Advancements and Trends – Blue Layer

5G Beyond Your iPhone

Dev BlueLayer — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:37:05 +0000

When we think 5G, we think of our iPhones. We’re just praying that we see it, so small, in the top right-hand corner of our cell. Because we can’t stream videos or load our feeds with LTE, right? And please, no green texts.

But similar to IoT, or the Internet of Things, many people don’t understand the way 5G allows our world to operate beyond our iPhones.

Every time you hear an ambulance blaze by, breathe a sigh of relief as your plane lands safely, or watch a smart car park itself–you’re watching 5G in action.

Let’s explore the massive reach of 5G technology.

What is 5G?

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. 1-4G have been around for years with the first being developed in the 1980s. 5G wireless technology delivers more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and better user experience.

The new technology connects new industries to the world like never before.

Let’s talk about how.

Mission-critical communication

Mission-critical communications rely on a network and its infrastructure systems to make the world a better and safer place.

5G guarantees critical infrastructure is extremely reliable and available. Think airport control towers, 9-1-1 call centers, and hospitals that perform life-saving medical treatments.

Business transformation through massive IoT

Internet of Things is a network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between the devices themselves and the cloud.

5G allows IoT to seamlessly connect, transforming the way businesses operate and work throughout the cloud. Not only does it improve processes and productivity, but provides low-cost connectivity solutions. A win-win.

Industrial automation

5G has also allowed companies to innovate the way they create products and provide services.

Smart factories, with the use of 5G and IoT, are now able to streamline their processes. Instead of humans performing monotonous, dangerous tasks, production lines are automated and controlled remotely. No need for workers or operators. This saves businesses money, protects employees, and allows for real-time monitoring and diagnostics.

Self-driving cars and transportation systems are also impacted by the use of 5G. The fast speeds and low latency 5G allows for enhanced delivery of data from sensors to operation and then back to the driver, improving performance and safety.

Technology dominates our world and it is only going to continue improving, innovating, and allowing us to experience life in different ways.

Blue Layer offers 11 services to streamline your business and its processes in a way that will propel you into success. Using the technology above, we can bring you the innovative change and advancement discussed above. Let’s get started today.

Privacy Simplified: How to Protect Your Personal Information Online

Dev BlueLayer — Fri, 13 Jan 2023 19:31:01 +0000

Although the internet continues to get technologically safer, cyber criminals continue to get smarter.

That’s why it’s important to take the necessary, yet simple steps, to protect yourself when using the internet.

Whether it’s for personal or professional use, it’s incredibly important to practice proper security when spending time on the web.

Start practicing these easy-to-use tips and feel safer in your daily digital life.

Be careful what you share on social media

Although social media apps and sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter all have privacy protections in place, there is always a level of accessibility when it comes to sharing on the internet.

Always double check photos you upload to ensure personal information isn’t visible in the fore or background. Never answer questions asked by strangers or acquaintances, even if they seem harmless. And always ensure to practice proper password protocols. Including numbers and symbols will make it harder for hackers to crack the code.

Be careful what you click

An easy way to protect yourself online is to never trust a link you don’t recognize.

Phishing attempts can be made through links in emails to retrieve financial or personal information. Once you click the link, you’ll be asked to verify your information and that’s when it’s stolen.

Cyber criminals use links as a quick and sneaky way to introduce viruses and malware to your devices. Once the link is opened, your assets are attacked.

Remember, banks or financial institutions will never ask you to provide personal or financial information via email.

Before clicking on links, hover your cursor over the link to view the destination or URL. If it isn’t one you recognize, stay away.

Use a virtual private network

A virtual private network, or VPN, allows privacy and anonymity when surfing the web by creating a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs also hide your IP address, so whatever you do online is untraceable.

Using a VPN instead of a public network at a place like a library or coffee shop is important when hoping to protect yourself online. A VPN makes it significantly more difficult for criminals to access your privacy and information.

When talking about VPN options, there are free apps available for use; however, paying for a service will provide you with maximum security.

Install quality antivirus software

Finally, it’s always a smart and proactive idea to install antivirus software on all of your devices.

