One of the biggest shifts in business has been the move towards a managed service provider. An MSP is a company that is hired on to remotely monitor a business’s IT infrastructure and to often manage other aspects of their online presence. Though most companies large and small do have their own IT departments, the benefits of hiring a managed service provider has caused the industry to grow by hundreds of billions of dollars. If you own or run a business, consider the services that could be offered through an MSP that might help your business to grow!

Improves In-House IT Services in Austin

The majority of companies that work with managed service providers are not doing so to replace their own IT operations, but instead they are reinforcing it. Typically, the work of the MSP allows the in-house IT operations to focus more on the creative and strategic projects that pertain to the growth of that business specifically. Most IT operations for small to mid-sized businesses often fall on just one or two people, causing them to often be overwhelmed with keeping up with the basic maintenance needed to keep a modern day business afloat and secure. By outsourcing this role, your IT department is able to focus on what really matters for the growth of your company.

Maximize IT Budget

Hiring a managed service provider is one of those investments that you very quickly see the financial benefits from. Even compared to hiring more IT personal alone, a basic MSP package is likely already a more affordable option when you take into account salary, workspace, and benefits. When you start factoring in the various equipment and programs needed to adequately manage the ever changing technology for your company, the weight of the IT budget often starts to become a problem for many companies. This is one of the reasons why many IT departments are so burdened and overwhelmed. By bringing on a managed service provider, you are not only giving some relief to your current IT operations, but you are able to redistribute part of that initial IT budget to other aspects of your business!

Maximize Security

Technology is a beautiful beast that has allowed for so much growth for businesses, but it is still a beast nonetheless. Often times, once you start experiencing the symptoms of a system vulnerability on the user end, your IT structure is already in bad shape. One of the major benefits of a MSP is the proactive aspect of the security services. Managed service providers take it upon themselves to be aware of the new vulnerabilities and tricks hackers are using to infiltrate your system, and they can often dissolve any detected issues before it has the opportunity to slow down operations for your business. Time is money, and a managed service provider’s goal is to save you and your business both! Also, it’s best not to leave issue like security to amateurs.

Looking for a reliable MSP to provide IT services to your business? Contact tekRESCUE, a technology company offering IT solutions, web design, and SEO in Austin, TX, to learn how to take your business to the next level.

UPDATED: 5-6-2020 to reflect changes in the Industry.

One of the many beauties of technology is that it is constantly advancing, offering you, the user, much more in terms of quality, security, accessibility, and more. While these advancements can be great for you, the updates that they come with can feel inconvenient at best. On top of your general software, every app you have downloaded probably has regular updates. And while many of these updates occur without any interruption, you have probably experienced instances when your device had to shut down entirely until the update was completed. This might take a couple of minutes, but on occasion, it can take much longer. While these updates might seem like an unnecessary evil, the benefits of these updates absolutely outweigh the downfalls, and updating your software, at its core, is a very necessary part of owning and using technology. 

Software Improvements 

Your software creators are constantly competing with others in their market to create a product that is efficient, effective, and user friendly. As a result of this cutthroat industry, you, the user, benefit greatly. Every update is the creator’s way of saying, “hey, we’re here to make this experience great for you” as they constantly look for shortcuts and customization options for their target audience. Each update is created with you in mind and how you can benefit. 

Security

Often times, an update for your software is due to filling a security hole that was discovered in the older version. As hackers are constantly upping their game by searching for vulnerabilities in your technology and creating new malicious software or “malware” in order to infiltrate your device or account, it is important to do everything you can to give yourself the best line of defense. Odds are, the first step in protecting yourself from malware is having the most updated version of the software you are using. 

Protecting Others

Aside from protecting your own pieces of technology from the downfalls of malware, by updating your software you are also shielding the people you interact with online from these same potential viruses. This is especially true in the business world where the damage could end up costing you more than just the piece of tech that is infected. This is why many companies use “phishing tests” in order to prepare associates for potential scams sent through emails. Once a hacker has a leg into your contacts, the negative domino effect could be greater than you ever imagined.

