Finding a managed service provider can be challenging. Along with all the technical considerations, you need to be sure that the company you choose will be a good fit for you in customer service and more.
All managed service providers offer IT helpdesk services, but not all helpdesks are the same. There are some key questions you need to ask as a business leader that will help you determine how they do things.
Is your helpdesk in-house or outsourced?
Some MSPs will use outsourced “mega helpdesks” as a first line response to customers’ needs. This does cut their costs down as they don’t have to keep level 1 technicians on their payroll or provide office space for them. It’s important to know this, however, because it can affect the quality of service you receive.
Have you ever called a cable company or other large technical helpline and found yourself frustrated trying to get an answer? This can be the case if a managed service provider uses an outsourced helpdesk. You will spend more valuable time chasing down an answer and trying to get issues elevated if they take this approach.
We keep things easier with a 100% in-house IT helpdesk. Our technicians have great documentation and knowledge on your system, and will work together or elevate your work ticket quickly when necessary. Our goal is to maximize your uptime and minimize your time spent waiting for answers.
Can I get 24/7 support?
On the flipside, some small managed service providers who DO have an in-house helpdesk don’t offer 24-hour service due to staffing limitations. Even worse, if it’s a one- or two-person operation, you may be left to to hope that the owner or tech has their cell phone on them at the moment.
As a business leader, you don’t work a 9-5. We have on-call technicians available 24/7/365 to ensure that you’re never left waiting until Monday morning for an issue and can get help fast when you need it.
Will you do on-site visits for repairs? If so, how long do I have to wait?
Another important consideration to note is how the company handles on-site visits. Are on-site visits included in your contract? Some managed service providers will include them, while others may charge a trip fee. Even worse, some may ask for time and materials payment in order to go on-site for hardware issues.
You will also want to ask if they have technicians in your area or if they have a plan in place to contract a local tech if the need arises. With proper planning and procedures, this can be done quickly so you won’t be stuck waiting for days to get a technician onsite.
While the need for on-site visits has diminished in recent years, it’s sometimes still necessary to make a trip to a customer in order to repair hardware or configure physical equipment. It can help your business get back up faster in times of emergency as well! We offer on-site appointments for our managed services clients as well as to local businesses in the form of as-needed help. Because we have many technicians local to Peoria, our wait times are lower than most. We also have robust networks and systems in place across the country to send a qualified tech to any location across the U.S. Our technicians are prepared, professional, and ready to help however you need.
How well will your technicians know my system?
When you work with a helpdesk without proper documentation in place, it means you wait longer for your issue to be resolved. Companies that outsource level 1 or 2 helpdesk calls often struggle to know your system and keep all their documentation in place.
Because we have entirely in-house helpdesk, when you call Facet you will talk to a qualified technician with access to information about your network and needs, which makes the process much less headache-inducing for you. We include documentation services for all our managed services customers, for this reason as well as for your benefit. We are able to troubleshoot much more effectively because of this.
Is it easy to ask for help or submit a ticket?
Ask any potential helpdesk provider about their process to ask for help or submit a ticket. Do you have to submit a request online? Can you send an email? Can you call if you are on-the-go? Do they have a dedicated customer line that will streamline your process?
We strive to make asking for help very easy. Whether you prefer to call our dedicated customer dispatch line, our main number, send an email, or submit a request online, we have a method that will be quick and easy and tailored to your preferences.
Want to learn more about our helpdesk services?
We offer managed services, cybersecurity, and helpdesk services to companies across the U.S. Regardless of your size, we have a plan that can meet your needs. Call us today at (309) 689-3900 (8AM-5PM, Monday-Friday), or fill out the below form to request more information on managed services and helpdesk. We are ready to help you solve your recurring tech headaches and find True Tech Peace of Mind!
Did you know that cyber fatigue is a real issue? One of the best ways to battle cyber fatigue is by choosing helpdesk services.
You’ve probably heard the saying, “you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” The same is true for helpdesk services. If you’re not sure what to look for when choosing a helpdesk service, how can you be sure that you’re making the best decision for your business?
In this post, we will discuss some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a helpdesk. We’ll also provide tips on how to find a helpdesk that meets your specific needs.
