7 Types of video content for effective marketing

By Editor | Published: March 19, 2021

If you want to reach more potential customers, nothing beats creating a video to market your products and services, your brand, or your core business values. Here are seven types of video content you can take advantage of to appeal to your intended audience.

Business introduction or behind-the-scenes

If your company lacks an online presence, one of the best things you can do is give customers direct access to your staff and your product. Take your viewers on an office tour and show them how a product is made, or broadcast your business’s launch event.

Make sure to invite as many viewers as you can, but remember that most live broadcasts can be saved and viewed later. You’ll likely want to keep the video available after the live broadcast has ended.

News and trending topics

Current and live event broadcasts are great not only because they’re fresh, but also because they give your audience something to share.

Facebook Live and Instagram stories allow people and businesses to share recent information, trending news, and other relevant stories. For example, you can stream a live cooking show while engaging your viewers by hosting a Q and A in real time OR during the show.

With these features, you can instantly reach millions of viewers in mere seconds.

Ask me anything (AMA)

You may be getting a lot of conceptual questions about innovative ways to use your product or service, what direction the company is heading, and so forth. There’s no better way to address these questions than to do a personal and unscripted AMA segment.

Should you get a good turnout, make sure to keep questions and answers moving in a relevant and interesting direction. There’s nothing wrong with updating everyone on what you had for breakfast, but addressing service bugs or product feature requests will be a lot more beneficial for wider audiences.

How-tos

Whether it’s a soon-to-be-released product or a simple rehash of an existing one, there’s no better way to guide customers than by using how-to videos.

Not only do these show existing clients the best way to use your product or service, but it also allows potential customers to see both your product and your customer service philosophy in action. Saving these videos can be invaluable as you continue to get questions about your products or services — it’s an easy way to build a video reference library for sales and support.

Webinars

Webinars are events held on the internet that are attended by an online audience. They allow for online participation, thanks to real-time audio and video feeds.

In addition to video images, presentation slides can be broadcast and run in sync with the rest of the presentation. You can also make use of the screen capture functionality to show your viewers an application or a website. Webinars also offer various interactive opportunities such as chat, polls, surveys, and tests.

Live broadcast announcements

You can post live broadcast updates on social media platforms about an upcoming product, service, or event. These can make your announcement far more interesting and personal than a press release or faceless status update ever will.

Text-based announcements and pre-recorded videos severely limit how you address the “fine print” questions from customers. Think of live broadcasts as a chance to hold your own personal press briefing and address questions after your scripted announcement.

Social media reports indicate that Facebook users spend three times longer watching live broadcasts than pre-recorded videos. There are a handful of different services to use for live video broadcasting. Deciding which one is the best for you can depend on a lot of different variables, such as the length of your content and the demographics of your target audience.

Promotional videos

Use social media to offer a special promotion to anyone who tunes in to a live broadcast. Your promotional videos should portray your business in a positive light and make people want to do business with you.

Nowadays, many companies use influencers to attract people. If you have someone who’s familiar to your audience promoting your business, you’re likely to get the attention of potential customers, especially those who are hearing about your product or service for the first time.

Remember that promotional videos should be straight to the point and should last no longer than 10 – 15 minutes.

Call us with any of your questions and we’ll be happy to assist you in adding value to your business with today’s best live video services.

Posted in Business, General Articles A | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Boost your marketing campaigns with video content

By Editor | Published: March 19, 2021

Creating trending videos on social media is one of the best ways to catch people’s attention and market your brand. These are the seven types of video content you can use to bolster your marketing campaigns.

Business introduction or behind-the-scenes

If your company lacks an online presence, one of the best things you can do is give customers direct access to your staff and your product. Take your viewers on an office tour and show them how a product is made, or broadcast your business’s launch event.

Make sure to invite as many viewers as you can, but remember that most live broadcasts can be saved and viewed later. You’ll likely want to keep the video available after the live broadcast has ended.

News and trending topics

Current and live event broadcasts are great not only because they’re fresh, but also because they give your audience something to share.

Facebook Live and Instagram stories allow people and businesses to share recent information, trending news, and other relevant stories. For example, you can stream a live cooking show while engaging your viewers by hosting a Q and A in real time OR during the show.

With these features, you can instantly reach millions of viewers in mere seconds.

