles in Facebook identity theft schemes.  

 

 

Right now, hundreds of people could be viewing your photos on Facebook — on an account that doesn’t belong to you. In recent years, Facebook identity theft has become a significant problem, leaving victims struggling to reclaim their rightful identities on the social media platform. What do you need to know, and how can you protect yourself?

 

Reasons Behind Facebook Identity Theft

 

Imagine receiving a sudden flurry of messages from friends and family members alerting you that someone is posing as you. After the initial shock, you might wonder why an individual would go to the trouble of setting up a fake profile that uses your name and other identifying details.

 

As banks and other financial institutions have become better at spotting fake identities, scammers have turned to using the identities of real people for a variety of purposes, including opening lines of credit and draining bank accounts. Setting up a Facebook profile can be one step in establishing ownership of an identity — especially if the scammer can manage to get the real identity owner locked out of their account in the process.

 

How Can Your Job Make You a Target?

 

In addition to financial fraud, prospective scammers often have another goal in mind when they target specific individuals: access. Facebook identity thieves may target people in certain jobs — including CEOs, IT directors and human resources managers — because of their valuable access to data, people and financial resources.

 

By posing as a key executive in an organization, an identity thief may hit the jackpot by gaining access to computer systems that hold confidential customer data, employee Social Security and bank account numbers, or proprietary information. Scammers may set up a fake profile in your name as part of a social-engineering scheme designed to persuade your Facebook contacts to turn over information or access.

 

Steps for Preventing Facebook Fraud

 

To help lock down your Facebook account and prevent identity theft, consider adjusting your privacy settings to control who can view your photos and posts. Allowing everyone — or even friends of your friends — to see your information can make you vulnerable to identity theft.

 

Avoid accepting friend requests from unfamiliar people, and use caution when posting photos; think twice before posting images that include your driver’s license or other documents with identifying information. In addition, consider setting your profile to unsearchable.

 

What if someone has stolen your identity on Facebook? If you receive a friend request from someone who already is on your friends list, you may be the victim of identity theft. You should take immediate action by reporting the suspect profile if you discover that someone is using your name, photo or other identifying details. In the event that an impostor reports your account as fraudulent and has you blocked, you may need to ask a friend to report the incident for you.

Happy Halloween ????

Happy Halloween!

What better time than now to tell some scary stories?

 

Ok, so they’re not “scary stories” per se, but facts that will alarm AND spook you.

Here’s Your Special Halloween Treat

Take action to protect against cybercrime. Hit the reply button to schedule your free cybersecurity consultation with us.

In the meantime, have fun this year, whether you’re taking the kids out trick-or-treating or heading to a few parties.

Have a great day!

Why Exclusive Cloud Use Will Boost Your Business Profits

Why Accounting Firms Should Move Everything Into the Cloud

Discover how Denver accounting firms can save money, boost profits and increase efficiency by partnering with an IT service that offers top-tier cloud storage.  

More than three-fourths of all companies have one or more applications in the cloud. However, there is evidence that accounting firms that exclusively use the cloud garner significantly more clients than their competitors. The following are some reasons why putting as much of your business as possible on secure cloud services will enable your business to save time and money while boosting profits.

Avoiding Cybersecurity Problems

Recent stats show that physical data centers have 51% more problems than cloud storage servers. Additionally, cloud storage providers offer security benefits that physical data centers don’t provide. These include automatic updates and an email monitoring system to detect phishing attacks. Given the fact that the average cost of a cyberattack is now a whopping $200,000, moving to the cloud is perhaps one of the best ways a business can save its hard-earned profits.

Adaptable Business Solutions from Accounting IT Services in Denver

Accounting IT services in Denver that offer cloud storage make it easy for companies to increase or decrease storage space as and when needed. Instead of being held back by downtime during a busy shopping season, companies simply have to increase cloud storage use to keep up with demand. At the same time, companies can scale back the amount of cloud storage space used during slow seasons.

Minimizing the Investment in IT Equipment

Cloud storage providers upgrade their equipment periodically to continually offer the best possible services to clients. Small businesses, on the other hand, often find it difficult to regularly update old IT hardware and software. Those that do manage to regularly invest in IT solutions often find that these solutions come at the expense of cutting funding for marketing, new product development, and other important expenses.

