Posted by Susan Sison on Sep 25, 2017 12:24:00 PM

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Information security is now a key concern for all enterprise technology decisions. It’s no surprise that, when considering options for outsourced support, security is one of the main roadblocks to implementation. NCA’s outsourced support offerings address security and performance issues in a single package, hardening your data resources against all kinds of threats.

A protocol that secures Wi-Fi networks has a security flaw (called “KRACK”) that exposes most wireless networks to eavesdropping. KRACK is a flaw in the wireless protocol called WPA-2 which is in wide use. If this flaw is exploited, it would give an attacker free access to hijack connections, inject malicious content, and read data.

Posted by Thomas Gobeille on Nov 14, 2017 2:16:23 PM

To our community of interested parties and clients,

I am delighted to present another update with the intention to keep you informed as Mitel and ShoreTel’s combined integration continues to march forward. The senior management team finds little overlap between the two companies and still considers it accretive in growth for the value to both clients and shareholders.

If you’re considering outsourcing your desktop and laptop support, your company has a lot to gain and nothing to lose – if you choose the right partner. Through a custom support outsourcing strategy, you can make your enterprise more lean and efficient than ever.

You’ve read about the benefits in morale and technology performance that end users can enjoy through outsourcing. Now, consider this: It can make your enterprise more agile and cost-effective, simplifying personnel matters in myriad ways.

Posted by David Smith on Nov 2, 2017 8:18:00 AM

As enterprises grow, it’s natural to take a look at outsourcing services, especially in IT and technology support. Fast-growing enterprises benefit from the security and stability they can capture by leaving complex technical services to proven experts.

Scalability is your power to extend your operations, services, and support structure to meet the evolving needs of your business. With NCA desktop and laptop support, you can rest assured you will always be fully prepared to extend your reach – across the city or around the world.

Posted by Susan Sison, Written by RSA Security Dec 7, 2017

Today, a disconnect exists between management and IT departments that exacerbate the multi-billion dollar losses and cybersecurity expenses in which businesses incur every year. This misalignment stems from a traditional siloed approach to cybersecurity: Management orchestrates the daily operations of the company while the security team focuses on cyberthreats. This results in what RSA calls a "gap of grief," which impairs an organization's ability to mitigate and defend from threats. RSA outlines several key steps to bridge this gap by transforming a disconnected approach into a business-driven security™ strategy.

Posted by RSA Security on Dec 13, 2017 1:19:00 PM

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s never been more important to be proactive in protecting your information assets. Criminals and shadowy international actors have shown an unprecedented ability to attack and potentially compromise sensitive information.

A significant data breach could happen in minutes, costing you millions of dollars – and your hard-earned reputation.

Posted by Susan Sison on Dec 6, 2016 2:22:14 PM

Old security paradigms don't work well anymore. The Internet has changed too much. Threats have grown more sophisticated. New approaches are needed to keep up with new threats.

Business phone systems traditionally haven’t been considered much beyond their ability to connect callers. For most businesses, telecom is a line item on an expense budget—no thought is given to how the technology actually can help improve your company’s bottom line.

The truth is, your business phone system should be considered one of the most important assets in your company. It’s not just a tool for connecting calls; it’s a tool for creating and building relationships and for improving productivity.

Your new marketing campaign was a huge success and your office is receiving the highest level of calls you’ve ever experienced in your growing business. Your staff is taking live calls, checking voicemail and returning customer inquiries as fast as they can.

Can you imagine the impact if your phone system goes down mid-morning – at the peak of the call volume?

As you read this, enterprises around the world are benefiting from the power of cloud computing. With the cloud, your business can access applications and resources far beyond what was possible before. When the cloud is leveraged correctly, it allows small startups to even the playing field against multinational rivals. Mid-sized firms unlock their full potential.

The benefits of moving to the cloud are undeniable – but the process can be unwieldy.

Communications today means so much more than dial tone—it spans a breadth of methods and tools including email, messaging, conferencing and more. Voice communications is merging with other forms of communications to create a converged environment that enables users to communicate how they want, when they want and with whatever device they want.

Posted by Susan Sison on Sep 5, 2016 10:30:00 AM

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Posted by Susan Sison on Sep 14, 2016 10:30:00 AM

Smart businesses everywhere have embraced the cloud as a cost-effective alternative to capex spending with on-premises hardware and software. For SMBs in particular, the cloud enables enterprise-level functionality without the associated price tag.

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Virtually all businesses have a disaster recovery plan. When the worst happens, however, a plan is only part of the solution – you must have the right technologies and processes in place. Only the right tools, deployed the right way, create full disaster recovery.

Your company prides itself on its stellar customer service. Whether its onboarding new customers or addressing an issue a current customer may be having, your employees understand the importance of making—and keeping—customers satisfied.

Every business, regardless of size or focus, relies on its communications system. Without a reliable phone system, the critical interaction between employee and customer can’t happen, which means your business won’t grow and thrive.