Data

Consider the information stored in the various accounts you have on your computer, phone, or tablet. There is probably financial information, emails, social security numbers, medical information, and the list goes on. When a weakness in software is exploited by malware, all of this information and more is at risk. This could result in your information being obtained by criminals, you being the victim of identity and/or credit card theft, or access to your accounts being held for ransom (blocked until you pay the hacker a set amount). We put so much trust in our technology that it is important to be sure that we are protecting it and ourselves not only by actively using protective software, but by updating the apps and software we use in order to give ourselves the best cyber security. 

Is your business’s technology at risk? Contact tekRESCUE, a HIPAA certified managed service provider in San Marcos, TX, to learn more about cyber security and protecting your information.

If you are a Windows user, then you are probably at least vaguely familiar with Windows 10. This latest operating system was released initially in 2015, and with several major updates since (in some cases twice a year). There are many features that have either been added or changed since it launched. With such a complex system, it can be tough to take advantage of everything it has to offer. Here are some tips and tricks to using your Windows 10 operating system!

God Mode

God mode is especially helpful for advanced Windows users or anyone working in IT. It allows you to access the operating system’s control panel from one single folder (hence the actual name for “god mode” is Windows Master Control Panel). Once in god mode, you will have access to all the different settings for your computer in one place that you can change. To access god mode, do the following:

1. Make sure your Microsoft system account has administrator privileges.
2. Right-click on the Windows 10 desktop and “Create a new folder.”
3. Right-click the the new folder and rename the folder:
   “GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}” 

Virtual Desktop

If you do a lot of work on your computer, chances are, you tend to multitask with multiple different tabs and windows all working at the same time. If this is you, Windows 10 has a new feature that is right up your alley. The virtual desktop allows you to separate different apps that you use for different purposes (work, personal, social, etc). When you have many of these different windows open, click the task view (the small icon directly to the right of your start menu and search bar). This will separate all of your currently open apps into small icons that you can click and drag into separate virtual desktops. You can then switch between your different virtual desktops by clicking the Windows button+Ctrl+right/left arrows, and when you are finished having your apps on different desktops, click that task view button again and delete them. This will keep your open apps open, but it will put them back on your original desktop again.

Screen Recording

Windows 10 has a new built in Xbox app that allows you to easily record your screen activity. This is super useful in making “how to” or instructional videos for your colleagues, for a professional development, youtube tutorials, and more. 

Nearby Sharing

Just like Apple’s “AirDrop” feature that allows you to send a photo or note to someone near you, windows now has a feature achieving this same thing. By clicking the “share” button or icon on the top of your photo or document, you will be able to see available recipients in the drop down menu. 

Smart Home Control

Cortana is Microsoft’s digital assistant, and now with Windows 10, she can connect to your smart home apps for easy control. To locate Cortana, search “Cortana Notebook” and click on the Manage Skills button at the top of the window. If you scroll down and enable the “Connected Home” option, you will be able to log in to your smart home devices. Once this is done and they are enabled, you will be able to command Cortana to operate them by saying, “Hey Cortana” and then instruct her on what you want. This is a really easy hands off way to do tasks like change the thermostat or view your live home security cameras. 

Looking for more tips and tricks for your operating system, or need help troubleshooting an issue on your device? Contact tekRESCUE, a San Marcos IT company, for more information.

For Immediate Release: 4/1/2019
CEO Randy Bryan                                                                     
tekRESCUE Technology Consulting
(512) 843-2835
/

tekRESCUE Wins Local Best Business Awards

For the sixth consecutive year, the outstanding team at tekRESCUE was voted Best Electronics and Computers business in Hays County, Texas. This local IT Management and Web Services company was also voted Best Place to Work in Hays County for the second year in a row. The team is thrilled to be recognized once more in this year’s “Best of Hays” selection. tekRESCUE is a HIPAA certified business headquartered in San Marcos, TX. They are proud to bring technology solutions to both San Marcos and the surrounding Central Texas areas.

