Surviving COVID-19 with a Managed IT Services Provider

Monica Morris • May 14, 2020

Just a few months ago most offices were occupied by employees, yet this changed in late March 2020 due to COVID-19. Before the Coronavirus pandemic erupted some businesses already had employees set-up to work remote, however, for some of these businesses they were not set-up to have the whole company be remote. Several company’s have had to switch gears quickly and change their day to day operations so the entire company can now work remotely. Partnering with a Managed IT Services Provider during this challenging time can be a benefit and a helpful tool for your business to survive COVID-19.

Utilizing an outsourced IT provider can help keep your business running smoothly – your IT needs are taken care of offsite and your IT operations are being closely monitored while your business continues to remain secure. There will be little to no interruption to your daily operations especially during uncertain times such as what we are facing now.

Here’s a quick break down how the services of a Managed IT Services Provider can help your business survive COVID-19.

Managed Services

As we just mentioned, several company’s have had to make a quick transition from the office to moving to a virtual environment. To make the switch without interrupting day-to-day operations, having a managed services provider make the switch for you is huge. A managed services provider (MSP) can be working for you in the background so that everyone else can continue along with their tasks. And this includes an in-house IT department who may have their own set of daily tasks to keep up with already. Therefore, an MSP can step in and take care of the rest of any IT needs. In times such as what we’re in now, having an MSP on board is a benefit – as an MSP is working behind the scenes, they can safely move workstations to a remote environment. Business owners can have peace of mind that their technology is operating correctly and employees working remote have access to a secure connection.

In addition, partnering with a MSP provides staff members with complete network, server and computer support. There is proactive monitoring of software and devices alerting to anything suspicious which can reduce down time. Also included in managed it services is helpdesk support, patch management, software upgrades, email protection, server support and more.

IT Security

Presently, during the COVID-19 crisis, we are seeing an increase of hackers creating scams solely based on the coronavirus. Hackers never will stop, in fact they find ways to improve their hacking methods to conform to what is happening in the world. IT security is vital to the health of any business and can protect your staff, clients and sensitive data. Plus it gives you peace of mind knowing your IT operations are safe.

As we discussed earlier, setting up an entire company to be remote is a task for an MSP. There are certain protocols to follow to ensure all employees are using a safe connection such as using a VPN. Other benefits of IT security services or cyber security services from an MSP are anti-virus monitoring or removal, daily backups, managed firewall and employee cyber security training.

Cloud Computing

Due to COVID-19, many organizations have had to make a complete switch over to the cloud to accommodate moving team members to a remote environment. A MSP can help businesses on navigating through the cloud. Cloud computing is rapidly changing the landscape of IT. The effect is dramatic with appreciable benefits including reduced capital expenditure and maintenance costs, increased on-demand agility, rapid deployment and much more.

In addition, utilizing cloud services with an MSP can elevate your business to achieve better communications with your team members, manage office files across different types of devices and gain access to mobile device management for your remote employees. At SDTEK, we blend a combination of Google’s G Suite, Microsoft’s Office 365 and Managed Email Security to offer our clients a best in class solution.

IT Consulting

During challenging times it is still important to continue to plan for the future of your IT. Good IT strategy provides solutions for short term and long term challenges. The right strategy can also reduce capital expenditures and improve your bottom line. Working with an MSP can help achieve your IT goals – it can reduce bottom-line expenses (not just IT expenses), grow your business, enhance customer service through technology, develop IT strategies that are aligned to your business objectives and protect your business from risk and data privacy issues.

With the support of a Managed IT Service Provider, navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic can significantly help your business survive any IT challenges. In addition, working with a MSP allows time for business owners and employees to focus and concentrate on business growth even during uncertain times. Please contact us today to learn more about our IT services and how they can benefit your business.

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Understanding IT Security Compliance Requirements for Businesses

February 5, 2025

Protecting sensitive data is more critical than ever before. As cyber threats continue to rise, governments and regulatory bodies have introduced compliance frameworks to ensure businesses take appropriate measures to safeguard data. However, understanding these requirements can be overwhelming, especially since they vary by industry and location. We'll discuss some of the most common IT security compliance frameworks—such as HIPAA, CMMC, and CCPA—and explain their relevance to different industries. Whether you work in healthcare, manufacturing, or serving California residents, this guide will help you navigate the complex world of IT security compliance.

