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Advantages Of IT

What Are the Advantages of Information Technology in Business?

With the global IT budget nearing $4 trillion, it’s clear that information technology is a force in the modern world.

If you run a business – any kind of business – in 2023, there’s a strong possibility that you need IT help. We rely on technology for everything from day-to-day operations to protecting customer data. However, few business leaders understand the ins and outs of the technology that helps them.

In this post, we’re going to discuss the advantages of IT for small businesses in San Antonio and Austin. Whether you operate a healthcare business or a commercial construction company, you need the latest technology and someone who understands it to help.

Finding the right managed service provider requires you to know more about IT. Keep reading and we’ll get you up to speed on why IT is so important and how you can leverage it to increase productivity and decrease risk.

What Is IT?

The simplest definition of information technology is that it comprises everything to do with a company’s computer systems and physical devices and the infrastructure and processes to secure, process, store, and exchange data.

The IT industry has evolved with technology. 30 years ago, IT would have had to do with software installation and connection setup. Now, an IT department looks after systems, applications, networks, and data to ensure that it all works together and functions well.

They also monitor the performance of everything and troubleshoot issues as they arise. IT departments are responsible for the security of networks and infrastructure. The global cost of cybercrime is around $8 trillion and is projected to grow in the coming years.

What Are the Advantages of IT?

In a world that is so reliant on technology, the role of IT has become more and more integral for businesses. Let’s now look at some of the benefits and advantages of IT.

Better Communication

An obvious IT advantage for small businesses is the ability to communicate more effectively. Whether it’s email, instant messaging, or video conferencing, we’ve got the ability to talk to customers and colleagues all over the world at any given time.

It’s hard to imagine a world without the ability to communicate in this way. In the 90s, email completely changed internal communication. Now, we’re able to hold virtual meetings from our smartphones, allowing businesses to operate more freely and efficiently.

Productivity and Efficiency

Information technology boosts efficiency and productivity in countless ways. Communication is a huge aspect of this, but it’s more about the way that technology streamlines production.

With technology, we’re able to create a more efficient workflow and automate mundane and time-consuming tasks that employees used to have to do manually. It also provides more access to important data and information through cloud computing.

Having data stored in the cloud allows any credentialed person to access whatever they need from wherever they are. Employees can stay focused and productive because they have everything they need and technological processes to make life easier.

Cost-Cutting

When you start thinking about the costs of setting up an IT system, it can get pretty daunting. You have to take the long view of IT as a cost-cutting resource.

Because of the way it boosts productivity and efficiency, IT raises your bottom line. With everything streamlined, you’ll see increased earnings, which pays for IT setup in a matter of weeks.

Cybersecurity

One of the consequences of all of our technological advances has been the rise in cybercrime, as we touched on above. Cybercriminals are working diligently at all times to find breaches in security. This is why it’s so important to continue updating your security measures.

Gone are the days of physical files – IT allows you to store your data in secure databases. You can encrypt your files and place them under several layers of security to protect them. Multi-factor authentication, VPNs, and data backups are all essential parts of a modern cybersecurity strategy.

Attacks happen every 39 seconds. If you’re going to keep your data safe, your IT team needs a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

Competitive Advantages

Potentially the greatest advantage of IT is its ability to unlock competitive advantages. Everyone has access to the same IT tools, but it’s the way that you implement them into your day-to-day that can separate you from your competitors.

If you’re a construction company, things like project and inventory management, when used correctly, can help you streamline projects. The more efficient you are, the more you can accomplish, and the better positioned you’ll be against the competition.

For the healthcare industry, you’ll use electronic health records and patient portals. These things help you better communicate with your patients. It improves their experience and brings in more referrals.

With pharma firms, your IT advantage might be in marketing. Collecting and analyzing customer data to better position your products can be the difference between success and failure. Data and record storage are important pieces of the puzzle here also.

What Is a Managed Services Provider?

There’s no limit to the advantages of IT, but how you implement and manage your tech can be tricky. Many companies still gravitate toward having a full-time in-house IT department. For most, this isn’t the best way to approach informal technology.

Everyone’s IT needs are different. A managed service provider (MSP) allows you to customize your approach to IT while taking advantage of the most knowledgeable professionals in the industry.

Whether you want better cybersecurity, tech support, or fully managed IT services, an MSP will work with you to come up with the right plan.

Get the Best Managed Services in South Texas

These are a few of the advantages of IT. When you hire an MSP, you’ll experience everything we’ve discussed here and more. Finding the right IT services is about understanding your IT deficiencies and where you want to be in the future.

At Terminal B, we offer managed IT solutions and support to Austin and San Antonio businesses. If you’re in the construction, legal, science, or healthcare sector, contact us today to discuss your IT needs and how we can help.

