When it comes to IT services, knowledge is power. The single most valuable thing we can pass along to our clients is our expertise.
The resources below are here for you. Please help yourself, absolutely no strings attached.
Whitepapers
Videos
Brochure
Ebooks
Info Sheets
Insider 94 Navigator 2023
Resources & Advisors for Buying & Selling a Business
Make sure to check out Page 28
Case Study – Healthcare – Skyway Behavioral Health
Start Up Requiring Robust Infrastructure – From Planning to Implementation
The 7 Irresistible Qualities of Cloud ERP
Learn why ERP tools are an critical component for many businesses.
Why a Business Continuity Plan is Essential
Learn why your company needs a business continuity plan.
Ransomware 101
If you’re looking for ways to stop ransomware dead in its tracks, the experts at CCS Technology are here to help.
How managed services make the difference
Learn more about the benefits of partnering with a managed services provider.
Cloud Services and the SMB Revolution
Learn more about how Cloud Services from CCS make your life easier.
Office 365 Migration Made Easy
Migrating over to Office 365 has never been easier with CCS Technology.
The Advantages of Working with I.T. Pros
Learn how working with a seasoned technology pro makes your work easier.
Closing Common Cybersecurity Holes
Learn several critical cybersecurity tips and tricks any SMB can use.
Providing technology support all around
Backup and Disaster Recovery
Cloud Services, to make your life easier
IT Consulting
Managed Services
Network Security
CCS Technologies company brochure
Learn more about the benefits of partnering with a managed services provider.
- Learn more about the benefits of partnering with a manged services provider.
- Learn more about the benefits of partnering with a manged services provider.
Our Services
We’re passionate about two things: keeping you ahead of the curve and delivering an unbelievable client experience. This is how we do it.
Cloud and Virtual Office
/in Blog /by Chartec MarketingThe cloud has become hugely important in our lives. One notable way the cloud is used these days is for virtual (remote) work. This has escalated with the recent Covid-19 lockdowns. Many of us have experienced a disruption in our normal workflow, making virtual working a reality for more of us than ever. The cloud has been pivotal in the success of these remote working plans. As a result of this, you must know how to use the cloud for remote working. Know how to access files stored on the cloud, and how to ensure your cloud use remains safe and secure! Today, we will be covering all of these different points so that your cloud solutions don’t end up making life harder.
What is the Cloud?
Cloud solutions are effectively an online replacement for traditional file storage systems. Years ago, when you wanted to save a file on your desktop device, you would only be saving it on that one device. If you wanted to open this file on other business computers, you would need to send it to that computer somehow – the most obvious way being by email.
However, this process could quickly get tedious, especially if multiple team members worked on the same file. Cloud computing services would serve to change this. With cloud solutions, you save the files directly online, or “in the cloud.” Since the files and data are saved online, you can access them from any internet-enabled device.
This makes sharing files easier than it used to be. Furthermore, it allows multiple team members to collaborate on files without hassle. Cloud-based systems such as Google Docs can enable a team to work simultaneously on the same file, enhancing business efficiency overall.
This can have many different benefits for the business. However, it can also be useful from a personal perspective. For example, it allows people to continue working on their files while they’re on the go!
In short, without access to the cloud for sharing and saving files throughout lockdowns, we probably would have all had a much more difficult time working through the pandemic.
Where does the Data go?
When using the cloud, you might wonder where the data is actually stored. This can be a bit of a complex topic, but the easiest way to describe it is as follows.
When you use the cloud, a “virtual device” stores your data and files. This virtual device, as the name would suggest, doesn’t physically exist. However, it provides a platform on which to view and save your files. Because of this, the virtual device can save a huge number of files with a large amount of storage potential.
The virtual devices are hosted by data centers. Professional information technology and cloud computing companies manage these data centers and effectively “hire out” their technology for storing information. Cloud computing services hinge entirely on these data centers, as they provide the hardware required to store files.