Ask me anything (AMA)

You may be getting a lot of conceptual questions about innovative ways to use your product or service, what direction the company is heading, and so forth. There’s no better way to address these questions than to do a personal and unscripted AMA segment.

Should you get a good turnout, make sure to keep questions and answers moving in a relevant and interesting direction. There’s nothing wrong with updating everyone on what you had for breakfast, but addressing service bugs or product feature requests will be a lot more beneficial for wider audiences.

How-tos

Whether it’s a soon-to-be-released product or a simple rehash of an existing one, there’s no better way to guide customers than by using how-to videos.

Not only do these show existing clients the best way to use your product or service, but it also allows potential customers to see both your product and your customer service philosophy in action. Saving these videos can be invaluable as you continue to get questions about your products or services — it’s an easy way to build a video reference library for sales and support.

Webinars

Webinars are events held on the internet that are attended by an online audience. They allow for online participation, thanks to real-time audio and video feeds.

In addition to video images, presentation slides can be broadcast and run in sync with the rest of the presentation. You can also make use of the screen capture functionality to show your viewers an application or a website. Webinars also offer various interactive opportunities such as chat, polls, surveys, and tests.

Live broadcast announcements

You can post live broadcast updates on social media platforms about an upcoming product, service, or event. These can make your announcement far more interesting and personal than a press release or faceless status update ever will.

Text-based announcements and pre-recorded videos severely limit how you address the “fine print” questions from customers. Think of live broadcasts as a chance to hold your own personal press briefing and address questions after your scripted announcement.

Social media reports indicate that Facebook users spend three times longer watching live broadcasts than pre-recorded videos. There are a handful of different services to use for live video broadcasting. Deciding which one is the best for you can depend on a lot of different variables, such as the length of your content and the demographics of your target audience.

Promotional videos

Use social media to offer a special promotion to anyone who tunes in to a live broadcast. Your promotional videos should portray your business in a positive light and make people want to do business with you.

Nowadays, many companies use influencers to attract people. If you have someone who’s familiar to your audience promoting your business, you’re likely to get the attention of potential customers, especially those who are hearing about your product or service for the first time.

Remember that promotional videos should be straight to the point and should last no longer than 10 – 15 minutes.

Call us with any of your questions and we’ll be happy to assist you in adding value to your business with today’s best live video services.

Posted in Business, General Articles C | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Attract customers with these 7 types of video content

By Editor | Published: March 19, 2021

Do you want to bolster your marketing campaigns? Then create videos and post them on social media. It doesn’t take much to make videos — you can finish high-quality ones using your smartphone and accessible video editing software. This makes them one of the most cost-efficient ways to target and convert potential customers. Here are seven types of video content you should consider.

Business introduction or behind-the-scenes

If your company lacks an online presence, one of the best things you can do is give customers direct access to your staff and your product. Take your viewers on an office tour and show them how a product is made, or broadcast your business’s launch event.

Make sure to invite as many viewers as you can, but remember that most live broadcasts can be saved and viewed later. You’ll likely want to keep the video available after the live broadcast has ended.

News and trending topics

Current and live event broadcasts are great not only because they’re fresh, but also because they give your audience something to share.

Facebook Live and Instagram stories allow people and businesses to share recent information, trending news, and other relevant stories. For example, you can stream a live cooking show while engaging your viewers by hosting a Q and A in real time OR during the show.

With these features, you can instantly reach millions of viewers in mere seconds.

Ask me anything (AMA)

You may be getting a lot of conceptual questions about innovative ways to use your product or service, what direction the company is heading, and so forth. There’s no better way to address these questions than to do a personal and unscripted AMA segment.

Should you get a good turnout, make sure to keep questions and answers moving in a relevant and interesting direction. There’s nothing wrong with updating everyone on what you had for breakfast, but addressing service bugs or product feature requests will be a lot more beneficial for wider audiences.

How-tos

Whether it’s a soon-to-be-released product or a simple rehash of an existing one, there’s no better way to guide customers than by using how-to videos.

Not only do these show existing clients the best way to use your product or service, but it also allows potential customers to see both your product and your customer service philosophy in action. Saving these videos can be invaluable as you continue to get questions about your products or services — it’s an easy way to build a video reference library for sales and support.

