The SMB Guide to Multi-Factor Authentication

by Dennis Szymczak | Jan 16, 2023 | Business Advice, IT Services, IT Solutions, IT Support, IT Tips

Recently, the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI) surveyed small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs & SMBs) to assess their knowledge of multifactor authentication (MFA). The findings were startling; an overwhelming majority (55%) of these organizations had no idea what MFA was or how it could help protect them from cyber threats. This lack of knowledge and understanding of MFA is particularly concerning, as any business owner knows that taking steps to secure their data is crucial for continued success.

As an owner, CEO, or CIO of a small business, it’s your responsibility to ensure the security of your company’s data. With cyber threats becoming increasingly sophisticated and aggressive, one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself is implementing multifactor authentication (MFA). 

MFA adds extra layers of security beyond passwords that can help ensure only authorized users have access to your system – all while ensuring operations are as efficient as possible. In this blog post, we’ll look at multi-factor authentication, how it works, and why it’s essential for any small business looking to stay safe online in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

What is Multifactor Authentication? 

Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) is a highly recommended form of authentication that provides an extra layer of security to help protect sensitive data. It requires users to provide more than one form of verification, such as a username and password combination, a one-time code sent to their device, or biometric information like fingerprints or facial recognition. MFA helps reduce the likelihood of successful cyber attacks.

By requiring two or more validation factors from a user in order to gain access to resources, organizations can ensure only authorized individuals are accessing critical data. For added security, organizations should consider implementing MFA that’s tailored to their specific needs and industry compliance regulations.

How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work? 

The concept behind MFA is simple yet effective: users provide two factors to authenticate themselves–their username/password combination and an additional factor that confirms their identity. Companies must select which authenticator factors they want to use based on their specific needs and the level of security desired. 

Organizations must also decide whether they want MFA integrated into existing systems, use external solutions (such as third-party identity providers), or purchase dedicated hardware solutions for more robust authentication measures. 

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) two-factor authentication has developed guidelines for implementing MFA best practices in small businesses.

These requirements are designed to help organizations understand the importance of using two-factor authentication when accessing sensitive data, such as customer information or financial records. The requirements are also aimed at assisting small business owners in implementing an appropriate 2FA solution that meets their security needs.

The NIST MFA Requirements provide a number of key recommendations for implementation, including the use of unique passwords for each user, strict adherence to password policies, regular review and enforcement of access control measures, and clear audit logs to track activity. They also require that users must authenticate via two separate factors before being granted access to any protected resources. This could include something they know (such as a password or PIN), something they have (like a physical token), or something they are (like biometric data).

MFA builds on the concept of using strong passwords by offering an additional form of authentication. This additional form could include one-time passcodes, fingerprints, or any other type of authentication that requires multiple verification steps. 

By following these best practices, small businesses can ensure that their valuable data is kept safe from unauthorized use and manipulation. Furthermore, organizations will have peace of mind knowing that their customers’ privacy is not put at risk by any malicious actors who may be trying to gain access to sensitive information.

MFA vs. 2-Factor Authentication: What’s The Difference? 

Multi-Factor Authentication is a security measure that requires more than one method of authentication to verify the identity of an individual. This differs from Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which is restricted to using only two authentication methods for verification. 

MFA offers additional layers of protection against unwanted access by requiring users to provide multiple pieces of information to prove their identity.

Furthermore, MFA can involve using any combination of authentication factors such as passwords, biometrics, or OTP tokens, thus making it much more secure than 2FA alone. Combined with other measures such as encryption and user permission management, MFA can help organizations protect their data and systems against unauthorized access and malicious activities.

The Importance of Multi-Factor Authentication for Businesses 

By leveraging MFA technology and other security measures such as antivirus software and firewalls, businesses can provide an extra layer of defense against outside threats. This adds an extra layer of security for customers’ data and provides peace of mind for business owners responsible for safeguarding their customers’ sensitive information.

According to Microsoft, implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) can provide a powerful safeguard against account compromise attacks. Utilizing MFA for your accounts helps protect you from hackers and other malicious actors who want to gain unauthorized access to your data. 

An independent survey conducted by Microsoft found that MFA successfully blocked nearly all (99.9%) account compromise attacks. 

It also helps to prevent identity theft by providing an extra layer of security, making it much more difficult for an attacker to gain access to your personal information without permission. 

Furthermore, implementing MFA can help improve customer experience by providing faster service with less downtime due to malicious activities or fraudulent attempts at gaining access. 

Companies should take the time now to make sure they understand the importance of MFA and the added benefits it provides for both themselves and their customers. With the proper education and awareness about MFA security protocols, businesses can ensure that they are protecting themselves and their customers from potential threats in the digital space.

Here are other important ways to solve the top small business tech issues.

What To Consider When Selecting An MFA Solution For Your Business

Consider the following when selecting an MFA solution for your business:

• When evaluating the proper multifactor authentication (MFA) solution for your business, the critical criteria are accessibility, usability, and training resources.
• To find the correct multifactor authentication (MFA) solution for your business, consider accessibility for all employees, usability, and training resources.
• Additionally, ensure the MFA solution meets current and future needs while remaining cost-effective.
• The provider should offer comprehensive user guides, tutorials, and 24/7 support for any issues that might arise. 