The software can keep hackers from taking control of your computer, accessing your information, and even tracking your location.

Antivirus programs run in the background, so you won’t even know it’s there while it’s protecting you and your device. The only maintenance the software requires is occasional updates released by the manufacturer, so it can continue running properly and successfully.

As technology continues to advance, we have to keep up. The more time we spend on the internet, the more vulnerable we are.

Using the internet safely and securely protects you in your everyday life. Take the necessary steps to ensure you surf safely.

Stay up-to-date on the latest technology news, advancements, and trends with Blue Layer.

The Latest Phishing Attacks & How Businesses Fall for Them

Dev BlueLayer — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:17:13 +0000

Did you know that 90% of successful data breaches begin with phishing scams? Since the term as we know it was first used in the late 1990s, phishing has evolved into cyber criminals’ most tried and true methods of stealing sensitive information or data from unsuspecting users and their businesses. They are costly, they are constantly evolving into new shapes, and they aren’t going anywhere. Some of the most recent and most prevalent attempts at phishing that we’ve seen have included:

Email phishing: Phishing emails are the most common form of attack and one of the oldest in the book. Most attempts use a trustworthy email address and format that the recipient will recognize. The emails contain clickable links that contain a malicious link, document, or image that’s used to obtain personal information or download malicious code.

Spear phishing: Spear phishing is a more targeted attack that gathers public information used to target entire businesses or departments.

CEO Fraud: Also known as “whaling,” this scam targets high-level executives of organizations, as opposed to those that they serve.

Business Email Compromise (BEC): This method is similar to whaling, but instead of attacking high-level executives, it impersonates them.

HTTPS phishing: These attacks are URL-based and an attempt to trick users into clicking what appears to be a safe link. In the past, HTTPS protocol required certain certificates that protected against these kinds of attacks. However, hackers are now able to obtain and apply those certificates to their scam sites for free.

While they may appear different at face value, most phishing schemes essentially work the same way and have the same goal: stealing information from your business.

So, if they’ve been around for years and we know so much about them, then why are the latest phishing attacks still posing threats to businesses?

Some businesses fail to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity etiquette.

It’s easy to throw around words like “cybersecurity” or “phishing” or “cybercriminals,” but what do they actually mean for a business and its information? They can’t be that dangerous, right?

Wrong.

When employees are constantly bombarded with overstimulation of messages on a daily basis, it becomes all too easy for them to become detached from the grim reality that these types of threats pose. It’s also easy to let your guard down when work gets busy and you’re operating on autopilot. “Out of sight, out of mind” just doesn’t cut it when it comes to the latest phishing scams, and employees must be on guard at all times. How? With cybersecurity awareness training.

Some businesses fail to properly train employees on cybersecurity awareness.

Suppose an employee doesn’t know how to identify and avoid phishing scams. How can they be expected to stand on the front lines between their business and cybercriminals who are constantly changing and evolving the way they attack? Cybersecurity awareness training puts everyone on the same page and teaches them how to identify and avoid malicious content, even when it is indiscernible from the rest of the messages flooding their inboxes.

Some businesses fail to make cybersecurity awareness a natural part of their employees’ workday rhythms.

Cybersecurity awareness is the only way to combat the latest phishing attacks, and refining it should become as natural as opening your email in the morning. The same way hackers are constantly updating their methods, we have to continually update our knowledge. Becoming stagnant can mean leaving your business vulnerable.

Phishing attacks may be evolving and becoming more sophisticated, but that doesn’t mean your business has to fall for them. Contact Blue Layer today to learn how our cybersecurity awareness training can transform your employees into impenetrable human firewalls!

IT Trends to Expect in 2023

Dev BlueLayer — Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:54:58 +0000

As we move closer to 2023, there are several key trends in the world of IT that businesses should be aware of. These trends are likely to have a significant impact on the way that companies operate, and understanding them is crucial for staying ahead of the competition.