How IT Support Services Can Enhance Your Business's Cybersecurity Strategy

October 23, 2024

In today’s interconnected digital landscape, cybersecurity is more than just a necessity—it's essential to business survival. Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and evolving in sophistication, leaving companies vulnerable to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. A robust cybersecurity strategy is critical to safeguarding your business from these growing threats. One of the most effective ways to enhance your cybersecurity defenses is by leveraging the expertise of professional IT support services. The Importance of a Strong Cybersecurity Strategy Every business, regardless of size or industry, is a potential target for cybercriminals. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from financial losses and operational downtime to legal liabilities and damage to your brand's reputation. This is why developing and maintaining a robust cybersecurity strategy is more important than ever. A strong cybersecurity strategy helps your business: Protect sensitive data: Safeguarding customer information, intellectual property, and financial records. Ensure compliance: Meet regulatory requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, and SOC2, to avoid fines and legal repercussions. Maintain business continuity: Minimizing disruptions caused by cyberattacks and ensuring quick recovery when incidents occur. Build customer trust: Demonstrating to customers and partners that their data is secure, which can lead to stronger relationships and business growth. While some businesses attempt to handle cybersecurity internally, IT support services offer a more comprehensive, proactive, and scalable approach to protecting your business. Cybersecurity Services Provided by IT Support Teams IT support services can significantly enhance your cybersecurity strategy by offering a wide range of specialized services. Here’s how they contribute to protecting your business: 1. Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Audits One of the first steps in strengthening your cybersecurity strategy is understanding where your business is most vulnerable. IT support teams conduct risk assessments and vulnerability audits to identify potential weaknesses in your network, applications, and infrastructure. These assessments provide a clear picture of your business's risks, enabling you to take targeted action to mitigate those risks. 2. Implementation of Security Protocols Once vulnerabilities are identified, IT support services implement security protocols tailored to your business’s needs. This may include: Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Establishing barriers that prevent unauthorized access to your network. Data Encryption: Ensuring that sensitive data is encrypted in transit and at rest, protecting it from cybercriminals. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adding extra authentication layers ensures that only authorized personnel can access critical systems and data. Endpoint Protection: Securing all devices (laptops, desktops, mobile phones) connected to your network from malware and other threats. Applying these and other security measures can help IT support services fortify your defenses against internal and external threats. 3. Ongoing Monitoring and Threat Detection Cyberattacks can happen at any time and often occur when businesses are least prepared. IT support services provide 24/7 monitoring to detect suspicious activity in real-time. Through advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence, IT teams can quickly identify and respond to potential threats before they escalate into full-scale attacks. This proactive approach to monitoring reduces downtime, prevents data breaches, and minimizes the impact of cyber incidents. IT support teams can continuously update and patch systems to address emerging vulnerabilities, ensuring your cybersecurity defenses remain current. 4. Incident Response and Remediation Even with robust security measures, no system is entirely immune to cyberattacks. When an incident occurs, the speed and efficiency of the response are critical in minimizing damage. IT support teams are equipped with incident response protocols to quickly isolate affected systems, investigate the root cause, and restore normal operations. With a well-coordinated incident response plan, businesses can significantly reduce downtime, prevent further data loss, and recover quickly from attacks. 5. Security Awareness Training for Employees Employees are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, with many attacks originating from phishing schemes, weak passwords, or social engineering. IT support services provide security awareness training to educate your staff about the latest cyber threats and best practices for staying safe online. Training employees on recognizing phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and securely handling sensitive data can dramatically reduce the likelihood of human error leading to a security breach. 6. Compliance Support For businesses in regulated industries, staying compliant with data protection regulations is not optional—it’s mandatory. IT support teams can help ensure your business meets all necessary compliance requirements, such as CMMC, HIPAA, or SOC2. This includes maintaining audit trails, ensuring data encryption, and implementing security controls to protect sensitive information. By working with IT support services, businesses can avoid costly penalties and demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data. Conclusion A strong cybersecurity strategy is vital to any business's success in today’s digital world. By partnering with an IT support service, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defenses through risk assessments, security protocol implementation, continuous monitoring, and employee training. These services protect data and help ensure business continuity and compliance with industry regulations. If your business wants to strengthen its cybersecurity posture, now is the time to consider working with an IT support provider. Doing so lets you stay ahead of evolving cyber threats and focus on growing your business with peace of mind. Ready To Strengthen Your Cybersecurity With SDTEK? Don't leave your business vulnerable to cyber threats. At SDTEK, we offer comprehensive IT support and managed cybersecurity services designed to protect your business and ensure seamless operations. Whether you need risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, or incident response, our team of experts is here to help. Contact SDTEK today for a free consultation and discover how we can enhance your cybersecurity strategy and safeguard your business. Protect your data, reputation, and future—partner with SDTEK now!