ORANGE ALERT
Security level for your network better on “high.”
Ask the pros to name the top three things businesses should consider when it comes to wired and wireless computer networks, and they'll tell you security, security, and...security.
Scott Briggs, computer networking analyst at GTS, couldn’t agree more. “The biggest threat to your business network or home computer is that single person determined to take your information and use it against you,” said Briggs.
Some companies aren’t adequately prepared for that possibility because they don’t see themselves as a likely target, but the reality is that information theft is on the rise. “No one is beyond it,” adds Briggs. “Wired networks shouldn’t be overlooked either. If someone gains inside entry to your place of business, your data is subject to the same security concerns.”
A Stanford study concurs, citing a growing number of cases of information theft over the past few years. While more and more electronic security measures have been going up to protect people's possessions and information, these new technologies have bugs and design flaws that are opening up whole new worlds for the technologically advanced criminal.
“If your company’s wireless network is not secure and you check your online bank account, the data can be intercepted and decoded, revealing your account numbers, loan information, and even your tax identification number,” said Briggs. “The same can happen with your personal banking information.”
And, in a sluggish economy, people are becoming increasingly desperate. Your business intelligence and personal information are in demand. And hackers are getting more savvy and aggressive.
“People hijack wireless networks by simply driving around looking for unsecured systems. Once they connect, they can dig in and view all your files and critical business information,” said Briggs.
Daunting media reports of theft and fraud have more businesses and individuals considering their security vulnerabilities. But with the massive number of programs on the market promising to protect you, choosing the right one can be overwhelming and lead to procrastination.
GTS can help. We provide a full suite of options, and for a limited time, we’re offering 10% off all security products. We’ll also arm you with experts like Briggs to install them.
We recommend this complimentary copy of The Definitive Guide to Information Theft Prevention from Realtime Nexus. It describes the evolving threat of information theft and its financial, legal, and brand impact on organizations. The e-book addresses information protection and privacy regulations, the increasing threats from unmanaged devices as well as the challenge of securing them, and the role of on-demand security in minimizing these threats.
Check out these tips for making your wireless network more secure.
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Don’t get more than you need. Know how much area you need to cover and whether anyone around you has wireless. That way you won’t buy a wireless unit that covers too much space, which can open you up to security breaches and service failures.
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Create strong passwords. If you leave passwords blank or simple, unauthorized users are practically invited to view sensitive data. Use both letters and numbers in a combination of upper- and lowercase characters, and change them periodically.
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Educate. Uneducated users often fall victim to viruses, spyware, and phishing attacks. Develop a security plan, and share it with employees.
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Backup. It's more difficult to restore data than to create proper backups in the first place. Do it often and do not immediately overwrite them with the next set of backups. In addition, make copies and keep them off-site in case of an emergency.
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Don’t plug and surf. Always install a line of defense software before you go online with a new computer.
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Combat spam and spyware. Renew virus and spyware definitions each week to keep scanners up-to-date and ready to detect and remove software infections and spam email schemes.
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Don’t ignore security patches. Security holes may exist in your operating system, so install security patches as soon as they become available.
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Use encryption. Storing and transferring unencrypted data is the equivalent of posting it on a billboard for everyone to see. If you're not comfortable implementing encryption technology, get someone who is.
Adapted from www.allbusiness.com and an interview with GTS’ Scott Briggs.
10% off all GTS security cameras & equipment!
Now through the end of June 08.
- Dome, box & bullet cameras
- IP & PTZ cameras
Digital video recorders - Network video recorders
- Remote monitoring
- EverFocus & Toshiba systems
| Since 1994, Inside Business magazine's NEO Success Awards have recognized Northeast Ohio's top public, private, and emerging companies based on sales and employee growth. This is our second NEO Success win. Read more. |  |
GTS Claims Third Weatherhead 100 Award
| The Weatherhead 100 program recognizes more than 100 of the fastest-growing companies in Northeast Ohio based on revenue growth. This is our third Weatherhead honor. Read more. |
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More GTS news.
Communications Technician
Longevity
5 years with GTS; 24 years in the industry.
Specialties
Avaya partner phone systems, data, voice and fiber optic cabling, and project management.
Certifications/Training
Leviton Voice, Data-certified Installer, BICSI, Fiber Optic Training, and Avaya Partner Systems.
What I like about GTS
Everyone is very down to earth and easy to work with. The door is always open; I can access the owners whenever I need, and that is really what matters when our focus is serving customers.
My career ambition
I’d like to expand my telephone capabilities and fully understand the VoIP industry. I really enjoy project management - taking a job from beginning to end is very rewarding. That’s what gets me up everyday to go to work.
What I predict for GTS’ future
We’ll probably double our size again. In five years, we’ve grown from four techs to nine. GTS does the right things; we take care of customers, do follow-ups, and make adjustments if we miss the mark.
What I’m known for
Being extremely organized and detail oriented. I like to put the time in upfront to be organized, and then reap the benefits. I’m also very reliable. In fact, I’ve never taken a sick day at GTS. The company is generous about recognizing perfect attendance.
What I do off the job
I have a boat and enjoy waterskiing. I also like helping my friends and neighbors with projects and taking care of people.
It might surprise you that
I never have a problem getting up for work everyday.
Five questions for GTS’ first customer
Don Stallard, CEO of
The Reserves Network
The Reserves Network is a central source for office, industrial, professional, and technical staffing services.
The company has more than 35 locations in eight states.
How did you discover GTS?
Well if the name doesn’t give it away, I’m the owner’s brother. But I didn’t choose GTS because I’m related to Jerry.
How did you know working with family would work?
Jerry has a great work ethic and is very professional. His products are always technologically up-to-date and packaged neatly. I have firsthand experience because GTS got its start in our building when Jerry subleased office space from me. I know the owner, know his capabilities, and know that he stakes his reputation on good service.
A few years later, Jerry met his future wife, Victoria, who was working for us at the time. Victoria is greatly respected for her ability to stay cool under pressure and provide wonderful customer service. She eventually left us to work with Jerry. We lost a valuable employee, and he gained a fantastic partner, but it was a no-brainer for us to stay with GTS, because GTS is now greatly enhanced.
What keeps you coming back to GTS?
They’ve consistently provided excellent service with rapid response times. Our corporate office phones were installed nearly 11 years ago, and we have not once been without a working system. In fact, GTS has installed systems in the majority of our satellite locations - always on time, within budget, and with no need for technical follow-up. GTS doesn’t leave the site until all our employees are thoroughly trained and comfortable.
What would you like to see more of from GTS?
Since we have staffing offices in eight states, I’d love to see GTS expand geographically. But the company has always provided very flexible and adaptable service remotely from their office in the Cleveland area. Their techs travel all over the U.S., and GTS sometimes subcontracts with other providers if necessary to get the job done.
How has GTS helped you with a critical situation?
Our IT consulting and computer support division, The FocIS Group, has partnered with GTS on many occasions to provide our mutual clients seamless technical support in the installation of new computer and phone systems. This gives both companies a competitive edge because of the one-stop-shop image it projects.
11953 Prospect Rd. | Strongsville, OH 44149 |