The recognition tekRESCUE received this month is from the Best of Hays annual awards. Local businesses in Hays County, Texas are voted “Best of Hays” in several categories via newspaper ballot by the citizens of the county. The ballots are collected and counted by the San Marcos Daily Record in the spring. The Daily Record announces the annual award winners at the conclusion of voting.

tekRESCUE CEO Randy Bryan said in an announcement, “All of us at tekRESCUE extend our thanks to the Hays County community for their support. We’re looking forward to another year of serving the people and businesses of Hays county and beyond by providing exceptional IT and Web Services.” tekRESCUE enjoyed significant growth in 2018 and is looking forward to expanding their services even further during the coming year. While the San Marcos IT Provider mainly services the Central Texas region, they serve clients all across Texas.

The team at tekRESCUE express their thanks to the people of Hays County for their time and support helping the company secure Best Place to Work as well as Best Electronics and Computers awards from Hays County this year. tekRESCUE is looking forward to a new year of providing excellence in technology solutions to the San Marcos community and beyond.

About tekRESCUE: tekRESCUE is a HIPAA certified technology consulting company based in San Marcos, Texas. The company’s services include Managed IT Services, Commercial IT, Business Network Setup and Management, Social Media Management, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), and Web Design and Development. They have provided technology services to small to medium sized businesses in Central Texas, including San Antonio, New Braunfels, Wimberley, San Marcos, Kyle, Buda, and Austin since 2010. This is their sixth year being named Best Electronics and Computers business in Hays County. For more information, visit /.

As covered previously, it is important to ensure physical data safety, individual device protection, and network protection when meeting HIPAA compliance requirements. There are many methods in place for ensuring this type of protection, but in the rare and unfortunate event that all security protocols and systems fail, the data itself must be protected.

HIPAA’s Data Encryption Regulation

The number one way to ensure that data is protected in the event of systems failure is to encrypt the data. Not only will this ensure that data is not accessed by attackers, it can also help save your employees from potential liability. If employees are required to handle data, it is better for everyone involved if it is properly encrypted. Data encryption practices are also a HIPAA regulation that must be followed by all healthcare providers. HIPAA requires that all data must be encrypted, and that the tool or software used to decrypt information must be kept at a location other than the provider’s office and on a device other than the one that is being encrypted.

Where Data is Circulated

All relevant data and patient health information must be encrypted. While there are many commonly known places that data is circulated, some are less obvious. Data can be circulated through any programs that have full or partial permission to access data, such as a patient database. However, any program or device that comes into contact with the smallest piece of personal health information must be recorded and secured. This includes even small applications used in day to day operations, such as calendar systems, email alert systems, servers, backups, and others. In addition, any data stored in a database or general electronic files must also be encrypted, along with any applications used in accordance with these sources. Any data created in applications, even information such as appointment times and potential notes, must be protected, kept confidential and encrypted.

Type of Encryption

A full-disk encryption is usually recommended for data protection, but there is no specific regulation that specified which encryption method must be used, though this may change in the future. For safety reasons, the industry standard or better is recommended. This means AES 127 or AES 256 or better. Other encryption methods are also available, but are required to be advanced enough to avoid allowing personal health information data to become vulnerable to attackers.

Reporting Misused Data

In the event that information is somehow stolen, the breach must be reported to proper authorities as required by HIPAA regulations. Data can be stolen physically, or by accessing network data through hacking. If proper safety standards are met, the encryption used will stop attackers from being able to access the data. In extreme circumstances, a secure destruction can be used to make stolen data unreadable. Again, if appropriate, advanced encryption is put in place, it should prevent hackers from being able to access personal health information protected through HIPAA regulations.

For more information about encrypting data and HIPAA regulations, please contact tekRESCUE, located in San Marcos, TX.