Elevate Accounting IT Services in Denver

Given the fact that cloud storage has so much to offer, it’s not surprising that it’s fast becoming a popular option for companies from a wide range of industries. Even so, it’s important to note that some accounting IT services in Denver offer better cloud storage solutions than others. Getting expert advice before moving over to the cloud can enable a company to select the storage solution that best suits its needs and budget.

Elevate specializes in providing reliable, scalable and secure cloud services to Denver accounting companies. We use a strategic discovery system to carefully analyze your IT performance and offer customized solutions that will provide your company with a fully optimized, secure, and powerful cloud storage set-up to meet your needs now and in the future. Get in touch to find out more or to make an appointment with one of our certified, experienced IT technicians.

What Every Medical Service Provider Should Know about HIPAA Compliant IT Services in Denver

How an IT Service can Protect Medical Service Providers

Cybercriminals are continually targeting the medical industry. Discover how to avoid becoming the victim of a breach by working with an IT service provider.  

Nearly 90% of healthcare organizations have experienced a data breach in the last two years. What is more, cybercrime is likely to cost the industry a whopping $6 trillion over the next three years. Given these facts, it is important for Denver-based medical service providers to get to know what HIPAA Compliant IT Services in Denver are and how to use them to not only avoid breaches but also boost efficiency and profits.

Who Needs HIPAA Compliant IT Services in Denver?

Cybercriminals frequently target small to medium-sized businesses linked to the medical industry because they know that these businesses have fewer cybersecurity resources on hand to prevent and/or respond to breaches than large organizations. At the same time, hackers also don’t mind targeting large hospitals, clinics, and other organizations in the hopes of accessing large sums of cash or a treasure trove of personal information that would be worth a bundle on the dark web.

At the same time, large companies have the resources on hand to hire an in-house IT team to prevent threats while small companies try to make do with a single full or part-time IT professional. Thankfully, a HIPAA compliant IT service in Denver can make up the difference by offering small companies the same top-tier IT services available to national and international players.

What do HIPAA Compliant IT Services in Denver Do?

HIPAA compliant IT services in Denver vary somewhat depending on which company one works with. However, there are certain core services that one can expect to receive from a good IT service provider. These include:

  • Assistance from experienced certified IT technicians who are also familiar with HIPAA guidelines and requirements
  • 24/7 help in the event of a breach, breakdown, or any other type of IT malfunction
  • Periodic security training for employees
  • Secure cloud service to allow a business to back-up information in real-time
  • Disaster plans to limit the effect of a cyberattack
  • IT service management to help a company set up and maintain an effective, speedy, secure IT set-up at all times.

HIPAA stipulates what must be done in the event of a breach but it doesn’t offer counsel on what can be done to prevent breaches. That is why every single business and organization that is connected to the medical industry should work with a seasoned HIPAA compliant IT service provider to protect patient information from falling into the wrong hands.

Elevate is a leading IT service provider in Denver that specializes in meeting the needs of the medical industry. The company uses a unique IT consultation and management structure to provide customized assistance to every single business it works with. Get in touch to find out more or to make an appointment with one of our IT experts.

Quickly Unlock Useful iTunes Store Applications that Are Blocked in Your Country

 

Unblock Geo-Restricted App Store or iTunes Content in a Few Clicks

 

Discover how to quickly gain access to geoblocked apps via the App Store or iTunes with a few simple clicks whether you’re on on an iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC.

 

 

Apple’s App Store and iTunes apps give you access to thousands of great games, utilities and social connections. But there are thousands more you can never access due to geographic restrictions.

 

Why Are Certain Apps Blocked?

 

Location-based restrictions, known as geoblocking, are actions taken by companies or government regulators. They restrict access to content, including App Store apps, based on your location. You can experience these issues on sites such as YouTube or platforms such as Netflix, where certain content is unavailable to certain users, often due to licensing issues or other legal issues.

 

Geoblocking is usually done by tracking the unique identifiers known as Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Any request you make to a site or app includes your IP address so the pinged computer knows where to send the requested content. IP addresses are allocated to internet service providers (ISPs) to distribute to their customers and reflect the geographic location of the computer, smartphone or another connected device.

