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  • 3 Steps to Zero Trust Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

    Cyberattacks have become rampant and have also grown in sophistication. A simple lapse in your network security could lead to a chain of events that could prove catastrophic for your business. You can avoid this by implementing a robust cybersecurity framework such as zero trust.

    Zero trust asserts that no user or application should be trusted automatically. It encourages organizations to verify every access while treating every user or application as a potential threat. Zero trust is a great starting point for businesses that want to build formidable cybersecurity. It can not only adapt to the complexity of the modern work environment, including a hybrid workplace, but also protect people, devices, applications and data irrespective of where they are located.

    However, zero trust should not be mistaken for a solution or a platform, regardless of how security vendors market it to you. You can’t just buy it from a security vendor and implement it with a click of a button. Zero trust is a strategy — a framework that needs to be applied systematically.

    Implementing zero trust: Three core principles to remember

    As you begin your journey to implement a zero-trust framework to bolster your IT security, there are three core principles that you must remember:

    1. Continually verify
    You should strive to implement a “never trust, always verify” approach to security by continuously confirming the identity and access privileges of users, devices and applications. Consider implementing strong identity and access (IAM) controls. It will help you define roles and access privileges — ensuring only the right users can access the right information.

    2. Limit access
    Misuse of privileged access is one of the most common reasons for cyberattacks. Limiting access ensures that users are granted minimal access without affecting their day-to-day activities. Here are some common security practices that organizations have adopted to limit access:

    • Just-in-time access (JIT) – Users, devices or applications are granted access only for a predetermined period. This helps limit the time one has access to critical systems.
    • Principle of least privilege (PoLP) – Users, devices or applications are granted the least access or permissions needed to perform their job role.
    • Segmented application access (SAA) – Users can only access permitted applications, preventing any malicious users from gaining access to the network.

    3. Assume breach and minimize impact
    Instead of waiting for a breach, you can take a proactive step toward your cybersecurity by assuming risk. That means treating applications, services, identities and networks — both internal and external — as already compromised. This will improve your response time to a breach, minimize the damage, improve your overall security and, most importantly, protect your business.

    We are here to help

    Achieving zero trust compliance on your own can be a daunting task. However, partnering with an IT service provider like us can ease your burden. Leverage our advanced technologies and expertise to implement zero trust within your business — without hiring additional talent or bringing on additional tools yourself.

    Download our infographic “Why Now Is the Time to Embrace Zero Trust” to learn actionable steps you can take today to build a solid zero trust security framework. Contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

  • Be Aware of These Top AI Cyber-Risks

    Our third installment for Cyber Security Awareness Month focuses on the benefits and risks of AI.

    The rise of AI has sparked a revolution. Everyone, from industry giants to smaller enterprises, is captivated and eager to leverage AI’s endless possibilities.

    However, amid the celebrations of AI’s merits, let’s not ignore its potential risks. A new array of cyberthreats emerges when intricate AI algorithms cross paths with malicious cyber elements. From AI-powered phishing schemes to ultra-realistic deepfakes, these dangers serve as a reminder to stay vigilant and prepared.

    In this blog, we embark on a journey to explore AI benefits and risks. Our aim is to guide you in harnessing AI’s strengths while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.

    AI’s positive impact on business

    The top benefits of AI include:

    Smart data analysis
    AI’s expertise lies in swiftly deciphering massive data sets to uncover patterns. This ability proves invaluable in traversing through modern markets. The insights derived empower you to make well-founded decisions, steering clear of guesswork.

    Boosted productivity
    AI’s automation prowess liberates your employees from mundane tasks, helping them focus on more critical tasks. Tedious and manual work can now be done seamlessly without human intervention, boosting productivity.

    Faster business maneuvering
    In an ever-evolving technological landscape, keeping up to date is paramount. AI empowers you to process and respond to real-time information promptly. This agility enables swift reactions to evolving scenarios, customer demands and opportunities.

    AI’s cyber challenges

    As we delve into the world of AI, we must also acknowledge the potential risks:

    AI-powered phishing scams
    Sneaky cybercriminals employ AI-driven chatbots to create impeccable phishing emails without the usual red flags, such as grammar errors. These attacks exploit human vulnerabilities, luring even the most vigilant to share sensitive information.

    To bolster your defense, exercise caution with emails from unfamiliar sources. Scrutinize sender details, avoid suspicious links and employ anti-phishing tools for added protection.