How to Implement a Multifactor Authentication Policy for Your Company 

Introducing Multi-Factor Authentication (“MFA”) is important in ensuring your organization’s security is up to date. To have a successful implementation, it is essential to designate someone who can lead the process and accept responsibility for cyber readiness. This individual must prioritize what systems and data need protection, decide which MFA technology best suits those needs, and assess the impact on employees. 

Before rolling out MFA across the organization, it is vital to communicate the policies, expectations, and how easy it will be for employees to use. This could include workforce information sessions, training, or a messaging campaign outlining the necessary steps for using MFA such as putting up physical posters, banners, emails, and other communications throughout your organization’s buildings to explain why MFA is essential in today’s digital age. It’s also beneficial to provide support resources where employees can troubleshoot problems they may experience during initial use. 

Once you have communicated your plan and employees understand how MFA works, you can begin implementation. It’s important to note that this could present technical challenges if you have a large employee base or if some of your systems need to be updated or transitioned into an MFA environment more accessible. 

With strong leadership, strategic planning, and ongoing communication, successful integration of MFA is achievable for any business regardless of size.

What Challenges Might Businesses Face When Implementing Multifactor Authentication? 

Businesses’ most significant challenge when implementing multifactor authentication is ensuring all employees understand why it’s important and how it works. If there’s not enough education or training around MFA, employees may not be comfortable with the process or may even find it too confusing — leading them to avoid using it altogether. 

Additionally, some users may find the additional steps required for MFA tedious or time-consuming, mainly if they are used to logging in with just one credential. For both the educational and technical side of MFA, you always have the option of working with an MSP. Check out our post on how to find the best MSP for your company. 

Benefits of Using Multifactor Authentication for Your Business 

The primary benefit of using multifactor authentication is increased security. This can help protect your data and digital assets from malicious actors trying to steal information or money from your organization and also help protect your customers’ data and builds trust by showing that you take their data privacy seriously. 

By requiring users to prove their identity multiple times before gaining access, MFA makes it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access. 

Also, MFA can help protect against phishing scams and other social engineering attacks since attackers will need more than just one piece of information before they can get into your systems. 

Finally, this extra layer of control makes it easier for you to keep track of employee activity on your networks and spot any unauthorized activity quickly before any damage can be done.

The Challenge of Using Multifactor Authentication

While many benefits are associated with using multifactor authentication, there are also some potential drawbacks. For example, trying to access systems with multiple layers of credentials is time-consuming, which can cause delays and disruptions within an organization.

How Can Employees Be Trained To Use Multi-Factor Authentication? 

Putting together educational campaigns to educate them on how to use MFA, such as putting up physical posters, banners, emails, and other communications throughout your organization’s buildings to explain why MFA is essential in today’s digital age, as well as inform everyone about the risks associated with not using it – like identity theft or lost data due to hacker attacks or malware. Additionally, let them know that you are making this transition for their safety and convenience – not as a nuisance or tracking policy. 

Strongly urge all your users to take advantage of this new technology – installing MFA on all applicable devices and services – to benefit from its added security measures during this digital era. 

Multifactor authentication provides an extra layer of security that protects your business from online attackers looking for easy targets with weak security protocols in place. With its ability to verify identities through multiple factors such as passwords, encryption keys, and biometrics, MFA ensures that only authorized personnel can access your essential data and resources – making it an invaluable tool for businesses looking for ways to keep their networks secure. As such, we strongly recommend implementing multifactor authentication across all systems within your organization if you want the best protection against external attacks.

If you are looking for an IT firm to outsource your cybersecurity to, ANAX Business Technology is at your service. We have been providing cybersecurity solutions to help hundreds of businesses just like yours stay secure online. We offer 24/7 monitoring, real-time alerts, and an advanced security system that will keep your business protected from hackers and other threats.

Simplifying Your SMB CyberSecurity

by Dennis Szymczak | Jan 5, 2023 | Business Advice, IT Services, IT Solutions, IT Support, IT Tips

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are constantly under threat from cyberattacks. In fact, SMB cybersecurity issues frequently arise as 60% of all attacks target SMBs. These Cyber attacks include data breaches, malware attacks, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), phishing attacks, spyware and others.

The reason for this is simple: SMBs often lack the robust cybersecurity infrastructure of larger organizations, making them easier targets.

However, there are steps that you can take to simplify your cybersecurity and make your company a less attractive target. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective cybersecurity solutions for SMBs. By taking these steps, you can help protect your business from the ever-growing threat of cybercrime.

Why Small Businesses are prone to Cyber Attacks?

Small and medium businesses (SMBs) are increasingly becoming targeted by cyber criminals. With data breaches causing significant disruption, loss of business operations and potential financial losses, it is imperative for SMBs to take cybersecurity seriously.

In small companies, these problems result from a lack of resources as well as skills. Typically, smaller businesses do not have dedicated cybersecurity experts who protect them from hackers. You can take steps to close your IT knowledge gap, but cybersecurity is usually an area you need outside help with.  In addition, SMBs often rely on outdated and vulnerable systems, making them easy targets for cyber criminals.

Cybersecurity helps ensure the safety of critical information such as customer data and confidential client files, protecting not only your sensitive data but also your reputation. Implementing robust cybersecurity measures including appropriate access control protocols and regularly monitoring activities on networks are essential steps to protect digital assets from malicious actors.