 

Why Unblock Geoblocked Content?

 

There are many valid reasons for wanting to access geoblocked content. You may be visiting or living in another country and want to connect with content and functionality unique to your country. Maybe you need to access content that is only available via an app that is restricted at your current location. You might want to compare content presented on different versions of an app.

 

No matter what the reason, geoblocking can cause frustration for those wanting to access something they can’t connect to. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to unlock this content.

 

How Do I Unlock Geoblocked Content?

 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to unlocking iTunes and App Store content in another country. No matter which method you use, be sure to cancel any subscriptions to Apple Music, iTunes Match and other apps associated with your Apple ID.

 

  • On an iPhone or iPad
    • Open Settings > [Your Username]
    • Click on iTunes & App Store
    • Tap on your Apple ID. Authenticate if asked
    • Click on View Apple ID
    • Select Country/Region
    • Select Change Country/Region
    • Choose a new country, click on Next
    • Accept the Terms and Conditions
    • Enter your payment method
  • On a Mac or PC
    • Open iTunes
    • Click on Account > View My Account
    • Sign in using your Apple ID
    • Press Enter or click on View Account
    • On the Account Information page, click on Change Country or Region
    • Click Agree to the terms and conditions
    • Enter a new payment method
    • Click Continue
  • From your Apple ID profile
    • Log on to your Apple ID account profile
    • Scroll to Account
    • Tap on Country/Region
    • Choose your new country or region. Click Continue when asked to confirm your new selection

 

Does Unblocking Content Allow Access to All Apps?

 

The method described above only works for free apps available for iOS devices. If you want to access paid apps, you’ll need to enter a payment method — and billing address – for the country

 

Switching from one country identity to another on iTunes or the App Store is complex, but can be done, by following these steps:

 

  • Open App Store > Apple ID
  • Click on Sign Out
  • Open Settings/General
  • Click on Language & Region
  • Select Region
  • Select a new country or region and create a new account by finding an app you want to download in the new country
    • Tap on the app. If a screen pops up that the item is not available, click on Change Store
    • Go to the app listing and tap Get > Install
    • Click Create New Apple ID
    • Select the new country or region and complete the Apple ID creation steps
    • Select None under Billing
  • Switching between stores is now possible by signing out of one iTunes or App Store account and signing back in via another

 

Accessing content in other countries can be critical for many users. With a few taps, you can open up a world of opportunities.

Cybersecurity Essentials for Business

Cybercrime is on the rise, and every business must have cybersecurity protocols in place. Read on to learn what steps you need to take to keep hackers at bay.  

 

 

Cybersecurity is a vital pillar of modern business. Hackers are shifting their attention to smaller enterprises, and data breaches can cost you time, money, and the trust of your customers. Below is a checklist of cybersecurity practices you should employ to minimize your risk of being hacked.

 

Use a branded email account

 

A branded email account exudes professionalism and gives you more control and security options than a free email service. Invest in an email provider that has the features you need, and make sure that your employees use only their business email to communicate with team members, customers, and business partners.

 

Keep software up to date

 

From operating systems to individual apps, it’s vital to install software updates in a timely manner. Outdated software may contain vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Rarely, an OS update may cause issues with certain programs, which brings us to our next tip.

 

Back up your data

 

Even the most comprehensive cybersecurity plan has its faults, and you’ll want a way to recover your data if the worst happens. Back up your data on a regular basis to an onsite and/or remote server. Consider investing in cloud storage or automated data backup solutions.

 

Educate and train employees

 

To maximize your company’s cybersecurity, you’ll need everyone to be on board and well-versed. Work with your IT team to design a versatile training program that caters to multiple learning styles. For example, you may have a bulleted presentation with concrete examples and a hands-on practice session. The program should teach employees daily security habits, signs of phishing, and what to do if they suspect a data breach.

 

Monitor all activity on your network

 

Data breaches can occur externally or internally, 24/7. A managed services provider (MSP) can monitor when devices connect to your network and what files are being accessed. Large data transfers or odd access times may point to a security risk.

