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.

Celebrating “Get To Know Your Customer Day” On October 17

October 17 is Get To Know Your Customer Day! Knowing our clients is foundational to everything we do – do you know why?

 

You may have heard that industry-leading, award-winning, unbeatable IT services come down to one specific thing.

 

Maybe it’s offering the latest, greatest, fanciest, tech gimmicks (which also tend to be the most expensive). Maybe it’s the lowest possible monthly price (coming, of course, with a long list of addendums, conditions, nickel-and-dime fees, etc.)

 

But what really matters in IT? People, of course.

Why Is It Important To Know The Customer?

 

Understand What They Need.

 

It sounds simple, right? Knowing what the client actually wants out of their IT should be the first step to delivering those services, but often, the opposite is true.

 

It can be easy to think that whatever services being offered are everything that a client could need. But the truth is that often a given client is really interested in one specific service or solution – an answer to their problem that got them looking for a new IT support provider in the first place.

 

It seems obvious, but it’s crucially important to good service: once you know what’s needed, you can ensure it’s provided.

 

Understand How They Communicate.

 

We’re very careful about the technical jargon that technicians and engineers are prone to use when talking shop. While it’s acceptable around coworkers, that kind of high-level, incomprehensible language won’t be very helpful to the client during a support call.

 

Also, we make sure not to forget to take into account the medium in which our clients prefer to get in touch. More and more these days, when someone has to get in touch, they do so via text or email instead of over the phone.

 

Understand Their Goals.

 

Lastly, for long-term success in service, we need to know where the client is headed – or, at least, where they’re trying to get to.

After all, no business can get stagnant. It’s vital that they continue to grow and improve, and their IT environment is a big part of that.

In our preliminary discussions with the client, we want to be sure to find out what they’re plans are for the next year, five years, and so on, and what role their technology could play in that plan.

Bottom line: the user experience is the single measurement for the quality of any given solution or service, and that includes IT services. That’s why Get To Know Your Customer Day is such special day!

Are Cybercriminals Buying And Selling Your Personal Info On The Dark Web?

 

Do you know about the Dark Web? This online marketplace for stolen data and illicit goods might be having a sale on your personal info and business data right now.

 

 

Never heard of the Dark Web?

 

It’s a part of the “deep web”, which is a much larger collection of websites that aren’t accessible through normal Internet browsers you and I use. In every day web browsing, we actually only access about 1% of Internet data.

 

The rest is the Deep Web, and the black market portion of it is known as the Dark Web. Personal information such as school and medical records, bank statements, and private emails are all part of the Dark Web.

 

To gain access to this information, you must be able to access an overlay network using specialized software and passwords. This is a good thing, because it keeps sensitive information safe, and prevents search engines from accessing and indexing it.

 

How Can Your Information End Up On The Dark Web?

 

Before cybercriminals can sell your data for profit on the Dark Web, they have to steal it first. They may achieve this by…

 

  • Phishing: Phishing emails are sent to large numbers of users simultaneously in an attempt to “fish” sensitive information by posing as reputable sources; often with legitimate-looking logos attached.
  • Whaling: The bad guys target top executives and administrators, typically to siphon off money from accounts or steal confidential data.
  • Social Engineering: LinkedIn, Facebook and other venues provide a wealth of information about organizational personnel. This can include their contact information, connections, friends, ongoing business deals and more.

 

3 Ways To Keep Your Data Off The Dark Web

 

  1. Train Your Staff: Besides an initial onboarding training session, all employees should attend refresher courses throughout the year. The vast majority of cybercriminals gain access to a company’s network through mistakes made by employees.
  2. Protect Your Passwords: It’s advisable that you assign strong passwords to each individual employee to prevent them from using passwords that are easy to guess, as well as implementing two-factor authorization.
  3. Get Expert Assistance: When you’re not sure if you have the skills or knowledge to get the job done, what can you do? Work with an expert cybersecurity team – Elevate Services Group. 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

 

5 Cyber Security Statistics You Need to Know For 2020 and Beyond

Cyber Security Statistics You Must Know to Keep Your Company Safe

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Here are 5 critical cybersecurity threats that you need to know to develop a strong strategy to keep your company safe.  

Cybersecurity is more of a struggle for businesses every single year. With the number of data, users, and systems constantly growing, there are more points of attack and a greater prize for nefarious users. This is why new threats emerge on a practically daily basis.