US-Based Techs
When choosing a cybersecurity helpdesk provider, there are several important factors to consider, such as:
Cost
Availability
Quality of service
Perhaps the most important factor, however, is whether the provider offers support for US-based businesses. Given the increasingly global nature of business, it is important to choose a helpdesk service that can provide timely and effective support for businesses based in the United States.
Friendly and Helpful
When you are running a business, it is important to have a helpdesk that is friendly and helpful. This is because the helpdesk is the first point of contact for your customers. If they have a problem, they will call the helpdesk.
If the helpdesk fails to provide satisfactory service, it will lead to a bad reputation for your company.
Fast Response
When choosing a technology helpdesk service provider, it is important to consider several factors, including response time. After all, when technical problems arise, every minute counts.
A good helpdesk service should be able to provide fast, efficient support when you need it most.
Knowledge of Your Company
Choosing the right helpdesk services for your business can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from price to features to customer service.
One of the most important factors, however, is the knowledge that the helpdesk services provider has of your company. After all, you want someone who understands your business and can provide tailored support. Here are a few things to look for in a provider:
Industry experience
Size of the company
Reputation
By taking the time to find a helpdesk services provider with knowledge of your company, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service for your business.
Multiple Levels of Experience
The more experience they have, the better they will be at helping your customers. When you are looking for helpdesk services, you should look for a provider that has multiple levels of experience. This way, if your customer has a problem that is beyond the scope of the helpdesk, they will be able to escalate the issue to someone who can help.
In addition to experience, it is also important to consider the size of the helpdesk. If you have a large number of employees, you will need a helpdesk that is large enough to handle the volume of calls.
Choose the Right Helpdesk Services Today
When it comes to picking helpdesk services that suit your company, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. With our years of experience in the industry, we can provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision.
Take a look at our managed services today and see how we can help you take your business to the next level.
You aren’t the only one staying busy during the holiday season. Cyber criminals are, too, even more than usual! A UK-based cybersecurity firm Darktrace found that there is a 30% increase in the number of ransomware attacks every year during November and December across the globe.
Here’s Why Cyber Attacks Surge in November and December:
There are a few reasons why cyber criminals are working a little harder while the rest of us are doing our best to try and enjoy ourselves.
1. Decreased Awareness
Let’s be honest: there’s SO much going on for most of us during this time of year that we may not be QUITE as good about general security awareness as we usually are. That stray link, that high-alert email that got you up in a tizzy—those are going to hit home a little easier because we are frazzled and stressed.
When you’re feeling stressed and burnt out, that’s when cyber fatigue is going to set in. You and your employees may be quicker to click on a phishing email than usual, and criminals are banking on that.
2. Holiday Greetings
A lot of phishing attempts this time of year come disguised as holiday greetings. That Christmas postcard attachment you’re opening may not be a Christmas card at all! Be sure to stay vigilant and check to see if there’s any obvious signs of spoofing before opening attachments—is the “from” address correct? Often only a letter or two will be changed in the domain. Or the address could even be fully “spoofed” and match a client or vendor’s email address perfectly.
If something seems “off” about the message, never hesitate to contact your IT provider or internal IT team to ask them to check the email out and make sure it’s legit.
3. Out of Office?
Attacks are more likely to go unnoticed when half the office is out for the day. This makes the holidays, particularly the days between Christmas and New Year’s Day, prime time for cyber attacks. For some slow-moving attacks, time can be of the essence as the longer the malware stays in your network, the more endpoints it can compromise.
Cyber criminals know that their attempts are more likely to be ignored if the IT team is OOO. That’s why it’s so important to have a team like Facet behind you. We offer 24/7 monitoring, so even if your internal IT team is off, we are here watching your network and protecting you from threats.
Quick tips for a safer holiday season:
Take a little time this holiday season to talk to your employees about cyber awareness. Even quick reminders and training have been proven to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of ransomware.
Practice checking emails to make sure they look legitimate. Avoid clicking links in emails if possible, because many phishing scams come disguised as benign order reminders and credit card alerts. For example, if you receive an email from Amazon, make a habit of typing “amazon.com” into your search bar instead of clicking the link in the email.
Most importantly, partner with an IT and cybersecurity expert like Facet to ensure that your security is up to the task of fighting increased cyber attacks. We use a layered approach to cybersecurity that keeps you safer throughout the year. If you have an internal IT team, we can help them with extra eyes on your network while they’re out for the holidays, preventing breaches during this vulnerable time.