 

Implement layered email security

 

Phishing is one of the most prolific tactics hackers use to steal data. By pretending to be a co-worker, supplier, or another person of trust, a hacker may send a malicious attachment or link to an infected website. When the victim opens the file or link, the system becomes infected with malware that may log keystrokes or encrypt files with passwords known only by the hacker. Using tools such as DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), DMARC (Domain-Based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance), and SPF (Sender Policy Framework), you can greatly minimize email vulnerabilities.

 

Manage accessibility and user permissions

 

It’s important to manage who can access certain files. By setting user permissions, you can grant or deny user access to certain documents. This helps prevent employees from sharing sensitive files with people outside the company or accidentally modifying a report. You’ll want to update these permissions when employees leave the company to prevent remote access.

 

Set password requirements

 

Weak passwords are a major vulnerability, especially if a hacker has done research on the account owner. Passwords should be at least eight characters in length and contain a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also mandate that all employees change their passwords at least

 

Use multi-factor authentication

 

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) uses multiple layers of identity verification in conjunction with the traditional username and password requirement. These might include security questions, a retinal or fingerprint scan, randomly generated PIN sent to the user’s mobile device, or a physical token that only the rightful owner of the account would have. The more layers present, the lesser the risk of a hacker getting through.

 

Just like the technology behind it, cybersecurity is constantly evolving. Whether you have an in-house IT team or an MSP you can trust, it takes teamwork and vigilance to keep your data safe and your customers confident in your business.

How IT Services in Denver Can Boost Business Efficiency and Profitability as the Year Comes to a Close

Discover how to select the right Denver-based managed IT service provider in order to give your business the boost it needs to grow both now and in the future  

The end of a year is always a busy time for any business. Statistics show that the ten busiest shopping days of the year occur between Black Friday and the end of the year. Taking advantage of this time period to finish the year strong is a wise move that will boost your business’ profitability year-round and one of the best ways to make the most of the year-end period is to invest in IT services in Denver to ensure the business has the tools on hand to offer optimal service to its customers.

The following are some key ways that a local IT service can help a business reach or even surpass its goals.

IT Services in Denver Handle all the IT Work

There is always extra work to be done at the end of the year. Employees, managers, executives and business owners will find that there is likely too much to do and too few to do it. The end of the year is certainly the worst possible time for a cyberattack, computer breakdown, software glitch or other IT problems.

IT services in Denver can prevent IT problems by providing access to the best hardware and software programs to ensure continuous uptime and optimal speed. Additionally, IT companies offer cutting edge cybersecurity options to ensure that company data and customer information is fully secure at all times. Knowing that the IT department is being competently managed will free company owners and managers to focus on other important issues such as customer service, employee training and satisfaction, advertising, etc.

IT Services in Denver Save Money

Cybercrime cost companies a horrifying $600 billion in 2018 alone. Unfortunately, large companies aren’t the only targets of cybercriminals. Small and medium-sized businesses are also hit by ransomware, malware, phishing and other attacks.

IT services offer the latest anti-virus and anti-malware programs to prevent all types of cyberattacks. What is more, many IT services also provide training to help employees know how to prevent, detect and deal with a cyberattack. While it naturally costs money to hire an IT service to handle cybersecurity issues, the cost is minuscule in comparison to the amount of money that would be lost if a business’ IT system is successfully breached by a malicious third party.

How to Pick the Right IT Service

Hiring the right IT service for your company can mean the difference between growth and failure in the coming year. Following are some factors to take into account when choosing a managed IT service provider:

  • Does it cater to your industry? You need IT technicians who aren’t just familiar with their field but also with your business requirements, way of operating and standards.
  • Does it offer the services that you need? IT services vary depending on who you work with. Make sure the company you select has all the services you need under one roof.
  • Is it local? A local service provider can usually provide faster, more efficient assistance than an IT service provider in another city.
  • Does the company have a high average review rating? It’s not realistic to expect any IT service company to receive only five-star reviews but a good company will have a high average review rating. Be sure to also take note of which types of businesses give the IT company high or low reviews.

Elevate is a Denver-based IT service company that specializes in offering cybersecurity tools, managed IT services, cloud technologies and more. The company works with a wide range of businesses and organizations to provide customized technology solutions that will meet or even exceed your expectations. Get in touch at your convenience to see if Elevate is a good fit for your business.