{"id":55868,"date":"2022-07-12T07:47:43","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T11:47:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insi.net\/?p=55868"},"modified":"2022-07-12T07:47:43","modified_gmt":"2022-07-12T11:47:43","slug":"atlanta-managed-it-security-services-gives-mobile-security-tips-keep-phone-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insi.net\/how-to-articles\/atlanta-managed-it-security-services-gives-mobile-security-tips-keep-phone-safe\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Atlanta MSP Shares Holiday Travel Smartphone Security Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Top Atlanta-managed IT security services firm, INSI, cautions to Atlanta and Marietta, GA. Smartphone users about smishing, phishing, spear-phishing, and hacking scams.<\/p>\n
It’s again the most wonderful time of the year as Christmas draws near. It’s easy to get distracted with the holiday bustle, gift shopping, parties, and holiday cheer. Still, we must not let our guard down when it comes to cybersecurity on our devices. Innovative Network Systems, Inc. (INSI), Atlanta’s top MSP, provides five smartphone security tips for the holidays.<\/p>\n
More than eight in ten people use a smartphone in their everyday life. That is equivalent to 6.6 billion people worldwide. Each phone has important vital data, contacts, photos, and health data. That’s why learning how to keep this data safe is essential. Here are five tips from your top Atlanta-managed IT security services and IT support team <\/a>to keep your phone safe and secure.<\/p>\n Not using your lock settings is one of the biggest threats to your smartphone. Several valid smartphone lock methods exist, including passcode, pattern, fingerprint, or face recognition. It all depends on your device’s capabilities. Just be careful not to use overly simplistic patterns or obvious PIN codes such as your birth year or an easily guessable sequence of numbers.<\/p>\n Remember always to be extra careful with your passwords. Many people set very obvious and easily guessable passwords. These can include their names or surnames, those of their pets or family members, and other information that would be obvious, such as birth year, month, or date.<\/p>\n Setting strong passwords on your apps will make it harder for hackers to guess them. It is also advisable to select a different password for each app. This way, if one password is discovered, the hacker or the thief won’t get easy access to all your information. Your Atlanta-managed IT security services recommend long passwords with symbols, letters, and numbers that take work to guess.<\/p>\n Updates not only mean that your phone will run more smoothly but also that any vulnerabilities that might have existed have been resolved and patched up in the new version of the OS. It’s essential to update your phone’s OS when it’s available. Your smartphone will notify you of the latest updates.<\/p>\n Keep your phone on auto-update so these updates will happen whenever available. These updates often include security fixes, vulnerability patches, and other necessary maintenance. These updates can protect both iOS and Android devices from newly discovered threats.<\/p>\n We recommended staying away from unsecured public networks, which most hackers love. They often lack basic security and encryption features, making their work more manageable. Using a mobile VPN is also be an option to increase Wi-Fi security. However, ensure that the mobile VPN you are downloading is legit and does not collect any data from your phone.<\/p>\n On the other hand, people need to be made aware of Bluetooth dangers. It can also be easy for hackers to access your phone if you are not using it responsibly. Ensure to prevent your device from being detected, and always turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it.<\/p>\n All the above tips will keep you on your guard, and installing a reliable security app will take you the rest of the way to complete protection. The cybersecurity software works non-stop in the background ensuring that no unknown programs or files infiltrate the device. Avast has one of the most crucial security engines in the world. You may have heard of antivirus software for laptops or desktops, but your laptops can also benefit. These programs can protect against viruses and hacking attempts.<\/p>\n Smartphones are an amazing invention that helps us in our lives. Almost everyone now has a cell phone. These pocket-sized computers can perform many functions with access to the internet, and they hold all your important data and personal information, so keeping it secure is very important. Use these tips to help protect your device.<\/p>\n INSI, your top Marietta and Atlanta managed IT security services, has mobile cybersecurity protection services and 16 different cybersecurity programs<\/a> to protect you and your data. Specifically, our Fortify-IT<\/a> mobile threat defense system and MobileAssess-IT<\/a> cell phone assessment packages can help protect you from end-user device issues.