In our last article, we covered some of the documentation that HIPAA requires you to have in place to ensure quality protection of personal information, and before that we covered antivirus and data protection. Where these two intersect is network security. Anytime something is on a server and connecting to the web, even in a closed system, there is the potential for someone to interfere with the process. Even if it is a network only involving communication between other devices on the network, if one of them connects to the internet, that is a potential vulnerability. These processes need to be routinely monitored. It is extremely important that you ensure HIPAA compliance for your business, as there are a lot of potential problems you can face if you don’t.

Keeping Track of What’s on the Network

We mentioned the fact that you need to have all devices containing personal health information (PHI) documented along with their serial numbers, make/model, and location. This will help with another thing you will need to record—any device that connects to the network, as well as any wireless access points. Protecting sensitive data requires that you record and monitor any and all devices that access the network. This is why HIPAA-compliant organizations generally separate public wifi from the network used to communicate patient data. But if you have a list of all devices that will be used for that purpose, and a list of all devices that access the network, you can easily view any discrepancies, and easily compare them.

Making Sure the Network is Secure

You can minimize the potential problems by running a proper firewall, having the right software to prevent breaches, and constant monitoring. There will be a variety of potential weak points as the data passes among devices, and it is important to know where this data is flowing from. It may, for example, be submitted by email, then sent to the database, or it may be entered manually from a new patient form which is scanned in, then sent to the database, then sent from there to a mobile work tablet, and from there to an email account. As it passes from one network device to another, it is important to be able to make sure nothing goes wrong.

How a Managed IT Provider Can Help

HIPAA-Compliant managed IT providers have the equipment to help you prepare your network safety. They do this several ways, first by running tests on internal and external threats, and automated checks for weaknesses. IT providers will also actively partake in penetration testing, where they will go hands on and try to crack your security, so that they know where any weaknesses lie, and form a solution to deal with them. A good IT company will also record any open ports and network access points, by scanning and making a map of the network essentially. Some of these will be unlikely, and some of these will be very possible, and from there we can prioritize which ones we wish to focus on first.

Having a secure and monitored network is an important part of meeting HIPAA compliance, and there is a lot that goes into it. In the next article, we will cover data encryption, because if(and hopefully it never does), security falls into the hands of an attacker, it is important that it remains useless to them.

A lot of steps go into ensuring HIPAA compliance. One of those is storing the serial numbers of all managed devices and making sure to record everyone who gets on the network. HIPAA, and all of it’s protocols and safeguards, are there to make sure that personal health information stays private, and does not fall into the wrong hands. A large part of that is making sure you correctly document everything that goes into your HIPAA compliance. While you must deal with some of these documentations internally, a managed IT provider can help with most of it. There is quite a number of needed steps to make sure you properly make an inventory.

Documenting Serial Numbers & Other Info

One of these is storing all of the serial numbers and information on devices that will be coming into contact with personal health information. That information includes the make and model of those devices, and the physical location of them. It might sound like a simple request, but it is more than just simply documenting the few work computers you use. Many companies are now using mobile phones to access patient data. If that is the case with your company, you will need to record these mobile devices as well.

Furthermore, even if you just use a device to hand-off data, you will still need to record that device if it could be an access point. According to one recent study, up to 18% of healthcare professionals now access PHI on mobile phones. This list also includes servers, as they are definitely a potential weak point that you and your IT providers need to monitor.

Documenting Where PHI Is Located

Part of recording devices is also recording where the PHI is located, and where it will be. There will need to be a PHI location map, as well as plans in place on how you would deal with a breach, and potential vulnerabilities. These are less strict, but must meet the requirement of reasonable amount of preventative care. You will need to record software as well as a business associate agreement if you work with a managed IT company. This agreement will itemize exactly what permissions your IT managers have as well as their ability to make sure data is being backed up and encrypted, plans to minimize contact with personal data, and plans to destroy any personal data needed to configure problems.