Some unsettling stats on SMB Cybersecurity Threats

• There’s a 31% increase in the average number of attacks per company since 2020
• On average, SMBs lose $212,000 annually due to cyber incidents that affected suppliers with whom they share data.
• 44% of data breaches include customer personally identifiable information (PII).
• It takes an average of 212 days to identify a data breach and an average of 75 days to contain a data breach.
• Phishing, having been observed in 41% of cyberattacks, emerged as the top infection victor in 2021. And other top threat victors included vulnerability exploitation, stolen credentials, Brute Force, remote desktop, removable media, and password spraying.
• The United States suffers from the most data breaches worldwide.

6 steps to take to Increase your Small Businesses Cybersecurity

When it comes to protecting your small business from potential cyber threats, taking proactive steps is key.

1.To ensure proper cybersecurity, begin by setting a strict password policy that requires complex passwords to be used and updated regularly. Also, a password manager is a valuable tool for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to increase their cybersecurity. Password managers store user credentials in an encrypted format, making it difficult for attackers to gain access to them. This is especially important if you have multiple users accessing the same system or website.

2.Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA) to further secure critical systems from unauthorized access. This involves entering a one-time passcode or code via SMS text message in addition to your username and password, providing an extra layer of security.

3.Ensure your team is educated on the latest security protocols and best practices. Equip employees with tools to protect customers’ data, such as strong passwords and monitored internet use guidelines. Establish clear standards of behavior so everyone understands their role in protecting company information. Penalties should be clearly articulated so that all employees understand the expectations set forth by your cybersecurity policies.

4.Make sure your operating systems are up to date with the latest software and security patches. Many cyberattacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s important to stay on top of security updates and patches to minimize your risk.

5.Invest in antivirus software; pick one that offers both local and cloud-based protection. Cloud-based antivirus solutions are particularly useful for SMBs, as they can be accessed remotely and updated automatically. This helps ensure that your systems are always protected from the latest threats.

6.Regularly backup your data in case of a security incident. To ensure you can recover important information quickly and seamlessly in the event of an attack, consider using a cloud-based backup service or secondary server to create redundant copies of your data.

By taking these proactive steps to strengthen your SMB’s cybersecurity, you can help mitigate the risk of cyberattacks and protect your systems and valuable data from being compromised.

How to get started with implementing these changes

Implementing changes undoubtedly requires considerable planning and organization. Businesses need to assess their current levels of risk, identify vulnerabilities, and prioritize their implementation efforts.

1. One of the easiest ways for small businesses to start implementing effective cybersecurity changes is to create an inventory of all hardware and software currently being used.
2. Write down the guidelines needed as part of your cybersecurity update. For example, guidelines for choosing passwords, frequency of updates, and secure storage protocols.
3. Next, prioritize what needs to be done by identifying the most pressing issues first and creating goals with realistic timelines.
4. An action plan can then be created based on these goals to provide a roadmap for implementation.
5. Finally, any staff who will be actively involved in the changes should be trained accordingly; they need situational awareness and knowledge of policies and procedures in order to best support their role during this process.

All these steps are necessary for successful change implementation.

The Benefits of Making Small Cybersecurity Updates

Taking small steps to update cybersecurity can have significant benefits for any business, especially smaller organizations with limited resources.

First and foremost, these steps can help protect vital customer and company data from malicious actors. Cybersecurity updates can also help prevent damage from ransomware attacks that are designed to steal, destroy or encrypt sensitive data. These changes will help increase trust in your business and build a reputation for protecting the privacy of your customers.

Additionally, updating cybersecurity practices can help save time and money by reducing downtime from security incidents. By minimizing these types of incidents, you will be able to focus on growing your business instead of dealing with security issues. This allows more resources to be allocated to ongoing improvement efforts and can be a stepping stone to better security overall.

Despite the Simplicity, Make Life Easier Using an MSP

Despite the ease of adding some of these cybersecurity aspects, a lot of small businesses are too swamped with the day to day of running their business in order to have the time or skills needed to actually implement these changes.

Small businesses can benefit greatly from outsourcing their cybersecurity to a managed service provider (MSP). An MSP is a third-party organization that specializes in managing and monitoring the IT infrastructure of an organization. By entrusting an external entity with its security needs, businesses can reduce the workload for their internal teams and ensure that their network is secure and up to date.

MSPs can also provide valuable expertise and guidance in developing effective cybersecurity practices. They will understand the latest threats and vulnerabilities, as well as best practices for mitigating them, and they can help businesses stay on top of emerging trends and changes in the security landscape.

Overall, partnering with an MSP is a smart choice for small businesses looking to implement effective cybersecurity changes and ensure the security of their networks.

SMBs are an important sector of the economy, and they face unique cybersecurity challenges. By taking the six steps outlined in this blog post, SMBs can improve their cybersecurity posture and protect themselves from cyberattacks. Implementing these changes may be daunting, which is why you can always look for help from a company like ANAX Tech, but either way the benefits are worth it. With an enhanced cybersecurity posture, SMBs can focus on running their businesses and not worrying about whether or not their data is safe.

How to Find the Best MSP for your Company

by Dennis Szymczak | Nov 22, 2022 | Business Advice, IT Services, IT Solutions, IT Support, IT Tips

It’s no secret that business professionals like yourself have a lot on your plates. You could be handling everything from keeping track of company finances to overseeing day-to-day operations or getting your hands on the details of every sale. It can be difficult to find the time to focus on much else.

However, one important task that should not be overlooked is how to find the best Managed Service Provider (MSP) for your company.