    Malicious AI-generated code
    Cybercriminals harness AI tools for swift code generation, surpassing manual capabilities. These generated code snippets find their way into malware and other malicious software.

    Defend against these intricate schemes by educating your team about them. Strengthen your defenses through layered security measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software and automated patch management.

    Deepfakes and impersonations
    AI-generated deepfakes can propagate misinformation, deceiving unsuspecting individuals and leading to fraud or character defamation. For example, in the current era, where many banks rely on online KYC (KYC or Know Your Customer is commonly implemented in banks to comply with regulatory requirements and mitigate the risk of financial crimes), malicious actors can create ultra-realistic videos using another person’s voice and image samples to open accounts for illegal transactions.

    Identifying deepfakes necessitates a discerning eye. Among other factors, anomalies in skin texture, blinking patterns and facial shadows help distinguish genuine content from manipulated content.

    Collaborative path to success

    At the crossroads of innovation and challenges, knowledge takes center stage.

    Our comprehensive eBook, “Protecting Your Business – Navigating AI Safety,” stands as your compass in the AI landscape. Delve into AI’s intricacies, uncover potential pitfalls and acquire strategies for responsible and secure utilization in your business.

    If navigating AI on your own seems daunting, don’t worry. Connect with us for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll navigate AI’s realm, harness its power and ensure your organization’s safety.

  • How Social Media Misuse Can Harm Your Business

    Our second installment for Cybersecurity Awareness Month focuses on social media.

    Social media has significantly transformed the way we communicate and do business. However, this growing popularity also comes with potential risks that could cause harm to businesses like yours.

    Unfortunately, many organizations remain unaware of these rapidly evolving challenges. In this blog, we will explore the dangers associated with social media and share practical tips to safeguard your organization’s reputation and financial stability so that you can safely reap the benefits of social media platforms.

    Exploring the risks

    Social media presents several risks that you need to address, such as:

    Security breaches
    Cybercriminals can exploit social media to steal sensitive information by creating fake profiles and content to trick people into sharing confidential data. Social media platforms are also vulnerable to hacking, which can have a negative impact on your business.

    Reputation damage
    Negative comments from dissatisfied customers, envious competitors or even unhappy employees can quickly spread online and cause significant damage to your brand’s image within seconds.

    Employee misconduct
    Certain employees may share offensive content or leak confidential information on social media, which can trigger a crisis that can be challenging for you to handle.

    Legal accountability
    Social media has the potential to blur the boundaries between personal and professional lives, which can, in turn, create legal liabilities for your business. If your employees make malicious remarks about competitors, clients or individuals, the public can hold you responsible for their actions. Employees may also face the consequences if their social media behavior violates the organization’s regulations.

    Phishing threats
    Social media phishing scams can target your business and employees by installing malware or ransomware through seemingly authentic posts.

    Fake LinkedIn jobs
    Cybercriminals often pose as recruiters on LinkedIn and post fake job listings to collect data for identity theft scams.

    Securing your business

    Taking proactive measures is essential to avoid social media risks, including:

    Checking privacy settings
    Set privacy settings to the highest level across all accounts, restricting your and your employees’ access to sensitive information.

    Strengthening security
    Employ robust passwords and multifactor authentication (MFA) to bolster account security.

    Establishing clear guidelines
    Enforce clear social media rules for company and personal devices, customizing policies to fit your industry’s unique risks.

    Educating your teams
    Educate your team on social media risks, imparting safe practices to thwart scams and phishing attempts.

    Identifying impersonation
    Develop protocols to detect and manage fake profiles and impersonations swiftly. Remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

    Vigilant monitoring
    Set up a system to monitor social media, promptly addressing fraudulent accounts or suspicious activity that could stain your brand image.

    Act now to safeguard your business

    Understanding the risks and adhering to social media best practices are crucial for businesses of all sizes. By following these guidelines, you can reduce your business’s vulnerability while reaping the rewards of social media.

    For comprehensive insights into social media safety, download our eBook “From Vulnerability to Vigilance: Social Media Safety.”

    Navigating the intricate realm of social media threats might seem daunting; however, our expert team stands ready to guide you through the ever-evolving digital landscape. Don’t wait until trouble strikes — connect with us today and fortify your digital presence.

