Advanced Cybersecurity Controls

Data breaches for Akron Businesses are on the rise. Therefore, we recommended that every business have the following advanced cybersecurity controls in place.

PCR Welcomes Anthony King!

Meet the newest addition to the PCR Team! Anthony King is highly skilled in business cybersecurity and has extensive technical knowledge in all areas of IT support.

Welcome to the team, Shane

We are thrilled to welcome Shane Goodsite to the PCR Business Systems team. Shane brings a wealth of IT knowledge to our managed services businesses and will act as our newest small business support specialist.

PCR Welcomes Andrew Unger

PCR Business Systems is thrilled to welcome Andrew Unger to our team as our newest Akron IT support specialist and onsite technician.

5 Ways to Protect your Business from Cyber Threats

Think of your internet and sensitive data like you would a car. We take several preventative measures to keep our vehicles from being the target of thieves. We lock our doors, hide valuables from plain sight, install car alarms and anti-theft devices like the Club, and avoid parking in unsafe and dimly lit areas.

So why don’t we always take similar steps to protect our computers and smart phones from people looking to steal our valuable information or money from our online accounts?

Just like car thieves, most hackers look for easy targets. They’ll prey on victims with weak passwords or who use unsecured WiFi to access important financial accounts or to make online purchases. Fortunately, just like with keeping our cars from getting stolen or broken into, a little cyber defense can go a long way in keeping you from getting hacked.


Below are 5 simple things you can do RIGHT NOW to minimize your chances of being hacked.

1). Make sure your security software is up-to-date. Don’t ignore those notifications that pop-up on your screen telling you that your operating system requires an update. That update may contain critical security patches that must be installed in order to keep your system protected from hackers.

Email programs, apps and web browsers should all be updated whenever a software update is available. In addition, as we wrote in the article “End of the Road for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008,” make sure you are using an operating system (OS) that is not obsolete. Using an OS or any software that is no longer supported can leave you extremely vulnerable to a cyber-attack.

2). Create strong passwords, change them regularly, and don’t use the same password for everything. This seems pretty simple, and it is! In the unfortunate event that a hacker gains access to one of your passwords, for example your Facebook login; you can mitigate the damage by ensuring that password is ONLY used for Facebook. If you use the same password for Facebook as you do for your online banking, email, etc. you could be in real trouble as hackers will have access to all of those accounts.

Fortunately, you can prevent hackers from gaining access to any of your accounts by creating strong passwords with a variety of numbers, capital letters, and unique characters, and changing them regularly. Keep a log of your passwords locked in a safe place in your desk or your home.

3). Use Multi-Factor Authentication on all devices. In addition to password protection, you can also thwart off hackers by using multi-factor authentication for all connected devices. Multi-factor authentication simply means that you must present multiple credentials (in addition to just a single password) to gain access to your device or account. Using Multi-factor authentication will help protect your sensitive data against the leading cause of data security breaches– stolen credentials.

4). Install proper antivirus software. If you already have up-to-date security software installed, good for you! You’re one step ahead. If you don’t, make sure you install a firewall today and stay current with updates. Do your research before installing any program or software, and feel free to give us a call at 330.572.7575 or email directly at pat@pcrbusiness.com and we can recommend the best antivirus and antimalware software on the market today.

5). Limit the use of public WiFi and unsecured devices. Do your best to only browse the internet from a secure network. While we understand this may be difficult while traveling, especially if you need to book a last minute hotel or pay a bill online, try to find a network that is safe and password protected. Never use open Wifi for accessing email or important accounts. Just as you wouldn’t leave your purse or laptop on the front seat of your car for a would-be thief to see, you should never display sensitive data on an unsecured network for hackers to get their hands on. Troubleshooting internet connection problems>>


Staying ahead of hackers can be a challenging task. However, implementing these five things today will at the very least make it more difficult for hackers to gain access into your data–limiting the chances they’ll go after you in the first place.

For more information on how you can protect your business from cyber attacks visit  us at pcrbusiness.com and check out more posts from our blog.

 

In Business since, 2004, PCR Business Systems is the leading IT Service Provider in Akron, OH and is SOC 2 Audited and Certified. Schedule a free review of your IT today!

We Are Hiring! (On-Site IT Support Specialist)

PCR Business Systems is one of the fastest growing Information Technology Service Providers in the Akron area. We offer exciting opportunities for career advancement in an environment where you can showcase and hone your skills, while working alongside talented and like-minded individuals.

We are a close-knit group who enjoy a good company BBQ, an occasional craft beer after work, and who are all supportive of each other in helping achieve one common goal—to provide IT service that is nothing short of excellent.


Sound like you would be a good fit? Here’s what we’re looking for…

 

The Opportunity… Full-Time On-site Support Specialist

Job Description… The role of the On-site Support Specialist is to provide exemplary technical support and troubleshooting on-site at client locations. Responsibilities include:

  • Clean, professional appearance. Ability to project a caring and confident attitude that assures the client their issues with be resolved. Ability to build rapport with clients.
  • Delivering and connecting new equipment
  • Working with remote support agents to troubleshoot issues on-site
  • Documenting client systems with pictures, floor plans, etc
  • Review assigned tickets and make sure you are prepared for the day’s calls. Have all required equipment loaded and ready
  • Document all work performed in the ticket system and enter time spent on each job
  • Keep clean vehicle and make sure vehicle inventory is at desired levels
  • Follow/maintain all internal security and confidentiality procedures

The On-site Support Specialist plays a critical role in making PCR’s help desk the best in the business. It is essentially the backbone of the service we deliver.

Who we’re looking for… Eager, growth-minded individuals who want to grow with us.

To be successful in this position, candidates will possess the following:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, information technology, information systems, or computer science (or equivalent work experience)
  • Experience troubleshooting technical issues
  • Extensive familiarity with Windows Operating systems
  • Clear verbal skills, both spoken and written: ability to explain technical products and processes in a conceptual and clear way to a non-technical audience
  • Excellent writing skills for communication with customers in writing/email

Wage:  $13-$21/hr. based on experience

Other Benefits:

  • Health Benefits
  • Company matched retirement plan
  • Company paid certification/education program

Email your Resume to: amanda@pcrbusiness.com

The Company… In business since 2004, PCR Business Systems provides world-class outsourced IT solutions for small and medium-sized companies throughout Northeast Ohio.  Learn more here.