MSPs can play a crucial role in helping your business run more efficiently by providing expert IT services and support. For example, 62% of SMBs Lack the In-House Skills to Handle Cyber Security. But, with so many providers out there, how do you know which one is right for you?

In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips on how to find the best MSP for your company. Stay tuned – after reading this post, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision about which provider is right for you!

First of All, Why Choose an MSP?

Managed service providers (MSPs) offer a variety of benefits to businesses that choose to work with them. One of the most important benefits is peace of mind.

When you have a quality MSP managing your IT needs, you can be confident that your network is in good hands. MSPs have the experience and expertise to proactively identify and resolve issues before they cause problems.

In addition, MSPs can provide valuable insights into your network usage and performance, helping you to make informed decisions about your IT infrastructure. Another benefit of working with an MSP is increased efficiency.

MSPs can help you to streamline your IT operations, freeing up your staff to focus on more strategic tasks. By working with an MSP, you can improve your bottom line while ensuring that your IT infrastructure is always up and running.

But is your Company the Right Fit to work with an MSP?

If you’re unsure if an MSP is the right fit for your company, here’s an easy way to find out. Go through the following questions that should start some beneficial conversations:

1. Do you have the resources to adequately manage your own IT needs?
2. Can you afford to hire an in-house IT staff?
3. Do you have the time and expertise to manage your own IT infrastructure?
4. Is your company growing quickly and in need of additional IT support?
5. Do you need help with strategic planning and decision-making when it comes to your IT infrastructure?
6. Are you experiencing problems with network performance or reliability?
7. Do you need assistance with cybersecurity or data protection?
8. Are you looking for a partner who can provide expert advice and support?
9. Are you looking for a cost-effective way to improve your IT infrastructure?
10. Would you like to outsource some or all of your IT needs?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, an MSP is probably going to be a good fit for your company.

Let’s have a discussion about your IT needs…

What to look for in an MSP

Any business that relies on technology needs to have a reliable IT support team in place. Managed service providers (MSPs) can be a great option for businesses that don’t have the internal resources to manage their IT needs. But not all MSPs are created equal. Here are some things to look for when choosing an MSP:

• Certified techs: Make sure the MSP you’re considering has certified technicians on staff. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your IT support team is qualified to handle any issue that comes up.
• An established company: You want an MSP that has been in business for at least 10 years. This shows that they’re a stable company that is likely to be around for the long haul.
• Competitive rates: Be wary of MSPs that have rates that are too good to be true. In most cases, you get what you pay for when it comes to IT support. But at the same time, you don’t want to overpay for services either. Look for an MSP with competitive rates that fit your budget.
• Clients in your industry: It can be helpful to choose an MSP that has clients in your industry. This way, they’ll be familiar with the unique challenges and opportunities that come with supporting your business. When considering a managed service provider, it’s important to do your research and find the right fit for your business.
• Alignment with your business: Finally, make sure that the MSP you’re considering has goals and values that align with your business. This will create a strong partnership and ensure that your business gets the support and guidance it needs to thrive.

By looking at factors like the company’s experience and rates, as well as its industry expertise you can be confident in making a choice that will benefit your company for years to come.

How to compare different MSPs

When choosing an MSP, it’s important to compare different providers in order to find the best fit for your organization. But with so many options on the market, how can you narrow down the field? Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision:

• First, identify your needs. What type of services are you looking for? Make sure to choose a provider that offers the specific services you need.
• Second, consider not just the price. MSPs charge different rates for their services, so it’s important to get quotes from multiple providers and compare costs.  But it’s also important to look at the bigger picture as you do get what you pay for. Compare by price as well as areas like professionalism and expertise.
• Third, look at reviews. Check out online reviews and customer testimonials to get a sense of what others have thought about their experience with various MSPs.
• Fourth, ask around. Talk to friends, family, and colleagues who have worked with MSPs in the past and see if they have any recommendations.

By taking the time to compare different MSPs, you can be sure to find the right provider for your organization’s needs. Pull together a list of 3-5 top choices to talk more with.

Questions to ask potential MSPs

For your list of top MSP options, there are a number of important questions you should ask in order to determine if they are the right fit for your business. Here are four key questions to ask any potential MSP:

1. What services do you offer?

This is an essential question to ask, as you want a provider that offers the specific services that your organization needs. The range of offerings may vary depending on the provider, so make sure to research each provider and compare their services to find the best fit for your organization.

2. What experience do you have in my industry?

As discussed earlier, it can be helpful to choose an MSP that has experience working with businesses in your industry, as they will have a better understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that your business faces. This can be especially useful when it comes to scaling your IT infrastructure or dealing with security issues specific to your industry.

3. How do you ensure the security of my data?

Data security is a key concern for any business, so it’s important to choose an MSP that is able to keep your data safe and secure. Ask potential providers about their security procedures and protocols, and make sure to do your own research as well to ensure that their security measures are up to par. With the right MSP, you can rest assured that your data is in good hands. By asking these important questions, you can be sure to find the right managed service provider for your organization.

4. What is your approach to customer service?

When working with an MSP, customer service is key. Ask potential providers about their approach to customer support and satisfaction, as well as their availability and responsiveness to any issues that arise. You want to work with a provider who will be able to help you in a timely and effective manner, so it’s important to choose a provider that prioritizes customer service. By asking this question, you can be sure to find an MSP that truly values and supports their clients.