Everything AI

One of the biggest IT trends to expect in 2023 is the continued rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. These technologies are already being used in a wide range of applications, from customer service to cybersecurity. In the coming years, we can expect to see even more widespread adoption of AI and machine learning, as businesses look for ways to improve efficiency and gain a competitive edge. The technology is now being used to create synthetic content. AI is producing images, sounds, or information that has never existed before. Through this, algorithms can be used to create virtual art, human language communications, or even write this very blog.

Cloud Computing

Another trend to watch out for is the increasing importance of cloud computing. As more and more businesses move their operations to the cloud, the demand for cloud-based services is only going to continue to grow. This will require companies to invest in the necessary infrastructure and expertise to make the most of the cloud.

IoT Intelligence

Additionally, 2023 is likely to see the continued rise of the Internet of Things (IoT). As more and more devices become connected, we can expect to see an explosion of data being generated and shared. This will present both challenges and opportunities for businesses, as they look for ways to make sense of this vast amount of information and use it to their advantage.

Enhanced Security

Finally, security is going to be a top priority for businesses in 2023. With the number of cyber threats on the rise, companies will need to invest in robust security measures to protect their sensitive data and systems. This will involve not only implementing the latest technologies, but also providing training for employees to help them stay vigilant against cyber attacks.

Overall, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the world of IT, with many new trends and developments on the horizon. By staying aware of these trends and making the necessary investments, businesses can position themselves for success in the coming years.

As IT professionals, we keep a close eye on current technology trends, so we can make the right moves for our own business, as well as our clients’. Stay up to date and in the know with Blue Layer. Visit our website for bi-weekly articles or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Give Your Business the Gift of an MSP

Dev BlueLayer — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:27:56 +0000

During this season of giving, something to think about is whether your organization has gifted itself the right IT solutions and has the right relationship with their managed service provider (MSP). At Blue Layer, we strive to provide the greatest gifts of all: strong customer service, lasting cyber security, and efficient IT solutions.

A MSP provides services, such as network, application, infrastructure and security through support and active monitoring.

From saving time and money to being able to trust the decisions you’re making for your business, hiring an MSP is invaluable to an organization.

We’re sharing our reasons why you should put an MSP at the top of your Christmas list and start the New Year feeling more confident in your business than ever before.

Save your team’s time

Hiring an MSP gives your team their time back. When you enlist experts to handle IT issues that arise, it frees up that time for your employees to devote their full focus to their dedicated roles, furthering the success of your business.

A managed service provider can also ensure that your organization is taking proactive measures to prevent disaster. Disasters come in many shapes and forms, from natural physical damage to your network equipment to cyberattacks. We want your business to run without interruptions no matter what gets thrown your way.

Vigilant Security Awareness

Proactive monitoring is another service that can protect your business from unexpected cybersecurity issues. With around-the-clock support from an MSP, threats to your data and applications can be handled as they arise.

Instead of finding viruses or cyber-attacks when it’s too late, IT experts are available as soon as you need them.

It’s become obvious in recent years that cyber attackers are getting smarter, but so are we. Cyber-attacks are also becoming more frequent and more dangerous to an organization’s systems. Creating an effective cybersecurity system and maintaining it is near impossible without the help of experts; however, it’s critical to the success and safety of businesses and their assets.

Feel confident that your business is properly protected by hiring a team of IT professionals.

Infrastructure that supports success

Great MSPs will ensure you have access to the latest technology through their services. You can feel secure that your data is safe in their hands and protected from the constant threats living in the cyber world. They can also advise you on what services or hardware is worth investing in and what’s not, so you know you’re making the best decisions for your business.

Hiring a managed service provider can also guarantee the space you need when your business starts seeing growth and the need to expand. It allows you to scale skills and resources that are necessary to continue seeing success.

Choosing to partner with a MSP can save you money in several ways, starting with no need to recruit and train staff in order to build an entire in-house team.

You’re also able to stick to a budget because you’re not having to worry about unexpected costs. Your contract with your managed service provider will outline what services you pay for and the services you receive, so you can trust you’re being taken care of at a set price.

Blue Layer is proud to have been named one of America’s “Top 501 Managed Service Providers” for six years running. We are detailed and intentional when building IT technology plans for our partners because we know not every business is the same.