  • A Deep Dive Into Phishing Scams

    Phishing scams remain one of the most prevalent and successful types of cyberattacks today, so being aware of the danger they pose to businesses like yours is extremely crucial. Your business could easily be the next victim if you don’t clearly understand how threat actors leverage phishing emails.

    In this blog, you’ll learn the intent behind phishing emails, the various types of phishing attacks, and most importantly, how you can secure your email and business.

    The goal behind phishing emails

    Cybercriminals use phishing emails to lure unsuspecting victims into taking actions that will affect business operations, such as sending money, sharing passwords, downloading malware or revealing sensitive data. The primary intent behind a phishing attack is to steal your money, data or both.

    Financial theft — The most common aim of a phishing attempt is to steal your money. Scammers use various tactics, such as business email compromise (BEC), to carry out fraudulent fund transfers or ransomware attacks to extort money.

    Data theft — For cybercriminals, your data, such as usernames and passwords, identity information (e.g., social security numbers) and financial data (e.g., credit card numbers or bank account information), is as good as gold. They can use your login credentials to commit financial thefts or inject malware. Your sensitive data can also be sold on the dark web for profit.

    Be vigilant and look out for these phishing attempts:

    • If an email asks you to click on a link, be wary. Scammers send out phishing emails with links containing malicious software that can steal your data and personal information.
    • If an email directs you to a website, be cautious. It could be a malicious website that can steal your personal information, such as your login credentials.
    • If an email contains an attachment, be alert. Malicious extensions disguised to look like a document, invoice or voicemail can infect your computer and steal your personal information.
    • If an email tries to rush you into taking an urgent action, such as transferring funds, be suspicious. Try to verify the authenticity of the request before taking any action.

     

    Different types of phishing

    It’s important to note that phishing attacks are constantly evolving and can target businesses of all sizes. While phishing emails are a common method used by cybercriminals, they also use texts, voice calls and social media messaging.

    Here are the different kinds of phishing traps that you should watch out for:

    Spear phishing — Scammers send highly personalized emails targeting individuals or businesses to convince them to share sensitive information such as login credentials or credit card information. Spear phishing emails are also used for spreading infected malware.

    Whaling — A type of spear phishing, whale phishing or whaling is a scam targeting high-level executives where the perpetrators impersonate trusted sources or websites to steal information or money.

    Smishing — An increasingly popular form of cyberattack, smishing uses text messages claiming to be from trusted sources to convince victims to share sensitive information or send money.

    Vishing — Cybercriminals use vishing or voice phishing to call victims while impersonating somebody from the IRS, a bank or the victim’s office, to name a few. The primary intent of voice phishing is to convince the victim to share sensitive personal information.

    Business email compromise (BEC) — A BEC is a spear phishing attack that uses a seemingly legitimate email address to trick the recipient, who is often a senior-level executive. The most common aim of a BEC scam is to convince an employee to send money to the cybercriminal while making them believe they are performing a legitimate, authorized business transaction.

    Angler phishing — Also known as social media phishing, this type of scam primarily targets social media users. Cybercriminals with fake customer service accounts trick disgruntled customers into revealing their sensitive information, including bank details. Scammers often target financial institutions and e-commerce businesses.

    Brand impersonation — Also known as brand spoofing, brand impersonation is a type of phishing scam carried out using emails, texts, voice calls and social media messages. Cybercriminals impersonate a popular business to trick its customers into revealing sensitive information. While brand impersonation is targeted mainly at the customers, the incident can tarnish the brand image.

    Bolster your email security

    Emails are crucial for the success of your business. However, implementing email best practices and safety standards on your own can be challenging. That’s why you should consider partnering with an IT service provider like us. We have the resources and tools to protect your business from cyberattacks, helping you to focus on critical tasks without any worry. Contact us now!

    Meanwhile, to learn how to secure your inbox, download our eBook — Your Guide to Email Safety — that will help you improve your email security and avoid potential traps.

  • 8 Elements of a Business Impact Analysis for Compliance

    A compliance program helps businesses like yours minimize risk and increase business efficiencies. It also ensures that your business complies with relevant laws and industry regulations.

    An essential element of an effective compliance program is Business Impact Analysis (BIA). It measures the impact of a disruption (due to an accident, disaster, etc.) on critical business operations.

    You must conduct a BIA to:

    1. Identify gaps in the existing compliance agreements (whether regulatory like HIPAA, GDPR or CMMC).
    2. Ensure compliance with cyber liability insurance policies and other IT compliance policies unique to your
      organization, industry, geography, etc.