5. How do you ensure system uptime for my business?

In addition to their customer service approach, it’s also important to find an MSP that prioritizes system uptime and reliability. Ask potential providers about their approach to system uptime and what steps they take to ensure that your business’s IT systems are always running smoothly. With the right provider, you can rest assured knowing that your business’s IT systems will be secure and stable at all times.

6. What are your rates?

This is a no-brainer, but cost is of course an important factor to consider when choosing an MSP, as rates can vary significantly from one provider to another. Before choosing a provider, get quotes from your list and compare prices, while also being aware of the other elements like professionalism and expertise to truly find the best option for your budget.

Asking these questions will help you to get a better sense of the MSP’s capabilities and whether they would be a good fit for your business needs. In addition, be sure to read reviews and check references before making your final decision. By doing your due diligence, you can be confident that you’re choosing the best MSP for your business.

How to transition to a new MSP

If you’re already working with an MSP, but not ecstatic about the outcomes you’re getting, you may be looking to make a switch. Making the switch to a new MSP can be a big undertaking, but with careful planning and execution it can be a smooth transition. Here are a few tips to help make the switch as seamless as possible:

1. Make a list of all the tasks your current MSP handles for you, both big and small. This will give you a good starting point for what to look for in a new provider.
2. Do your research and get recommendations from other businesses who have made a similar switch. Ask them about their experience and what they looked for in a new MSP.
3. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, reach out to the providers and set up consultations. This is a great chance to ask specific questions about their services and get a feel for their customer service. You want to look for MSP’s who are knowledgeable and experienced with switching clients over, have plans in place and offer different options for doing so.
4. Make sure you’re comfortable with your decision before making the switch. Once you’ve found the right MSP, provide them with clear instructions on what you need and when you need it. A little communication upfront can go a long way towards making sure the transition is successful.

If you are looking for an MSP, it is important to understand the benefits of working with one as well as how your needs align with an MSP. By asking the right questions and comparing different providers, you can find the best MSP for your business. The great thing is by finding the right MSP to work with, you can focus on your core business initiatives and leave the IT services to an experienced team.

If you’re interested in enhancing your business by overcoming IT gaps, contact us to learn more about our MSP Services

Are You Missing Out? It’s Time to Close your IT Knowledge Gap

by Dennis Szymczak | Oct 18, 2022 | Business Advice, IT Services, IT Solutions, IT Support, IT Tips

For many micro and small businesses, information technology (IT) infrastructure, end-user systems, and data insights are becoming an increasingly important part of their operations. But what happens when you don’t have the access to or knowledge of tools and techniques that you need in this business environment? You may miss out on chances to develop and improve your business if you can’t close your IT Knowledge Gap.

When you operate a small business, it’s all too easy to be distracted by other tasks and forget about IT. This is where a lot of businesses fall short. They don’t have the right IT infrastructure in place to support their security and efficiency needs. This can lead to a lot of wasted time and money, as well as a lack of security for their business data.

In this article we’ll discuss some of the key IT knowledge and skills gaps that can impact smaller businesses in a big data-centric world. We’ll also give you some pointers on how to close those gaps and stay competitive in your field of business without worrying about setting up IT systems that can be difficult to understand.

Definition Time: IT Skills Gap vs IT Knowledge Gap?

IT knowledge gaps refer to the lack of understanding or awareness about a certain IT-related topic. This can be anything from not knowing how to use basic IT applications to having little understanding of complex IT systems. This might involve not understanding how certain software programs work or not being familiar with best practices for managing data.

IT skills, on the other hand, refer to the ability to use IT applications and systems effectively, specifically, this can include everything from using software programs to understanding how to troubleshoot issues with computer networks. 

While IT skills can be helpful in many businesses, they are not always essential. In fact, many businesses operate fine without any IT skills. However, as technology becomes increasingly integral to the way we do business, the need for IT skills is likely to become more prevalent. 

Fortunately, we are here to help you bridge the gap between your current IT knowledge and the IT skills you need to succeed in today’s business world with a few different ideas.

Current State Of The IT Gap

There are few main issues affecting the IT knowledge gap these days. For businesses, this can create a skills gap between what they need and what their employees can provide.

Rapidly Changing Technology Widens the Gap

With new technologies and paradigms emerging all the time, it can be hard for professionals to keep up. This is particularly true for those who are not already well-versed in technology.

In a survey of small and medium-sized businesses, 51% indicated that their IT skills gap was widening due to rapidly changing technology. Another study finds that 75% of organizations believe that the skills shortage among applicants is a primary cause for the difficulty in hiring. This can lead to expensive consequences for businesses, such as increased training costs or even potential data breaches caused by not having the right security measures in place. 

Cybersecurity is an Ever-Increasing Issue

The number of cybersecurity attacks is rising, making it essential for businesses to have employees who can protect their systems from these threats. As a result of the IT knowledge gap in most companies, many businesses are being forced to prioritize security to stay competitive.

One of the most pressing issues facing businesses today is the lack of employee education on cybersecurity. According to a study by PWC, almost 60% of businesses have experienced a data breach in the past two years, and 43% of those breaches were caused by malicious or criminal attacks. In another study, it was found that almost half of all businesses don’t have any kind of cybersecurity training program in place.

Unfortunately, stories like this one from an Arkansas-based telemarketing firm are becoming the norm.

