Category: Uncategorized

Help Your Business Thrive With Co-Managed IT Services

Posted on May 25, 2023 by Tim Lawton

Over the past few years, awareness about IT services has significantly increased. Businesses of varying sizes recognize the need for and importance of utilizing IT services to protect sensitive data, keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, increase productivity throughout various departments and stay up-to-date with the most recent technology trends. Without IT services, companies put themselves and their clients at risk. So, if you’re looking to add these kinds of services to your business – or are in need of an update – you may wonder what your options are.

IT Services Providers Available For My  Business

When it comes to adding IT services to your business, there are essentially three main options. Sure, you could try incorporating new practices yourself, but this will take you away from other projects, so it’s best to turn to the professionals for what you need. One option that’s becoming rare is hiring an in-house IT team. This allows you to have an IT professional or team working at your business on a daily basis. They can handle most minor tech issues in a timely manner and will always be available to answer questions. You’ll also maintain control over the different practices, programs and protections that are in place.

Another option is to hire a managed services provider. MSPs come with a host of benefits and take much of the stress out of your IT needs. MSPs can help your systems operate more efficiently, reduce costs related to managing IT software, improve your cyber security efforts and answer any questions you may have. MSPs are third-party companies that must adhere to certain industry standards, but they don’t work directly out of your business. This means if you utilize MSP services, you will relinquish many of your IT decisions and responsibilities to the experts.

The final option is the best of both worlds, and it’s called co-managed IT services. This option allows you to outsource some of your more critical IT functions while still maintaining an in-house team. You can have the outsourced IT service manage your network infrastructure, which ensures your routers, firewalls and other network devices continue to work correctly. With co-managed IT services, an MSP can manage and monitor your data backup and recovery solutions, cyber security practices and defenses, cloud management and optimization and even IT project management. They can be available at all hours of the day to offer support and guidance for any needs you may have. And you’ll get to experience all these benefits while still maintaining an in-house IT department. Your in-house team can handle all quick problems and offer immediate assistance while the MSP handles everything else.

The Benefits Of Co-Managed IT

Now that you’re more familiar with co-managed IT services, you might wonder what the benefits are so you can determine if it’s the right fit for your business. One of the first benefits is that co-managed IT can save businesses quite a bit of money. Maintaining a full in-house IT department or depending on an MSP for every IT need can get expensive. But by outsourcing specific functions, you can lessen the number of people on your in-house IT team, and many MSPs provide differently priced packages depending on your company’s needs. This will help you find the right balance that also fits your IT budget. You’ll have more control and flexibility over your IT infrastructure as well, so you can choose who handles each responsibility and what functions the third-party team manages.

Another great benefit you’ll gain from a co-managed IT service is a double layer of expertise and security. Not only will you have a team on the ground able to provide quick fixes to common problems, but you’ll also have an MSP holding down your back line and ensuring everything else runs smoothly. Both your in-house and outsource team will have experience and knowledge to guide you through any dilemma that may arise.

No matter what the IT needs are for your business, there’s an IT option that’s bound to help your business find more success. We can help if you’re still unsure which option is best for you and your business. Once your IT needs are met, you can focus your attention on the daily operations of your business and find new ways to become more profitable and efficient.

The Parallels of Plumbing & Network Security

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Tim Lawton

Plumbing and network security appear to be unrelated topics, but there are some fascinating similarities that can cast some light on what you thought you knew. It can seem laughable yet drawing relationships between the two brings greater understanding to both.

Infrastructure

Both plumbing and network security rely on well-designed infrastructures. Plumbing systems require a network of pipes, valves, and fixtures to ensure proper flow and distribution of water throughout a building. Network security requires well-structured network architecture including routers, firewalls, and switches to control the flow of data and protect against unauthorized access.

Flow Control

In plumbing, flow control is essential for efficient water distribution and usage. Valves and faucets regulate the flow of water, allowing it to be directed to specific areas or shut off completely. Network security also involves flow control mechanisms such as firewalls and access control lists that permit or restrict the flow of data based on predefined rules and policies. These standards ensure that information flows only to authorized destinations, preventing unauthorized access or data breaches.