Webinars

Webinars are events held on the internet that are attended by an online audience. They allow for online participation, thanks to real-time audio and video feeds.

In addition to video images, presentation slides can be broadcast and run in sync with the rest of the presentation. You can also make use of the screen capture functionality to show your viewers an application or a website. Webinars also offer various interactive opportunities such as chat, polls, surveys, and tests.

Live broadcast announcements

You can post live broadcast updates on social media platforms about an upcoming product, service, or event. These can make your announcement far more interesting and personal than a press release or faceless status update ever will.

Text-based announcements and pre-recorded videos severely limit how you address the “fine print” questions from customers. Think of live broadcasts as a chance to hold your own personal press briefing and address questions after your scripted announcement.

Social media reports indicate that Facebook users spend three times longer watching live broadcasts than pre-recorded videos. There are a handful of different services to use for live video broadcasting. Deciding which one is the best for you can depend on a lot of different variables, such as the length of your content and the demographics of your target audience.

Promotional videos

Use social media to offer a special promotion to anyone who tunes in to a live broadcast. Your promotional videos should portray your business in a positive light and make people want to do business with you.

Nowadays, many companies use influencers to attract people. If you have someone who’s familiar to your audience promoting your business, you’re likely to get the attention of potential customers, especially those who are hearing about your product or service for the first time.

Remember that promotional videos should be straight to the point and should last no longer than 10 – 15 minutes.

Call us with any of your questions and we’ll be happy to assist you in adding value to your business with today’s best live video services.

Posted in Business, General Articles B | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Setting up Windows 10 on your laptop

By Editor | Published: March 17, 2021

Now that you bought a new laptop, you may think that all you have to do is go through Windows 10’s setup. But that’s not true. Your computer is not technically ready for action until you do some customization. Let’s get the ball rolling with the following tips.

1. Set up how your device checks for updates

Your new laptop should check for updates automatically, but you can also do this manually. Just click the gear icon above the Start button to go to Settings, choose Update & Security > Windows Update, and then click Check for updates. You can also type “updates” into the search box and click Check for updates.

2. Choose a restore point

If something goes wrong with your laptop, you can save a lot of time if you have a restore point, which is a backup of your entire operating system. To set up a restore point, type “restore” into the search bar and click Create a restore point. You’ll be taken to the System Protection tab of the System Properties window.

From there, you can choose what you want to be included in the backup. Click the Configure button to apply your choices. Enable “Turn on system protection” if it’s not already on. You can choose how much disk space to reserve, usually no more than 2% or 3%.

3. Pick a power plan

If you want to prolong your laptop’s battery life, you can choose from Windows 10’s Power Saver, High Performance, and Balanced power plans. Type power plan in the search button and choose either “Edit power plan” or “Choose a power plan.” Choosing the Edit power plan option allows you to set when the laptop display will be automatically turned off and when to put it to sleep. When you pick “Choose a power plan,” it will take you to a page where you can create and customize your plan.

The default recommended plan is Balanced, but if you want to create your own, click on the “Create a power plan” option on the left part of the screen. You can choose from three options depending on how you plan to use your laptop: Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. After selecting your preferred plan, click on the Next button to set the display and sleep settings for your laptop. Once done, click on the Create button and you’re good to go.

4. App installation tolerance level

To restrict which apps can be installed on your laptop, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and choose whether to permit installations from only the Windows Store, any app installations (with a warning), or unrestricted app installations.

5. Remove bloatware

Vendors package new laptops with bundled apps and software, which are mostly unnecessary and unwanted programs called bloatware.

Windows 10 offers an easy way to see which apps are installed on your new laptop and a quick way to uninstall those you don’t need. Head to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and peruse the list. If you don’t want an app and are 100% certain that your computer doesn’t need it, click the Uninstall button.

6. Anti-ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that locks all your data until you pay a ransom to hackers.

To minimize the risk of ransomware attacks, type “Windows Security” into the search bar at the bottom of your screen, click it, and go to “Virus & threat protection”. Here, you’ll be able to enable a new option called “Controlled folder access,” which protects you against ransomware attacks. By default, the Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders are protected, but you can add other folders too.

