14
Mar, 2018
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Tip of the Week: ‘Secure’ Browsing Doesn’t Mean ‘Private’

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Internet browsers, by in large, provide enough security for the average user to come out unscathed. Nowadays, people deal with many more threats than they once did, but by in large, users stay secure when using today’s most popular browsers. Privacy, however, is a whole different matter.

Nearly every brand of browser offers some of supposedly covert browsing options. Google Chrome has Incognito mode, Microsoft Edge allows you to access the web using “InPrivate” mode, and Apple’s Safari browser also offers users private browsing. Each of these platforms, however, are a would-be nightmare for privacy advocates. For this week’s tip, we will discuss some things you can do to keep yourself private while online.

Privacy in Browsing
Shielding your online identity inside your browser may prevent your browser’s history from tracking your online activity, but your ISP doesn’t have those kind of restrictions. Your ISP is capable of tracking every site you go to no matter what browser you use. Additionally, websites you visit when you are browsing privately, can also track your IP address regardless of your use of private browser settings. Since your path is left unprotected, it leaves your website activity open for inspection.

On that note, it also should be mentioned that no matter what kind of in-browser private setting you use, your employer, who typically owns the network you are working on, can still see what sites you access. For business owners that are serious about lost productivity from employee web surfing, there are solutions to ensure that you control what your workers can see. If you are serious about keeping your web browsing private, your best bet is to use your own virtual private network (VPN).

Virtual Private Browsing
Using a VPN will keep the connection between your system and your destination hidden, allowing you to choose the location you are browsing from. In hiding your connection under the encryption afforded by the VPN, you can get the privacy you need from anywhere on any Internet connection.

For assistance in implementing a VPN for your business’ browsing needs, reach out to NuTech Services at 810.230.9455.

9
Mar, 2018
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Why Your IT Toolkit Should Include a VPN

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Have you ever felt like someone was watching you while you’re doing your work from somewhere outside of your business’ infrastructure? If you’re working from a remote location, this situation might not be far from the truth. If you’re not using a private connection, onlookers could see everything that you’re doing or steal data. How can you keep your business secure while working out of the office?

The easiest way to do so is with a virtual private network, or VPN. You might have already heard quite a bit about VPNs thanks to the Federal Communications Commission’s verdict on Net Neutrality. Many users are hoping to take advantage of VPNs to limit the potential issues caused by ISPs selling browsing information to advertising companies, and just in general to protest the ruling. However, VPNs have a very important role in the business world as well, and they are an essential part of securing your organization.

Basically, a VPN works by encrypting your connection to important assets on your company’s network. This data is encrypted while it’s in transit, meaning that even if a hacker could intercept it, they would see nothing but a bunch of jumbled up letters, numbers, and symbols. Encrypted data is often simply useless for hackers as the time needed to crack the code is rarely worth spending. This goes for any data that’s being sent to or sent by your device, meaning that essentially any data that you need to send or receive is protected by military-grade encryption.

Think of it like this; you’re sending a letter to someone, but it’s locked in a box. The box can only be opened by specific users that have the key to it. Therefore, anyone hoping to intercept the box won’t be able to take the contents. Sure, they could steal the box if they want, but without the key, it won’t be of any use.

Overall, a VPN is the best way to keep your business from suffering data leaks or loss altogether. However, you want to ensure that the one you implement is an enterprise-level VPN that is capable of securing all of your business’s devices. If your business is in need of a powerful VPN, NuTech Services can help. To learn more, reach out to us at 810.230.9455.

5
Feb, 2016
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3 Technologies That Will Give Your Remote Workers the Edge

b2ap3_thumbnail_remote_working_400.jpgMore businesses than ever before are finding value in allowing their workers to work from the comfort of their own homes, rather than have them drive all the way to the office to do a job that can be done from anywhere with an Internet connection. More importantly, it’s much more cost effective for businesses to allow for remote workers. How can you make it as easy as possible for remote workers to get their jobs done?

Wait, why would you want to let your employees work from home in the first place? A lot of it has to do with cutting utility costs and other expenses, like hardware purchasing and energy expenses. If your team isn’t in the office, you can save on electricity and (depending on your location) heat or air conditioning. Plus, when employees feel good, they’re more likely to work hard, improving the quality of their work.

Here are three technologies that can help your remote workers get the most out of their workday.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
One of the most common problems for remote employees is that they need to access files that are stored locally on their company’s network. Since these employees aren’t based out of the business’s office, they won’t be able to access them in the traditional method. This can prevent them from doing their jobs properly, especially if there are critical files that need to be used for their daily tasks. A VPN allows your remote employees access to files on the company network securely. This helps to ensure that your team stays productive, without compromising your data’s security.

Cloud-Based Applications and Virtualization
The cloud allows for information and applications to be deployed via the Internet, which means that anyone with a stable Internet connection can access files or applications necessary to complete their day-to-day tasks. The cloud, in general, is a handy tool that can help you minimize your in-house IT footprint and improve data deployment, allowing your team to work from anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection; including on the road or on business trips.

Voice over Internet Protocol
Communication is yet another pain point that remote workers have trouble with. If your team needs to make frequent outbound calls, you want them to have a phone number that can be tied to your business. Furthermore, if you need to contact someone on your remote team, you expect them to be available through email, instant messaging, or via phone. With a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) solution, you can transfer your voice over the Internet, essentially providing instantaneous communication via both voice or video chat.

Ultimately, it’s your responsibility as a business owner to provide your team with the tools required to perform their daily duties, even if they work remotely. If your business is trying to achieve better operations via a remote workforce, contact NuTech Services, we can help!