Vulnerability Assessment

Both plumbing and network security require regular vulnerability assessments to identify potential weaknesses and address them proactively. Plumbers inspect pipes, joints, and fixtures for leaks, corrosion, or other vulnerabilities that may lead to water damage or loss. Similarly, network security professionals conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration tests to identify weaknesses in network infrastructure, software, or configurations that could be exploited by attackers. By identifying and skirting vulnerabilities, both plumbing and network security strive to maintain system integrity and prevent issues.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Vulnerability assessment leads to repairs and enhancements. Both systems require ongoing maintenance and upkeep to ensure optimal performance. Plumbers regularly perform maintenance tasks such as pipe cleaning, fixture repair, and system flushing to prevent clogs, leaks, or other issues. Likewise, network security professionals continually monitor and update security measures, such as patching software vulnerabilities, updating access controls, and implementing intrusion detection systems, to keep networks secure from evolving threats.

Containment

In plumbing, when a leak or pipe burst occurs, plumbers quickly identify and contain the issue to prevent further damage. They may shut off water valves or use temporary measures like buckets or patches until a permanent fix is implemented. In networks, when a breach or unauthorized access is detected, security teams aim to isolate the affected system, block unauthorized access points, and implement temporary countermeasures while investigating and resolving the issue.

Expertise and Training

Both plumbing and network security require specialized knowledge and training. Plumbers undergo training to comprehend the intricacies of pipe systems, water pressure, valve operations, and plumbing codes. Similarly, network security professionals acquire expertise in areas such as network protocols, encryption, access controls, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Both fields demand continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements and best practices.

While plumbing and network security serve distinct purposes, their similarities demonstrate the importance of structured systems, flow control, vulnerability assessment, maintenance, containment, and expertise in ensuring efficient operation and protection against potential threats or issues. By recognizing these similarities, we can gain a deeper understanding of the principles that underpin these disciplines and apply relevant lessons from one specialization to the other.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Tim Lawton

Harness The Power Of Technology To Improve Productivity

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to stay focused and productive. With constant distractions from social media, e-mail notifications and other online temptations, it’s no surprise that many people struggle to get things done. Fortunately, technology can also be an asset to help you stay on task and reach your goals, regardless of whether you’re trying to accomplish things in the workplace or in your personal life. By using the right tools and strategies, you can harness the power of technology to boost your productivity and stay focused on important tasks. 

One of the most effective ways is to utilize the right apps and software. Countless productivity tools are available, each with unique features and benefits. Time-tracking apps like Toggl and RescueTime allow you to track how much time you spend on any given task. You’ll quickly identify where you’re wasting time and can make adjustments to reclaim it. Productivity apps like Asana and Trello can help you create to-do lists and track progress toward accomplishing essential company tasks and projects.

Focus apps like Freedom and SelfControl are also worth looking into if you are continually tempted by distractions. These apps allow you to block access to certain websites for a specified amount of time, which will help you avoid social media platforms and news websites when you should be focused on your work. Some apps and tools are free, while others require a subscription or a onetime fee. To determine the best apps for your situation, you should consider various factors, including your work style, goals and your budget. 

In addition to the many apps that are available, another key strategy involves cleaning up and managing your digital environment. If you use a computer for work, it’s not uncommon for it to become cluttered over time. Clear out applications and documents from your home screen that are no longer needed, and disable those pesky pop-up notifications. Doing so will often boost your computer’s processing power.

Organization is a crucial part of tidying up your digital workspace. If you’re not already using a cloud-based platform, like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive, to keep your files organized, now is the time to do so. If you do use a cloud-based platform, when did you last go through it? Set some time aside every other month to go through your documents to ensure they’re organized in a way that makes it easy to access them. Create subfolders and date everything to truly maximize your efficiency. These platforms will also allow you to share your documents with minimal effort. And if you’re well organized, you won’t get distracted while hunting for a specific document. 

