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Blockchain Technology: Features and Limitations in Healthcare

Blockchain technology is meant to create a more streamlined data handling process for all of healthcare. Find out the blockchain advantages and limitations.  

More and more in the modern-day, business data is being examined as something that could benefit from the implementation of blockchain technology. Medical data interoperation between all care providers is considered to be like the holy grail of medical care. No barriers would exist between doctor’s offices, hospitals, or even pharmacists no matter where in the world they were located. Here is a bit about what you should know about blockchain technology in healthcare as a healthcare business owner.

Blockchain Features That Can Benefit Healthcare

There is good reason why companies like Medicalchain are getting in on blockchain technology. Blockchain technology brings with it a full list of advantages that are easy to assume and understand. Here is a shortlist of some of the most apparent blockchain technology advantages.

Blockchain Provides a Distributed Ledger of Patient Care

First and foremost, blockchain technology allows for a full ledger of patient care. If a patient goes to a hospital in one country while they are visiting, for example, their information would be completely accessible by their care provider. When that patient leaves a care provider, it would be completely possible for them to already have a followup appointment scheduled for when they get back home where their primary care physician is located.

Blockchain Data Is Stored In a Secure Way

Security is a huge concern in healthcare, and the nature of blockchain data makes it secure already. Therefore, companies that are implementing blockchain technology gain the advantage of those already-secure processes that keeps the patient’s data protected in the right way. Companies that struggle to comply with HIPPA regulations may see that things are not so difficult to achieve with blockchain technology in place even.

Blockchain Can Give Patients More Control Over Their Own Records

With blockchain, patients could potentially create their own rules around how their particular records are handled and shared, which is something that is limited in current healthcare data handling. For example, a patient could choose to make their current list of medications accessible to every provider so they never have to carry along their own list of medications to share or so every provider would already know what they are taking.

Blockchain Limitations That Can Be Problematic in Healthcare

So far, the real limitations of blockchain technology are lacking when you consider the advantages. According to Macadamian, there is one big limitation that has to be considered in blockchain technology where healthcare is concerned:

“Blockchain technology on its own is not sufficient to create a complete electronic healthcare record (EHR) solution.”

The primary limitation or concern comes in with pairing certain forms of cryptocurrency blockchain with healthcare operations. Cryptocurrency blockchains have this anonymity that is naturally attached because the actual name of a payer or payee never has to be revealed. For example, someone using something like Bitcoin never has to reveal their true identity during a transaction. Naturally, healthcare blockchains could not exist so anonymously; a patient’s identity would have to be revealed at some point in transactions and during the transmission of patient data to other providers. Therefore, there is a bit of a conflict there that exists between how blockchain technology is meant to function and how it would have to function in healthcare environments.

Final Thoughts On Blockchain Technology in Healthcare

Blockchain technology is consistently evolving and stepping its way into a lot of everyday processes. The technology could potentially revolutionize many processes of healthcare, and the ongoing implementation is proving that fact. There are some companies that are already experimenting with blockchain technology in the medical care environment, but the numbers of companies doing so are bound to grow in the coming years. The final thought is this: blockchain technology could very well make drastic improvements in healthcare. Therefore, it is well worth it to talk to a managed IT services provider to find out how blockchain technology could be used in your healthcare business.

Celebrate October National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It provides a framework for companies, individuals, and organizations to examine past and current cyber threats to reduce their risks.  

 

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Started by the Department of Homeland Security, it provides a framework for companies, individuals, and organizations to examine past and current cyber threats and audit their devices, networks, and data to reduce the risk of a data breach.

This is a great time to talk to your staff about the importance of cybersecurity in protecting the company, and, ultimately, their livelihood. Events and training are great ways to raise awareness and garner support for security and prevention initiatives.

Why Is NCSAM More Relevant than Ever?

The following considerations make it more important than ever to raise awareness and prevent bad actors from walking away with your sensitive data:

• Ransomware damage could rise to $11.5 billion in 2019 and criminals will conduct ransomware attacks every 14 seconds.
• Malware and advanced intrusion devices let attackers remotely control compromised computers. These botnets sometimes begin a campaign of proxy and spam attacks and other organized criminal activity.
• Cybercriminals use online resources to steal intellectual property and identities.
• Sexual predators stalk their victims on social media.
• Dark websites provide illegal goods and services on networks that mask IP addresses and leave a cold trail for investigators.