    Conducting a BIA for compliance

    There is no fixed method for conducting a BIA. It varies from one business to the next. However, to achieve compliance, a BIA must:

    1. Identify critical processes and functions.
    2. Draft a roadmap for business recovery.
    3. Find out resource interdependencies.
    4. Track the flow of sensitive data.
    5. Determine the impact of an incident on operations.
    6. Sort processes and functions based on their necessity for business continuity.
    7. Establish recovery time requirements.
    8. Evaluate the impact a disruption will have on compliance.

     

    To get started, you can ask challenging questions, such as:

    What steps do you need to take immediately to become compliant?
    This question helps detect the compliance gaps that need urgent attention. A few common compliance gaps you may encounter are:

    • Improper firewall management.
    • Lack of documentation of sensitive data flow.
    • Poor incident prevention practices.
    • Failure to document preventative measures.

    Do you have a data governance strategy in place that considers compliance requirements relevant to your organization?
    An effective data governance strategy ensures that data gets managed well, making data management compliant with internal and external regulations.

    How long will it take to bridge known compliance gaps?
    It is essential to fill compliance gaps as quickly as you can. If it’s going to take too long, you should consider outsourcing your compliance matters to an experienced IT service provider like us.

    Do you have in-house expertise?
    If you have a compliance specialist employed at your business, they can manage the compliance gaps efficiently.

    Even if you have in-house expertise, can the work be completed within an acceptable timeframe?

    Having in-house expertise won’t be helpful if filling the compliance gaps takes too long. The longer the issues remain unresolved, the more opportunity there is for vulnerabilities to result in data exposure and data loss incidents and could attract regulatory fines.

    Does it make sense to have a partner to accomplish your compliance goals?

    Sometimes, having a partner who can effectively manage your compliance-related issues will be more convenient for your business. With the help of a partner, you can address vulnerabilities much faster and reduce the likelihood of your organization suffering non-compliance-related fines.

    In addition to conducting or refreshing your BIA at least once a year, you must ensure that regular risk assessments are part of your non-compliance hunting strategy. Using BIA and risk assessments ensures that nothing inadvertently falls out of compliance.

    Regular risk assessments help detect, estimate and prioritize risks to an organization’s individuals, assets and operations. While a risk assessment lets you know your business’s risks, a BIA helps you understand how to quickly get your business back on track after an incident to avoid severe damages.

    Implement an effective compliance program

    Achieving and maintaining compliance on your own can be challenging, especially if you don’t have the resources and expertise to keep up with changes in compliance frameworks. This can lead to inefficient processes and increased risk. By partnering with an experienced IT service provider like us, you can effortlessly enhance your compliance program without spending a fortune. Contact us now to schedule a no-obligation consultation to see if we’re the right partner for your business.

  • Busting 3 Ransomware Myths

    It’s Time to Bust These 3 Ransomware Myths

     In today’s digital age, ransomware attacks are becoming increasingly frequent, sophisticated and costly. With cybercriminals constantly evolving their tactics and targeting businesses of all sizes, organizations like yours must proactively safeguard your data and systems. Unfortunately, many companies fall prey to common ransomware myths, which can leave them vulnerable to attacks and unprepared to respond effectively in the event of an incident.

    In this blog, we’ll debunk three of the most prevalent ransomware myths and provide the accurate information you need to protect your business. Understanding the realities of ransomware and taking proactive steps against it can mitigate the risk and ensure you’re prepared to fight against cybercriminals.

    Top Myths to Bust

    Without further ado, let’s debunk the ransomware myths you should avoid at any cost:

    Myth #1: If my business gets hit with ransomware, I’ll pay the ransom and return to business.
    Many businesses believe that paying a ransom is the quickest and easiest way to recover encrypted data. However, that’s just a dangerous assumption.

    Paying a ransom does not guarantee that the attackers will keep their word and provide the decryption key. Also, paying a ransom only encourages cybercriminals to carry out more attacks in the future.

    The best way to protect your business is to have a solid backup strategy and a comprehensive security plan in place.

    Myth #2: My backups will get me back up and running if I get hit with ransomware. 

    While backups are essential to ransomware prevention, it’s a myth that backups will always save the day. Cybercriminals have upgraded their tactics to compromise backup files as part of their attack strategy.