If you work remotely and find that your productivity suffers when you need to contact a co-worker, communication programs like Zoom and Slack allow you to facilitate real-time collaboration and better connect with your team. Be careful, though, since communication apps can be a double-edged sword. Yes, they can improve productivity, but they can also redirect your focus if you get pulled into conversations that aren’t work-related. If you find yourself constantly distracted by communication from other team members, set specific times to check your notifications. 

As a final tip, if you need additional support when it comes to staying productive and focused, utilize a digital assistant like Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri. These assistants can be programmed to remind you about important tasks and deadlines before they get too close. They can schedule tasks, help you plan your day and even answer questions quickly. 

We don’t have to think about technology only as a distraction. Once you find the right apps and technological tools that fit your work style, you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your productivity. 

What is FINRA Compliance?

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Tim Lawton

At Pacific Computer Consultants, we understand the importance of maintaining FINRA compliance for businesses in the financial industry. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a non-governmental organization that regulates the activities of brokerage firms and financial professionals in the United States. FINRA compliance is critical for businesses in the financial industry to ensure that they operate in a manner that is ethical, transparent, and legal.

Critical Aspects of FINRA

One of the key aspects of FINRA compliance is data security. FINRA requires businesses to have appropriate security measures in place to protect sensitive financial information. This includes the use of secure passwords, encryption, firewalls, and other security protocols. Failure to comply with FINRA security requirements can result in hefty fines and damage to the reputation of the business.

At Pacific Computer Consultants, we provide businesses in the financial industry with the guidance and support they need to maintain FINRA compliance and secure their sensitive data. We understand that data security is not only essential for FINRA compliance but also critical for maintaining the trust of customers and investors.

Our team of experienced IT consultants has specialized knowledge in data security and can help businesses to identify vulnerabilities in their IT infrastructure and recommend solutions to address them. We provide a range of services to help businesses secure their data including the following:

Risk assessments
Penetration testing
Security awareness training

FINRA Compliance Services

Risk assessments involve a comprehensive review of a business’s IT infrastructure to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities. Our team works closely with businesses to identify areas of weakness and recommend solutions to mitigate these risks. This includes the implementation of secure passwords, encryption, firewalls, and other security protocols.

Penetration testing is another critical service that we provide. Penetration testing involves simulating a cyber attack on a business’s IT infrastructure to identify potential vulnerabilities. This process helps businesses to identify areas where they need to improve their security measures and implement additional safeguards to protect against cyber threats.

Finally, we provide security awareness training to help businesses educate their employees on best practices for data security. We understand that human error can often be a significant contributor to data breaches, and educating employees on how to avoid common mistakes can go a long way in preventing security incidents.

Contact Pacific Computer Consultants Today

Maintaining FINRA compliance and securing sensitive financial data is critical for businesses in the financial industry. At Pacific Computer Consultants, we provide businesses with the guidance and support they need to maintain FINRA compliance and secure their data against cyber threats. Our team of experienced IT consultants has specialized knowledge in data security and can provide a range of services to help businesses identify vulnerabilities and implement solutions to mitigate risks. Contact us today to learn more about our FINRA compliance and data security services. We proudly serve clients in Concord, California and the nearby areas. Call us at (925) 281-5826.

Referral Program

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Tim Lawton

At Pacific Computer Consultants, we believe that referrals are the greatest form of flattery. If you know someone who is worried about any aspect of their business technology, do them a favor and put them in touch with us.

As one of our valued customers, you already know the benefits you get from our services:

Sleeping like a baby – we take care of your technology 24×7
Increased productivity – less downtime translates into more work time
No more worrying about security – we protect your data and your network
Enjoying more time for yourself – maximize your quality of life

By recommending partners, associates, or professional contacts, you can help them enjoy worry-free IT and reap some rewards for yourself.

Understanding Cyber Security Compliance Standards

Posted on March 28, 2023 by Tim Lawton

There is an endless number of things a business owner should do for their business to be successful. They must develop a product or service that can attract customers, hire and train a team to oversee day-to-day operations, implement marketing strategies and so much more. While all these tasks are essential for your business to be profitable, your business will never get off the ground if you aren’t compliant with standards that affect your industry.

