The Importance of Computer Hygiene: Best Practices for Digital Security

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digital security

In our hyper-connected world, ensuring proper "computer hygiene" is crucial for protecting personal and organizational data. Cybersecurity threats, like phishing, malware, and ransomware, are constantly evolving, making it essential to adopt preventative measures. Here are some key computer hygiene practices to maintain a secure and efficient digital environment:


Regular Software Updates

Outdated software is one of the most common vulnerabilities hackers exploit.

  • Why it matters: Updates often include patches for known security flaws.
  • Best practice: Enable automatic updates for your operating system, antivirus, and applications.


Use Strong, Unique Passwords

The Role of a VCIO: Strategic IT Leadership Without the Overhead

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Virtual CIO

The Role of a VCIO: Strategic IT Leadership Without the Overhead

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, businesses need more than just IT support. They require strategic leadership to align technology with business goals. Enter the Virtual Chief Information Officer (VCIO): a cost-effective solution for companies looking to leverage technology as a competitive advantage without the expense of a full-time executive.

What is a VCIO?
A VCIO provides strategic IT leadership on a part-time or virtual basis. Unlike a traditional CIO, who is a full-time executive, a VCIO works with businesses on-demand to guide their technology strategy, oversee IT operations, and ensure that technology investments align with organizational goals. This makes the VCIO model particularly attractive to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) that need expert guidance but don’t have the budget for a permanent C-suite role.

Spotlight on Long Island’s Family-Owned Businesses

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Long Island Business News has launched a special editorial section celebrating the incredible family-owned businesses that drive our region’s economy and community. From multi-generational legacies to first-generation founders striving to build a future for the next, these businesses span industries like hospitality, automotive, home & garden, law, and more.

Through perseverance, innovation, and hard work, these businesses have weathered world wars, economic challenges, pandemics, and natural disasters. Their resilience and commitment make them a vital part of Long Island’s legacy and future.

We’re proud to see Central Business Systems profiled in this feature, showcasing how family businesses remain a powerful force in our region.

Read the feature at Long Island Business News: Central Business Systems | Long Island Business News

Ensuring IT Security in Schools: A Comprehensive Approach to Protecting Students and Data

Submitted by melissa@market… on
school it security

As schools continue to embrace technology for learning, administration, and communication, the need for effective IT security has never been greater. Educational institutions store vast amounts of sensitive information, including student records, grades, and personal details, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. To safeguard this data, schools must implement a multi-layered security strategy. This starts with basic measures like firewalls, antivirus software, and routine system updates, which help protect against common threats like malware and ransomware. 

Things You Should Consider When Developing a Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan

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disasterrecovery

1. Risk Assessment and Business Impact Analysis

  • Identify Potential Risks: Evaluate threats such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, hardware failures, and human errors.
  • Determine Impact: Assess the potential impact of each risk on your business operations and data integrity.
  • Prioritize Assets: Identify critical systems and data that are essential for business continuity.

2. Data Classification and Prioritization

  • Classify Data: Categorize data based on its importance and sensitivity.
  • Set Priorities: Determine which data sets require the most stringent backup and recovery measures.

3. Backup Strategy

Printing in the Digital Age: How Marketers Can Use Printed Materials for Innovative Strategies

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printmarketing

Content Credit: Sharp B2B

Despite living in the digital world of AI and social media, print is still alive and well, thanks in no small part to the creative marketers who are using it to stand out. Online content is abundant and ephemeral today, but printed marketing materials can offer a lasting impression and a tangible connection with customers. Today's savvy marketers are looking for unique printing solutions that can showcase their brand identity and deliver their message effectively. Here are a few methods that are trending.

Exploring the Metaverse: Facebook's Vision for the Future

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metaverse

In October 2021, Facebook rebranded itself as Meta, signaling a bold new direction centered on the metaverse—a virtual reality space where users can interact with a computer-generated environment and other users. This article delves into Meta's vision for the metaverse, its current projects, and what the future holds for this groundbreaking initiative.

The Metaverse: What It Is and Why It Matters

The metaverse represents the next evolution of the internet, where the physical and digital worlds converge. It’s an immersive, interconnected space where people can socialize, work, learn, play, and create in ways previously unimaginable. Meta aims to be at the forefront of this transformation, building the foundational technologies and platforms that will enable the metaverse to flourish.

Meta's Key Projects and Technologies

5 Steps of an Effective Cyber Breach Response Plan

Submitted by melissa@market… on
cyber breach

Cyber attacks are increasingly common and alarmingly expensive. In 2023, the global average cost of a data breach was $4.45 million, a 15% increase from three years earlier, according to IBM. Costs following a breach can include company downtime, lost revenues, restoration costs, remediation expenses, ransom payments, legal fees and public relations campaigns to restore reputation. But the fallout from a breach can be significantly mitigated with advance preparation and a prompt, effective response. Below are five important things to do to limit the damage from a cyber breach.

Can New IT Equipment Come with Viruses, Malware and Other Vulnerabilities?

Submitted by melissa@market… on
malware

Getting a new computer or other new IT equipment is usually a very positive experience. The new product may have some cool new features, and it typically operates more efficiently than what you had before. Unfortunately, new IT products sometimes come with security issues right out of the box. While it’s very rare for a brand-new computer, tablet or mobile device to come pre-installed with a virus or malware, certain other issues appear more commonly, creating vulnerabilities in your system. 

 

4 Reasons Why Outsourcing IT Is Cost-Effective for Small and Midsized Businesses

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IT Outsourcing

To compete in today’s world and provide your customers with excellent service, you need an IT system that is reliable, efficient, and secure. But if you’re like most small or midsized businesses, you cannot afford the in-house resources needed to build, maintain, and secure a modern IT system. Here are four reasons why it’s more cost-effective for your small or midsized business to partner with a managed IT service provider than to manage your IT system on your own. 

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