8 Benefits of Remote Managed Services for Virtual Businesses

Monica Morris • Dec 10, 2020

The meaning of the office has changed. It used to be an exclusive place where employees go to perform their daily duties. Today, many businesses exist virtually with no physical office and the office is wherever the employer is working from.  Companies can now do away with physical offices because the way employees work has changed dramatically especially for small businesses.  The attraction of eliminating rental costs and freeing up crucial budget has accelerated the adoption of remote working. Covid-19 restrictions have also eliminated the need for some employee office spaces. Even without a physical office, businesses still need to maintain the systems, connections, and devices of remote workers. For businesses that have operated physical offices in the past, it can be quite challenging to transition to a virtual setting.  Fortunately, remote managed services can be a lifeline to provide valuable services to a remote workforce especially in areas of networking, collaboration, and security.

How Remote Managed Services can Help Virtual Businesses

1. Set Up Remote Network Access 

Communication is the bedrock of remote working. When a business does not have a physical space, communicating with colleagues and supervisors while also accessing the company’s central network is crucial for business operations.

Remote Managed Services provided by MSPs can help your employees to access all network resources – this includes receiving updates about management, process reports, and get valuable feedback. This will create a smooth working environment for the remote workforce regardless of their technical expertise. 

2. Support Employee Onboarding

New hires need guidance on how to work with the existing system and fit in with the team. This is important because proper employee onboarding is necessary for higher productivity and staff retention.

In an organization with virtual offices, MSPs can help new employees to fit into the existing organization structure. Newly recruited staff can’t walk into a colleague’s office to seek clarifications or discuss business processes over lunch breaks but remote managed services can bridge the knowledge gap.

Onboarding via remote managed services for new employees may include setting up remote workstations, creating user passwords for accounts, configuring employees’ work devices, and providing sundry tech supplies when needed.

Remote managed services ensure that new hires working remotely can get access to similar resources and information as existing staff. 

3. Manage Cloud services

Cloud resources are essential to the operations of a remote workforce. They help employees to get access to needed resources anytime and anywhere. Important organizations’ applications and storage may also be provided via the cloud. 

Employees who have mostly worked in the office in the past may be unfamiliar with the workings and integrations of many cloud-based applications and software. An MSP can provide guidance in the selection and configuration of cloud-based services.  

4. Enhance Cyber Security

Using devices and applications outside of the company premises can expose employees’ devices to security threats.

For remote workers, the home, public transport, or coffee shop may be their office. Connecting to work resources from these places can be risky. Malicious users of public networks may sniff or steal data or even create rogue hotspots to monitor user’s activity.

MSPs can improve cybersecurity by ensuring that remotely working employees know the necessary precautions and best practices for secure server access. Firewall and intrusion detection systems can also be set up and monitored via remote managed services.

5. Keep Software and Hardware up to date

Just like in a physical office, work devices need regular updates and patches. A remote workforce environment presents different challenges as management cannot easily enforce a uniform IT policy such as updating all work infrastructure at the same time. 

With remote managed services, businesses can still keep employees’ devices up to date for software stability and security breach prevention.

6. Provide Training to Employees

MSPs can provide valuable training to employees virtually. This may include various guides on how to use collaborative tools and software for effective and secure communication. 

It may also involve teaching employees about the latest cyber security issues and how to handle various threats such as phishing email identification and reporting. An MSP training may also involve teaching employees how to audit their home office environment for security vulnerabilities before connecting to the company’s servers. 

7. Basic Computer Setup

Remote managed services offered by MSPs can assist employees in setting up basic computer functions in a secure manner. This includes internet browser and email configuration and integration. They can also configure and integrate commonly used office tools to provide for a more productive workspace.

8. Provide On-demand Tech Support

Beyond the basic setup of employees’ systems, a qualified MSP such as SDTEK can provide tech support whenever it is needed. 

System and mobile devices management can be done via remote managed services and there are processes for employees to report technical issues requiring fixing.

Disaster management can also be handled by having round the clock support for employees and designing a clear communication protocol for reporting problems as they arise.

Organizations with no physical office can’t just assume that every employee can set up a secure and working remote office all by themselves. Training, basic setup, tools integration, and general tech support for employees is also important. 

Remote managed services provided by MSPs will ensure that communication is smooth and workers are able to respond to issues and reports promptly. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business.

 

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Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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