We’re ready to propel your business forward as your new managed service provider.

Preparing Your Network Infrastructure for the New Year

Dev BlueLayer — Tue, 22 Nov 2022 16:16:48 +0000

Technology upholds the functions, processes, and security of businesses. That’s why it’s critical to ensure your technology is running smoothly going into the new year.

As we all prepare for the new year, we have a critical list that every successful business should check twice before taking on the challenges and new growth they expect in 2023.

Update your systems

Go into the new year with the best versions of software and hardware possible.

From productivity software to firewalls, when systems are maintained properly, it enables them to run more efficiently and securely.

Take inventory

Taking inventory of your company’s products, computers, and software will ensure you’re organized going into the new year.

By taking inventory, you’ll know what needs to be fixed, replaced, or upgraded. You can also prepare for any inventory or infrastructure that may need to be purchased as your business grows over the next year.

Backup critical storage and data

Your business’s storage and data are critical assets to the company and something you can’t afford to lose. Backing up and securing that information is essential to every business.

Run security tests

This vital step should always be performed last on your new year checklist.

Once you’ve completed all the necessary updates and backups, you want to ensure they were completed successfully. By running security tests on your systems, you can find gaps or flaws in your cybersecurity and then take steps to get them fixed as soon as possible.

Once you’ve run proper tests and are issue free, you’re ready and prepared for 2023!

We understand this list can seem overwhelming when you’re trying to handle all the other responsibilities that come along with running a business. Luckily, you can leave it to the IT experts.

When you hire a managed service provider, the tasks on this list will be managed for you. From creating a business technology plan specific to your business, to maintaining the infrastructure – your IT will be managed by capable, educated professionals.

Partner with Blue Layer and discover what an MSP can do for your business.

Why Your Business Should Live in the Cloud

Dev BlueLayer — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 22:08:35 +0000

Keeping up with technology trends and advancements can feel like a task you never get to check off. Because new innovations are being unveiled every day, it can be overwhelming.

As information technology experts, we can tell you which trends you want to pay attention to and invest in, and which ones you can pass on.

One advancement that has changed the business world forever, and is here to stay, is the “cloud.”

The cloud is an on-demand availability of computer system resources, especially data storage and computing power, that doesn’t require around-the-clock, in-person monitoring. Large clouds are often distributed over multiple locations, each location being a data center.

Most conglomerates and industry-leading companies have transitioned to this way of operating because of its long list of pros for not only the company’s leadership, but its employees as well.

Here’s why your business should live in the cloud.

Reduced Costs

It costs money to purchase equipment and establish data centers. Once they’re up and running, you then have to pay technicians to manage the upkeep.

When your business’s data lives in the cloud, you only pay for the cloud services and features such as number of users and space available.

Flexibility

Operating your business through the cloud allows you and your employees to complete their work from any location. Team members can work from an office or from home.

This also cuts down on costs because with remote workers, you can cut down on the number of workspaces or the size of your office.

Scalability

If or when your business experiences unexpected growth, without cloud capabilities, you have the challenge of securing additional servers and storage.

When you’re operating on the cloud, it’s as easy as upgrading your plan to receive more available space. This saves not only money, but time. Instead of spending weeks purchasing and establishing additional physical data space, spend only a few minutes upgrading your cloud infrastructure.

Security & Updates

A major reason to move to cloud computing is the heightened security it offers. In almost all cases, the horrendous cyber attacks we all fear happen to local data centers–and when that happens, information and data is lost forever.

With the cloud, your company’s greatest assets can exist in multiple locations–meaning you always have a backup.

The cloud also provides minute-to-minute updating. This means you will always have the latest versions of the software, as well as the most updated security and protection.

Disaster Recovery

Security and flexibility play into disaster recovery.

When we say “disaster,” it could mean a few things. Most people assume cyber attacks and yes, we mean those. This could also mean a natural disaster.

What happens when a fire or flash flood destroys your physical data center?

These are fears that can be dispelled when moving your business to the cloud. When your data is stored virtually and in multiple locations, you never have to worry that it will be lost forever.