AGCO Cyber Attack

AGCO Ransomware Attack: What Is It and How Do You Protect Yourself From It?

On May 5, 2022, the agricultural manufacturing giant, AGCO, was hit by a ransomware attack that halted its operations. This cyber attack resulted in data exfiltration, financial losses, and operational disruption. Luckily, due to AGCO working outside of retail, no consumers lost their data in the attack.

The AGCO ransomware attack is just one of the countless cyber attacks that target businesses in the USA. San Antonio and Austin, TX, are thriving business hubs, and if you’re based here, you need to take steps to protect your data.

If you manage your business operations in-house, a lack of resources could leave you vulnerable to a cyber attack.

How could you defend against the AGCO cyber attack? What exactly is AGCO ransomware? How can you keep your data safe?

This AGCO guide will help you. Read on and let’s get started!

How Does an AGCO Ransomware Attack Work?

We know what happened in the AGCO ransomware attack, or at least, we know the end result: damage to a major corporation. Entire cities are targets: The city of Oakland entered a state of emergency in February 2023 after a ransomware attack plagued its IT systems.

Ransomware is one of the most damaging forms of malware. Let’s see how it sinks its teeth into your data.

Ransomware works by getting into your system files, encrypting sensitive data, and then threatening to delete it unless you pay the hacker a financial ransom. For big businesses, the ransom to get the data back can be 7 figures or more, and there’s no guarantee the hacker will keep their word.

Most businesses use encryption to protect their data, and consumer computers often come with whole-disk encryption software pre-installed. When the decryption key is personal to you, no one else can read your data. Ransomware poses such a huge threat because the hacker holds this key.

AES-256 encryption uses a 256-bit key to encrypt your data. It is a form of symmetric encryption which uses the same key to encrypt and decrypt the data. In a brute force attack, with no knowledge of the victim, AES-256 is almost impossible to crack, taking multiple years even for a supercomputer.

So, you see the dilemma you face if AGCO ransomware gets hold of your data. You need to protect yourself, and one of the best ways is with managed IT services with specialized training in cyber security.

The benefits of investing in ransomware protection far outweigh the costs. Damage to your business reputation, loss of consumer data, and financial costs can be hard to recover from.

How to Protect Yourself From an AGCO Ransomware Attack

Managed It services can protect you from ransomware in a number of ways. These are some of the basic strategies you can implement, but there are new techniques arising every day to match the evolving cyber threats. Without assistance, it can be time-consuming to keep track of them all.

Data Backup, Recovery, and Cloud Services

Cloud services, like Azure Cloud, make it harder for attackers to reach your data. They also protect your data from physical theft of equipment, like hard drives, while making it easier for your team to collaborate. Cloud backup lets you recover your data, even if the hacker decides to delete it.

Managed service providers keep track of your backups for you. When you’re busy with your business, it can be easy to forget to make backups at regular intervals. Miss one, and you could lose something essential.

Even though cloud services give you a remote backup, offline backups still have their place too! They can be stolen, but without them, you rely on your cloud service entirely – plus you can disconnect them if you detect a breach. Use a mix of physical and cloud backups to ensure you can access your data even if the worst happens.

Team Cybersecurity Training

Training your team in cybersecurity is one of the best ways to protect yourself. Human error accounts for the majority of data breaches – all you need to do is download the wrong email attachment – so team training is vital. Plan for an AGCO cyber attack the same way you plan for any business threat.

That said, training an in-house team dedicated to cybersecurity often costs you more than teaming up with a managed services provider. They have experts in cybersecurity ready to help you, and they can help train your other team members too. This combination frees up your resources and saves on your total expenses while offering you optional protection.

Remote Management and Monitoring (RMM)

RMM enables your managed services provider to help you from anywhere. They can schedule manual updates and backups, mitigating security threats and keeping you updated. Your cybersecurity experts can patch holes in your security and perform regular analysis to find any additional gaps.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) Services

AGCO ransomware fails to hurt you if it fails to reach your files. Having up-to-date firewall and antivirus systems helps to keep you safe, but you need to keep regular updates scheduled to stay ahead of ransomware as it evolves. Your managed services provider will take of this for you.

EDR can be complex to implement in complicated business infrastructures. Without special training, you may leave gaps in your protection, and as we all know, antivirus software can affect your computer performance – this is multiplied in an interconnected network, and you need things to run fast to stay efficient.

Upgrade Security for Your Business

An AGCO ransomware attack can devastate businesses of all sizes, and as we’ve seen, even city departments can fall victim to ransomware. The right managed services provider can give you peace of mind.

Terminal B can keep your sensitive data out of the wrong hands. We offer managed services packages tailored to your needs. We have helped businesses in San Antonio and Austin, TX, keep their data safe for over 15 years.