    With the rise of double extortion attacks, cybercriminals not only encrypt data but also steal it. This means that even if you have a backup strategy in place, your data may still be at risk if attackers threaten to leak sensitive data unless a ransom is paid.

    Myth #3: My antivirus software (or any other security solution) provides complete protection from ransomware attacks. 

    Antivirus software is essential to a comprehensive defense against ransomware, but it’s not enough. Relying on a single security product to defend against ransomware is a mistake. There’s no silver bullet solution to ransomware. However, implementing a defense-in-depth strategy can help your business build the most.

    Partner to succeed

    While it’s true that no security measure is foolproof, taking proactive steps to secure your data and systems can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack. We can help ensure your organization is well-prepared to fight against ransomware and other cyberthreats. Feel free to reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation.

    To learn more about ransomware criminals and how to defend your business, download our infographic “The Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack.” It’s a valuable resource that can help you increase your basic understanding of ransomware, identify the signs if you’ve fallen victim and prepare you to defend against these attacks.

  • The Best Email Service for Business: 7 Must-Have Features in 2023

    It’s easy to take email for granted because it’s been around for so long that you expect it to always work. However, like other vital business functions, having the best email service can improve your operations by helping you close deals and retain valuable customers. 

    As well, without a reliable provider, you might be more likely to suffer a disastrous data breach through email. Recent figures show that the average cost of breaches for small and medium-sized businesses is $2.98 million.

    To get the most out of your email communications, review the top features your organization must have when choosing (or switching to) an email provider.

    Key Takeaways:

    • Your email service can improve or impair the quality of your business.
    • Use an email service that offers sufficient storage, gives you a custom domain, and integrates with your other business applications.
    • Your email service should offer exceptional security, reliable backup and recovery, archiving capabilities, and round-the-clock support.

     

    More Reasons Why You Need To Find the Best Email Service 

    If you’re still not convinced that you need to invest in the best email service you can get, keep the following five points in mind:

    1. Over half of the world’s population uses email to communicate.
    2. Over three-quarters of marketers have seen an increase in email engagement.
    3. Customers prefer brand communications through email.
    4. Business professionals prefer to communicate through email.
    5. Email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment of all marketing techniques.

     

    Since email remains vital, you don’t want problems with attachments, campaigns, or spam to become issues that interrupt your activities. Take full advantage of all email can offer by selecting a service with the following features.

    1. Abundant Storage Capacity

    When you’re serious about client outreach, you’re going to be emailing a lot. The best email service will provide more storage than you can use. 

    As images and video become more important to communication, you don’t want overly restrictive limits on file sizes to get in the way of getting your message across. Check that available plans have sufficient storage for your company’s needs.

    2. Custom Domain Names

    Messages from the domain of a free email provider like Gmail or Yahoo do not look professional, and recipients may send them straight to the Spam folder. One of the best email service features is the ability to use one of your websites as the domain for your email.

    Custom domains demonstrate that you’re serious about your business. Plus, personalized domains give you another way to get your branding out there.

    3. Integration With Productivity Apps

    A wealth of information flows through your email communications. Your team needs to access and transfer that information into your other software that facilitates your operations, such as Microsoft 365.

    Minutes your team spends toggling between apps for data entry turn into hours of lost time that your people could use for more important activities. That’s why the best email service integrates with your communications tools for seamless collaboration and productivity. 

    One dashboard lets workers handle email, voice calls, video conferencing, and chat. Putting all of your communications tools into one interface saves time and alleviates the frustration of constantly switching screens.

    4. Full-Time Security

    Email still remains a heavy conduit for cyberattacks and threats. The best email service providers will protect you from data breaches with secure encryption, whether your messages are at rest or in transit.

    Also, continual reports about system hacks show that passwords can be the easiest thing to steal. This means security should start at login. 

    A provider with two-factor authentication requires more than a password to enter an account. The system verifies users through another device, so your precious data remains guarded behind another wall of protection.

    Security services can scan your email traffic to prevent confidential information from falling into the wrong hands. Language-powered detection checks for irregularities and potential threats to stop malicious attacks.

    5. Reliable Backup

    Personal and professional email users have become more reliant on the cloud. That cloud is only as good as the provider maintaining it, though. You may just assume that your information will always be there when you need it, until it isn’t.

    The best email service protects you from data loss with server redundancies so that outages, malfunctions, and disasters do not erase valuable information.