Compliance standards are guidelines or rules that organizations must follow to meet legal, regulatory or industry requirements. These standards are designed to ensure organizations ethically conduct business – by protecting the rights and interests of their customers, employees and other stakeholders. When an organization does not maintain its compliance standards, it will be met with fines, legal action and other penalties.

Many compliance standards that apply to most organizations involve sensitive information protection. Here are a few examples.

National Institute Of Standards And Technology (NIST)

The NIST is a nonregulatory agency of the United States Department of Commerce that promotes innovation and industrial competitiveness. As a business leader, you must be aware of the various cyber security standards and guidelines set by the NIST. One such standard is the NIST Cyber Security Framework, a voluntary framework that provides a way for organizations to better manage and reduce cyber security risks. It’s built on the following five core functions:

Identify
It’s vital to understand the organization’s cyber security risks, assets and the people responsible for them.
Protect
Implementing the necessary safeguards to protect the organization’s assets from cyberthreats can shield companies from increasing risks.
Detect
It’s important to detect when a security incident occurs. This function includes activities like monitoring network traffic and reviewing logs.
Respond
By responding to security incidents as they occur and containing the incidents, people can eradicate the threat and recover from it.
Recover
After a security incident does occur, organizations must know how to restore normal operations as well as their systems and data. This process often helps people understand the importance of implementing safeguards to ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.

Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA)

The compliance standards set by HIPAA are some of the most well-known as they pertain to protecting personal health information (PHI) in the United States. HIPAA requires covered entities, such as health care providers and health plans, to ensure the privacy and security of PHI. The Security Rule and the Privacy Rule are the two main sets of regulations under HIPAA that covered entities and their business associates must follow. The Security Rule sets standards for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of electronic PHI and requires covered entities and business associates to implement certain administrative, physical and technical safeguards. On the other hand, the Privacy Rule sets standards for the use and disclosure of PHI and gives individuals certain rights concerning their PHI – such as the right to access their PHI and the right to request their PHI be amended. Failure to comply with HIPAA can lead to significant financial penalties, reputational damage and, in some cases, the loss of a license to practice medicine.

Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)

The CMMC is a relatively new set of compliance standards developed by the Department of Defense to protect Controlled Unclassified Information. The CMMC is mandatory for all DoD contractors and subcontractors that handle CUI. This is a tiered certification system with five levels of maturity. Each level has a specific set of practices and processes that organizations must implement to achieve certification. As a business leader, you should be aware of the CMMC and the specific level your organization will need to achieve to comply with the DoD contract requirement. CMMC certification is audited and managed by a third party. Keep in mind that getting this certification will take ample time and effort. You’ll need to implement robust security protocols and practices that may not have been in place before.

These are just a few compliance standards that may be required in your industry. Complying with these standards will help protect your business, customers and employees.

Top 4 Threats to Your Cybersecurity

Posted on March 21, 2023 by Tim Lawton

Cybersecurity for businesses has become one of the most critical elements of setting up your company for success. With the vast majority of many businesses’ critical information online, having protections in place to keep that information secure and out of the grasp of others is absolutely necessary. This is why it is imperative to find a company to provide top-of-the-line cybersecurity for businesses to protect your business from any and all threats. Here are the top five threats to your business’s cybersecurity:

Phishing Attacks

A phishing attack occurs when fraudsters trick a person or business into believing they are legitimate through what’s known as social engineering. These types of attacks are in the form of emails, unsafe links, via text, and even impersonation software where they get the user to believe they are legitimate and need personal information.

Phishing attacks occur in businesses all too often where an email may appear as it comes from a reputable entity or site, but one click gives access to your business’ infrastructure.

Ransomware

This is where the data or information of your business can be held for ransom by criminals looking to get a payout. Your systems, software, and documents can be held in a locked state by these criminals. Without proper business cybersecurity, these attackers can get access to sensitive information and can threaten to publish it or make it available to others unless they receive payment. Ransomware attacks can be incredibly costly, especially if the information is released as this can lead to lawsuits.

