This mix of work arrangements sets up challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. In many cases, an at-the-office network will offer more security than an at-home network can. So, how can you protect your organization’s sensitive data if some of your employees are working from home?

Here are five suggestions for shoring up your organization’s cybersecurity at the office and in employees’ homes.

1. Fortify endpoint security

Endpoint security protects endpoints like laptops, desktops and mobile devices from harmful events such as malware or ransomware attacks, software viruses and denial-of-service activity. According to one estimate, businesses with fewer than 500 employees lose an average of $2.5 million per cyberattack. 

The at-home work wave set off by the pandemic has only made it more crucial than ever for an organization to ensure that every endpoint, whether it’s in the office or at an employee’s home, is as secure as possible.

An endpoint protection strategy allows network administrators to monitor all network activity from a management console, and then prevent or react to cybersecurity threats. The strategy can be carried out through on-site, cloud or hybrid systems.

2. Embrace mobile device management

Cloud-based and on-premises tools for mobile device management (MDM) enable network administrators to closely track devices being used at the office or at home.

For instance, an MDM approach gives you the chance to make sure that every mobile device connected to your network is running the most up-to-date software and operating systems. Other benefits include making important data inaccessible to employees on their personal devices and detecting whether they’re being used for unauthorized activity.

3. Adopt multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication provides another layer of cybersecurity. It requires someone to verify their identity in at least two ways, such as a username-and-password combo coupled with a thumbprint, to access online accounts, virtual private networks (VPNs), apps and other resources. 

Mandating the use of multi-factor authentication reduces the chance that your organization’s network will be struck by a cyberattack. This is because multi-factor authentication goes beyond the traditional single-factor method of simply typing in a username and password.

Multi-factor authentication is especially important if anyone in your organization uses personal devices for work tasks, such as checking email. A small-scale study released in 2021 showed that nearly half of users whose devices supported multi-factor authentication failed to take advantage of it.

4. Institute web filtering and content filtering

Web filtering and content filtering are complementary, but not identical.

Web filtering blocks access to websites selected by an organization, such as those that have been connected to malware or phishing attempts. On the other hand, content filtering restricts access to email or webpages that an organization has labeled as objectionable. This might include webpages that have been associated with malware attacks, for example.

Together, web filtering and content filtering technology can help shield a network against cyberattacks. This technology can easily cover in-the-office and at-home workers.

5. Train workers about phishing scams

It’s estimated that nearly three-fourths of companies in the U.S. experienced a successful phishing attack in 2020, with retail, manufacturing, food and beverage, research and development, and tech companies being especially susceptible. Given the breadth of the problem (costing the average large organization $14.8 million a year), it’s vital for both remote and in-the-office workers to be trained on how to avoid and detect phishing attacks.

In a phishing attack, someone pretending to be from a reputable entity or person sends a malicious email or text that’s aimed at tricking the recipient into revealing sensitive information. Examples of information sought in a phishing scam include login credentials, credit card numbers and financial data.

One of the best ways to prevent being victimized by a phishing scam is to think twice before clicking on a link in email or text. If you’re not familiar with the sender or the message looks odd, it’s best to avoid clicking on the link and then to delete the email or text.

Keep your business safe with top-of-the-line cybersecurity from a team that will never let you down. Contact ATB Technologies for a free consultation to review your needs for technology and IT support.

The post 5 Tech Tools to Improve Cybersecurity for In-The-Office and At-Home Workers appeared first on ATB Technologies.

Before we get started, here’s a quick framework for evaluating IT companies: we believe that communication, locality, and expertise are the three crucial components in providing quality IT. We think of them as three boxes to check. Each of the companies below is presented with that framework in mind.

With that in mind, here are some of the top IT support companies in St. Louis.

1. ATB Technologies

Sure, we may be biased, but we wholeheartedly believe in our ability to serve St. Louis businesses with great IT.

Our focus is on people-first solutions that give businesses an advantage.

As we mentioned upfront, that’s why we hire for communication skills and focus on customer service. Communication is the difference between uncovering the perfect IT solution for your business or leaving your biggest IT needs unmet. Our people are experts, too – on average, each has a decade of experience. We strive to build trust with our customers so we can deliver solutions that truly help them.

That focus has paid off; since 2002, the vast majority of growth has happened through referrals from satisfied local clients, as our company has developed a reputation in St. Louis for going above and beyond to get things done right.

We believe we check all three boxes – expertise, locality, and communication. You can learn more about our company here.

2. GadellNet

We appreciate GadellNet’s approach to IT support. From their home page:

“We don’t think of our clients in terms of ‘users’ or ‘tickets’. They are people with goals that we help them reach. They’re also people who don’t necessarily understand technology. And that’s ok, because we do. So when we get a call, chat, or email that something’s not working – we respond first with compassion followed by a relentless drive to quickly get them back to what they do best.”