The FBI and federal, state, and local authorities work with industry experts to encourage people to take cybersecurity seriously. These efforts include:

• Investigating hacks and attempted hacks
• Disrupting cybersecurity threats
• Collecting and analyzing intelligence
• Warning the public about known or suspected cyber threats

Use October’s NSCAM designation to reach out to your corporate users and anybody connecting to your system. For example, you can remind everyone of the company’s policies and procedures regarding email usage, remote sign-on and password protection.

How Is the Government Supporting These Goals?

The FBI-led National Cyber Joint Investigative Task Force provides a way for businesses and individuals to report and anticipate threats. Private and public initiatives help prevent the spread of malware and ransomware.

You can also turn to InfraGard—a place where participants share information and coordinate efforts with partners in the private sector. InfraGard has the following goals:

• Train members to find and reduce vulnerabilities
• Develop detailed response systems to track attacks
• Enact best practices to prevent successful attacks

The FBI’s Safe Online Surfing website teaches young students about online security to protect them from predators. Children are most vulnerable to malware, cyberbullies, and other hazards on the internet. Unfortunately, if employees access your network on a compromised devise, it may also pose a threat to your systems.

What Are Event Ideas for Cyber Month?

One of the easiest ways to increase awareness is through cybersecurity awareness tips that can be emailed to employees and posted in shared areas.

As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, you can educate employees with email tips to keep them vigilant. Recommended tip topics include:

• How Two-Factor Authentication Works
• Threats Associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) Devices
• Everyday usage guidelines including emails and web browsing habits.
• Social Media Threats Regarding Personal Data

Cyber Security Statistics You Must Know to Keep Your Company Safe

Cyber threats are constantly evolving. Here are 5 critical cybersecurity threats that you need to know to develop a strong strategy to keep your company safe.  

Cybersecurity is more of a struggle for businesses every single year. With the number of data, users, and systems constantly growing, there are more points of attack and a greater prize for nefarious users. This is why new threats emerge on a practically daily basis.

In order to keep yourself and your company protected from these evolving threats, you must stay updated on the latest threats and trends. To help you get a better idea of the current state of cybersecurity and why it’s important to stay constantly vigilant, here are five of the most important current cybersecurity statistics:

1. New Ransomware Attacks Occur Every 14 Seconds

Ransomware attacks can be costly and put your valuable data and systems at risk. Unfortunately, experts estimate that a new ransomware attack happens every 14 seconds. That’s an average of over 25 attacks per hour and 100 per day! If you aren’t actively working to deter ransomware attacks, you’re bound to be a target sooner rather than later.

2. Almost Half of All Cyber Attacks Target Small Businesses

Many people think of cyber attacks as something that only major corporations need to worry about. After all, they’re the ones with the most valuable data. However, these businesses typically take a lot more effort to infiltrate. As a result, 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses. These businesses are across all industries and sizes, proving that nobody is entirely safe when it comes to cyber threats.

3. Cyber Security Spending is Growing Massively

By the end of 2021, it’s expected that over $1 trillion will be spent on cybersecurity globally. Unfortunately, not all of those dollars are being spent very efficiently. In order to truly combat cyber threats, you must develop an all-encompassing cybersecurity strategy. That means spending on the right technology, but also training your employees on how to identify and protect themselves from cyber threats, and how to react in the case of an emergency.

4. Data Breaches Can Take Over Six Months to Detect

On average, some companies don’t even know that there has been a data breach for six months. By then, the damage has been done over and over again. This doesn’t take into account the amount of time required to actually identify the root cause and resolve it.

5. Average Cost of a Cyber Attack is Massive

As attacks become more sophisticated and user data continues to grow in value, the actual cost of a cyber attack is rising rapidly. In 2019, it’s now estimated to be over $1.6 million! If your business is smaller or just getting started, a single successful attack could put you out of business. There’s no bigger threat facing your company today.

Clearly, developing a strategy for comprehensive cybersecurity is a task that all businesses must take special care with, no matter how big or small they are. As the digital world continues to grow in scope, the threats will continue to grow as well. Keep the cybersecurity statistics above in mind as you develop your own strategy and work to stay a step ahead of the threats and hackers.