Blue Layer is a managed service provider offering 11 business technology services and solutions. We specialize in helping businesses take the next step with their technology by managing, implementing, and maintaining large and special projects.

With Blue Layer Business Services, we can create and implement a strategy and plan to transition your business to the cloud. It will be convenient, seamless, and effective. To learn more, contact a Blue Layer advisor about our Business Services and right-sized IT plans.

Let’s get started.

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Remote Support. More Brains. More Power.

Dev BlueLayer — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 21:52:02 +0000

The world we live in is full of changes and constant advancements. If we have learned one thing from the Covid-19 pandemic, we know it ushered in a new era of remote work on a global scale.

The reality is that remote IT support is stepping up to center stage. Can remote IT support be more efficient than on-site support? We at Blue Layer know it can be. The first step is recognizing the difference between On Site vs. Remote.

On-site support provides the physical presence of your IT department. There is a limited (oftentimes just one) frame of reference, usually one or two people spread-out company wide, oftentimes with restricted availability. Difficulties abound trying to get their attention and time scheduled.

Remote support provides the availability and knowledgebase of dozens. The depth of that knowledge spreads out to cover all your IT wants and needs. With remote teams, your organization has access to a more diverse frame of reference. Regardless if the need is networking, servers, security, phone systems or desktop help, technicians who specialize and cater to your business’ needs are standing by to share their knowledge. 99% of computer support can be provided remotely, and in the event of hardware failure, repairs or replacement can be expedited.

Availability

With remote support, you will be connected to a technician the moment your issues arise. Remote support offers availability no matter where you are and for emergencies at all hours.

Support Teams

Remote support allows us to assign as many team members as necessary to resolve your issues. We believe in teamwork and brain power – 30 nerds are better than 1!

The times of waiting days for a technician to show up are over. Whether it takes one technician or three to get your systems back up and running, we’re ready to deploy a team of capable and knowledgeable technicians that will problem solve and implement solutions.

Advanced monitoring capabilities

The job of our support staff isn’t over once they resolve your help ticket.

Remote capabilities allow our team to perform advanced monitoring for your systems. This allows our team to ensure the repairs they made were successful, watch to see if issues arise again, and even prevent them from recurring.

Blue Layer strives to be a full-scale business partner and that includes continued support. The services we provide allow us to elevate, protect, and monitor your business, propelling your levels of success. Partner with Blue Layer today.

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Why You Need It: Enterprise Mobility & IoT

Dev BlueLayer — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:35:11 +0000

These terms can appear very “techy,” but you’d be surprised at how they’re being used all around you, and the world, at this very moment. Enterprise mobility (EM) and IoT have created an entirely new way to store and share data–also allowing for the new, extremely popular way of working: remotely.

We’re here to explain how it all works, why you should care, and what possibilities it can create for your business.

Enterprise Mobility

What is it?

Enterprise mobility, also known as business mobility, is technology, policies, and processes that allow businesses to offer remote working options while still giving employees access to data and cloud technology.

Enterprise mobility is constantly evolving and changing as the world of technology does. This allows for the process and products to improve, while still maintaining effective security of assets.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of enterprise mobility are more relevant now than ever. Before experiencing a pandemic, remote and remote hybrid options seemed few and far between. Now it’s becoming the new status quo.

EM allows for the flexibility of remote work and doing so securely. The efficiency, paired with the flexibility, creates a list of pros. Employees are given a choice, which can improve job satisfaction and increase productivity. Also on that list, many businesses have reported decreased spending when implementing an enterprise mobility plan.

Internet of Things (IoT)

What is it?

Internet of Things is a network of connected devices and the technology that facilitates communication between the devices themselves and the cloud.

You’re probably much more aware of these systems than you think. Examples of IoT devices include smart cars that monitor driving behavior or vehicle health and smart homes with devices like smart thermostats or alarm systems.

When this technology is scaled to a larger size, these systems can monitor, maintain, and connect a company’s entire network.

What are the benefits?

Along with supporting an entire network, IoT can also increase security.

