Ransomware is arguably the worst kind of malicious program. Currently, there are two types of ransomware: Encrypting and locker. Encrypting ransomware encrypts your files and blocks you from using them unless you pay for a key to unlock them. Locker ransomware locks you out of your entire operating system unless you pay to unlock it. Both are awful and can not really be fixed unless you have a backup or actually pay the ransom. Because of this, the best way to protect yourself from ransomware is to take preventative action. Here are a few tips that will help you do that.

The very first thing you should do is back up your computer’s hard drive. It is also important to make sure that you are backing up your files on a consistent basis. It would be highly recommended that you have a backup on an external hard drive and on the cloud.

Personalize your anti-spam settings so that your server blocks attachments that have suspicious extensions. Such extensions would be .exe, .vbs, or .scr. These extensions are often connected with ransomware through email. Should something suspicious get through your anti-spam filter, do not open it. Be aware of who the email is from. Do not open an email if it comes from a suspicious person.

Really think before opening a hyperlink. Hyperlinks sent through social media or instant messengers can include malicious software. Always use your best judgment in opening anything on your computer.

Change your computer settings to allow you to see file extensions. By doing this, you can see the file type of the file that you are opening or are about to open. This way, you can easily avoid opening malicious files. Files should be avoided if they have two extensions.

If you notice a strange or suspicious process on your computer, immediately disconnect from the internet. This can instantly halt any attack as the ransomware attack requires the internet to connect to your computer.

Keep your computer’s firewall turned on and working at all times. In addition, make sure that everything on your computer is updated. This includes its operating system, antivirus, browsers, Java, Flash and all other software. In doing so, make sure that your antivirus can scan all files, including those that are archived and compressed. Disable Windows Script Host, file sharing, and think about disabling Windows PowerShell. Lastly, install a block up blocker for your browsers.

It is also important to use good passwords and be wary of your computer’s wireless capabilities. There are some cases where Bluetooth has been taken advantage of, so it is recommended to turn it off when not in use. Similarly, remote services should be turned off when not in use. AutoPlay should also be turned off. The last thing you want is to plug in is a USB and your computer automatically downloads everything on it!

Do you want more information on how to prevent Ransomware attacks? Contact us at info@nevadaitsolutions for more information.

Data breaches are an ongoing issue in today’s world. This year, large companies such as Equifax and Uber have suffered from data breaches, the latter even attempting to cover it up to avoid public scrutiny.Data breaches are an ongoing issue in today’s world. This year, large companies such as Equifax and Uber have suffered from data breaches, the latter even attempting to cover it up to avoid public scrutiny. A data breach can compromise, not only the information of you and your employees but the credit/debit card information and other sensitive information of your customers. Because of the weight of the consequences of a data breach, data security must be one of your business’ main priorities. Here are a few tips on how you can protect your company from a data breach.

There are numerous ways for malicious software to invade your data system. Spam email, attachments, and malicious links and websites are just a few ways that this can happen. This is why it’s so important for you to train your employees. They need to always be up to date with the latest scams so that they can avoid them at all costs. You can create links or emails in order to test your employees in a real-world setting. Hiring a third party to audit your business’ security policy would also be beneficial.

Require your employees to change their passwords consistently. Many hacks occur because hackers are able to bypass logins due to weak passwords. Require passwords that include uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters, and more than eight characters. Then, set them to be changed at a maximum 90 days. It may feel like an inconvenience each time you need to change your password, however, a security hack is a much bigger inconvenience.

Use cloud service. Not only is the cloud more secure than an on-site server, it is much more affordable. The risk of a breach is decreased when you have 24/7 access to it. With the price, security, accessibility, and low maintenance of the cloud, it is a must-have for any business.

PCI Compliance is very important for any business that accepts credit or debit cards. Being PCI compliant doesn’t necessarily mean that your company will be 100% safe from data breaches, but it does minimize the risks. By being PCI certified, your company can continue to be up to date with security trends.

Use a trusted IT company to help your company protect its data. Small business owners shouldn’t work alone in keeping data secure. Nevada IT Solutions, for example, provides 24/7 network monitoring, security software administration and maintenance, and more. With a trusted IT partner, you will have a plan at the ready, should a data breach occur. In addition, IT companies know what to look for when there is a security breach. Sometimes security breaches take a while to find, especially when you don’t know what to look for. An IT partner can spot these things for you with their network monitoring.