The Security Risks Are Real with Coming Rollout of 5G Networks

Discover what the arrival of ultra-fast 5G networks means for cybersecurity, driven by the significant number of devices that will be connected to each network.

As ultrafast 5G networks emerge, so too do potential cybersecurity threats. For security experts, the unknowns make predictions for what risks to address more challenging

What is 5G?

5G is a new approach to wireless connectivity. It features speeds 20 to 100 times faster than the existing fastest speeds on 4G long-term evolution (LTE) networks. 5G (which stands for the fifth generation of wireless technology to be available in the United States and worldwide) networks also will support larger numbers of wireless devices.

Given the proliferation of connected devices (the Internet of Things), the ability to connect more objects without affecting performance is a significant benefit.

How Does 5G Technology Differ from Previous Network Solutions?

5G delivers faster speeds and lower latency due to fundamental changes in the network structure. Among the key changes are:

• Use of higher radio frequencies than 4G, allowing for more data to be transmitted at faster speeds
• A new technology, Massive MIMO (multiple input multiple output) that uses targeted beams that follow a connected user around a cell site, providing better capacity, coverage and speed. Massive MIMO acts like a spotlight, directing the technology in a specific direction, as opposed to existing 4G tower technology that’s more like a floodlight, firing data in all directions, wasting power and energy.

What Are the New Cyberthreats?

With any new technology comes the new potential of attacks and intrusions. With 5G, more devices can be connected at once, more data is flowing, and data exchange happens at a far more rapid pace. Here are some of the main challenges that come with the new wireless protocol.

• More Devices Means Lack of Scalability. Today, companies that have large numbers of connected devices on their networks find it difficult to manage and secure these objects. As those businesses adopt 5G, they may be managing hundreds if not tens of thousands of devices. The challenges of scalability of security solutions will only magnify.
• New Risks Will Emerge. Today, most cybersecurity solutions focus on traditional connected devices — desktop computers, servers, smartphone and other mobile devices. 5G increases the opportunity to connect more types of objects. With each newly connected object comes an increased network threat, another possibility for hackers to expose a security flaw in a device that’s not updated or fully protected.

  5G also encourages more businesses to invest in connected devices as part of their business operations. That means a growing number of new devices, interfaces and technologies.

  Consider the potential number of smart devices in your home — refrigerator, coffee machine, washing machine, doorbell, television, digital assistant and security system are all connected and potential targets.

• More Privacy Issues. More entities are passing laws and regulations that govern how data can be stored, transmitted and used. That means organizations using 5G will need to comply with multiple regulatory hurdles related to information collected by, stored on and used by connected devices.
• Unknown Capabilities. Today’s network security systems and processes are constructed to monitor traffic and identify potential threats based on activity and data, all in real time. Doing so allows them to detect and contain suspect activity quickly. The solutions are designed to work with the existing bandwidth speeds and restrictions. With the higher capacity and speeds of 5G, that model may go out the window. New protocols are necessary for encryption, monitoring and prevention, which may mean existing firewalls may no longer work with 5G.

  Yet with few 5G networks operational, there is little to baseline for testing or assessment. Hardware will likely need to be upgraded, processes changed and new guidelines developed and implemented.

• Integration and Automation. Today’s solutions can operate independently of other systems, but the impending 5G revolution means integration and automation will need to become part of future solutions. Security solutions will need to connect to the entire IT operation and data will need to be synchronized throughout multiple security layers.

What Can the Security Profession, Carriers and Businesses Do to Prepare for 5G Security Needs?

The solution to 5G security challenges will be multilayered and the responsibility of multiple parties. Among the key changes necessary are:

• Carriers will need to extend firewall protection to cover new distributed networks of connected devices
• Improved authentication and management of devices
• Self-updating, self-reporting, self-hardening and self-healing devices will need to become the norm
• Access and discoverability protocols will need to be built through multiple layers

The benefits of 5G are significant. With the right security programs and solutions in place, it’s likely to be a big leap forward in connectivity.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is in place specifically to protect sensitive information in the healthcare operation. With a complex and diverse listing of standards regarding how information can be handled, how systems should function, and how things should be done within an organization, HIPPA does do a lot to protect patient information. While most organizations stick closely to these standards, there is no real way to certify you are actually compliant.