We offer cybersecurity management, Azure Cloud, Azure Virtual Desktop, support, and consultancy services. We specialize in the construction, healthcare, hi-tech commerce, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Ready to tighten your cybersecurity? Book your strategy session today!

How To Change Password In Remote Desktop

How to Change Password in Remote Desktop

A survey showed that 63% of people have an issue with forgetting their online passwords. Another poll also showed that 65% of people found memorizing passwords difficult.

Are you wondering how to change password in remote desktop? This is a common question that people have if they have misplaced or forgotten their online password.

The average person will have multiple passwords that they need for their online tasks. It can become difficult to remember them all, resulting in you needing to change certain passwords.

Keep reading to find out how to change password in remote desktop.

Use a Shortcut

One of the best ways to change a remote desktop password is with a shortcut. Keep in mind that different types of desktops may require different shortcuts.

One common option that many find useful is ctrl-alt-delete. You will need to press these buttons at the same time to use the shortcut successfully.

If you need to change password in RDP, This short cat should still work.

Active Directory Users and Computers Console

Another option you have is the active directories users and computer console. You will need to press the windows and the R button at the same time.

This will open the Run console, and you will need to type dsa.msc and press enter to open the console. Choose the users tab and go to the username where you want to change the password.

You should be able to right-click that account and choose the option to reset the password. You will need to add the new password and confirm it before clicking OK.

This is another simple solution if you need to know how to change remote desktop password.

On-Screen Keyboard

Some windows servers support on-screen keyboard options. This is a virtual keyboard that pops up on your screen when you click the on-screen keyboard key.

All you need to do is type OSK and press enter. Then press the windows and the IR buttons to access the Run Command window.

On the physical keyboard, hold down the CTRL and the ALT keys at the same time. As you are doing this, press the DEL key that is on the virtual keyboard on your computer screen.

This should allow you to change your password without having to enter the old one.

Net User

If you need to change a local user password, this is quite simple. You will need to click start, then click the Run option that comes up.

That or you could press WIN and R at the same time for the same result. Type in net user with your username and password.

This allows you to change these two details without having to enter your old password. This is perfect if you have forgotten it and need to access that account still.

ALTGR-END

If you want a quick way to change your password, you can hit the ALTGR key. You will need to press this key with the End key to get this option.

This is something that you can also do to emulate the CTRL-ALT-DELETE shortcut. Keep in mind that not every keyboard is going to have this key available.

Sign In Options

If you know your old password but you want to change it, this is very simple. If you are using windows, open the sign-in options tab and select the password button.

You will have the option to change this password, which you will need to click on. Then you can follow the on-screen instructions that help you to create a new password.

This is a process that usually requires you to add your old password to save this option. This is perfect if you want to change your password to something easier to remember.

Reset Computer

If you have run out of options, you can always reset your computer. Keep in mind that this will remove a lot of information and should only be done if completely necessary.

You’ll need to go to the sign-in screen and hold down the shift key while clicking the power icon. Select the restart button while you continue to press the shift key until a new screen pops up.

Click the troubleshooting button and choose the option to reset your PC. From there, you will need to choose the option to remove everything and have a local reinstall.

The last thing you need to do is choose to remove your files and reset everything.

Get IT Support

If you need to know how to change password and remote desktop, there’s an easy option. You can get a tech service to help you with this.

Companies like Terminal B offer a wide variety of IT and tech-related services. One of these services includes IT support for all of their customers.

If your technology is not performing the way you need it to, this can be a solution. Different technology requires different methods to change a password on a remote desktop.

Because of this, you may be struggling to find a solution for your desktop. If you can’t find the answer, your IT support can help you with its dedicated support team.

This is also a good solution for a variety of other tech-related issues that you may be having. Its 24/7 support packages are perfect for providing any tech support that you need.

Tips on How to Change Password on Remote Desktop

Are you wondering how to change password in remote desktop? There are several ways that you can go about doing this, depending on the desktop you are using.

Do you want to hire IT services to help you with your technology? Contact us today at Terminal B to get 24/7 support packages.

MSP

Industries That Need a Managed Service Provider (MSP)

The managed services provider (MSP) industry looks set to surpass $399.1 billion by 2028, according to the latest industry research.

Managed service providers are vital for many business sectors, with construction, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals leading the way. Businesses in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, use managed services to boost their productivity and decrease risk with cloud technology.

You might wonder what types of managed services you can get. Which ones would benefit your business the most?

The answer depends on the type of business you have and your functional needs. We can help you make the right decision for your business.

Read on for your MSP guide.

What Is a Managed Service Provider?