In order to keep yourself and your company protected from these evolving threats, you must stay updated on the latest threats and trends. To help you get a better idea of the current state of cybersecurity and why it’s important to stay constantly vigilant, here are five of the most important current cybersecurity statistics:

1. New Ransomware Attacks Occur Every 14 Seconds

Ransomware attacks can be costly and put your valuable data and systems at risk. Unfortunately, experts estimate that a new ransomware attack happens every 14 seconds. That’s an average of over 25 attacks per hour and 100 per day! If you aren’t actively working to deter ransomware attacks, you’re bound to be a target sooner rather than later.

2. Almost Half of All Cyber Attacks Target Small Businesses

Many people think of cyber attacks as something that only major corporations need to worry about. After all, they’re the ones with the most valuable data. However, these businesses typically take a lot more effort to infiltrate. As a result, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. These businesses are across all industries and sizes, proving that nobody is entirely safe when it comes to cyber threats.

3. Cyber Security Spending is Growing Massively

By the end of 2021, it’s expected that over $1 trillion will be spent on cybersecurity globally. Unfortunately, not all of those dollars are being spent very efficiently. In order to truly combat cyber threats, you must develop an all-encompassing cybersecurity strategy. That means spending on the right technology, but also training your employees on how to identify and protect themselves from cyber threats, and how to react in the case of an emergency.

4. Data Breaches Can Take Over Six Months to Detect

On average, some companies don’t even know that there has been a data breach for six months. By then, the damage has been done over and over again. This doesn’t take into account the amount of time required to actually identify the root cause and resolve it.

5. Average Cost of a Cyber Attack is Massive

As attacks become more sophisticated and user data continues to grow in value, the actual cost of a cyber attack is rising rapidly. In 2019, it’s now estimated to be over $1.6 million! If your business is smaller or just getting started, a single successful attack could put you out of business. There’s no bigger threat facing your company today.

Clearly, developing a strategy for comprehensive cybersecurity is a task that all businesses must take special care with, no matter how big or small they are. As the digital world continues to grow in scope, the threats will continue to grow as well. Keep the cybersecurity statistics above in mind as you develop your own strategy and work to stay a step ahead of the threats and hackers.

Who Wants to Become Part of an Elite Group of Business Executives?

 

Who wants to move past being a typical company with lackluster cybersecurity measures that WILL eventually lead to a data breach?

 

 

Welcome to the progressive group of business executives who take their reputation, their customers, and ultimately, their livelihood seriously. At this point in time, only 32% of executive board members are briefed on their company’s cybersecurity on a quarterly basis. What difference does their involvement make? Studies show 70% of breaches result from people and process failures within the company. This 32% of executive board members account for a unique group of people who want their business to thrive. They don’t settle for lackluster cybersecurity measures that will be their downfall.

 

And now we welcome you to join them…

 

Your internal information technology person or team will certainly thank you for advocating for more when it comes to cybersecurity. Why? Because they know the risks. Sophos found that the average cost of a ransomware attack on businesses is $133,000. Investing in cybersecurity now can save you hundreds of thousands later on.

 

{company} will help you reach a level of advanced cybersecurity wherein you can rest assured knowing you’re at a low risk for becoming yet another victim of an attack. If you are seriously motivated to become part of an elite group of business owners, you will be glad to hear that we’re able to make sure:

 

  1. Your board of directors is fully involved in all of your cybersecurity efforts
  2. Your entire staff (everyone on your payroll) is aware of proper policies and procedures
  3. Your complete infrastructure is protected with the right cybersecurity solutions

 

These 3 simple factors are absolutely crucial to setting you apart from the majority of companies with lackluster cybersecurity measures.

 

Our offering is based on more than simply implementing the right cybersecurity controls controls, but on helping a select group of business executives set themselves apart from the rest.

 

We are well-aware that this offering is not something every business executive will respond to, but the ones who do will learn the behaviors, strategies, and policies necessary to persevere for years to come.