Attacks on Mobile Security

Many businesses allow their employees to access their business database and emails on their smartphones. While this allows for more productivity and working even on the go, criminals can generate realistic apps that may even exist within supposedly secure app stores. These seemingly innocuous apps can actually infect the phone and take over accounts thereby gaining access to critical information and data.

Working From Home

With more than 25% of Americans working from home in 2023 and that number only looking to increase, the need for a strong cybersecurity company for your business has never been more imperative. With staff members using private routers, vulnerable Wi-Fi networks, and unprotected computers, criminals can gain access to sensitive data and information in an easier fashion than if employees were nested in the business and protected under a single server.

How to Protect Your Company

To keep your company’s data and sensitive information safe, having a cybersecurity company to keep your business protected is a must. Pacific Computer Consultants keep your data secure by offering cybersecurity services that include the following:

Assessments of your current system
Development of a complete cybersecurity plan
Network monitoring
Consistent support team monitoring

If you are in the Bay Area and nearby, please contact Pacific Computer Consultants today for an evaluation of the cybersecurity needed to protect your business. You can also call us at (925) 492-7174.

Construction Company IT Services

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Anne McAuley Lopez

The construction business is a fast-paced industry that requires constantly evolving technologies and cybersecurity measures. As a Construction IT services provider, we help you stay ahead of the curve. The team at PCC does this by integrating and maintaining the IT infrastructure, implementing cybersecurity, and monitoring the network around the clock.

Construction IT Services

As a home construction business, you’re handling proprietary information from architects, banks, investors, subcontractors, accountants, inspectors, and your own staff. Much of this is software based and may include:

CAD
Cost estimating and financing.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Procurement and scheduling
Project management
Worksite coordination
Team collaboration
Inspection and quality control
Regulatory and safety matters

How secure is the information? Is the network secure? Are the blueprints safely stored? Have databases been backed up? How much downtime could your business afford? If you’re like most home construction businesses, you’re focused on the customers, and not on Construction IT Services. That’s where PCC can support your current team or become your Managed Services Provider, ensuring data is backed up, monitored, and secure.

We pride ourselves on our ability to understand the technical side of construction so that we can assess and implement the right services.

Hackers are always looking for ways to gather sensitive information like credit card numbers, social security numbers, or proprietary information. They can shut down systems and cause you to pay ransom to get the network key returned so you can access your own company’s information. We don’t want this to happen to your business.

Our Construction IT Services provide technical support for your industry-specific software, workstations, and more. From estimates to CAD drawings and accounting software that manages multiple subcontractors and projects, we work with you to identify where there are gaps in security, where we can improve processes and update software and hardware, add workstations, and provide cloud storage for seasonal business fluctuations.

We want to give you back your time to focus on clients and projects, and not construction IT services.

Your team will have access to our help desk 27/7/365 so when you’re away from the office, they still have the support they need, if they need it. We monitor systems around the clock in an effort to thwart hackers and keep networks and data as secure as possible.

Our plans are cost-effective and designed with your business in mind. We provide recommendations and options so we can grow our relationship with you as your business grows. Call PCC today for more information about Construction IT Services.

What can your business outsource?

Posted on January 31, 2023 by Anne McAuley Lopez

As you review previous months, quarters, and years of financial reports, consider what can your business outsource versus the resources spent to do certain functions. Often accounting, marketing, administrative tasks, seasonal work, and IT consulting are on the table. Look at what you’ve spent in time and money in these areas and whether these are in the core job functions for whoever is doing them. Consider whether it makes sense budget wise to make these changes to your business.

Bookkeeping & Accounting

As a business owner myself, I was not aware of how much I was spending in certain areas because I wasn’t up to date on my financials. Not only that, but I also didn’t know how to use the reports to make business decisions. Since hiring a bookkeeper who is also an accountant, I now know my income and expenses monthly and can now set goals and make informed business decisions. The result is growth in my business over just one year. Was it worth the expense? YES! The service pays for itself, and I can focus on my core business.