Do you need help protecting your business’ data? Nevada IT Solutions can help monitor and store your data and help to avoid a data breach. Contact [email protected] for more information!

Viruses can negatively impact your entire computer. A virus can slow down your computer to the point of it becoming unusable. Its connection to the internet can get slowed down, files can be damaged, and your activity and sensitive information can be monitored and stolen. With all of this in mind, keeping your computer virus free is important. Here are a few tips that can help you do that!

Be wary of email
SPAM mail is a very common way of picking up a virus. Stay away from emails from sources that are not known and never ever engage with links from these untrustworthy sources. If you are using a private email host, make sure to have an above average filter for spam. In doing so, you will be able to scan every attachment that you get. Never open an attachment without it being scanned first!

Virus scan USB drives
Always scan everything you put into your computer in general. Any file that you have can contain a virus, so it is important to make sure that you scan files before they are copied onto your computer. It’s also important to know that double-clicking the thumb drive is unsafe. The safe way to open one is to right click then choose “open”. After the virus scan, this is the safest method in opening the files.

Use your best judgment on the internet
The internet is the number one source of computer viruses and other programs that will attack your computer. Never click on pop up windows. Windows that tell you that you have won something are an example of some of the windows you should avoid. To aid in this, you can use a pop-up blocker which will make pop-ups a non-issue. Be sure to also stay away from websites that you do not trust!

Have good antivirus software installed
If you have a computer, you need good antivirus software. You will need to set this software to update automatically and to scan your computer on a consistent basis. There are many free antivirus programs, but it is recommended that you go with a shareware antivirus program. You will often hear that you get what you pay for. As far as computer security is concerned, this is absolutely true!

Be vigilant about search engine results
It’s not entirely uncommon to find a malicious website on your search results. To help you avoid these websites, there is software that can help you stay away from them. AVG Linkscanner, for example, verifies website links before you click on them. This can be a huge help when surfing the internet and/or browsing search results!

Always have a backup
It is always important to have a safety net. In the case of your computer, that safety net is a backup of your computer’s hard drive. The best way to do this is to have an external hard drive with all of your computer’s data.

Contact us if you need any assistance.

Managed IT Services should be a product that your business uses. Nevada IT Solutions offers 24/7 server and network monitoring, infrastructure management, tech support, PC, Mac, and mobile device support, and more. So why do any of this matter to you and your business? It matters because your business’ IT infrastructure is of the utmost importance and Nevada IT Solutions can make it better. Below are a few reasons why managed IT services are important for your company.

Convenience
Outsourcing IT gives you and your team the ability to focus on different aspects of your business. When technical issues arise, we are here to resolve those issues for you. This way, you won’t have to dedicate any member of your staff to fixing such problems. You also won’t have to hire an employee! With Nevada IT Solutions by your side, you don’t have to worry about any IT issues that may arise.

Strategy
Working with Nevada IT Solutions will simplify your network and its operations. By working with us, you will gain all of the advantages of having an IT executive without having to spend the money on hiring a new employee. Through having these IT services outsourced, your business will be provided with risk analysis and business impact, project planning and management, budgeting, and research and trends of current trends in technology. Having managed services is a great strategy in itself and helps to prepare you for the worst while stopping the worst from happening.

Infrastructure
Your business suffers when you do not have a reliable Infrastructure plan. Nevada IT Solutions can help your business create an infrastructure plan that decreases technological disruptions and downtime. This will contribute to better productivity amongst your employees.

Support
Nevada IT Solutions comes packaged with a ticketing and help desk system that is here for you and your business 24/7. This means that a full, credentialed team is here to help your business at any time. In addition, we monitor your servers and networks and can find issues in a timely manner.  We can help with any technological issue!

Cost
You will be saving a lot of money by working with a Managed IT Service. Your business can plan to pay for IT services for an entire year and not have to worry about any other costly expenses that may arise. Without working with Nevada IT Solutions, you potentially would have to pay for some rather expensive issues that could have been prevented. Having Managed IT Services will keep your wallet full while keeping you relaxed.

Nevada IT Solutions offers a friendly and flexible service that can help you and your business at any time. We will take the time to understand you and your business and will recommend the best technology available to ensure that your infrastructure is the best it can be.  

Still on the fence about working with Nevada IT Solutions or curious about the specially tailored packages we offer? Send us an email at [email protected] for more information.