It’s the holidays, but for 300 workers of a company in the US, it’s anything but festive. That’s because the company has just shut down after being hit with ransomware, leaving its employees without jobs and facing an uncertain future.

The ransomware attack, which happened just a few days before Christmas, completely crippled the company’s systems. Not only did this mean that the employees lost their jobs, it also meant that the company was unable to provide any customer service or support during the holiday season.

This lack of cybersecurity education is a major issue, as it leaves businesses vulnerable to cyberattacks. In fact, a recent study by Verizon found that 81% of data breaches occur due to human error. This means that if employees are properly educated on cybersecurity best practices, businesses can greatly reduce their risk of being attacked.

Automation and AI is affecting the Gap

Another trend affecting the IT skills gap is the increasing use of automation and artificial intelligence. These newer and more complex technologies require updated skill sets from the IT personnel managing them. . This means that there will be even more demand for workers with higher IT skill sets in the future, as businesses will need these employees to maintain and operate their automated systems.

Pressure to innovate widens the IT knowledge gap.

As businesses increasingly rely on technology to gain a competitive edge, the pressure to innovate is higher than ever. Unfortunately, this pressure has led to a widening skills gap. While there is a growing demand for workers with cutting-edge skills, the supply of qualified workers has failed to keep pace. 

The Importance of Overcoming IT Barriers To Guarantee Business Success

IT knowledge and skills gaps can put your business at a disadvantage, as you will not be able to exploit opportunities that can help you grow. As a result, you are missing out on opportunities to increase revenue, decrease costs, and improve operations.

For example, let’s say you want your current pool of clients to have a meaningful and positive experience by improving your customer service. But you don’t have the technical know-how to do so. You won’t be able to take advantage of benefits like these unless you narrow the IT knowledge and skills gaps within your business.

The following are just a few of the unforeseen business liabilities of the IT skills and knowledge gap:

• Difficulty in making business decisions

When businesses don’t have access to data insights due to inadequate IT systems, they can struggle to make informed decisions. This can lead to wasted time and resources and missed opportunities. 

• Lower productivity

Having an IT knowledge or skills gap can also lead to lower productivity. This is because employees without the necessary skills will take longer to complete tasks or may not be able to complete them. This can be especially problematic if your business relies on outdated or inaccurate information. 

• Increased costs

Hiring specialists to cover IT gaps can be expensive. Not to mention the costs associated with the gaps themselves. All these costs can add up, eating into your bottom line and preventing you from investing in other areas of your business. 

Let’s have a discussion about your IT Gaps and how it’s affecting your business…

Ways to Close your IT Knowledge Gaps

1. Get an Idea of the Size of the Gap

To move forward it is essential first to understand the knowledge and skills gaps that exist within your organization. Without this understanding, it would be difficult to know where to focus time and resources. There are a few different ways to get an idea of how big of an information technology knowledge gap your company has.

One way is to have all employees take a quiz or assessment to gauge their familiarity with technology and the internet. Another way is to ask employees to complete a survey about their comfort and use of various technologies. 

An alternative option is to use focus groups. This technique allows for a more in-depth exploration of employee attitudes and perceptions. However, focus groups require careful planning and typically must be conducted by an experienced facilitator. 

You can also review how your company’s technology stacks up against others in your industry. By identifying any gaps in knowledge, you can then create a plan for training and development to close those gaps and ensure that all employees have the necessary skills to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Another option is to analyze customer feedback data. This can give insights into areas where the customer experience could be improved through technology. 

Finally, companies can also review data from previous projects to see where improvements could be made in the future. By taking some time to perform a gap analysis, companies can set themselves up for success as now is the time to close your IT knowledge gap.

2. Upskill Your Way To Success

To keep up with the competition and be successful in today’s business world, you can upskill yourself and your employees in information technology. There are many ways to do this, and the options available to you will depend on your specific circumstances.

Take online courses

A great way to upskill yourself or your employees in information technology is to take online courses. There are a variety of free and paid courses available, and each one can help you learn about a specific topic or skill. Taking online courses is a great way to learn at your own pace and in your own time.

Get Certified

One of the best ways to upskill yourself or your employees in information technology is to get certified. There are a variety of IT certification programs available, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). These programs will help to ensure that you or your employees have the necessary skills to work seamlessly with technology.

Attend conferences and seminars

Attending conferences and seminars is another good way to upskill yourself or your team in information technology. These events provide an opportunity to learn from experts in the field, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.

Read industry/trade publications

A few key sources can help you stay current on the latest IT news and developments. By subscribing to industry-leading publications and following top thought leaders on social media, you can quickly and easily stay up-to-date on the latest IT trends.

By reading trade publications or blogs, attending conferences, or taking online courses, you can ensure that you are up-to-date on the latest information. Additionally, following thought leaders on social media can help you stay abreast of changes in the industry.

3. Hire Qualified IT Professionals

Did you know that every business faces awareness and skills issues? Most try to fill these gaps by hiring more staff, but this solution can be ineffective. 

A company’s ability to execute its strategy hinges on many things, but one of the most important is having the right people in place with the right skills. In today’s business environment, that means having a team that is not only up-to-date on the latest technology trends but also has a deep understanding of how to apply those technologies to achieve specific business objectives.

But employers are finding it difficult to fill positions with qualified candidates, and this is especially true in the IT industry. There are several reasons for this.

As any CIO will tell you, it can be difficult to find and retain talented IT professionals with the technical know-how and business acumen needed to succeed in today’s digital economy. 