Marketing & Social Media

This is often the second function that a business outsources. I like to say that as a start-up it is important to get a feel for marketing but then hand it off to the professionals. Social media posting, for example, is different than running an ad campaign for a product, analyzing results, and making changes for the next ads. There’s research and strategy as to how and why certain businesses are marketed in certain ways. If you’re busy studying the ins and outs of marketing, you’re likely not focused on the core business or highlighting your own expertise. It’s time to consider outsourcing marketing and social media.

Administrative Tasks

No matter the business, there are always administrative tasks like answering phones, setting appointments, and emailing. While there are scheduling and automation tools, it doesn’t replace the human touch. If you find yourself in need of assistance and don’t need someone full-time, consider hiring a virtual assistant (VA) who can help on a project or part-time basis. Websites like Upwork or the International Virtual Assistants Association are resources for these services.

Seasonal Work

Is your business busier at certain times of the year? I think of accounting and tax preparation as one of these industries. Consider hiring temporary help for the busy seasons. There are lots of parents in need of part-time work while their children are in school who may have experience in your industry. Ask your network who they know that may be interested. Be specific in the job functions so you find the right person faster.

IT Consulting

If you’ve read the news recently, you’ll know how important cybersecurity is for businesses of all sizes. If you’re not sure you’ve got the security in place to protect business, client, and customer data, it’s time to consider IT Consulting from PCC.

Partnering with PCC means a complete analysis of IT systems currently in place, recommendations for improvements, and an implementation plan to fit your budget. We’re here for you. Contact us today to learn more.

Are There Fears We Need to Unlearn?

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Jay Spear

During our lives we experience so many fears, but did you know you are only born with two? It’s true. We come preinstalled only with the fear of falling and loud sounds. A reactive response to a bang and a dizzying sensation when you look over the edge of a drop-off came from your ancestors. It’s by design, written deep in your programming for self-preservation.

Fear can keep you from doing something stupid or life-ending. But for most of us, most of the time, fear is something learned—think mice, roaches, and darkness. These are natural fears but you weren’t born with them. You learned them. They were likely imprinted on you by your family, community, and culture at a young age.

You’ve seen a toddler put a spider in their mouth right? You haven’t? Oh, well, I’ve seen it more than once. It’s equal parts hilarious and horrifying. And what’s the usual response to a kid that does something like this? Almost immediately an onlooker reacts with shouts of fear or disgust.

Consider your personal DON’T list. Don’t put your face too close to a dog’s face. Don’t put small objects up your nose. Don’t drive drunk. Don’t kiss snakes. Don’t approach strange clowns.

These cultural imprints are the reasons you and your ancestors made it through history. Learned fear comes from associations with previous fight or flight experiences.

Are there fears we need to unlearn? I joked about clowns. But many full-grown adults experience near paralysis when exposed to costumed or masked strangers. This can evoke fight-or-flight emotion. Unless coached to overcome associative fears, we may unknowingly pass these illogical fears on to the next generation.

Consider the fear of rejection. Or the fear of trying something new. It’s easy to trace these back to your earliest memories. Maybe you weren’t the first pick for the grade school dodgeball game or you got dumped by Angela Baker in 5th grade.

Fast forward—today you’re afraid to open your inbox. You’re not alone. We’ve all developed some really debilitating fears. When you consider your fears rationally you can see that none of your regular daily activities will result in death. Still, we allow associative fears to live in the mental space as loud noises, cliff edges, and ravenous tigers.

It’s never too late to free yourself from fear. Read on:

Watch Yourself

Develop a habit of self-observation. If you’re on the ride you will never see how crazy you’re behaving. Learn to get off “the ride” and watch your response to fears.

Be Stoic

Rehearse worst-case scenario thinking. This exercise gives you perspective—and you end up feeling empowered with a convincing realization that the worst-case scenario is something you could handle but you very rarely if ever would have to.

Let Go

There may be things you just don’t want to do. Let others do them. You can hand off or hire almost anything out—IT Services for example.

Create New Associations

Purposefully put yourself in situations that require the steps above. Stretch. Get uncomfortable and see what happens.