 

Cybersecurity Ventures found that another organization will fall for a ransomware attack every 14 seconds. We looked at the average cost of those ransomware attacks above: $133,000. For many, this is a hard cost to bounce back from. Our team will help you learn the behaviors, strategies, and policies necessary to persevere for years to come. You’ll stay safe from:

● Malware

● DNS attacks

● Email scams and phishing

● Spyware

● Viruses

● Data leaks

● Ransomware

● Internal threats

What makes us the right choice to help you achieve all of this? Since 1988, we’ve been combining all of our expertise, experience, and different perspectives with the information we’ve gathered working with a multitude of companies to create an offering that works. We’re backed by:

 

  • Multiple industry awards, including MSP501, the Inc. 5000, the CRN MSP 500, and more.
  • Multiple industry certifications, including Microsoft, HP, VMware, EMC, Fortinet, and more.

 

So what do you need to do?

 

If you’re ready to become part of an elite group of business executives, call me right away at {phone} or send me an email at {email} to talk about our offering. The behaviors, strategies, and policies necessary to persevere for years to come are YOURS if you’ll take them.

 

P.S.

 

If you’re not ready to become part of an elite group of business executives, at least take advantage of our FREE dark web monitoring – available only to the next 14 companies that request it.

 

This is a HUGE opportunity to find out what sensitive data of yours might be lurking on the dark web:

 

  • Leaked data from employees
  • Financial information
  • Trademark and copyright infringements
  • And more

Finding The Right Denver IT Services Provider

What Every Business Owner Should Know About Investing in the Right Denver IT Services Provider in 2020

What are the Right Tech Solutions for 2020?

Discover how to increase business efficiency, save money, boost employee engagement and more by investing in the right technology for the coming year.  

Denver IT Services Provider

Technology plays a vital role in every single industry. It can increase workplace productivity by 20%. It significantly boosts workplace engagement by enabling employees to work remotely. It also enables companies to launch marketing campaigns faster than would have otherwise been possible. The truth is that a business owner simply cannot go wrong investing in top-tier IT solutions for his or her company.

At the same time, knowing which forms of technology are the best for a particular firm can be challenging. Following is an overview of some cutting-edge IT developments to help business owners make wise, well-informed decisions.

Artificial Intelligence

A recent survey found that more than 80% of executives believe that AI would increase a company’s productivity and give a company an edge over its competitors. It isn’t hard to see why businesses from a wide range of industries put a premium on AI and all that it has to offer when one considers its many advantages:

  • The ability to understand verbal input and obey what is being said
  • The ability to automate simple tasks, and to perform rote jobs faster and more efficiently than human employees.
  • The ability to adapt and learn as new and varied situations are presented. This particular ability is extremely important in the cybersecurity realm as hackers are continually changing tactics and methods in order to breach a company’s IT security.
  • The ability to quickly and accurately analyze large quantities of data.

It’s also worth noting that AI would enable a company to save money by having work done by an algorithm rather than human employees.

Remote Work and Mobile Technology

As was noted above, employees who work remotely tend to be more engaged than those who aren’t given this freedom. Thankfully, mobile and remote work technology has been around for some time and there are plenty of options in this field to pick from.

Companies that want to take full advantage of remote work and mobile technology may want to consider the following courses of action:

  • Providing employees with the necessary hardware to enable them to work securely from home
  • Setting up a secure online collaboration tool such as Google Apps for Business, Trello, Asana, Huddle or Basecamp
  • Storing documents on a secure cloud server to allow employees to access these easily while working outside the office
  • Providing security training for employees, so they know how to send and store files securely

Partnering with a Denver IT Services Provider

IT service providers enable small and medium-sized businesses to avail themselves of the same top-tier IT solutions that large companies use. Such companies offer plans in various price points and customize their services to meet the needs of any company, organization or office.

Typical services provided by an IT service provider include:

  • Cutting edge hardware and software
  • Cloud storage solutions
  • Cybersecurity software and employee training
  • IT assessments and recommendations

Generally speaking, it is far more affordable to work with an IT service provider than it is to hire full-time IT specialists. What is more, IT service providers have more training, experience, and tools on hand than an independent IT specialist would be able to provide.

Elevate is a Denver IT service provider that specializes in helping business owners select the technology they will need to grow a business both now and in the future. Elevate also provides companies with the tools and training needed to maximize technology investments to enable a company to get the best value for the money spent. The company puts a priority on offering cutting edge cloud storage solutions to enable companies to store and access data in a secure, efficient manner. Get in touch with us at your convenience to discover how we can help you transition from old, outdated technology to new technology that will enable you to reach your business goals.