A commitment to service like that is what you should prioritize as you’re looking for IT support in the St. Louis area. These guys definitely check the “communication” box.

3. Computer St. Louis

These guys have St. Louis in their name, so you know they’re committed to serving the area. While they stay local, they work with a wide variety of businesses, as they describe on their about page:

“Computer St. Louis is an IT solutions company that offers a wide array of products and services for small business owners up to enterprise clients with 1,500+ employees. As your IT partner, we share your dreams and devise a technology plan that aligns with your goals, boosts efficiency, increases productivity, and maximizes profit. We stay up-to-date with the latest technology developments to provide you with best-in-class solutions that drive measurable results.”

The approach is commendable, and these guys definitely check the “local” box.

4. Acumen Consulting

Acumen Consulting takes a no-nonsense approach to IT support. Here’s how they put things on their company page:

“We take care of your computers so you can focus on your business. We talk about Information Technology services in common English. You don’t need computer jargon to be professional. Our people explain what needs to be done and provide results.”

The focus on providing tech support in understandable language shouldn’t be such a differentiator – but it is. It’s admirable that Acumen strives to communicate clearly.

5. Alliance Technology Partners

Alliance Technology has taken a fun approach to branding their IT support (or a slightly-too-intense approach, depending on your perspective). If you look at their site, you’ll see they’ve personified their service as a kind of science fiction superhero: Armada, who saves businesses from cybercriminals and other IT issues.

It’s an entertaining angle. And, underneath the flashiness, there’s a commitment to providing quality service. From their about page:

“There is an unparalleled confidence that you get from knowing that your technology works, that you can rely on it, and that you can serve your customers without IT hassles and headaches. The Alliance Technology Partners team has the experience and the industry-recognized credentials to deliver! But more than that, WE CARE. We care about our work, our community, and our clients. That’s the X-factor that you are looking for.”

Caring – about work, the St. Louis community, and clients – does make a difference.

6. Anderson Technologies

Anderson Technologies is another St. Louis IT company located to the west of the city near Manchester. They’re a bit more focused on small businesses. Here’s how they describe things on their website’s homepage:

“We are a St. Louis IT company of experts in optimizing technology to meet the demands of your business. Whether frustrated by hassles and glitches or looking for a trusted partner to provide small business IT support and configure your systems for growth, call Anderson Technologies to find enlightened solutions for all your computer challenges. We provide the IT consulting St. Louis firms need to be competitive in today’s market place!“

7. ThrottleNet

ThrottleNet is primarily focused on providing cybersecurity services and network protection. In those things, they lean heavily on their expertise. Here’s how they describe it on their team page:

“If you overhear a conversation between our team members at a party, you may require a translator. They literally speak another language as they talk about 99.999% SLA, SSAE16 SOC I Type II compliant data center, GRC and SOX, integrated perimeter firewalls, site-to-site VPN, and 2-factor authentication.”

We don’t take the same approach with our jargon, obviously, but the emphasis here is clear: technical expertise is built into the team, which is a good thing. And here’s how they describe their service:

“We provide businesses and organizations a full-time IT department that combines advanced network management services to keep your network running smoothly, and to protect from data loss, hacking and ransomware.”

In today’s world, cybersecurity expertise is increasingly foundational in any company’s IT support plan.

8. CMIT Solutions

CMIT Solutions is all-in on the managed services model; the acronym in the company’s name stands for Completely Managed Information Technology.

In that, they’re focused on comprehensive and quick issue support. Here’s how they put it:

“We offer custom IT Support solutions for everyone in the office. Businesses look to CMIT when they have technology problems. We can help you find a solution.”

9. Computerease

Computerease is strongly rooted in St. Louis; founded over 30 years ago in 1984, they’ve stood the test of time in their service to the area. Here’s how they put things on their about page:

“We stand behind our work with a 100% guarantee and ONLY recommend solid, best-of-breed hardware and systems that work the right way, the first time and for the long term. We address any problems BEFORE it costs you money and time.  Our oldest clients have relied on our IT support and consultation services for over 15 years.”

10. Midwest Networking

Finally, the last IT support company we’ll look at is Midwest Networking. These guys are another business that’s focused firmly on St. Louis – despite the broad service area their name suggests, they are clear in stating their commitment to the St. Louis area. They’re also homed in on small businesses.

From their about page:

St. Louis is our home, community, and life. We are committed to seeing our great city grow. Part of this strategy includes partnering with great companies to help them achieve their ideal IT working environment.

Ready to Choose an IT Support Company in St. Louis?

We believe that in terms of checking all three boxes – location, expertise, and communication – ATB Technologies is the leading IT support company in St Louis.

Of course, the reality is that there are a variety of good providers in the area – but there’s one that’s best for serving your business’s needs. The trick is in identifying the right service fit.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward people-first IT that gives your St. Louis business an advantage, get in touch with us online or at 636-303-1016.

The post The Best IT Support Companies in St. Louis appeared first on ATB Technologies.