Sadly, the inability to check compliance and the lacking aspects of HIPPA compliance can lead to a cyber-attack or major data breach. Healthcare cyber-attacks cost as much as $1.4 million in recovery, so making sure compliance is where it needs to be and considering whether more needs to be done is important.

Reasons Why HIPPA Compliance Alone May Not Be Enough

Even though HIPPA policies and standards are generated to protect private and sensitive information in the healthcare industry, the truth of the matter is, HIPPA alone does not address every security concern. It is unfortunately not uncommon for a healthcare industry manager to foolheartedly put all of their faith in HIPPA compliance and completely miss that certain security defenses are missing.

In the most basic terms, HIPPA standards are designed to provide the most basic security setup in the healthcare industry. There is nothing stating that following these minimum standards will protect your healthcare business from every single threat there is where information security is concerned. Furthermore, cybersecurity threats evolve and develop so quickly that HIPPA doesn’t catch up fast enough to make much of a difference. Pair this with the fact that many healthcare organizations already struggle to keep up with newly developing security concerns associated with cloud data storage and the Internet of Things (IoT), and you have a lot of looming risk to speak of.

Rely On More Than Just HIPPA Compliance and Amp Up Security Efforts

Of course, HIPPA compliance is important, but it never hurts to up the efforts to make sure every aspect of the digital operation is secure and safe. There are multiple areas where security must be address in a healthcare organization’s digital infrastructure according to Health IT Outcomes, including:

• Controlling access to the system in a way that yields sensitive information only to those who would need to see it within the company
• Maintaining a stable protocol that dictates how risks are identified and handled on a daily basis
• Having an excellent security plan in place that acts as a go-to guideline for proper security practices
• Maintaining assets in a way that carefully documents the existing location of all assets, data, and other components of a system
• Implementing an information security incident management plan
• Controlling the physical hardware and keeping it secure at all times
• Organizing security plans that work for all aspects of the organization

Naturally, handling HIPPA compliance is also part of what is necessary, but as you can see by this detailed list, it is only one part of ensuring network security. It is not the only process to be considered for absolute security.

Final Thoughts On HIPAA Compliance and True Security

Even though HIPPA sets forth decent standards, the process of applying these standards to put them to work within a healthcare operation can vary considerably. Furthermore, some HIPPA compliance standards only cover the basic necessities of having a secure system. Unfortunately, these two facts can leave a healthcare facility with digital security concerns they have no idea exist. It is always a better idea to take things further than even HIPPA recommends to secure the system properly with the help of an IT managed services company and make sure all aspects are covered.

Don’t let your small or medium business fall victim to ransomware. Make sure your data, network, equipment, and employees are safe from ransomware attacks.  

Watch our video below to learn all about ransomware and please feel free to share with your staff and social media networks.

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month. You may have heard about ransomware attacks on school districts, hospitals, and government organizations. Over 20 U.S. cities were targeted by ransomware attacks between January and July 2019. The cost to the city of Baltimore alone was more than $18 million between lost city revenue and repairs to the city’s computer network. Ransomware attacks on cities, schools, and hospitals are serious, but 71 percent of ransomware attacks target small and medium businesses.

According to Beazley Breach Response Services, in 2018, ransomware crooks demanded an average of more than $116,000 from over 3,300 business computer security breaches they directly tracked. Cybersecurity firm Coveware reported that the average ransomware demand to individuals and small businesses grew from $6,733 at the end of 2018 to over $12,760 in the first quarter of 2019.

How does ransomware work?

In the past, ransomware usually came in the form of unsophisticated “spam” emails that most people could recognize as hacking attacks. Hackers sent out hundreds of thousands of emails hoping to trick a few unsuspecting people into revealing their passwords and other secure information. Once installed on a business or individual computer, ransomware encrypts data and stops access to programs. The program then demands a “ransom” in the form of cryptocurrency, usually bitcoin, to restore the data and access.

Ransomware attacks are getting more sophisticated. A 2018 ransomware program, Ryuk, was developed by a North Korean group of hackers. Ryuk has been aimed at large businesses that can’t afford any downtime. The program individually maps the networks of target businesses and steals credentials in order to install the program and encryption. One business targeted by Ryuk paid over $360,000 in bitcoin to retrieve its data.

