Self-driving cars are all about information technology, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. In fact, they utilize some of the most complex, and still unperfected hardware and software in the lab. When the remaining issues in autonomous vehicles are solved, however, we will not only experience (promised) carefree driving but also advances in robotics […]
Chances are, you and your business are engaged with the cloud. Services like Dropbox are cloud-based, for instance, and easy to use. Your business, however, likely needs access to greater storage and technology than you can receive from a simple download. Moving to the cloud means you don’t have to maintain your own servers and […]
Modern computers and systems seem almost miraculous in their abilities and contributions to humanity. But proponents of quantum computers say the machines we are using today will be remembered as something like a horse-drawn buggy when the next leap in computing occurs. There are a few rudimentary prototypes, but quantum computers exist essentially only in […]
Ultra-fast 5G mobile and data communication is coming – perhaps as early as this year to some parts of the country. What it will mean to business owners and consumers remains somewhat unclear until we answer the question: What do we want to do with it? We know that our kids will start asking for […]
Widely used software from Drupal and Jupiter Networks – two companies known for helping businesses create web pages and improve connectivity – were hacked in the past month, causing potentially serious damage to their client companies and, just as important, demonstrating that you can never let down your guard. Drupal offers content management software. Many […]
You have heard of machine learning, in which a computer gains “knowledge” and expertise as it tries and fails at a human-designed task until it learns the correct approach. That type of machine learning is still being used, but it could soon become very old-school. Some day, generative adversarial networks will take over, as two […]
Here’s a scary fact if you are responsible for your company’s security: Some phishing emails encourage a nearly 100 percent open rate. Apparently, emails are irresistible when they pretend to inform recipients of a new evacuation plan for their workplace. The same is true for fake password update alerts. According to Wombat Security’s annual “State […]
Everyone knows Facebook has a problem. The headlines are relentless and appear day after day. If you only read the headlines, though, you might have an uneasy feeling, without knowing exactly why. Here is a primer on what’s been happening recently, what’s gone wrong, and how it might be addressed. To begin: Facebook collects a […]
As if the internet weren’t already a scary enough place, with cybercriminals lurking everywhere and unleashing malware at the rate of hundreds of thousands a day, the holiday season can be the stuff of nightmares. Cybercriminals really ramp up their wicked game on CyberMonday and during the holiday season – knowing full well more people […]
A new cyber threat emerged recently, and it puts any person using a wireless network, even one with a secure password, at risk of being hacked. The bug, called KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack), is essentially a fundamental flaw in the WPA2 (Wi-Fi Protected Access 2) encryption that is used on all modern Wi-Fi routers. This […]
You may have noticed that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin have taken off this year. Their market capitalization went from about $18B in January 2017 to more than $110B in June. The foundation of such digital currency is built on a technology called ‘blockchain.’ This is the foundation that enables users of the digital assets to trust […]
Cryptocurrencies – aka ‘digital assets’ – have been growing in popularity since Bitcoin was created in 2009. Its creation was based on a white paper that described a currency immune to manipulation by using mathematical algorithms as a method of regulation. Since then, thousands of cryptocurrencies have popped up; some survive, others have died. Today […]
How Data Solutions Are Changing in 2017 Like every year, 2017 is bringing a whirlwind of changes to the software industry. When it comes to listing the biggest 2017 IT data trends, the same categories seem to make an appearance year after year. While it’s true that artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things […]
How the World of Data Recovery Is Changing in 2017 As the world of big data continues to explode across the IT/software industry, so does the world of recovery data solutions. Backing up and securing sensitive data has become the name of the game. Some of the world’s largest companies are pouring millions of […]
What Can IT Professionals Expect from President Trump? There’s been a lot of commotion coming out of Washington since President Trump took office on January 17th. While the new president has yet to pass a major new piece of legislation through Congress, the Trump administration has been signaling towards some major changes when it […]
Virtually everyone walking around in the civilized world today holds in their hand a device that cybercriminals can use to make their lives miserable. It’s not only computers and laptops that users have to be concerned about; mobile devices are equally as vulnerable to attacks, especially since most people now use their smartphones and tablets […]