When your business resources are stretched thin, and you’re feeling the strain, your MSP steps in to take the pressure off. MSPs manage one or more areas of your business for you, reducing downtime and making your processes more efficient.

Managed Services in Construction, Healthcare, and Pharmaceuticals

Construction management services can help speed up a project and maintain a steady pace of productivity. A healthcare managed services provider ensures patient data is safe and accessible when you need it most. These sectors deal with masses of documentation, and managing it in-house can be overwhelming; an MSP takes care of this for you.

Businesses dealing with high-tech plans, schematics, personal data, and medical records need an MSP too. Pharmaceutical businesses must stay compliant, manage data governance, and avoid leaks. Better management and tighter cybersecurity give you peace of mind and take the pressure off your in-house teams.

Track Your Expenses with Ease

Your expenses will be easier to manage with an MSP. Operation support costs can run up faster than anticipated without managed services.

Your MSP will handle infrastructure updates, hardware replacements, cloud migration, and maintenance, helping you plan expenses in advance and avoid unexpected spikes.

Help When You Need It Most

You will have a team of experts on hand 24/7/365 to handle any issues. You can rely on them to keep you in operation, and depending on the size of your business, handling this in-house would be expensive and complex.

Without an MSP, you might have to scramble to find a service at the last minute, this increases your costs and stresses!

Types of Managed Services

Now that you know the benefits of an MSP service, it’s time to decide which types of managed services would suit your business best. You can consult with an MSP to gain further insight, but here is a rundown of the essentials.

Cloud Services and Migration Management

Cloud services, like Azure Cloud, add an extra layer of cohesion to your business. Teams can communicate, collaborate, and share files easier, and with greater security. Cloud storage and migration are one of the most popular managed services for the high-tech, pharma, and construction sectors.

Cybersecurity Services

Cybersecurity is vital for any business dealing with large amounts of personal or sensitive data. Coupled with cloud services, it reduces risk and makes data breaches less likely. Hardware-only storage is vulnerable to physical theft; cloud services reduce this risk.

The 2022 healthcare ransomware attacks in the USA have driven home the necessity of managed cybersecurity services, so choose the right one. Make sure they are trained in the latest threat management techniques.

Construction businesses have sensitive schematics that need to be protected – if there is a data leak, this could compromise the security of the building. Construction management services secure your information for you, keeping your data and reputation intact.

Compliance Management

You will never have to worry about compliance or new regulations. Your MSP will track any changes and make sure you stay compliant, avoiding fines. This process can be complex in highly-regulated industries: health, construction, finance, and pharmaceuticals.

Remote Desktop Services

Managed remote desktop services help remote teams work together, ironing out the issues many remote companies face. This saves on your total expenditure, and even if your MSP charges a fee, it often works out cheaper than an in-house training solution.

Data and Information Management

A healthcare managed service provider makes it easier to organize and share patient information with healthcare workers while keeping it out of the wrong hands.

How to Choose a Managed Service Provider

If you’re looking for types of managed services in Austin or San Antonio, TX, make sure your MSP offers everything you need. An MSP is an investment, and although your total expenses will often be lower, choosing the right MSP helps you make the most of your investment

Here is a quick overview of what to look for:

  • Network performance updates – Any effective MSP will ensure your infrastructure is secure and efficient, optimizing your network and components.
  • Robust cybersecurity – Your MSP needs to be trained in the latest cyber threats and their solutions, ready to protect your systems from all kinds of attacks.
  • 24/7/365 support – When you need help, your MSP must be ready to act and keep your business running.
  • Precise data loss prevention – If things go wrong, you need to get back online ASAP, and data recovery systems help you do this, minimizing downtime and keeping your data safe.
  • Compliance reports – Look for certifications from data protection and security regulators in the USA, ensuring your MSP knows how to keep you compliant at all times.
  • Document management – As your business grows, so does your document pile, so make sure your MSP handles this for you and makes it easily accessible.

As technology develops, the types of managed services you can get will expand too. Look for a managed service provider who uses the latest tech and follows the latest trends.

Their level of customer service should be exemplary, so never hesitate to get in touch before you commit to an MSP. This lets you assess their response times and service skills – only work with an MSP you trust to help you out in a difficult situation.

Make Business Easier with Managed Services

We hope this guide helps you to choose the right types of managed services for your business. Managed service providers take the pressure off, and ensure things run smoothly, so you can develop your other business functions.

Terminal B can simplify your IT solutions and make everything easier. Based in Texas, we have serviced areas like Austin and San Antonio for over 15 years. We take pride in our reputation, and our clients come first, always.

We offer tailored support packages for all types of businesses, with specialisms in construction, medical, and pharmaceutical management.

Want to talk strategy? Book your strategy session today!

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