Ransomware is getting better at getting around anti-virus programs and computer firewalls. Hackers are using known applications and programs that users think are safe to get around security precautions. Expert estimates report that ransomware could cost small and medium businesses as much as $11 billion in 2020.

What can we do to combat ransomware?

• First, make sure the operating systems for your network and connected devices are up to date. The 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack targeted computers running Windows 7. WannaCry was developed from U.S. National Security Agency tools that were leaked online. According to TechCrunch, up to a million computers are still vulnerable to WannaCry because they are running Windows 7 or earlier Windows versions. Microsoft also ends its support for Windows 7 in January 2020. Ransomware and other types of hacking attacks often target older operating systems that are no longer receiving regular security updates and patches.
• Second, make sure your security software is also up to date. Check it at least once a month. A managed services provider (MSP) can help in this process.
• Third, make sure you and your employees know how to recognize potential security threats. Practice good computer habits that prevent intrusions. For example, do not click on any links or images that come from an unknown source no matter how funny or appropriate the title of an email may look at first glance. Managed services providers can help to train you and your staff on good cybersecurity habits that can prevent ransomware and other attacks.
• And finally, make sure you have a good offsite backup. Businesses that have successfully overcome ransomware attacks have strong and redundant backups for their data and programs. You may lose time, but you won’t lose all of your business data. If you’re in a field that keeps confidential client or customer information, it’s essential for your business to have secure, safe backups of data in the cloud and/or separate physical data storage.

Managed services providers (MSPs) are responsible for keeping track of ransomware threats and understanding the tricks hackers can use to take control of your computers and demand a ransom. They can help your business to prevent a ransomware attack and protect your business data and programs in the event an attack occurs. Malicious hackers have been causing damage to computers for years, but ransomware is the first major way they’ve discovered to earn a lot of money from their criminal activities. Don’t let ransomware interfere with your business operations, profits, and growth. Take our recommended steps to fight back and win against ransomware criminals.

Is your business still using Windows 7? If so, it’s time to take serious action to upgrade to Windows 10 before the service cycle ends for this popular platform.  

Very early in 2020, there’s a situation occurring that has the potential to affect thousands of businesses across the US. No, it’s not a direct cybersecurity attack from a known threat vector. Instead, it’s the end of the functional lifecycle of one of business’s most beloved operating systems: Windows 7. While some businesses have been in denial that they needed to upgrade, it’s not unusual for small to mid-size businesses to still be running Windows 7 even with the deadline looming only a few months away. For the past 10 years, Windows 7 has provided a secure and stable OS for business, but regular patches and security upgrades will no longer be released for Windows 7 past January 2020 — leaving your computers open to the dangers of cyberattacks.

Don’t Put Your Business at RIsk

Hackers have been watching Windows 7 more closely as it nears the end of its lifecycle, looking for vulnerabilities that can be quickly exploited once maintenance has expired for the platform. While Windows upgrades are delivered every few years, they have a general window of a useful lifetime of 10 years. After that period, Microsoft eliminates free support and provides only very limited paid support options for your business. It’s not unusual for businesses to skip upgrading their operating systems and still be on a Windows 7 platform. As of 2019, there are still approximately 36% of computers accessing the internet from a device running Windows 7.

Steps You Can Take to Avoid the Impending January 2020 Deadline

Depending on the size of your business and how many computers are utilizing the Windows 7 operating system, there are a variety of options for upgrade. You can install updates on individual computers manually, and there are a few options for getting access to a free upgrade version of Windows 10. Unfortunately, you might find that your computers are not quite fast enough or new enough to handle an in-place upgrade and you might need to either purchase new machines or make adjustments to your current business machines to get them ready. Windows 10 has different operating system requirements than Windows 7 or even Windows 8, and might place too heavy of a load on older machines.

Don’t wait any longer to upgrade to the latest and most stable version of Windows operating system: Windows 10. With only a few months left before the end of the full maintenance cycle, Windows 7 is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous items in your technology landscape, a problem that can be quickly rectified by working with your local trusted technology solutions provider to create an upgrade schedule. If you aren’t comfortable upgrading directly in the few months that are left to your business, there are plenty of options for short-term maintenance that your proactive IT partner can help you explore.

An IBM Security study found that 60 percent of respondents opposed local governments paying ransomware. Read on to learn more about the implications.  

Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and U.S. taxpayers are divided on the issue of who should pay the hackers to recover the data. An IBM Security study surveyed 2,200 U.S. citizens on their understanding of and willingness to fund cybercrime recovery efforts. The respondents also gave their opinion on actions taken by the government to prevent and respond to cyberattacks.

The study found that:

• 75% of the respondents were concerned about having their personal data held for ransom.
• About 80% feared the impact of ransomware attacks on U.S. cities.
• About 60% of U.S. citizens surveyed opposed their local governments using tax dollars to pay the ransom.
• 60% of respondents preferred their city use tax dollars to fund recovery efforts rather than pay ransom.
• More than 30% of taxpayers surveyed opposed paying to help emergency services, police departments and schools hit by a cyberattack. In addition, many of those willing to pay would only do so if restoration costs were less than $50,000.
• About 40% of respondents specifically opposed to providing financial assistance to police departments and public schools.
• About 90% of taxpayers surveyed supported an increase in federal funding to help local governments improve cybersecurity. In addition, more than 75% of responding citizens supported federal reimbursement to help cities already hit by cyberattacks deal with ongoing recovery efforts.

Can We Stop Cyberattacks?

While there’s no way to eliminate cybercrime completely, preparedness can drastically reduce its incidence. That starts with a collaborative effort from cybersecurity providers, local governments, businesses, and individuals.

Organizations must implement a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that includes recognizing red flags and responding to an attack. The vast majority of cities and businesses hit by attacks failed to take precautions and had no response plan. Understanding how hackers operate and what steps to take to minimize risk is crucial. Helpful precautions include:

• Choosing strong passwords consisting of lower and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols
• Doing research before installing third-party applications
• Backing up data on an external drive or through a cloud service
• Keeping operating systems and software up to date
• Recognizing malicious phishing emails
• Using multi-factor authentication to access personal accounts

Prevention is the Best Cure

There is a widespread misunderstanding that paying a ransom will restore stolen data. Hackers often take the money without honoring their promise, leaving the victims deeper in the hole. Paying ransoms only guarantees future cyberattacks with higher demands. Even if the hacker agrees to release the data, the victims must still spend time and effort to restore each compromised device and conduct security audits. The high price of ransomware coupled with the untrustworthiness of the hackers make prevention the much better option.

As cybercriminals continue to ramp up attacks on cities and small businesses, cybersecurity is a must. By taking the proper precautions and learning how to recognize signs of malicious activity, individuals and organizations can help thwart hackers and reduce their risk of having their data held for ransom.

Mobile Devices on Your Network? Use Endpoint Security Software

Mobile devices used for telecommuting can compromise your network. To keep your sensitive data safe, use a firewall, antivirus and endpoint security software.  

In today’s mobile environment, companies that offer employees the opportunity to telecommute often gain the upper hand. But allowing workers to access your network remotely — through any number of devices and platforms — can pose security risks.

As you add laptops, smartphones and other mobile devices to your network, you also add the need for endpoint security management. Using the right software, you can identify and manage access by all the users on your network — regardless of their geographic location. To manage endpoint security effectively, you’ll need a virtual private network, specific software packages, and a way to ensure that users’ devices comply with your organizational security policies.

What steps should you take to manage the mobile devices on your network effectively, and how will your company benefit from choosing the right software?

Managing Mobile Devices

Working with telecommuting employees requires a balance between security and flexibility. Offering your team the flexibility to work from anywhere can help you attract and retain exceptional employees. At the same time, allowing open access to your systems and networks can mean significant security challenges.

Requiring your team members to log on to your systems through a virtual private network constitutes the first step in ensuring endpoint security. In addition, employees should use only mobile devices that adhere to your corporate policies — including the brands and models of devices, as well as system requirements and allowable applications.

Devices not in compliance with your policy should log on through a virtual network with limited access to your systems and proprietary information. By encrypting data and prohibiting removable storage drives, you also may avoid compromising your proprietary data.

Choosing the Right Endpoint Security Software

A reliable firewall and antivirus package should form the foundation of your endpoint security strategy. Both serve as effective tools for protecting your users while they use your network. However, they may not provide complete security in every situation. For instance, an external drive directly connected to your network can spread malware.