    6. Email Archiving

    You need to be able to access your emails later for numerous reasons. Quick message retrieval can resolve service issues and legal complications.

    For example, when a worker makes an egregious mistake, that person may take great pains to erase the trail of what happened. Archiving keeps all information that occurs on your servers and gives you full access to it.

    Further, companies in industries with strict regulations can have the reassurance that they have the necessary emails on hand to meet compliance standards. If a legal issue arises and electronic discovery is necessary, your legal team doesn’t have to worry about losing precious data or evidence.

    7. Customer Support

    You might think, “What could go wrong with email?” However, a little downtime on your server can snowball into a mountain of problems, whether you’re dealing with a technological issue, security threat, or human error.

    With the best email service providers, you have constant support. Lesser providers might only have customer assistance as an add-on feature. Other services limit how many calls you can make for help. When you have any issues, you should be able to count on world-class support at all times. 

    Additionally, you can’t get the most out of your productivity tools without someone guiding you on which options meet your unique needs and showing you how to use them. Support services should also offer complimentary expert migration and onboarding.

    Your Source for the Best Email Service Features

    The quality of your business cloud applications can be the deciding factor in the success of your organization. To ensure you’re using the best email service, contact NTELogic for solutions that maximize your productivity and minimize your headaches.

  • OneNote Being Used to Spread Malware

     

    With Microsoft disabling macros by default on Office documents, cybercriminals are left needing another means to launch malware that’s victim-supported by default.

    We should expect nothing less of threat actors; when pushed up against a wall with their most powerful asset – Office macros – taken away from them, the most cunning of them will find alternative methods. The challenge for the most sophisticated of cybercriminals is to ensure that the greatest number of potential victims have the application needed that acts as the launcher.

    According to a recent tweet from email security company Prevention Point, a new method involving weaponized OneNote attachments has been spotted in the wild. The initial phish looks relatively standard for a socially-engineered email.

    With the OneNote execution looking somewhere between unexpected (after all, who ever needs to double-click a button within an application to see a supported document?) and sort of brilliant (I would assume that most knowledge workers haven’t interacted frequently with OneNote, so, “maybe this is how it works?”).

    And to boot, the default installation of Office 365 (that is, the software installed on a Windows endpoint) includes OneNote.

    The takeaway here is this is downright dangerous – threat actors have found yet another new way to engage with users in a way that helps move their attack forward with a double-click. This example of the constant evolution of the phish perfectly justifies why organizations need to keep users continually enrolled in security awareness training so that Joe User is always kept up on their toes with security top of mind.

  • What to Consider When Starting a Computer Science Career

    Computer science is a very popular field, with thousands of college students opting to major in the subject each year. However, there is much more to starting a career in computer science or information technology than checking off a box on your college application. Here are some things to consider when starting a computer science career. 

    Where Your Strengths Lie

    No matter your age, it is a good idea to assess where your strengths and weaknesses lie before considering which job field you want to go into. Whether you are a new high school graduate or a professional who is seeking a career change, consider taking a job aptitude test for an in-depth look at your abilities. While it may seem obvious to you that, for example, you are good at science but bad at history, an aptitude test will give a deeper look into things such as which types of positions you might enjoy at a company. Doing something you enjoy and are good at will lead to a longer-lasting, more satisfying career. 

    How to Pursue an Education

    If you are thinking about going to college for computer science, carefully consider the cost and flexibility of the program, especially if you are a working professional. If you are a self-motivated person, there are online resources that allow you to learn IT subjects in your own time. Completing some of these courses prior to pursuing more formal education is a good option for those who are still on the fence about an IT career.

    What Jobs Are Out There

    No matter how much you want to have a career in computer science or IT, you will only be able to start that career if people are hiring in the sector you are seeking. Some common career titles for those with a computer science degree include web developer, information security analyst, systems architect, and artificial intelligence engineer. However, there are many more niche fields out there to consider. Industry publications and websites can be good resources for finding a computer science or IT position. 

    Whether You Have an Entrepreneurial Side

    Many people seeking a computer science career wish not to engage with the more public-facing side of their company. However, those who enjoy having more of a leadership role may consider using their computer skills to open their own business. If this sounds like you, keep in mind the benefits of an LLC business structure, which include:

    • Protection of personal assets in case your company is sued
    • The ability to have one or several members
    • Profit distribution to members

     

    If you wish to hone your managerial skills and make more money, opening your own business might be for you. 