Documenting Business Practices

You will also need to document much of your business practices, including your training plans, and how you properly teach new employees how to handle PHI. Documents should also include what steps you have taken to limit 3rd parties like software companies access to your data, and the specific ways you have minimized exposure. Also needed is a list of any possible vulnerabilities and how you may deal with them, and upgrades to the system you want to make in the future. Finally, you should address any upgrades that you have been needing to make. This should help you fill out any and all future milestones and goals you want to go over in the future.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, was passed in 1996 to ensure the protection of private information, insurance accounts, and regulated practically all personal data created from healthcare activities. Subsequent legislation has also aimed to ensure the protection of the data, such as the HITECH act. There is a long list of requirements for healthcare providers and those who manage the data of those providers, which all revolve around keeping your personal health information(PHI) safe. There are requirements for how you secure your server, your network, user info, encrypting and backing up data, tracking devices used to store information, who can access PHI, manage updates and antivirus, and much more.

How HIPAA Applies to IT Professionals

These requirements also extend to those who manage this data. This means entities like tekRESCUE have to ensure protected status on our end as well, and clearly outline our work to be in compliance with current laws and statutes. We will be going over the specifics of this work as we move through this series. With the nature of this work being something that requires consistency of service and continual monitoring, it is easier to have one company you can rely on. This is why the best route to go to make sure you meet HIPAA compliance is to have a managed IT plan.

Benefits of a Managed Plan

With a managed IT plan, you get one price every month, and weekly (or if needed, daily) monitoring of devices. This monitoring includes assessing network security, encrypting data and monitoring backups, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. And of course, this also includes dealing with various IT issues as they pop up. If you are dealing with issues on-demand, avoidable issues are more likely to pop up. And breaches of security can be costly, both in terms of dealing with them and potential fines for breaching HIPAA. In this first article we will be covering monitoring antivirus status.

What Antivirus Monitoring Means

Antivirus includes other network security measures, not just local antivirus programs that antivirus normally refers to. Local programs are an important part of course, and it is always a good idea to make sure that the software you use is HIPAA compliant.  You should, however, be taking other steps to secure physical points of entry as well as networks on which people can access the devices. The first part of this will be making sure that we implement commercially-viable antivirus software. Also important is routinely monitoring antivirus status, and making sure that all anti-malware and antivirus software are receiving daily to weekly patches.

What About Physical Protection?

For physical protection, it is important to make sure that you are not storing passwords physically or storing any network details in plain sight. It is also important to of course vet any potential employees or companies working with your data, but as well if possible to visually monitor workstations. While you should always take reasonable action to ensure safety, that action isn’t always clear cut. This is why help from specialized professionals is always a good idea.

Managed IT services can bring integral tech solutions to a variety of businesses of nearly every size and service. These services can be immensely beneficial on their own. After all, most businesses rely on technology to operate smoothly and effectively from day to day. And like most services they can be enhanced by learning the best ways to work with an experienced provider.

Develop a Relationship

Companies and businesses often have the best experiences with Managed Service Providers with whom they develop a working relationship. Make sure that your Managed Service Provider knows what your business expects from them so that they can in turn ensure that your needs are met. In addition, let them know in what direction your company is aiming to go. Managed Service Providers are often happy to consult and offer advice for your future IT plans.

Clear Communication is Key

A key part of getting the best of a Managed Service Provider is communication. Businesses that pass along feedback to their Managed Service Provider give the provider a clearer idea of what is working and what might need adjustment. As well as giving feedback to your provider, be sure to pay attention to suggestions from them. Your provider may suggest or provide training for employees after system changes and updates. Take the time to implement this training in order to avoid errors.

Managed IT Services Work with Your Team

Another thing to consider about your business’ relationship with a Managed Service Provider is how the provider complements your current IT team. Depending on the business, Managed Service Providers should not completely replace the current IT team. Instead, they should cover the day to day breaks, fixes, and updates both major and minor. This frees your business’ internal IT team from these responsibilities and lets them concentrate on specialized projects and company advancement.