We all know disaster can strike anytime—a broken water pipe, fire, weather event … all can do damage and wreak havoc on your business. And when time is money, getting your business up and running after a disaster is paramount.

You’ve realized that your current phone system is no longer working for your growing business. So you do what any savvy business person does – you research your options. And you quickly comprehend that what you need is a phone system that will minimize disruptions to your business and integrate with your current custom applications, all at a reasonable cost. Most importantly, you want to be able to control how you use, manage and pay for the phone system over the long term. It might be time to consider a telephony platform that gives you total control in three critical manners.

Today’s business environment is fast-paced and competitive. Technology makes it possible for you to know your customers and your customers to know your business within moments. A customer can give feedback about your business then let others know about their own experience within a few easy clicks.

Most likely, you’re investing in ways to make sure you’re harnessing the power of all of your technological business resources. But what about your phone system?

Posted by Susan Sison on Jul 20, 2016 10:30:00 AM

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 Have you noticed network security costs on the rise in your company?

If so, you’re not alone. Many businesses face increasing security costs, even in industries that don’t handle sensitive financial or health data. Why? The threat of a serious data breach is rising: Experts have estimated cybercrime costs the average U.S. company $15 million a year – twice as much as the average for enterprises worldwide.

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Most employees today eschew the traditional 9-to-5 workday in favor of work-life balance and the ability to work when they want (and often where they want). The result often is an increase in productivity and a more satisfied workforce—a win-win for companies and their employees alike.

Is your enterprise looking for an alternative to a dedicated network security staff?

At first, it might seem obvious that a dedicated network security staff maintained in-house is the right move. After all, information security breaches cost the average U.S. enterprise more than $14 million a year. In just a few years, experts have predicted that the annual cost of attacks on information resources will top $2 trillion worldwide. That simply eclipses most other common business risks.

Are you looking for a new, more effective approach to network security infrastructure management?

Network security is becoming more sophisticated – but that means it’s growing more complex. Even fundamental tools such as firewalls and antivirus software are more powerful and versatile than ever, but structuring your security approach demands greater expertise.

Take a look at how your employees are working—chances are, a good number of them are mobile, working from anywhere but the office and at times beyond the 9-to-5 workday. But no matter where they are and when they’re working, they need to have the necessary tools to do their jobs and collaborate with each other and their clients. You need to give them that functionality, and at a price that won’t break your budget.

Consider the benefits of cloud communications.

The world of IT security is getting more complex. Experts estimate cybercrime costs U.S. enterprises an average of $15 million annually. The total global cost of cybercrime is expected to reach more than $2 trillion by 2019. Businesses of any size and industry can be targeted – in the vast majority of cases, monetary gain is the only motivating factor. With that in mind, any and every business needs to have a robust data security plan in place.

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Today's future performing stars of high tech in Marin County are getting their head starts from a place not yet known by many as a geek haven, Marin City. That's thanks to its innovative Youth Digital Literacy Program run by the Community Services District there.

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Posted by Susan Sison on Jun 13, 2016 7:51:00 AM

When a business moves from one place to another, there are countless things to plan and orchestrate. One of the biggest challenges has to do with your fixed infrastructure – especially your communication infrastructure. All your teams may be used to the features you have ... and no matter what approach you take, your business depends on flawless conversion to a new system as soon as the move is complete.

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Every year, business professionals log thousands upon thousands of hours of international travel. In many cases, they are supporting multi-phase strategic projects that could define the direction of their enterprise for years to come. Wherever their journeys take them, however, it’s crucial to have full access to all the data and tools that come with their corporate network back at home.

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More enterprises are integrating telework into their operations and talent development processes. Forget the stereotypical scene of a harried worker juggling television, phone calls, and the cat’s disruptive antics while they try to be “productive” from off-site: As companies embrace telework, they’re discovering the tremendous value it has to offer.

Endpoint security is the core of day-to-day protection for your sensitive information resources. Endpoint-driven threats come in many forms, all of them evolving quickly. With NCA, you can benefit from comprehensive endpoint security, hardening your data against both active intrusion and simple user error from inside your enterprise network. Plus, automation of endpoint security factors means your technical experts can focus on generating revenue, not fighting the never-ending battle against security breaches.

Recent research has shown the price of unplanned data center downtime is rising: It stood at $7,908 in 2013, up 41% from its 2010 figure. There are many different root causes of unplanned downtime, and it pays to be prepared for multiple types of risk.

Here’s how you can reduce your downtime risk:

1) Pair Redundant Systems and Appropriate Backups

IT equipment failure is ranked the most costly cause of unplanned downtime – but it’s also the one enterprises have most control over. RAID data redundancy technology has been in use for decades and is still a strong, cost-effective option. As the cloud matures, offsite backup of critical data is easier than ever, but should be supported with a continuity strategy to restore services fast.