The demand for IT skills is high, and as such the supply of IT professionals is limited. The United States has a shortage of workers with the necessary skills to fill these jobs. One option is to hire workers from other countries, but that comes with it’s own potential issues. In addition, hiring highly skilled knowledge workers always comes with a hefty price tag. 

These challenges are compounded by the fact that the skills required for success in IT are constantly evolving as new technologies emerge and old ones become obsolete. As a result, even the most talented IT team can find itself at a disadvantage if some business isn’t proactive about keeping up with the latest trends and developments.

4. Outsource your IT Needs

The secret to success in every company is to understand your assets and use them. In today’s business world, having a firm grasp of information technology is more important than ever. However, many business owners and employees lack the technical skills to keep up with the ever-changing IT landscape.

This can lead to big problems down the road, as businesses that don’t keep up with the latest IT trends can quickly fall behind their competitors and not be able to close their IT knowledge gap.

To avoid these potential problems, businesses need to seek advice from IT experts who can help them close the IT knowledge gaps in their organizations. These experts can guide various topics, including selecting and implementing the right software and hardware, developing effective backup and disaster recovery plans, and protecting against cyber threats.

Luckily, there are plenty of experts out there who can help businesses close their IT knowledge gaps. By focusing on what they do best and leaving IT to the experts, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and competitive, ensuring that they are using technology most efficiently and effectively. This can help them save time and money while also reducing the risk of costly disruptions.

This solution can provide peace of mind and allow you to focus on what truly matters for your business – serving customers and driving growth.

Businesses need access to the right tools and techniques in order to be successful in today’s competitive environment. Unfortunately, many businesses are struggling because they don’t have the knowledge or resources they need to overcome IT barriers. Fortunately, there are ways to close the gaps and get the help you need. From upskilling to outsourcing your IT needs, it’s important to not waste time focusing on closing your IT gap.

ANAX Tech: The Ideal MSP for Micro and Small Business

As a Managed Service Provider, we take on the responsibility of managing and monitoring your IT infrastructure so that you can focus on running your business. 

Every business is different and has different needs when it comes to technology. That’s why we offer a customized approach for each of our clients. We’ll work with you to understand your business goals and objectives. Accordingly, we develop a plan to help you meet those goals using the latest technology and digital transformation tools. We manage the network, infrastructure, security, support services, cloud services, and malware protection.

If you’re interested in enhancing your business by overcoming IT knowledge gaps, contact us to learn more about our MSP Services

How To Use Technology for Small Business Process & Productivity Enhancements

by Dennis Szymczak | Sep 20, 2022 | Business Advice, IT Services, IT Solutions, IT Support, IT Tips

Luckily, we live in an era where business processes can be improved with the help of technology. Adopting technology accelerates everything from internal communication to team workflows and can become a significant competitive advantage.

Numerous factors, from inflation to the tight labor market, are affecting micro and small businesses these days. These factors also play a significant role in decision making on whether and how to enhance their processes to alleviate some of the pain points. Now, emerging technologies including IT solutions are propelling the increasing connectivity between humans and technology to make businesses more efficient and productive.

There are endless possibilities for how technology can be used to improve small businesses, therefore many businesses rely heavily on the combination of technology and reliable processes to achieve their objectives. But a lot of times, that digital transformation into a streamlined process and productivity can have it’s barriers. The key is finding and implementing the right solution for your specific needs. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Let’s dive into the benefits and challenges of using technology for process and productivity enhancements, as well as how to clear the way for your company to realize the benefits.

Benefits of Adopting Technology for Micro and Small Businesses

Small businesses are the backbone of any thriving economy. They are the risk-takers, the job-creators, and the pioneers of new and innovative ideas. To stay competitive in today’s market, small businesses must use every tool at their disposal to improve productivity and efficiency. 

Technology has changed the way businesses operate and has made a profound impact on productivity. The use of technology in business can be a game-changer, allowing small businesses to achieve goals and objectives that were once impossible.

Businesses that embrace digital transformation will be able to stay ahead of the competition and continue to grow and thrive. Some of the myriad of benefits:

Enhanced Efficiency

The use of technology can help increase the efficiency of a small or micro business in many ways. Effective use of technology can help you eliminate delays in workflows, speed up through automated tasks, gain new insights into processes through tracking and reporting, and enhance communication, among so many other efficiency boosters. 

These time savings can of course be used for employees to focus on other tasks that are more important or beneficial for the business as a whole.

Cost Effective

With the right approach, you can use technology to enhance productivity while being cost-effective. Technology helps businesses save money, which can then be reinvested into growth. In addition, it has been shown that using traditional methods to cut costs (ie. layoffs) amounted to only a 2% cost reduction on average, while applying digital tools can cut costs an average of 5%. This is mainly due to the fact you can do more with less thanks to technology.

Remote Work / Cost Savings

Technology has enabled staff to be location agnostic. With the productivity and communication tools available these days, it has allowed people to be efficient and get things done no matter where they are, enhancing work life balance overall. In addition, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and work from home options has saved businesses an average of $3,150 per employee annually. Read more about Managed IT Services for the Remote Work World. 

Increased Revenue

One way that technology can help businesses is by increasing their revenue. A study by the Harvard Business Review found that companies that invested in information technology saw their revenue grow at twice the rate of companies that didn’t. This is because technology can help businesses reach new customers, streamline their operations, and improve their products and services.