<\/p>\n From our work family to yours, we hope you have a safe and secure Christmas season.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/insi.net\/connect-with-insi\/” button_text=”Connect With INSI” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Deborah Frazier<\/a> is the author of IT Outsourcing Secrets \u2013 A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies. With 20 years of experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales. If you like this article and would like to get notified when a new article is posted, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Top Atlanta-managed IT security services firm, INSI, cautions to Atlanta and Marietta, GA. Smartphone users about smishing, phishing, spear-phishing, and hacking scams. It’s again the most wonderful time of the year as Christmas draws near. It’s easy to get distracted with the holiday bustle, gift shopping, parties, and holiday cheer. Still, we must not let […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":55655,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" [et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"3.25\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"3.25\" custom_padding=\"|||\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p> How do you compare IT support company in Atlanta?\u00a0 There are so many IT companies in Atlanta, and it can be a daunting task to determine which one is right for you.\u00a0 They range from single IT support contractors to nationwide IT providers. Each one claims to be the best.\u00a0 So how do you decide which one is best for you?\u00a0 There are five simple determining factors to compare IT support company for you:<\/p> This article helps you understand your options and basic IT requirements.<\/p> There are many types of IT support agreements, and it is important to understand which one is right for you.\u00a0 A good rule of thumb is to know the lower the commitment, the higher the risk.<\/p> Ad Hoc<\/strong> \u2013 This service is typically provided by independent contractors who serve their clients on an as-needed basis.\u00a0 Ad hoc is an excellent option for someone who does not have a significant dependency on their computers to operate or needs less than 1\/4th<\/sup> of an hour of support per workstation per month. \u00a0<\/p> Blocks of Time<\/strong> \u2013 Blocks of Time allows you to purchase hours upfront and use them at your leisure.\u00a0 It is difficult for these companies to determine when the work will come in and how much staff is required.\u00a0 Therefore, they hire very cheap labor, and the service often has long wait times and inconsistent service when you do use them.<\/p> Use It or Lose It \u2013 <\/strong>This model closely determines the amount of support you need per month.\u00a0 If you go over those hours, you pay a higher hourly fee.\u00a0 If you stay under the hours, you lose what you don\u2019t use.\u00a0<\/p> Budget<\/strong>\u2013This is similar to the Block of Time, but the rollover is only for two months.\u00a0 More information on this complicated program can be found here.<\/p> Fixed-Rate<\/strong> \u2013 The Fixed Rate, aka Unlimited, provides unlimited help desk and server support for the entire environment.\u00a0 There is an additional cost for moves, adds, and changes. (MAC\u2019s)<\/p> Customized IT \u2122<\/strong> - Customized IT allows the company to choose the exact level of services and support they need at a fixed monthly rate.\u00a0 No more and no less.\u00a0\u00a0 This program is ideal for companies who have an internal IT department or specific ideas on how they want to be supported.\u00a0 It also substantially reduces the cost of the helpdesk.<\/p> Another way to compare IT support companies is by their IT maturity level. IT support levels can be measured by the quality of their people, technology, and processes.\u00a0<\/p> People<\/strong> \u2013 It is important to know the types of technicians or engineers they hire - experience matters. A technician does not have a degree but may have the experience.\u00a0 An engineer has a college degree and has the basics down but may not have the experience.\u00a0 However, the best combination is experience and great communication skills. Many technical types do not have good communication skills, and it is essential in this type of job.\u00a0 You can find out the caliber of person they hire by looking at their job posts.<\/p> Technolog<\/strong>y \u2013 While many independent contractors and startups skip on certain technologies until they make a profit, experienced MSP\u2019s know how to invest wisely in their technology to provide the best service.\u00a0 Successful MSPs have Remote Monitoring and Management systems (RMM), ticketing systems, asset tracking, desktop monitoring, hosting resources, and a wide range of cybersecurity options.<\/p> Processes<\/strong> \u2013 Great engineers and great technology can equip you for the best outcome.