There are myriad ways Windows 10 can be configured for optimization and security. This article barely scratches the surface of Window 10’s security and efficiency settings. Call us today for a quick chat with one of our Microsoft experts about taking your operating system to the next level.

Posted in General Articles C, Windows | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Configuring Windows 10 on your laptop

By Editor | Published: March 17, 2021

If you just bought a new laptop, then it probably has Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system pre-installed. Windows 10 is packed with some interesting features you can fully maximize by following these tips.

1. Set up how your device checks for updates

Your new laptop should check for updates automatically, but you can also do this manually. Just click the gear icon above the Start button to go to Settings, choose Update & Security > Windows Update, and then click Check for updates. You can also type “updates” into the search box and click Check for updates.

2. Choose a restore point

If something goes wrong with your laptop, you can save a lot of time if you have a restore point, which is a backup of your entire operating system. To set up a restore point, type “restore” into the search bar and click Create a restore point. You’ll be taken to the System Protection tab of the System Properties window.

From there, you can choose what you want to be included in the backup. Click the Configure button to apply your choices. Enable “Turn on system protection” if it’s not already on. You can choose how much disk space to reserve, usually no more than 2% or 3%.

3. Pick a power plan

If you want to prolong your laptop’s battery life, you can choose from Windows 10’s Power Saver, High Performance, and Balanced power plans. Type power plan in the search button and choose either “Edit power plan” or “Choose a power plan.” Choosing the Edit power plan option allows you to set when the laptop display will be automatically turned off and when to put it to sleep. When you pick “Choose a power plan,” it will take you to a page where you can create and customize your plan.

The default recommended plan is Balanced, but if you want to create your own, click on the “Create a power plan” option on the left part of the screen. You can choose from three options depending on how you plan to use your laptop: Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. After selecting your preferred plan, click on the Next button to set the display and sleep settings for your laptop. Once done, click on the Create button and you’re good to go.

4. App installation tolerance level

To restrict which apps can be installed on your laptop, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and choose whether to permit installations from only the Windows Store, any app installations (with a warning), or unrestricted app installations.

5. Remove bloatware

Vendors package new laptops with bundled apps and software, which are mostly unnecessary and unwanted programs called bloatware.

Windows 10 offers an easy way to see which apps are installed on your new laptop and a quick way to uninstall those you don’t need. Head to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and peruse the list. If you don’t want an app and are 100% certain that your computer doesn’t need it, click the Uninstall button.

6. Anti-ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that locks all your data until you pay a ransom to hackers.

To minimize the risk of ransomware attacks, type “Windows Security” into the search bar at the bottom of your screen, click it, and go to “Virus & threat protection”. Here, you’ll be able to enable a new option called “Controlled folder access,” which protects you against ransomware attacks. By default, the Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders are protected, but you can add other folders too.

There are myriad ways Windows 10 can be configured for optimization and security. This article barely scratches the surface of Window 10’s security and efficiency settings. Call us today for a quick chat with one of our Microsoft experts about taking your operating system to the next level.

Posted in General Articles B, Windows | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

How to install Windows 10 on your laptop

By Editor | Published: March 17, 2021

Unboxing a new Windows 10 laptop is exciting, but before you start using it, there are a few things you need to do. You can ask a technician for help in setting up your new device, but here are a few things you can do on your own.

1. Set up how your device checks for updates

Your new laptop should check for updates automatically, but you can also do this manually. Just click the gear icon above the Start button to go to Settings, choose Update & Security > Windows Update, and then click Check for updates. You can also type “updates” into the search box and click Check for updates.

2. Choose a restore point

If something goes wrong with your laptop, you can save a lot of time if you have a restore point, which is a backup of your entire operating system. To set up a restore point, type “restore” into the search bar and click Create a restore point. You’ll be taken to the System Protection tab of the System Properties window.

From there, you can choose what you want to be included in the backup. Click the Configure button to apply your choices. Enable “Turn on system protection” if it’s not already on. You can choose how much disk space to reserve, usually no more than 2% or 3%.

3. Pick a power plan

If you want to prolong your laptop’s battery life, you can choose from Windows 10’s Power Saver, High Performance, and Balanced power plans. Type power plan in the search button and choose either “Edit power plan” or “Choose a power plan.” Choosing the Edit power plan option allows you to set when the laptop display will be automatically turned off and when to put it to sleep. When you pick “Choose a power plan,” it will take you to a page where you can create and customize your plan.