Improving Communication

We’ve already stated it a couple times in this article, but with communication being the backbone of productivity, technology can greatly improve the way in which people communicate. Companies actually lose thousands annually due to inefficient communication and meetings. Using tools like Slack, Skype, and Tribe can greatly enhance communication efficiency, as long as they are implemented the right way.

Data Insights

Additionally, using IT Solutions for data analytics can help you identify trends and patterns that can guide decision-making. And with cloud-based solutions, you can access important data and applications from anywhere at any time, making it easier to collaborate on these insights with team members.

High-Level Security

In today’s digital age, data breaches, cyber-attacks, and phishing are common security concerns. Unfortunately, 61% of SMBs experienced a cyberattack in the last year. For micro and small-level businesses, the use of technology can improve security in several ways.

The use of technology can help businesses to understand, monitor, and protect themselves against the latest security threats.

Prompt Decision Making

By automating processes and utilizing tools that help manage and monitor business performance, small businesses can make quick decisions with greater accuracy and confidence. In recent years, the rise of digital transformation has further empowered small businesses to use technology to its fullest potential.

By harnessing the power of digital technologies, small businesses can gain a competitive edge and thrive in today’s fast-paced, global economy.

Challenges in Adopting Technology

By making use of the latest tools and technologies, businesses can improve their process and productivity. However, there are some challenges to overcome.

If you’re interested in process and productivity enhancements, contact us to learn more about our MSP Services

Lack of Resources and Budget

A lack of resources and budget is a challenge in adopting technology for small and micro businesses. Many small businesses don’t have the funds to invest in new technology, and they may not have the staff to support it. Moreover, hiring an in-house IT expert can be an expensive addition to the team. 

Additionally, some technologies can be costly to maintain and upgrade. As a result, many small businesses struggle to keep up with the latest technology trends.

Risk of Data Privacy and Security

When you adopt new technologies, there are inevitably many risks to data privacy and security. One risk is hackers could target small businesses because they may have less secure systems than larger businesses. 

Another risk is that employees could accidentally or deliberately leak data, such as customer information or trade secrets.

Finally, data could be lost or stolen if devices are lost or stolen, or if backups are not properly made. 

To mitigate these risks, businesses should consider implementing strong security measures, such as the encryption and access controls offered by IT solutions.

Quality Uncertainty

One of the challenges that businesses face when adopting technology is quality uncertainty. This refers to the potential for choosing poor-quality products or services when using new technology. This can be a major concern for businesses, as they may not have the understanding or skillset to choose and implement the technology effectively.

Businesses need to do their research, or get help in tech decision making, to carefully select technology that will work for their business.

No Change Management Strategy

Companies that have a change management strategy, covering everything from aligning your process issues with technologies to solve them to how to get your employees to adopt that change, are 6 times more likely to achieve the desired results from the technology upgrade.

Implementation and data integration

When you add new software, it doesnt sit in a silo, it needs to align and integrate with the rest of your software and organization as a whole. There can be numerous hazards to incorrect integrations that will hinder the entire goal of bringing in the new technology in the first place.

The Importance of MSPs for Realizing Tech Benefits

As we’ve showcased, being a micro or small business, you often deal with complexities of systems and processes that take up a lot of your time. To avoid such hurdles, digital transformation is the top solution. But the challenges outlined still stand in your way. 

Enter the Managed Service Provider. There are many advantages to working with a managed service provider, including new technologies and tools, operational efficiency, automation, comprehensive support, and more.

Latest Tech and Tools

MSPs invest heavily in staying up-to-date with the latest technology so they can offer their clients the best possible service. This means that businesses that partner with an MSP can take advantage of the latest tools and platforms without having to make a significant investment themselves. 

Operational Efficiency

MSPs help small businesses to manage and monitor their work process. By using IT solutions, small businesses can keep track of their performance and make necessary changes to improve their operational efficiency.

Automation

One of the main ways that MSPs help businesses improve productivity is by helping them automate repetitive tasks. This frees up employees to focus on more value-added activities, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and bottom-line results.

Cybersecurity

As we outlined, with any new technology, security can be an issue. An MSP will provide cybersecurity solutions for your business that keeps your data safe, allowing you and your clients to maintain peace of mind. Whether it’s anti-malware, anti-virus, security patches, or something else, they help keep sensitive information private and protected, and quickly restore safe and secure operations if a breach does occur.

Comprehensive Support

MSPs provide an end-to-end service, meaning they can offer support at every stage of the digital transformation journey. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses have all the help they need to successfully navigate this potentially disruptive process.

Unified Mobility

In relation to communication being an integral part of process enhancement, MSPs can setup unified mobility, so your people are able to work from home, take calls on the road, and connect up desktop, laptop, tablet, and mobile work.

ANAX Tech: The Ideal MSP for Micro and Small Business

As a Managed Service Provider, we take on the responsibility of managing and monitoring your IT infrastructure so that you can focus on running your business. 

Every business is different and has different needs when it comes to technology. That’s why we offer a customized approach for each of our clients. We’ll work with you to understand your business goals and objectives. Accordingly, we develop a plan to help you meet those goals using the latest technology and digital transformation tools. We manage the network, infrastructure, security, support services, cloud services, and malware protection.

Would you like to learn more about the ways we can help your small business achieve your process and productivity goals? Contact us today.