\u00a0 However, neither will do you any good unless the engineers can follow processes and procedures.\u00a0<\/p> The best way to compare IT support services is to focus on the basic support before the additional services.\u00a0 Support is the helpdesk, onsite support, remote monitoring, desktop monitoring, and basic IT monitoring.\u00a0<\/p> However, most MSPs offer additional support, including cloud\/hosting, telecom equipment\/services, websites, custom programming, or cybersecurity offerings, to name a few.\u00a0 All of which can be provided by a 3rd<\/sup> party provider. It is important your additional support contracts do not exceed your IT support contract.\u00a0 Otherwise, you will be trapped in an ongoing battle to get free from them.<\/p> The terms of your agreement tell how confident your MSP in their abilities to meet your needs.\u00a0<\/p> Month-to-Month \u2013 This length of agreement puts the risk on the provider.\u00a0 However, it also increases your onboarding cost.\u00a0 This is because onboarding takes time and the service provider either has to build that time into the length of the contract or charge it upfront.\u00a0 \u00a0Also, beware, many of these companies have a \u201c60-90 day out\u201d clause, which is the same as a short-term contract.<\/p> Short Term \u2013 Many MSPs do a 6-month term and month-to-month after that.\u00a0 This allows them to transition services and stabilize before going month-to-month.<\/p> Long Term \u2013 One year or more is a long time to lock someone into a service contract.\u00a0 Often, companies will do this in lieu of waving part or all of the onboarding.\u00a0 However, you should be cautious if a company\u2019s minimum term is one year or more.\u00a0 This is because the service will be great during the time of renewal, but fall off during the rest of the contract period.<\/p> Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) like to choose larger companies because of their breadth, depth, and services.\u00a0 However, bigger is not always better. These companies are filled with bureaucracy and are focus on profit, and you are just another number. In contrast, your account matters to smaller companies, and they will cater to your specific needs and offer greater customer support. Therefore, it is more important to compare the engineer to client size ratio than just getting bigger, because they may be stretched thinner.\u00a0<\/p> Once you start comparing IT support contracts, and you will find out why INSI is the Top Managed Service Provider in Marietta and Metro Atlanta, GA. We offer\u00a0complete IT support<\/a>\u00a0packages for clients with no internal IT and\u00a0a la carte customized packages<\/a>\u00a0for small IT departments. Also, every client gets personalized service with a\u00a0Customer Support Manager<\/a>\u00a0(CSM) who serves as their primary point of contact for questions, needs, and project management. Most importantly, we only charge the client for the exact service and level they need. No more, no less.<\/p> If you are looking to replace or find a new IT support company in Atlanta Metro, let INSI provide a free site assessment and quote.\u00a0 You can\u00a0contact us here,<\/strong>\u00a0<\/a>or call 770-387-2424, Option 2, for more information.<\/p> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_button button_url=\"https:\/\/insi.net\/connect-with-insi\/\" button_text=\"Connect With INSI\" _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" _module_preset=\"default\"][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.9.10\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\" sticky_enabled=\"0\"]<\/p> Deborah Frazier<\/a>\u00a0is the author of\u00a0IT Outsourcing Secrets \u2013 A Small Business Guide to Compare IT Support Companies.<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0With nearly 20-years\u2019 experience consulting small and medium-sized businesses on their IT support needs, she brings a wealth of knowledge to INSI as Head of Marketing and Sales.\u00a0If you like this article and would like to get notified when a new article is posted, click\u00a0here<\/a>.#1. Keep Your Smartphone Locked<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#2. Set Strong Passwords<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#3. Keep Your OS Current<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#4. Be Aware of Public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
#5. Install Security Software<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Let INSI Help You Secure Your End-User Devices<\/strong><\/h2>\n
About the Author<\/h2>\n
Comparing IT support companies in the Atlanta and Marietta GA area? <\/strong><\/h2>
Types of IT Support<\/strong><\/h3>
Compare IT Support Capabilities<\/strong><\/h3>
Compare IT Support Services<\/strong><\/h3>
Compare Contract Terms<\/strong><\/h3>
Small vs Large IT Support Companies<\/strong><\/h4>
Top IT support company in Metro Atlanta:\u00a0 INSI<\/strong><\/h4>
About the Author<\/h2>
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