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mistakes when hire IT consultant MSP managed service provider computer support outsourcing

4 mistakes people make when hiring a computer services company

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Mistake #1: After choosing an IT support provider, you no longer need to be involved in the management of them.

As with any department you manage, your IT support provider will need oversight as well as clear and consistent communication. When you stop being involved with your IT support provider, expectations are not clearly communicated and problems are more apt to arise. Additionally, without communication, your strategic, long-term plans may not be included in preparation for future technology spending.

Communication is a two-way street. If you are not involved in setting expectations or communicating questions as they arise, communication and, ultimately, the business relationship suffers. Clear communication is even more important when you have multiple technology vendors including specialized software, email hosting, network administration etc.

 

Mistake #2: Assume that there will not be anymore challenges or issues with your computers once you hire an IT support provider.

Many companies have hired IT support providers only to be disappointed that there are still things that seem to pop up on a regular basis. However, just because you have outsourced your IT support to a company with a good reputation and track record does not mean you won’t have any more challenges or issues ahead of you. It just isn’t realistic.

Computers are machines. User errors, hardware failure, software corruption and regular maintenance issues are the norm, not the exception, even for the best of networks and IT support providers. That is why large companies have whole IT departments. In fact you may even have more issues to address initially because someone is now actually paying attention to your needs and making you aware of them.

 

Mistake #3: Assume the IT support provider with the lowest price per hour is the best choice.

When choosing an IT support provider, you will have various options. As a small business, keeping costs down is important, so you may be tempted to settle for the lowest bidder. Just remember: You get what you pay for. If a company provides you a quote that is substantially lower than the others, ask why. Perhaps their employee(s) lack necessary certifications or training, they don’t have a staff or tools in place to ensure your needs are taken care of in a timely manner and that things don’t fall through the cracks. If this is the case, you may end up spending more in the short and long run by going with the lowest price per hour.

Mistake #4: Assume technical skill or “geekiness” is all you need.

How many times have your eyes glazed over as someone explains why you are experiencing various technical problems with your network. IT support providers who lack the ability to communicate in a non-technical manner and that don’t have a long term strategic view of your company’s business goals will cost you time and money while frustrating you and your employees.

 

Conclusion:

Whether you are looking for an IT support provider for the first time or are looking for a new one there are some things you can do now to avoid the mistakes many small companies make. If you can begin to view your IT support provider as an extension of your own company, you will be in good stead to avoid these common mistakes.

Like many other professional services that assist companies, the bottom line in looking for an IT support provider is finding a company with the right qualifications as well as the dedication to making sure you are taken care of to your satisfaction.

 

For the original article from Corporate Computer Services, click here:

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The Ultimate Way to Protect Against Computer Theft

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Over the last five years, hard drive encryption has become mainstream for enterprise-size businesses.

I recommend encryption for any business or personal computer which holds critical information, but it is important to understand that it only protects computers that have been physically accessed – it doesn’t help against viruses or attacks against the software.

How it works

 

The hard drive encryption software turns easily-readable files into encrypted cipher. In this example, “Pa$$w0rd!!” is the encryption key.

 

 

 

The hard drive is where your critical information is held.  This information is stored in a logical, well defined matter, in data files that are stored just like the files you see when you open your C:\ drive.   A very simple hack is to simply unscrew the target hard drive, plug it into the bad guy’s computer as a secondary drive, and access the files from D:\.  This takes skills learned in the first year of a PC tech’s career.  It bypasses your log-on passwords and any network security completely.  This is what hard drive encryption protects against.

 

First year PC tech skills. This is also how we save your data when your computer dies (assuming the hard drive is OK).

An encrypted hard drive is split into two sections – a very small decryptor section at the beginning, and the main storage section.   The main storage section has the encrypted data, but not any tools to decrypt it.   The decryptor section has the knowledge to decrypt, but it doesn’t know the key.

This is visual depiction of an encrypted hard drive. The first section holds the logic to encrypt and decrypt data. The second section holds the actual data – your critical files.

 

The key is provided by an outside source such as you or a server on your network.

 

When the computer is powered on, it needs an outside source to provide the encryption key.

 

Once the key is entered (when the computer boots up), the encryption software will keep using it (storing it temporarily in RAM memory) until the computer is powered off.

Once the key is entered, the encryption software continually uses it until the computer is powered off. This gives the user a good experience because they can access files and use the computer normally, without constantly needing to decrypt files one by one. Since a computer needs to use thousands of files just to do basic tasks, this temporary key storage is necessary.

 

Automatic decryption once logged on is the reason why hard drive encryption is only a partial solution for security.  Once the computer is turned on, the key is entered, and the operating system (such as Windows 10) is running, all files on the hard drive can be accessed across the network or by the logged on user.  So all the normal security measures such as patches, antivirus, firewalls, and security policy are still necessary.

 

Bottom line:   If there is any risk that your computer or hard drives could be physically stolen, invest in hard drive encryption.  

There are several options ranging from workstation protection (Bitlocker, available with Pro versions of Windows 10), to extremely secure virtualization-compatible products like HyTrust DataControl for $400-$1000 per server.   Work with a professional to make sure you have a good backup first, and a plan to troubleshoot issues.  Losing the key or corrupting the encryption software can cause a loss of all data.