2) Have a Comprehensive Cyber Security Plan in Place

In 2013, cybercrime was ranked #2 most costly source of downtime. Since then, hacker activity has grown explosively: The average U.S. firm absorbs $15 million in costs from cybercrime annually, double the average for the rest of the globe. A good IT security plan has many aspects, but 24-hour endpoint monitoring and policy enforcement is crucial in the new BYOD world.

3) Test, Upgrade, and Replace UPS Systems Regularly

When the lights go out, a UPS can’t keep your hardware running indefinitely: It should only be relied on for the time-sensitive operations you have planned in the event of a crisis! A UPS can run low on charge or have mechanical issues during its long periods of downtime, so make sure systems are regularly checked to ensure they’ll function as you expect when disaster looms.

4) Minimize Odds of Water Incursion

Water incursion can take place for a wide variety of reasons, some of which have to do with your building’s plumbing system or even its outer envelope. That being the case, the best time to keep your equipment high and dry is in the earliest planning phases of your office and server closet. Also ensure your fire suppression system follows best practices and won’t go off over just anything.

5) Ensure Generators are Up to Code

Virtually everything that can happen to your UPS can also happen to your generator – and the results won’t be pretty. Generator maintenance should take place on a regular schedule and must include experts who can spot the early warning signs of a potential performance issue. Ideally, basic backup components should be kept on-site in case emergency “first aid” is needed.

6) Take Control of Human Risk

It should come as no surprise that human error can be devastating to your network. These days, countless “errors” will involve people clicking on shady emails or downloads, so make sure every member of the team knows their cybersecurity basics. And that pricey IT equipment? Consider good old-fashioned access control methods like locked doors to keep nosy staff away.

It's a World of Risk Out There: NCA Can Help You Navigate It More Effectively

Business leaders know you can't really eliminate risk, only mitigate it. Many methods of “eliminating” risk would all but eliminate the functionality of your equipment and the personnel who rely on it. But in a world where risk vectors seem to be multiplying by the day, it's still possible to use a proactive approach to take charge.

NCA can help you measure risk and control it through a comprehensive analysis of your internal and external threats. That helps you illuminate your situation, take effective action quickly, and do it at a minimal cost.

You could go it alone, but why take the risk? Call or email NCA today.

Network Computing Architects, Inc. is a premier provider of high quality sustainable and secure networking, information security solutions and unified communications. We partner with our clients to provide answers to business initiatives where leading technologies converge.

NCA achieved ISO 27001:2005 certification in December 2007 and is currently ISO 27001:2013 certified. The scope of NCA's ISMS is client confidential information within NCA Professional Services Practice.

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Endpoint security is one of the most important parts of your security mix – but it’s also the most difficult to verify. In a world where endpoint count grows exponentially, how do you know your security strategy is making a real difference?

Thanks to the demands of global distributed teamwork and business travel, endpoint security can be especially mysterious. Legitimate devices might connect for very brief periods, never to be seen again, and they might be difficult to identify in your system logs.

For most enterprises, wading through the massive array of vendors, solutions and outright fluff is a challenging and time-consuming task all by itself - not to mention the actual work of defining, designing and managing the technical solutions that your company uses to get business done.

How’s the weather looking at your data-focused enterprise?

Are you switching to ShoreTel or upgrading your existing system to make use of its unique features? No matter the case, NCA is on your side to help you get the greatest value from your technology investment. With NCA’s managed support services, you can leverage ShoreTel features faster and more effectively than ever – all while saving thousands of hours on routine maintenance and administration tasks. That’s true no matter whether you’re a global enterprise or local business.

Cloud computing empowers enterprises of all sizes to compete in a complex, evolving technology landscape. With cutting-edge cloud, small businesses can harness the power of IT services and software once available only to the Fortune 500. Thousands of companies across dozens of industries are moving to cloud-based unified communications every month.

Businesses depend on secure wireless access to ensure effectiveness in a fast-paced world. Unfortunately, wireless connectivity presents a whole world of new security challenges. You can’t afford to pass up the immense power and flexibility of the mobile Web, but it’s crucial to take every step possible to protect your business data.

 In a world where more than $400 billion is lost to hackers yearly and high-profile attacks are in the news virtually every week, a disaster recovery plan is a vital part of protecting your company's interests. NCA provides the full spectrum of disaster recovery services, supporting business continuity and data fidelity so your team gets back to work as soon as possible.

Do you have a plan in place for when your network goes down? Because for virtually all networks the question is when- not if- the network will go down. Then the only question is how quickly you can recover from a costly outage.

Your core focus of security is keeping the operation of your network out of the hands of hackers and would-be invaders who either want to disrupt service or steal critical data on your company or your customers. A simple data center outage can cost $7,900 per minute, meaning even a couple of hours down could cost your company nearly a million dollars. Of course this figure only covers operational costs and the true risk lies in a breach of security in data. The infamous data breach suffered by Target in 2013 has cost the retailer $252 million. These expenses include investigation into the breach and repair of the compromised network, as well as legal compliance fees and civil suits by affected consumers.