In addition to these vital tools, consider using endpoint security software, which provides always-on monitoring of your network.

The right endpoint security software can provide your organization with a range of benefits, including:

• Heading off problems before they impact your operation. A malware infection can place significant demands on your network resources, resulting in downtime for your business. Instead of dealing with the problems on the back end, endpoint security software catches problems early, before they have a chance to take hold.
• Protecting workers. Your IT team likely has a full workload without dealing with an intrusion into your network. By strengthening your endpoint security practices, you free up your employees to attend to other technical issues. You also keep your non-technical staff members productive and serving customers.
• Saving money. A major breach of your system can annoy — or significantly harm — your customers, resulting in increased customer service requirements and even lost accounts. The damage to your reputation can last well beyond a breach incident.

Should You Buy a Copier or Lease It?

Trying to decide whether to lease a copier or buy a copier? Find out the pros and cons. See when buying or leasing may be the best option for your business.  

No single piece of equipment in the office takes more of a beating than the floor-standing copier.

Day in and day out it endures transitions between high heat and frigid office temps, paper jam tug-of-war, lid slamming and endless pieces of paper traveling at lightning speed across its rollers. All of this demanding work takes a toll on the device, giving it an average lifespan of just five years in a busy office.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself needing to find a replacement and the question arises: should you lease or buy a copier? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. These pros and cons will help you make the right choice for you and your business.

Why Buy a Copier?

When you’re playing the long game, buying a copier is usually the less expensive option–when it comes to the cost of the copier. You’ll avoid finance charges and other fees. You’ll also avoid a hard credit check, which may impact your credit score. If you’re a smaller or growing business, you like to keep your credit as clean as possible.

And even if you did have to put it on credit, the printer is yours after you finish paying for it. Some high-quality floor copiers can last up to 10 years, especially if you’re not a high-volume office. So that may be a very good deal.

Okay. So it sounds like buying is the way to go. But wait! There are some cons to consider.

When Buying a Copier Isn’t Your Best Option

Since the dawn of time, technology has never stood still. And the rate of change is only getting faster. A bought printer may have everything you need today. But no one really knows what businesses may need in 10 years. That could put you at a competitive disadvantage against newer companies in the future with the latest technology.

If you needed to resell that printer because you weren’t using it like you thought or needed to free up cash, you might recoup 50% if you sold it immediately, but in 5 years, it would probably cost more for someone to move it than they’d pay for the copier.

Not unlike a car, it’s not going to hold its value.

If your rainy day fund is tapped out and you’d have to put buying a copier on credit, interest charges may make the copier cost a lot more than you think you’re saving by buying over leasing a copier.

Finally, an aging printer will also begin to require more maintenance to keep it running smoothly. And you might find yourself feeling like you have to keep it past its prime to get your money’s worth. That may cost you in employee productivity and lost wages.

Why Lease a Copier?

Leasing a copier does make sense if you need to have clear terms from month-to-month. You know upfront how much you pay each month and for how long. That’s often easier on the budget. If cash flow is tight and you’d have to finance a bought printer anyway, leasing may actually end up saving you money.

When your term ends, you’re not stuck with a printer that may now be outdated or breaking down. You can upgrade when you renew your lease. Or, depending on the lease terms, you may be able to buy the copier at the end of the lease for a minimal cost if it’s still working for you.

A newer copier needs less maintenance and functions more efficiently, increasing workplace productivity and reducing worker frustration around inadequate technology. If the leased copier needs maintenance or stops working entirely, that’s likely the responsibility of the leasing company.

That’s not an emergency expense you have to worry about.

When Leasing a Copier Isn’t Your Best Option

You will pay more for the leased copier than you otherwise would. Those pros of leasing listed above come at a price. It’s important to realize that those are what you’re paying for, not just the copier. In a way leasing is another way to manage risk. Not unlike buying insurance, you’re paying the leasing company to take on what would otherwise be your risk.

Every business has a certain amount of risk they’re comfortable managing and planning for. Leasing a copier may not make sense for you if you’re in a position where you can effectively manage more risk. That copier may last you 15 years or five. You just don’t know because lifespan is so strongly affected by how your office uses it.

Ultimately, deciding whether to lease or buy a copier is a very company-specific decision. So weigh these pros and cons and you’ll make the right choice for your business.