The default recommended plan is Balanced, but if you want to create your own, click on the “Create a power plan” option on the left part of the screen. You can choose from three options depending on how you plan to use your laptop: Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. After selecting your preferred plan, click on the Next button to set the display and sleep settings for your laptop. Once done, click on the Create button and you’re good to go.

4. App installation tolerance level

To restrict which apps can be installed on your laptop, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and choose whether to permit installations from only the Windows Store, any app installations (with a warning), or unrestricted app installations.

5. Remove bloatware

Vendors package new laptops with bundled apps and software, which are mostly unnecessary and unwanted programs called bloatware.

Windows 10 offers an easy way to see which apps are installed on your new laptop and a quick way to uninstall those you don’t need. Head to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and peruse the list. If you don’t want an app and are 100% certain that your computer doesn’t need it, click the Uninstall button.

6. Anti-ransomware

Ransomware is a form of malicious software (malware) that locks all your data until you pay a ransom to hackers.

To minimize the risk of ransomware attacks, type “Windows Security” into the search bar at the bottom of your screen, click it, and go to “Virus & threat protection”. Here, you’ll be able to enable a new option called “Controlled folder access,” which protects you against ransomware attacks. By default, the Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders are protected, but you can add other folders too.

There are myriad ways Windows 10 can be configured for optimization and security. This article barely scratches the surface of Window 10’s security and efficiency settings. Call us today for a quick chat with one of our Microsoft experts about taking your operating system to the next level.

Posted in General Articles A, Windows | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Struck by ransomware? Try out these decryptors to recover your data

By Editor | Published: March 15, 2021

There are several ransomware decryptors now, thanks to communities of white hat hackers concerned about increasing ransomware attacks worldwide. While some of these decryptors do come with a price, the rest are free or can be availed for a minimum donation.

The state of ransomware in 2021 so far

Businesses need to deal with ransomware both from outside and within. On one hand, there are more cybercriminals trying to infiltrate your network. On the other hand, careless and unknowing staff can easily let ransomware enter your network. For instance, employees may be tricked into providing their access credentials in phishing sites, or they may click links to websites that upload ransomware downloaders onto their machines.

The statistics are sobering. Ransomware cost businesses more than $75 billion per year. Over the past two years, ransomware attacks have increased by over 97%. And compared to the first two months of 2017, ransomware campaigns that were initiated from phishing emails increased by 109% in the same span of time this year.
According to studies, there will be a ransomware attack targeting a business every 11 seconds in 2021. That is up from every 14 seconds in 2019, and every 40 seconds in 2016. And the trend is that the rate will continue to increase over the years.

Zombie ransomware is easy to defeat

Not every type of infection is targeted to individual organizations. Some infections may result from self-propagating ransomware strains, while others may come from cyberattackers who are hoping targets become so scared that they pay up before doing any research on how dated the strain is and how to remove it.

No matter what the circumstances of your infection are, always check the following lists to see whether free decryption tools have been released to save you a world of hurt:

Prevention

But even when you can get your data back for free, getting hit with ransomware is no walk in the park. There are essentially three basic approaches to prevent ransomware:

  • First, train your employees about what they should and shouldn’t open when browsing the web and checking email.
  • Second, back up your data as often as possible to quarantined storage. As long as access to your backed-up data is extremely limited and not directly connected to your network, you should be able to restore everything in case of an infection.
  • Finally, regularly update all your software solutions (operating systems, productivity software, and antivirus). Most big-name vendors are quick to patch vulnerabilities, and you’ll prevent a large portion of infections just by staying up to date.

Whether it’s dealing with an infection or preventing one, the best option is to always seek professional advice from seasoned IT technicians. It’s possible that you could decrypt your data with the tools listed above, but most ransomware strains destroy your data after a set time limit, and you may not be able to beat the clock. And even if you do, you probably won’t have the expertise to discern where your security was penetrated.

Don’t waste time fighting a never-ending stream of cyberattacks — hand it over to us and be done with it. Call us today to find out more.

Posted in General Articles B, Security | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

Here are some ransomware decryptor sites you should keep handy

By Editor | Published: March 15, 2021

Ransomware is on the rise, but falling victim to one is not the end of the world. You can try some of these ransomware decryptors and maybe one of them will work. These are especially useful against automated “zombie” ransomware types.