     

    If You Might Enjoy Freelancing

    IT and computer science make for excellent freelancing opportunities due to the fact that having a computer and reliable internet connection is generally all that is required to complete projects. If you go this route, be aware that it is very easy to create an online profile where clients can select providers tasked with developer resources like you based on factors such as your experience and other clients’ reviews. 

    If you enjoy working with computers in any capacity, consider a career in IT or computer science. This might mean working for a company, being a freelancer, or anything in between. 

  • Double the New Beginnings: A Guide on Starting a New Business and Moving at the Same Time

    It’s common knowledge that moving into a new home and starting a business are among the most stressful undertakings, but what about doing them at the same time? It’s more than possible to accomplish especially if your current living situation isn’t conducive to your personal or professional life. If you’re moving, you might want to make a checklist. You might list your dream home’s features and the good traits of a moving service, for example.

    Here are some suggestions from NTELogic to help you successfully move and start a new business at the same time.

    Modesto, CA, has Your Dream Home

    The first step to combining your goals into one is finding a home that is better suited to having a home-based business. Some questions you might want to ask about your dream home in Modesto are: how close is it to heavy traffic or the facilities to use public transport? You also may want to ask about the availability and quality of Wi-Fi and fiberoptic-based internet services as some addresses might not be eligible for them yet. Do you want your dream home to have a room you can turn into a separate office, or would you prefer to work from anywhere inside your home?

    You may find a home that you love with less space than you’d like. If you’ll need to store some of your belongings away from your new home, you can find a storage unit online. With more than a hundred facilities available and 5’ by 10’ units priced as low as $170 a month, you’re sure to find a storage space that meets your needs and budget.

    To Buy or Rent?

    It’s also recommended to visit your potential dream neighborhood at different times during the day to make sure it truly suits your personality and requirements. A few other steps might include checking your credit and finding out your price range. You may need to investigate possible mortgages before settling on one and think about other expenses like property taxes. You also might seek the help of a good realtor and consult recent Modesto housing trends.

    If you can’t find a home to purchase just yet, you may want to look into houses to rent. There are plenty available in the Modesto, California area. Renting a house will enable you to conduct your move and become familiar with your new city while you continue your search for a home to buy. And you can find three-bedroom houses for around $2,300 per month, which may even help you to save up more money for your down payment in the meantime.

    Your Business Done Your Way

    It’s still possible to start your new home business while you’re moving. Smartphones and other devices make research a breeze. You can synchronize your browsing history and favorites if you use the same browser on your computer as on your smartphone. Home-based businesses aren’t always expensive to start. You can become a freelance writer, sell paintings, or design your own clothing line all from the comfort of home. All you need is internet access and a place where you can focus and you’ll be selling your services or products online in no time.

    This mobility carries over to your marketing, too. In our technological age, it is easy to create quality promotional materials from your home computer, laptop, or even your smartphone. Banner templates are easy to use and allow you to create digital content you can use across multiple platforms. Simply look through the provided templates and select one that fits your brand and product. Then, edit the text, font, colors, and images to support your marketing message. You can post them directly from your smartphone in a few easy steps!

    It’s important to have a great IT specialist in your contacts list for any technological glitches. NTELogic offers many services, including high speed internet, data and cloud services, and good ole tech support.

    Your New Journey Begins

    Once you have your housing secured and business planned, it’s time to find a moving company. A search online will connect you with dozens of potential movers as well as customer reviews of their service. You’ll be able to decide between multiple good options to find a company that will work for you.

    Moving can be stressful and oftentimes it’s easy to overlook how much waste you’re creating. Relocating produces trash like bubble wrap and packing peanuts, contributing to the 146.1 million tons of trash in landfills each year. With Americans averaging nearly 12 moves in a lifetime, small changes could collectively make a big difference.

    Architectural Digest Reviews has created a guide for people looking to make their move more sustainable. The article offers 6 steps to a more eco-friendly move, 9 sustainable moving companies and organizations to watch in 2023, and tips from moving experts.

    Moving into a new home and starting a new business at the same time is more than possible. It’s empowering. It starts when you list what you want in a home and reach out to a realtor who understands the housing trends in Modesto. Remember to stay within your budget and put mobile marketing to work for you. And keep NTELogic in your primary contacts for all of your IT needs.

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