It’s no secret that businesses face numerous vulnerabilities these days, including threats from cybercriminal that can cost them dearly – in lost time, resources, data, revenue, and, maybe worst of all, damaged reputation. Companies such as The Network Support Company exist to help other businesses mitigate or minimize those risks. As a pro-active managed service […]
When a Security Breach Leads to Business Closure When a company suffers a data breach, the costs can be exorbitant. But protecting sensitive information is about more than just dollars and cents; it’s about brand loyalty, name recognition, and a company’s reputation. Having a vulnerable security system can be fatal for some companies. Small business […]
The Internet of Things (IoT) is exploding, and it’s become the new Wild West of the Internet world. What, exactly, is the IoT? It’s the collective term used to refer to all the new smart devices that are being connected to the internet. It started with smart phones, and now has morphed into any device […]
Cybercrime is on the rise all over the world, and the costs of cybercrime and data breaches are staggering. According to the latest annual Cost of Data Breach Study, conducted by the Ponemon Institute, the average consolidated total cost of a data breach grew from $3.8 million to $4 million last year, and that upward […]
With 177,339 worldwide data security threats every day, breaches are more serious than ever before. Even Yahoo and the IRS have been breached, so what is a small business to do? From individuals putting personal information in the cloud to massive attacks, a secure defense is the best strategy. The Network Support Company CEO Jim […]
Business owners know there will always be liabilities connected to running that business. But now there’s another “liability” to add to the list: data that must be protected. There are ways to safeguard your business against the liability of data loss, not the least of which is cyber liability insurance, which is a very specific […]
When I was growing up we never locked our house, even when we went away for a weekend. We weren’t afraid of going out at night and we didn’t have to worry about venturing into certain areas of town. We lived in the country, in a good neighborhood with good neighbors. Contrast that with any […]
If there’s one thing that never changes, it’s that we’re constantly on the prowl for ways to do things better…faster…more easily…more efficiently. Putting it plainly, we want life hacks – little tips and tricks that help us squeeze the most out of our lives. Technology gives us nearly endless possibilities for such hacks. They’re often little-known […]
For four years running, The Network Support Company has been named a Top Workplace in Connecticut by Hearst Media). We always think this award is one of the best, because it’s awarded following employee nominations and then surveying. In a company like TNSC, where our company culture is intentionally designed to support, encourage, grow, challenge […]
When it comes to technology, the hottest issue on the planet right now is cybersecurity. You simply cannot be over-protected when it comes to safeguarding against a data breach or a cyberattack. Whether you’re concerned about an entire network of computers, or simply your own PC or Mac, making sure you’re operating as safely as […]
Many companies today offer employees the option of working a more flexible work schedule, eschewing the traditional nine-to-five grind in favor of hours that more accurately reflect the 24-7 world we live in today. Different companies have different reasons for offering that flexibility. Here at The Network Support Company, while we do serve customers 24-7 […]
What is malware & what threats does it pose to you? Malware is software designed with malicious purpose. It may be designed to disable your phone or computer, remotely control your device, or steal valuable information like credit card information or passwords. To learn more about what malware is, different types of malware, and how […]
In today’s world, people rely heavily on technology for communication; computers and cells phones are everywhere. Behind the scenes, though, complex equipment and technologies are in place that allow for communication to occur. One such important piece of equipment is known as a switch. A switch is a device that enables networked devices to talk to one […]
The enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – HIPAA – is about to reach its 20th anniversary, yet there are still serious issues circling around the accessibility of private patient data. A nurse may not realize it, but innocently feeding data into a mobile device, or storing it in a cloud, could […]
If your cell phone isn’t in your hand this second, it’s almost certainly within reach. If you’re like most people, it rarely leaves your possession; you carry it everywhere you go. And that is precisely how Google knows where you are at all times. Far above their proficiency at making phone calls (who even uses […]
People who watch our technicians work, or those who know something about our operating procedures at The Network Support Company might be inclined to wonder, “why are they taking so many notes?” It’s because we believe that documentation – and creating a shared knowledge base for everyone on our team – is crucial. Although no […]
Some things in life are “set-it-and-forget-it.” Things like a Crock-Pot slow-cooker, or your DVR. IT security, however, does not fall into that category. Instead, especially for businesses – typical targets of cybercrime and data breaches – it’s imperative that employees stay as informed and as equipped as possible about constantly changing threats. And that means […]