A benefit of cloud storage is, your files aren’t just saved on one device, as they are traditionally. Instead, multiple virtual devices store your files. This ensures that your files will always be available. Backups are stored on other virtual devices to guard against malfunctions. These back-up files are easily accessed when they are needed.
How to Keep Your Files Safe on the Cloud
The cloud can offer a considerable number of different benefits for businesses looking to save their files. After the ease of access, which is arguably the most crucial benefit, another perk of cloud architecture is the security that cloud computing services can offer.
The nature of cloud infrastructure means that multiple virtual devices save your files at one time. This is very similar to the adage of “don’t put all of your eggs in one basket.”
With your files saved across multiple virtual devices, you ensure there will always be back-up disaster and recovery options available to you. However, that’s not to say that cloud computing solutions are perfect for security. To make sure you don’t suffer any downtime in case of a disaster or breach, we recommend an on-site BDR. That way you’ll have multiple options when it comes to restoring your lost data.
Cybersecurity is imperative. While cloud solutions can offer good security for your files, it’s still important that you also follow top tips to keep your data safe. This includes factors such as not sharing personal information and passwords, keeping your device safe from malware, and never leaving your device unattended. Of course, these are just a few cybersecurity tips you should be following. We can check your system and offer professional network security advice.
Get Professional Computer Help Today!
If you want to learn more about cloud computing services and how to keep your data safe, our team can provide the advice you need. So, don’t compromise! Contact our team of expert Managed Service gurus help you out! From IT service management to network security improvements and advice on implementing cloud solutions for your business, we can help.
Cloud: Its Definition
/in Blog /by Chartec MarketingWhen you hear talk about the cloud, it can be a little overwhelming to understand this unique technology. Cloud architecture offers a huge number of solutions, and cloud technology’s rapid development has ensured that it is a field with huge potential. However, many people are not aware of what it is.
As such, our team of IT consultants is on hand to help you understand what the cloud is. In this blog, we’ll tell you how people and companies are using it to enhance modern data management systems.
What is the Cloud?
Cloud technology and solutions are rapidly developing in our modern world. As such, you must understand what cloud infrastructure is and how the modern business world uses this architecture.
When it comes to understanding the cloud, many of us don’t know what to think about this unique tech solution. We know that our data is “in the cloud”. However, most of us don’t understand what this infrastructure is and where it is located.
We largely accept this as being some higher storage solution beyond the realms of our imagination. Many people consider the cloud as little more than an online storage platform. In reality, cloud infrastructure is far more complicated than that.
This Definition Isn’t Wrong – Just Not Entirely Right Either!
Assuming that cloud technology is just “storing data online” isn’t necessarily incorrect. However, if we are to have a solid understanding of it, it’s important to clarify what it is.
The cloud is made up of an incredible number of servers. All servers are hosted online, stored in global data centers, and managed by cloud storage providers. These expansive warehouses are full of the servers and computer software. This serves to provide the hardware and technology that runs the cloud. These computing servers are hugely important in our modern society. They make it possible for files to be shared between multiple devices. This feature is incredibly important to modern society.
How It Allows Businesses to Share Files
In the past, when a person created a file, they saved it on their device. That meant those files were only accessible from that user’s device. To share the data, it was sent directly to another device via email or file transfer. Not only did this present a potential cybersecurity challenge, but it was a hassle. However, cloud technology solutions have removed this roadblock.
With modern solutions, people can save files on this infrastructure instead of on a local drive. This means that you can access these files from anywhere. From the library, at your desk, or even on your mobile device – you can pull up the documents you’ve been working on any time you want.
How do Cloud Technology Solutions Work?
Cloud computing is an exceptionally complex field of computer science and information technology. Let’s touch on the basics of how it works.
Cloud computing relies on a process known as virtualization. With virtualization, cloud storage providers effectively create “virtual business computers and devices”. These virtual devices provide storage that anyone with an internet connection can access.