Contact us now to learn more about how we can help, or request a complementary audit with a roadmap to better cybersecurity for 2023.
Are you looking for the right way to protect your company from cyber threats? Read here for a guide to cybersecurity software solutions for businesses.
Did you know that there were 50% more cybersecurity attacks in 2021 compared to the year before?
As a business owner, you know that cybersecurity is important. But are you doing everything you can to protect your business from cyberattacks?
In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of a cybersecurity stack and introduce you to some of the best cybersecurity software solutions out there.
What Is a Security Stack and Why Is It Important?
A security stack is a collection of cybersecurity options that work together to protect an organization from attacks. It typically includes a combination of
Hardware
Software
Services
While the exact components of a security stack will vary depending on the needs of the organization, it is typically built around three core areas:
Network security
Endpoint security
Data security
Network security refers to the measures taken to protect an organization’s network infrastructure from attack. This can include things like firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Endpoint security, on the other hand, refers to the protections put in place on individual devices, such as laptops and smartphones. This can include things like antivirus software and mobile device management solutions.
Finally, data security encompasses the procedures and technologies used to safeguard an organization’s data, both at rest and in transit. This can include things like encryption and access control measures.
While cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving, a well-designed security stack can help to provide a high level of protection against a wide range of attacks. For this reason, it is an essential part of any organization’s cybersecurity strategy.
What to Include in Security Stack Software Options
One of the most important factors to consider is the type of data that your business holds. If you have sensitive customer data or financial information, you will need to ensure that your security stack includes software that is specifically designed to protect this type of data.
You should also consider the size of your business and the number of devices that you need to protect. Businesses with a large number of employees or devices will need a more comprehensive security solution than those with fewer employees or devices.
Cybersecurity Software Solutions for Your Business
Firewalls are a basic but essential cybersecurity measure. They act as a barrier between your network and the Internet, blocking incoming traffic that could potentially be malicious. Anti-virus software is another important layer of protection.
It helps to detect and remove malware, including
Viruses
Spyware
Adware
These programs can be run on individual computers or on a network level.
Finally, MDR, or Managed Detection and Response, is a cybersecurity solution that provides 24/7 monitoring and incident response. This can be a valuable addition to any security stack, as it can help to quickly identify and respond to potential threats.
When it comes to cybersecurity, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The best way to protect your business is to implement a comprehensive security stack that includes a combination of different software solutions.
Cybersecurity Solutions Tailored for Your Business
As a business in the 21st century, cybersecurity software should be at the top of your list of priorities. The cost of a data breach can be crippling, and the reputational damage can be irreparable. But with the right team in your corner, you can rest assured that your business is safe from hackers and other cyber threats.
At Facet Tech, we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of your business. If you are looking for peace of mind when it comes to cybersecurity, take a look at our services today.
Any IT or cybersecurity company worth their salt will tell you that you need multiple layers of security in place to prevent devastating losses from data breaches and other security threats. At Facet, we emphasize this for companies at every size, from small businesses with a few employees to larger businesses that we support through co-managed security.
Why do we insist upon a layered approach?
It’s been proven over time that even with the best security software in place, businesses are never 100% guarded from all attacks. Every software has vulnerabilities of some sort, even if their marketing material claims otherwise. But just because it’s not bulletproof, that doesn’t mean it’s not also useful and important.
How do we approach this problem?
The Facet cybersecurity team’s goal is to build your business a cybersecurity “stack,” that is, a host of tools, hardware, and software that will best protect you from threats.
While the number of “layers” varies based on your business’s threat profile, industry, compliance requirements, and more, every business will always have a few basic needs when it comes to their stack, including a firewall (a physical device that monitors network traffic), an antivirus, email security, and data backups.
Can I whittle down my security stack to save costs?
Other companies may offer cheaper plans for small businesses in an effort to win business, but we never will. Because cybersecurity carries with it so many legal and monetary concerns, we will never recommend a plan that we don’t feel offers adequate security, even if that means we aren’t a right fit for every business. We carry a great retention rate on our managed services customers, partly because they have trust in our ability to help keep them safe.
Industry-Specific Concerns
Certain industries in particular carry large targets on their backs for hackers. Agriculture, finance, insurance, medical, and manufacturing—just a few examples of high-risk industries.
