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Do-It-Yourself (DIY) IT Support vs Hiring a Managed IT Service Provider

Monica Morris • Aug 01, 2018

Does your business rely on IT services?

Have you had challenges deciding if a DIY in-house team or a managed service provider is best for your business? You are not alone.

It can be confusing to choose because a variety of factors need to be considered to make the right decision.

In this article, we discuss some of the Top Reasons to choose outsourced support with a Managed IT Service Provider over DIY IT Support and how they can help your organization achieve its goals.

Do-IT- Yourself (DIY) IT Support

Setting up an in-house team requires significant time and financial resources.

Advantages of DIY Support

System Knowledge: Your in-house team may be familiar with how your systems work. They also may be able to make quick diagnoses and resolutions to small IT problems.

Easy Access: For problems requiring a hands-on solution such as hardware fixes, use of a DIY team sometimes can be quicker if your team members work onsite.

Disadvantages of DIY Support

Costly: Having a full-time staff can add to business overhead such as office tools and space expenses. Additional training will need to be provided which can be a costly expense as well.

Availability: Your in-house team may take holiday and sick leave. If a problem occurs during their breaks you will end up scrambling around for an external IT expert to come fix the problem. In addition, if an IT problem should occur after hours, most likely a team member will not be available to fix the problem quickly.

Recruitment and Training Tasks: Like other staff, your in-house IT team requires proper human management. Part of this is recruitment and training of your IT team so that they can have relevant and updated skills. This can be more work than necessary for small business owners.

Managed IT Service Provider (MSP)

Managed IT Service Provider is a remote service provider (or someone who can provide outsourced support) that takes care of your business IT problems while making sure everything is running smoothly. If an IT problem should arise an IT support team will be there to help, they are your technology solutions provider. And as we’ve shared in past blog posts, an MSP is a true partner in your success!

Top Reasons to Choose a Managed Service Provider:

Increased productivity: When your team is not specialized and they take any assignment that comes up, they end up distracted by minor tasks. Hiring a managed IT service provider helps your organization focus on its core business. And with staying focus comes increased productivity.

Specialized skills: Some IT technologies requires a significant time investment to move up from training to master level. A business with an MSP need not worry about retraining of staff to keep up with the latest technologies as such is handled by a managed provider.

Scalability: The goal of every business is to expand and grow. But this can be very difficult if an organization is not well-prepared for expansion. MSPs helps small business owners to expand their reach and service without facing scalability problems such as shortage of manpower and limited expertise.

Availability: Want an urgent support on weekends or in the night? Managed Service Provider is the answer. Even when your office is closed for the day, an MSP is still keeping watch and will respond to problems that may arise.

Personal Touch: Providing technical support is their specialty. You will be receiving professional IT support and will feel confident that your information technology is in good hands.

Conclusion

The cost savings, technology specialization and scalability advantages of a managed service provider far outweigh taking the path of DIY IT support. If you plan to have a dynamic organization that is able to deliver on its promise, a managed IT service provider is the way to go. Please contact us today to learn how SDTEK can keep your business safe and secure.

The post Do-It-Yourself (DIY) IT Support vs Hiring a Managed IT Service Provider appeared first on SDTEK | San Diego, CA.

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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.