Cyber security is a growing concern for any business. At least it should be. Most companies correctly invest a great deal in securing their IT systems. They inspect data on the perimeter of their networks, servers and workstations, filter websites that may contain malicious software, and institutionalize policies assuring proper password protection. The list of […]
By now, you’ve likely heard the term “big data,” referring to the ability to manipulate, analyze and report on massive amounts of data. Companies use big data to gain marketing insights, identify key trends, do scientific research, and assist in strategic plan development. But for most small and mid-size businesses, their real competitive advantage does […]
You’re working on a document or are almost done with a form, and suddenly you see the dreaded “(Not Responding)” on the left corner of your screen. Nothing you type or click is being recognized. Worse yet, your computer isn’t responding at all. You’re experiencing a Windows lock-up or freeze and you’re concerned! Before you […]
I recently had an opportunity to address a group of about 40 up-and-coming leaders at a Chamber of Commerce event in Danbury. I talked about the difference between leadership and management and some of the components of good leadership. Peter Drucker very succinctly makes this distinction: “Management is doing things right and leadership is doing […]
Google Chrome for Education – tools designed to engage with students, anytime and anywhere, on any device – is establishing itself as the next big thing in the evolving marriage of education and technology. One might argue that the union was inevitable; developers were engaged as soon as they witnessed the first generation of children […]
Security breaches stink. At best, a malware or virus attack is a nuisance and a time-sucker, because – if it hits your business – your employees will be forced to spend their time dealing with endless pop-up ads, slowed-down systems and probably computer crashes. At worst, a company can lose precious data or experience outages […]
You’re probably familiar with the cyberattack known as “phishing.” The hackers and crooks who engage in this send out automated mass emails, which appear to be from well-known institutions, such as banks, or ecommerce leaders, like Amazon. They hope to catch as many unsuspecting people as possible, who become victims by falling for a ploy […]
While computers no longer cost an arm and a leg, and can easily be upgraded to maintain and extend its usefulness, most people still want to get the most use as possible out of their machines. Lots of factors (battery life, quality of components installed, the way it’s used, etc.) play into determining the lifespan […]
Let’s face it, we desire to stay connected to the internet at all times. So when we see a sign for free public Wi-Fi, our pulse quickens. While the convenience is great, there are some dangers to joining these public networks that should make us think twice. When you join a network – any network, […]
Ukraine, December 23, 2015: a worker at one of Western Ukraine’s power distribution centers watched helplessly as his computer was taken over by a hacker, who – with click after click of his now remotely controlled mouse – proceeded to take about 30 substations offline. Two other power distribution centers were hit at the same […]
It would be difficult to argue that the internet hasn’t changed the way we talk. After all, without social media platforms and chat rooms, would anyone be exclaiming “YOLO!” when they’re about the attempt the world’s highest bungee jump? Would “trend” be a verb instead of a noun? Would “crowdfunding” be a thing? And let’s […]
When the nature of a job allows it, today’s technology removes virtually any obstacle to working from home. As long as an employee has internet access and can link to company servers, he or she may never need to go to the office. For me, the notion to propose a mostly work-from-home scenario (four days […]
We get it. Information Technology is broad and often confusing, with seemingly endless facts to absorb just to grasp what happens inside all those wires and up in that cloud. But besides all the facts – which require years of continuing education (just ask our techs) – complicating matters even further is that IT has […]
Something we value highly here at The Network Support Company is delivering excellent customer service. From our business development managers to our technicians to our account managers, we aim to delight and surprise our clients with our attentiveness and level of engagement. The quarterly customer service surveys we deploy – in which we score 4+ […]
With technology evolving rapidly, most employers simply can’t keep up with the pace of change as easily and quickly as their workforce can, so more and more companies are allowing employees to use their own devices on the job. From laptops to cell phones to tablets, today’s businesses are often powered with equipment not provided […]
The saying goes, “There are two kinds of computer users; those who’ve lost their data and those who haven’t lost their data yet.” The truth of the matter is that, eventually, something will happen that will result in data loss: a virus, a lightning strike, a cyberattack, a stolen laptop, a server failure, a hard […]
It’s a practically a daily occurrence: one of my coworkers – it could be any number of them, actually – walks by my office and pauses to hurl a well-thought-out insult. Of course, I’ll then lob one back, because that’s usually what leads to some uproarious laughter. Laughter. Fun. Humor. They’re as much a part […]
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