Why do these industries have a higher risk profile? Foreign hacking groups often target businesses they know are essential to our country’s infrastructure, such as agriculture-focused companies. You can search online and find many examples of cyber attacks aimed at ag companies. Because these industries rely on technology to monitor important temperature, moisture levels, and other considerations, theses attacks can have devastating consequences, and hacking groups know it.
Where To Go From Here
While these attacks can be scary to think about, it’s important to assess your company’s risk profile and determine what you need to protect against attack. This means a cybersecurity stack that offers layers of security against intrusion and a team that knows how to support it.
At Facet, we provide cybersecurity to businesses in Peoria and nationwide with a dedicated team of security experts and technicians. Whether you are a business owner or are a director or manager in charge of your company’s internal IT team, we have support options tailored to your needs.
We are offering businesses a free cybersecurity risk assessment with executive report for a limited time. We will provide you a summary of your current security position as well as a roadmap to better security and protection. Fill out the form below for more information and take control of your cybersecurity.
Is your company struggling to maintain a culture of cybersecurity? If so, you may have a case of the dreaded “cyber fatigue.”
What is cyber fatigue and how can my company beat it?
Like any kind of fatigue, cyber fatigue is characterized by a tiredness surrounding cybersecurity practices. It can affect an entire organization, or just the business owner.
What does cyber fatigue look like?
Cyber fatigue may look like using “easy” passwords so you can access sites and programs faster. It may look like leaving your computer unlocked when you step away from your desk, even though you know it’s safest to log out first.
While these are just a few small examples, where cyber fatigue really takes its toll is at the management level. Many business owners grow tired of having to source new cybersecurity solutions to stay safe. They may feel like it’s grown too complicated—just a couple years ago, didn’t we only need an antivirus to stay safe?
The top three contributors to cyber fatigue? Vendor complexity, changes in compliancy, and employee training.
Vendor complexity is a large reason for the growing phenomenon of cyber fatigue. If you are attempting to source all the individual programs, software, and hardware required to keep your company safe, you’re probably completely overwhelmed by choice.
Another reason business owners cite for cyber fatigue in their organization is difficulty staying on top of trends and updating regulations around compliancy. This is especially true in industries like medical, insurance, and finance, where the laws and regulations change rapidly. On top of running a business, it can be nearly impossible to stay informed on every component of compliancy.
Lastly, the most prevalent reason for cyber fatigue is lack of employee education. As we’ve written before, training your team is the best and most cost-efficient way to prevent breaches and attacks, and can work to improve morale as well. However, education takes a lot of time if you don’t have the right resources and tools, and is another huge burden that generally falls on the business owner.
How can I fight cyber fatigue in my business?
The best way to fight cyber fatigue in your organization is to work with an expert like Facet to devise a cybersecurity plan. We only work with trusted vendors to provide our clients with cybersecurity solutions that are proven to deliver. This takes the guesswork out of security options!
Through Facet managed services, you also get plenty of resources and materials for employee training. These resources include phishing simulations, video courses and more that we can deploy for you. Phishing simulations have been shown to be a highly effective defense against ransomware, so don’t sleep on this!
If confusion around compliancy is holding you back from becoming fully secure, talk to us about compliancy solutions that we can manage for you. Whether you need help with HIPAA or other compliancy standards, the Facet team can help navigate you to where you need to be.
Ready to get secure?
Contact us today using the form below, or simply give us a call at (309) 689-3900. We provide complimentary security assessments and can help you create a roadmap to better cybersecurity. Already have an IT provider? It never hurts to get a second opinion, and our no-pressure assessments mean you can get a full picture of the work that’s being done from an honest third party.
About Facet Technologies
Facet Technologies provides business IT support, managed services, cybersecurity, and co-managed IT to business in Central Illinois and across North America. We believe in a service-focused approach and strive for a great, lasting partnership with our clients. You can find True Tech Peace of Mind with an IT and security team that wants to see your business succeed!
This recipe is from Terry Ostazeski, Facet’s awesome Administrative Assistant! Terry helps our customers at the front desk and over the phone, and also works to schedule and dispatch technicians when clients need help. Terry recently brought these delicious cookies to a Facet potluck lunch and they were a huge hit, perfect for getting your autumn pumpkin fix.