Develop A Disaster Recovery Strategy

Every business needs a data backup strategy. This is a service offered by most Managed Service Providers, and one that businesses should discuss promptly. Having a solid relationship and clear communication with your Managed Service Provider will help them give you the best options for this important service. Work with your provider to decide on the best type of recovery strategy and be sure to test the process step by step. This will ensure that data loss for your business is prevented.

Know What Your Provider Can Offer

Managed Service Providers usually offer a variety of services so that businesses can choose what is right for them. However, as your business advances don’t be afraid to take another look at your provider’s available services. If your business would benefit from additional services, ask your provider for more information. Managed Service Providers will be able to advise you, especially if they have experience working with your business. After all, they are there to help you do what’s right for your business.

Managed Service Providers can bring important services technical services to any business. If you would like more information on these services, contact tekRESCUE in San Marcos, TX.

Here are a few reasons why you need a Managed Services Provider. A Managed Services Provider will not call in because they’re unwell, or even necessitate medical insurance. With the consultative methods implemented by a MSP, you don’t have to worry about unforeseen expenditures with regards to implementing IT innovations.

Should you be a modest to middle sized company, then you will definitely save money if you rely on the knowledge, as well as expertise, provided by a Managed Services Provider. Managed services permit a company to confidently assign their IT consulting procedures to a process supplier in Austin Tx. Check around and request numerous quotes from different Managed Services Providers before you decide on one.

However, you should not select a business simply because they may be the most affordable. Request to observe their Master Services Agreement before putting your signature on any specific paperwork. Remember, by no means select a business which is just starting up.

At all times select a Managed Services Provider that provides an assurance in print. A Managed Services Provider will also eradicate the requirement of major expenditures on system administration equipment. That’s because the MSP will provide you with all the system administration equipment you require.

If you do not possess a Managed Service contract with a SLA, then that will surely cost your business time and money. MSP’s that offer Managed Services with a SLA are essentially providing you with a guarantee for your business’ IT ecosystem. They are guaranteeing that they will provide company crucial functions, as well as safeguard your important information, and that they will also provide website server support.

Becoming hands-on with your MSP will permit a lot of potential problems to be uncovered, and also remedied, before they turn out to be major issues. This will help your business by enabling your IT personnel to concentrate on additional areas. Utilizing a MSP permits that workforce to concentrate on the company’s enterprise, rather than managing IT issues.

Therefore, a MSP will be more advantageous for your net profit. Companies will enjoy an additional level of comfort, and also safety, with the round-the-clock system surveillance provided by a MSP. They will also ensure that you will continue to conform to regulations.

Are you worried about price comparisons? A standard Managed Services contract is predicated upon a regular month-to-month charge. Truly, Managed IT Services for your Austin businesses will cost you much less in the long run, and will also provide a far more extensive and enhanced IT platform. They will also provide a more reliable and sturdy IT platform than you would have otherwise.

In the event that you fall behind in maintaining areas like support, necessary upgrades, safety measures, and so forth, then the chances increase that you’ll have to deal with an IT interruption. Therefore, without a MSP you may have additional engineering issues that’ll have an adverse effect on your company. Remember, a system competently preserved by a MSP will invariably function superior to other systems. Additionally, be certain that the MSP is the owner of their very own physical IT computer data facility to support you in San Marcos. A few MSPs are just renting rack storage from supplementary businesses. This is often referred to as a CoLo setup, or Co-Location.

If you’re looking for a managed IT support company to help keep your business technology services running smoothly in San Marcos Tx, Austin Tx, or the surrounding areas, be sure to give tekRESCUE a call to discuss your needs! We’d love to help craft the perfect custom-tailored plan to help you focus on running and growing your business, instead of spending your valuable time troubleshooting and fighting with uncooperative technology.