The state of ransomware in 2021 so far

Businesses need to deal with ransomware both from outside and within. On one hand, there are more cybercriminals trying to infiltrate your network. On the other hand, careless and unknowing staff can easily let ransomware enter your network. For instance, employees may be tricked into providing their access credentials in phishing sites, or they may click links to websites that upload ransomware downloaders onto their machines.

The statistics are sobering. Ransomware cost businesses more than $75 billion per year. Over the past two years, ransomware attacks have increased by over 97%. And compared to the first two months of 2017, ransomware campaigns that were initiated from phishing emails increased by 109% in the same span of time this year.
According to studies, there will be a ransomware attack targeting a business every 11 seconds in 2021. That is up from every 14 seconds in 2019, and every 40 seconds in 2016. And the trend is that the rate will continue to increase over the years.

Zombie ransomware is easy to defeat

Not every type of infection is targeted to individual organizations. Some infections may result from self-propagating ransomware strains, while others may come from cyberattackers who are hoping targets become so scared that they pay up before doing any research on how dated the strain is and how to remove it.

No matter what the circumstances of your infection are, always check the following lists to see whether free decryption tools have been released to save you a world of hurt:

Prevention

But even when you can get your data back for free, getting hit with ransomware is no walk in the park. There are essentially three basic approaches to prevent ransomware:

  • First, train your employees about what they should and shouldn’t open when browsing the web and checking email.
  • Second, back up your data as often as possible to quarantined storage. As long as access to your backed-up data is extremely limited and not directly connected to your network, you should be able to restore everything in case of an infection.
  • Finally, regularly update all your software solutions (operating systems, productivity software, and antivirus). Most big-name vendors are quick to patch vulnerabilities, and you’ll prevent a large portion of infections just by staying up to date.

Whether it’s dealing with an infection or preventing one, the best option is to always seek professional advice from seasoned IT technicians. It’s possible that you could decrypt your data with the tools listed above, but most ransomware strains destroy your data after a set time limit, and you may not be able to beat the clock. And even if you do, you probably won’t have the expertise to discern where your security was penetrated.

Don’t waste time fighting a never-ending stream of cyberattacks — hand it over to us and be done with it. Call us today to find out more.

Posted in General Articles A, Security | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

If you’re experiencing a ransomware attack, try these online decryptors

By Editor | Published: March 15, 2021

While the threat of ransomware pretty much encompasses all of cyberspace nowadays, not everyone realizes that some ransomware threat responses are readily available for anyone who might need them. Take a gander at these decryptor websites, for instance. They may come in handy sometime.

The state of ransomware in 2021 so far

Businesses need to deal with ransomware both from outside and within. On one hand, there are more cybercriminals trying to infiltrate your network. On the other hand, careless and unknowing staff can easily let ransomware enter your network. For instance, employees may be tricked into providing their access credentials in phishing sites, or they may click links to websites that upload ransomware downloaders onto their machines.

The statistics are sobering. Ransomware cost businesses more than $75 billion per year. Over the past two years, ransomware attacks have increased by over 97%. And compared to the first two months of 2017, ransomware campaigns that were initiated from phishing emails increased by 109% in the same span of time this year.
According to studies, there will be a ransomware attack targeting a business every 11 seconds in 2021. That is up from every 14 seconds in 2019, and every 40 seconds in 2016. And the trend is that the rate will continue to increase over the years.

Zombie ransomware is easy to defeat

Not every type of infection is targeted to individual organizations. Some infections may result from self-propagating ransomware strains, while others may come from cyberattackers who are hoping targets become so scared that they pay up before doing any research on how dated the strain is and how to remove it.

No matter what the circumstances of your infection are, always check the following lists to see whether free decryption tools have been released to save you a world of hurt:

Prevention

But even when you can get your data back for free, getting hit with ransomware is no walk in the park. There are essentially three basic approaches to prevent ransomware:

  • First, train your employees about what they should and shouldn’t open when browsing the web and checking email.
  • Second, back up your data as often as possible to quarantined storage. As long as access to your backed-up data is extremely limited and not directly connected to your network, you should be able to restore everything in case of an infection.
  • Finally, regularly update all your software solutions (operating systems, productivity software, and antivirus). Most big-name vendors are quick to patch vulnerabilities, and you’ll prevent a large portion of infections just by staying up to date.