These are called “virtual machines”. Multiple machines are controlled by the same host. These virtual machines are considered separate devices. This means that data saved on one virtual machine is not immediately available to the other virtual devices on the same host network.
Backups for Cloud Servers
When normal devices go down, data will likely be lost. However, cloud computing companies have implemented many different techniques to avoid this with storage solutions. By backing up data on multiple virtual devices, even if one should fail, the others are still there to “pick up the slack” and ensure the files remain hosted on the network.
This is hugely beneficial for individuals and businesses alike. It provides extra protection for files and means that cloud solutions are more reliable than traditional device storage solutions. These servers not only make file sharing more practical, but they also provide an extra layer of protection.
Get Technology Support Today!
If you want to learn more about cloud architecture and the benefits it can offer for you or your business, our team is on hand to help. Contact us, we specialize in providing premium quality managed IT services for businesses. Our IT Techs are here to help your current computing services excel and meet your business needs. Whatever you need, don’t compromise – we can help!
Microsoft Exchange Server cyberattacks: who is behind it and why are they attacking?
/in Blog /by Chartec MarketingA wave of data breaches and cyberattacks began in early 2021 when four zero-day vulnerabilities were found in Microsoft Exchange on-premises servers. These vulnerabilities meant that hackers had access to user credentials connected to network devices. As well as, admin privileges on servers affected by the zero-day exploits.
Typically, attackers install something called a ‘backdoor’, which is a covert way of bypassing encryption or authentication. With a ‘backdoor’, attackers can access impacted servers after updates to fix the exploits.
Why Microsoft Exchange?
Microsoft Exchange is seen as a good target for attackers who want to get into business networks. Microsoft says that their email server software is unique in its environment as hackers can carry out a multitude of tasks using the same scripts or tools that admin use for maintenance. “Credential stuffing” is the assumption numerous users will recycle passwords and usernames across an array of services.
Once attackers log in as a user; they perform actions that allow them to remotely connect to the server, assume the role of administrators with said privileges. With administrator rights, hackers can upload code to create a ‘backdoor’ so that they will have continued access. Even if patches are downloaded to protect Exchange servers, they won’t retroactively remove any installed ‘backdoors’. This means hackers can still access the server until these, and any additional user accounts are removed.
Who are the hackers?
Microsoft says that the original attackers were Hafnium, a group they say operates out of China. It is a cyber-espionage hacking group, often referred to as an APT (an advanced persistent threat). This type of group is often a state-sponsored, stealthy actor that goes undetected for a long time. Hafnium has alleged ties with the Chinese government, but they have denied all responsibility for this recent Microsoft Exchange breach. Microsoft has described this group as “highly skilled and sophisticated.”
Although Hafnium was the first hacking group to exploit the vulnerabilities, there are now thought to be over 10 different groups with each using a different style and procedures.
Who is vulnerable to attack?
Microsoft confirmed that their Exchange Server versions for 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 are susceptible. All cloud-based services like Office 365 and Microsoft Exchange Online are not affected.
So far, estimates suggest 250,000 servers have been attacked; including small or medium businesses, local governments and local institutions across the globe. These are the main victims of the attacks because they don’t have the necessary expertise to resolve cyberattacks.
Tom Burt of Microsoft wrote in a blog post that victims had included law offices, defense contractors, disease researchers, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, and universities. Other known victims include local governments and schools.
Latest developments
On March 12th Microsoft Security Intelligence announced that a ransomware called ‘DearCry’ was being used on the first servers infected. This made the servers unusable unless a payment was made to recover the files. Microsoft has said, however, that paying such a ransom won’t guarantee you access to the files.
What businesses and organizations should do?
There are several steps that can secure your Exchange server; a list of which is detailed in this blog post. Essentially, organizations at risk need to take the necessary precautions, ie downloading Microsoft patches. But they should also scan all networks for any threats and potential compromises. The most targeted countries currently are German, the UK and the US. Contact us for your cybersecurity concerns.