This recipe is from Terry Ostazeski, Facet’s awesome Administrative Assistant! Terry helps our customers at the front desk and over the phone, and also works to schedule and dispatch technicians when clients need help. Terry recently brought these delicious cookies to a Facet potluck lunch and they were a huge hit, perfect for getting your autumn pumpkin fix.
Directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 350°. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2
In another large bowl, combine butter and sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg, pumpkin, and vanilla and mix until evenly combined. Gradually, add dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Step 3
Roll about 1 tablespoon of dough into a ball then roll in cinnamon-sugar and place on baking sheet.
Step 4
Repeat with remaining dough and bake until tops start to crack and centers are just set, 12 minutes.
Here’s why “turning it off and on again” should almost always be your first move when you’re experiencing computer issues.
Ahh, the magic words: why does “turning it off and on again” work so often to fix small IT problems?
Restarting your PC can be a “magic cure” for many small PC headaches. Whether a program refuses to start, or you’re experiencing slowness, oftentimes a quick restart makes everything right. It may make us sound like a broken record, but there’s a reason why IT professionals are so quick to suggest “turning it off and on again.”
Why does it work?
Often, while using a computer, programs and software may run into small errors that can compound into bigger issues. Maybe it’s causing the PC to run slow, or causing another program to load incorrectly. As with all software, there are many tiny things that can just go wrong.
Turning the computer off stops all these processes and clears a bunch of temporary data. When you start it up again, you’re at the “starting line” with everything in place.
One common analogy for this is an orchestra that’s gone off beat. Say you’re conducting an orchestra and several musicians are offbeat. It’s going to be easiest to stop the music and start from the beginning of the song, as opposed to trying to correct each musician that’s offbeat, right?
While most software goes through rigorous testing before being sold to the public, there’s always a chance of unexpected hiccups. Luckily, a quick restart can sometimes be the fix it needs!
Limitations of a restart
Obviously, if there are larger software issues at play, a restart won’t always fix them. For example, if your computer runs slow even on startup, you may have unnecessary programs or “bloatware” set to automatically run as soon as your PC is started. You may also be experiencing a hardware failure.
We know that trying to get work done with recurring IT issues can be a frustrating experience. If you have computers at your office that are running slow, encountering errors, or having connectivity issues, we can help! Simply fill out the contact form below or give us a call at (309) 689-3900 and one of our friendly, experienced technicians can help you get rid of IT headaches for good.
About Facet Technologies
Facet offers managed services, cybersecurity, and helpdesk services to businesses across Central Illinois and the U.S. from our headquarters in Peoria, IL. If your business could use some IT help, give us a call and see the Facet difference for yourself.
Start by cooking bacon to your liking, I usually do somewhere between crunchy and soft. Save bacon grease and use another pan on medium low to melt the ½ stick of butter.
Ensure steak has been sitting outside of the fridge for at least 20 minutes, pat dry with paper towel, and season with salt and pepper.
Once all butter has melted in the pan place steak and cook for 3-5 minutes a side depending on the thickness of the steak. While the steak is cooking cut onion into strips and have the pan with the bacon grease on low heat.
Add in white onion and caramelize, make sure to keep moving the onion around or they will start to burn; this process can take around 20 minutes to complete. Once steak is to your liking remove and let rest for 10 minutes before cutting into strips.
After caramelizing the onions remove them from the pan and dice your 3 russet potatoes.
Add them into the bacon grease and cook them until the skin is crispy and you’re able to push a fork through them with ease.
Crack your 5 eggs into a bowl and beat eggs until fully mixed then add a splash of milk to make the eggs a bit fluffier.
After the potatoes are done remove them and add the eggs into what is left of the bacon grease pan. Make sure there is not an excess amount of grease in the pan because if there is the eggs will turn out runny.
Scramble the eggs on a low heat while continuously moving and folding them with a spatula. When the eggs are almost done salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
Lay down the large tortilla and layer with pepper jack cheese, potatoes, steak, sour cream, eggs, bacon, caramelized onions, and finish with the salsa with fruit in it. I prefer mango but we have used a peach salsa in the past and that worked fine as well. Once constructed wrap up and chow down.
We cook this every other month or so on Sundays when we are going to have a lazy day because after you eat this you will need some relaxation time.