Whether it’s dealing with an infection or preventing one, the best option is to always seek professional advice from seasoned IT technicians. It’s possible that you could decrypt your data with the tools listed above, but most ransomware strains destroy your data after a set time limit, and you may not be able to beat the clock. And even if you do, you probably won’t have the expertise to discern where your security was penetrated.

Don’t waste time fighting a never-ending stream of cyberattacks — hand it over to us and be done with it. Call us today to find out more.

Posted in General Articles C, Security | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

How to keep your Android device protected

By Editor | Published: March 12, 2021

As of January 2021, Android is the leading mobile operating system in the market with a 71.9% market share. This is why Android devices are a prime target for cyberthreats and why Android users face a multitude of potential attacks. Fortunately, you can protect your Android device from attacks by following the tips in this guide.

You don’t have to purchase expensive software to safeguard your device; most of the best protection against common Android threats is available for free. Here are inexpensive ways to secure your Android devices.

Buy devices from vendors that release Android patches quickly

Beware of handset makers that don’t immediately release Android patches. If you subscribe to a vendor that delays the release of such patches, your device will be vulnerable for a longer time to security threats like bugs and will have a higher risk of getting compromised.

Always keep your apps updated

Apps release updates from time to time. These updates improve security, add new features, and/or remove outdated ones. To install updates as soon as they’re released, you can choose to update Android apps automatically by following these instructions:

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.
  2. Go to Menu > Settings.
  3. Tap Auto-update apps.

You can then select whether to update apps using Wi-Fi or mobile data.

Lock your device

Keeping your devices locked provides an extra layer of protection, as unlocking them requires entering a unique key such as a passcode or a pattern, or using your phone or tablet’s facial recognition feature

The simplest way to lock your device is by using a personal identification number (PIN); however, make sure that you use a hard-to-guess but easy-to-remember combination. If you have a newer Android device, you can use fingerprint or face recognition technology to better ensure that only authorized people can access your device.

Download apps only from the Google Play Store

Google Play is the safest place to download apps for your Android device. Third-party sites may offer an interesting lineup of apps, but their software can contain malicious codes. Sometimes, though, bogus apps make it to the Google Play Store, so always read reviews before downloading apps to ensure their legitimacy.

Use Google Play Protect

Google Protect is a built-in malware scanner that monitors apps in the Google Play Store and on your device. It also runs a safety check on any app from the Google Play Store before you download it.

Google Protect is turned on by default, but you can switch it off or on again by opening the Google Play Store app on your Android device and going to Menu > Settings > Scan apps with Play Protect.

Use on-device encryption

Every Android device running on Android 2.3 and above has an encryption feature that can render all your data unreadable to unauthorized entities until they provide the correct PIN or passcode. Whatever Android version your device is running, you can generally find encryption settings by going to Settings > Personal > Security.

Use a virtual private network (VPN)

When you’re connected to public Wi-Fi, there’s always a possibility that someone will intercept your data. Using a VPN encrypts your information so that even if someone steals your data, it will be completely unreadable and useless to them. There are numerous free VPNs on the Google Play Store. Compare their rankings and reviews before choosing one.

Protect your Google account with two-factor authentication (2FA)

Aside from protecting your Android device, you must also protect your Google account, which you can do using various methods, such as enabling 2FA. Just log in to your Google account, go to Security > 2-Step Verification > Get Started, then follow the succeeding prompts. You can choose to receive the verification codes on your phone via SMS or voice.

Keep an eye on your devices

Thieves are always on the lookout for potential victims. Treat your device as you would your cash, jewelry, and other valuables. Also, avoid using your device in areas with high crime rates to avoid attracting attention and getting robbed.

Keep these tips in mind to safeguard your phone or tablet from physical and digital risks. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions about your Android device, call us now. Our experts are here to help.

Posted in Android, General Articles A | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

  • Internet Presence Management for Small Business Owners

    pronto logoFull-service, pay-as-you-go all inclusive websites, from design and content to SEO and social media management for one low monthly price.

    Learn more about our small business online marketing services.