Continuous monitoring of the digital and physical infrastructure can optimize performance and efficiency, as well as reduce safety risks.

Why You Need It

IoT supports enterprise mobility. The first step is to build an IoT infrastructure that will allow and support your EM goals. Once the foundation has been laid, you can begin to create the policies and processes we mentioned when discussing a successful enterprise mobility plan and propel your business into the 21st century.

Blue Layer is right-sized IT. We provide customizable and affordable technology solutions. That doesn’t stop at enterprise mobility and IoT. We work together with your business to create a strategy specific to your business’s requirements and goals.

Once that strategy has been executed, we monitor and maintain your systems to ensure success, efficiency, and security.

Contact a Blue Layer advisor today about our enterprise mobility and IoT services to take your business to the next level.

Full-Scale Security: Virtual and Physical

Dev BlueLayer — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 14:07:38 +0000

Security doesn’t have to begin and end at your network systems. Data and information are not your only critical assets. As a managed service provider, Blue Layer has the ability to not only protect your business in the cyber world, but in the real world as well.

From preventing threats and responding to attacks, to securing your offices and the people inside them, learn how Blue Layer can build a full-scale security plan to protect your business at every level.

Cybersecurity

When most people think of the security a technology company can provide, they think cybersecurity. So we’ll start there.

The way Blue Layer approaches security threats is to prevent them from ever occurring. With a curated set of software and monitoring services, your systems will remain protected as you work. Your network will be monitored in real time, so issues can be addressed as they arise.

Detection + Prevention

As technology evolves and advances, so do hackers. It is more important than ever to have a security solution that does more than just block malware. Through partnerships with industry leaders and advanced technology, we provide security before, during, and after attacks.

Education

Your team can be one of your best lines of defense. Blue Layer provides resources to help you identify dangerous web content, emails, and other security risks. Don’t let human error threaten your business.

Heightened security

Combined with other Blue Layer services, our advanced password protection methods, such as two-factor authentication, immediate text-based password reset, and monthly vulnerability scanning provide the highest level of protection for your assets.

Disaster Recovery

In case the unexpected happens, it is crucial to have a plan of attack after an attack. It could be weeks before your business is back up and running without a disaster recovery plan. Through preparation and testing, you can be ready in case of data loss, corruption, or theft.

At Blue Layer, we use replication services as a large part of disaster recovery plans. Replication will help you meet compliance requirements, while saving time and money on data restoration. This can be done through installing a dedicated appliance or implementing new systems on existing equipment.

Data synchronization

By synching data throughout your business’s network, you can ensure uninterrupted access to critical data.

Continuous availability

High availability for your most widely used data decreases the need for a fail-over recovery environment and allows for continuous access to critical information.

Minimal downtime

Reduce downtime following an attack from weeks to hours with replication services.

Optimized resource utilization

Reduce your backup storage requirements with the ability to perform block-level, system-level and deduplication backups.

Cameras

Now to the “physical” part of security. Protecting your brick and mortar business and the people inside it.

Have eyes everywhere. Blue Layer cameras are simple to deploy, configure, and manage providing reliable security. The cameras record in high resolution, are built with an advanced mobile-grade processor, and come with a 3-year warranty.

Feel secure with a system that’s:

Bandwidth conscious
Never stops recording (even if network connection fails
Stores all data to the cloud with 90 and 180 day options

Access Controls

Blue Layer access controls are a double threat. Physical and virtual options provide you with complete security. Physical controls protect assets on-site, while virtual controls protect access to computer systems.

Physical Access Control

Through access key cards, phone apps, or electronic door lock systems, you control access to buildings, rooms, and physical IT assets, such as data centers.

Virtual Access Control

Virtual access controls limit connections to data, computer networks, and system files through the use of antivirus software, firewalls, anti-spyware, and anti-phishing applications.

No matter what level of security you’re looking for, and what assets you want to protect, Blue Layer is here to make it possible. Through a dedicated and intentional partnership, we’re ready to curate a plan for your security needs–saving you time and money when you protect your greatest assets. That’s right-sized IT.

Contact a Blue Layer Advisor Today